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MARVAC
South-Central
Driving Tour: In and Around Ypsilanti
Region
Driving Time: 22 minutes Mileage: 8.5 miles
MARVAC Staff Recommendation from Maris Brennan, Membership Director
If you love a day in an urban setting but crave the tranquility of a quiet campfire in the evening, South-Central Michigan is perfect! Ann Arbor, home of the University of Michigan, was named by Good Housekeeping magazine as The Best Solo Tavel Destination in the U.S. for an Unforgettable Adventure. Among the outstanding restaurant offerings, shopping, sporting events, museums, and music venues, there is always something fantastic to do. A short drive out of town, you will find yourself in the Irish Hills, nicknamed by the Irish immigrants who settled here because it reminded them of home. With more than 50 inland lakes and rolling hills, it hosts a bounty of private campgrounds and state forests, popular for hunting, fishing, hiking, and horseback riding.
Stop ➊ Ypsilanti
Automotive Heritage
Museum
US-12 is the south boundary of Depot Town, an anchor of the Ypsilanti Historic District. There are more than 750 buildings, the oldest of which dates back to 1837. It’s the second largest contiguous historic district in the state, right behind Grand Rapids (we have a driving tour about Grand Rapids on our website, too).
Near the west end of Depot Town is the Ypsilanti Automotive Heritage Museum, which focuses on the auto industry history in Michigan and the local area connection to that history. There are stories and displays of 30 automobiles such as the Chevrolet Corvair, Tucker, Hudson, and Kaiser-Frazer. The General Motors Hydra-matic, the first mass- produced automatic transmission for passenger automobiles developed by General Motors, is also highlighted.
The museum is open six days a week for limited hours and sponsors Cruise Nights in the summer. Admission is $5. Visit https://ypsiautoheritage.org/ for all the details.
Stop ➋ Michigan Firehouse Museum
On the west side of the Huron River but still within the historic district on Cross Street is the Michigan Firehouse Museum, a restored 1898 red brick firehouse complete with bunk area
and brass pole. In 1873, Ypsilanti’s
fire department was formed, with the building completed in 1898. There’s
a lot of history packed into this
small museum, including a collection of personal gear and patches, fire trucks and related equipment, and exhibits that recount the evolution
of firefighting technology. Parking is limited, so it might be best to take a smaller vehicle. It’s a great introduction for young ones, too. Visit https:// michiganfirehousemuseum.org for all the info.
While you’re in this historic area, take some time to walk around, stop in at
a shop or two, and grab something
to eat. In the summer, the city hosts
the Michigan Summer Beer Festival (Michigan Brewers Guild), Independent Film Festival, Fun Fest, craft shows, and other various events.
Stop ➌ Ypsilanti Water Tower
A short drive north is the Ypsilanti Water Tower, which has been considered a symbol of Ypsilanti
since its construction in 1890. The Victorian-era water tower has remained in continuous operation since that
time. It has the distinction of being an American Water Landmark, a Registered Michigan Historical Site, and a Michigan Historical Civil Engineering Landmark. Although some folks might consider
the overall design weird or unorthodox, it was designed intentionally after
the popular Queen Anne style of the period.
Stop ➍ Eastern Michigan University
Across the street from the water tower is Eastern Michigan University, which has been in existence since 1849. The State Legislature even selected it as the site for the new teacher training school. There are several historic areas within the university Historic District, Pease Auditorium, and the oldest building on campus, Starkweather Hall. On campus, you can visit one of three gallery spaces that host a year-round schedule of exhibitions and lectures. Visit the 9/11 Memorial in Pease Park on the south end of campus, which features a 14-foot beam from the South Tower. There’s
a 35-miles paved path that follows the Huron River and connects several towns in the county. You can choose to bike, walk, or hike the trail as it weaves itself between natural and urban areas. If you’ll be around the area for a longer stay, look up to see if the university
is putting on any theatrical or musical performances.
Stop ➎ Pittsfield Preserve
Drive closer to Ann Arbor to the 800- acre Pittsfield Preserve, which features more than 10 miles of hiking trails straddling two watersheds. There’s a Great Blue Heron colony that consists of more than 40 nests, and plenty of open, natural space including more than 500 acres of wetlands. If you’re looking for solitude, this is the place to go.
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