The best things to do in Washtenaw County

Whether you're dialing in fairway accuracy or simply trying not to donate another sleeve to the water, Hickory Creek Golf Course mixes tight, tree-lined tests with forgiving holes and a signature island green on 17. Warm up at the driving range, then make a day of it with friends or your league.

From the Canton newsletter, October 17, 2026

Lake Forest Golf Club is Ann Arbor’s neighborhood course, with a friendly layout, solid practice facilities, leagues, and instruction when the wedge starts misbehaving. Sneak in a round, then refuel at The Ellsworth Food & Spirits in the clubhouse because birdies pair nicely with a good bite.

From the Ann Arbor newsletter, September 27, 2026

Ann Lewis Mural (A2AC Murals) is a tribute to Ruth Bader Ginsburg, wrapping a maze-like design around hidden words that nod to her dream of nine women on the Court. Take a quick lap this week, see how many you can spot, then let the quiet activism sink in.

From the Ann Arbor newsletter, October 5, 2026

Chain of movie theaters, some with multiple screens, stadium seats & self-service ticketing kiosks.

Ann Arbor Golf & Outing Club is a low-key private spot for members, with a sweet 9-hole track you can loop for 18, a historic clubhouse and front porch hang, plus tennis and pickleball... and a long-running Wolverine tailgate scene when fall Saturdays roll around.

From the Ann Arbor newsletter, October 17, 2026

BIG Best In Games - The Ultimate Event Party Venue! is the kind of all-in-one chaos worth rallying the crew for this week. Rip around on high-speed go-karts, duck through laser tag, sink glow-in-the-dark putts, then keep the energy up with axe throwing, bumper cars, obstacle courses, and a giant arcade.

From the Ann Arbor newsletter, August 17, 2026

Taylor White Mural (A2AC Murals) is a downtown work where skillfully rendered hands meet bold abstract slices, exploring how humans and technology tangle. On the Clinc building in the Creative District, it’s a quick detour for a fresh brain spark between coffee and your next meeting.

From the Ann Arbor newsletter, October 20, 2026

Craving a quiet walk that still sparks conversation? Parker Mill County Park blends forested trails with seasonal tours of its old grist mill, and there’s a museum inside a cider mill, so you can pair your steps with a little local history when you need an easy, close-to-home breather.

From the Ann Arbor newsletter, September 28, 2026

Amusement center featuring trampolines, a rock wall, a ninja course, and an arcade.

If you crave classic golf that rewards accuracy over brute force, Washtenaw Golf Club delivers with narrow tree-lined fairways and quick, undulating greens on a storied track opened in 1899, the third oldest in Michigan. Book nine or eighteen this week, then debrief on the bar and grill patio overlooking the course.

From the Ann Arbor newsletter, August 28, 2026

S. Built in 1927 and seating 109,901, it’s home to Michigan Football, those crowd-pleasing flyovers, and the kind of electric Saturdays Ann Arbor quietly schedules life around.

From the Ann Arbor newsletter, September 26, 2026

Leslie Park Golf Course is Ann Arbor’s award-winning muni with rolling hills, a classic E. Lawrence Packard layout tuned by Arthur Hills, and multiple tees for every level. Consistently ranked among Michigan’s best public courses, it’s perfect for leagues, junior golf, or a quick after-work 18 with friends.

From the Ann Arbor newsletter, September 11, 2026

Give your next coffee run a tiny art field trip with the Jacob Dwyer Mural (A2AC Murals), a bold, graphic ode to Michigan’s red-bellied woodpecker and Eastern bluebird in full seasonal motion. It’s part natural history lesson, part eye-popping color therapy, all Ann Arbor energy.

From the Ann Arbor newsletter, October 13, 2026

WC Bevan Mural (A2AC Murals) splashes downtown with high-contrast rhythms and wild architectural echoes, built from stencil shapes sourced from Bryant neighborhood students with Community Action Network. It’s a quick mood lift on your daily loop, proof that collaboration can color a whole block.

From the Ann Arbor newsletter, September 8, 2026

Whether you're sneaking in nine after work or chasing birdies with the crew, Stonebridge Golf Club is a public 18-holer from Arthur Hills, with water, woods, and multiple tees that actually welcome all skills.

From the Ann Arbor newsletter, September 4, 2026

Decode Ann Arbor builds immersive escape rooms with smart puzzles and high production value, so your group chat actually works together for once. Try The Mezzanine or Around The World In 80 Days, and if you want something different, Finding Stella is a drive-in adventure that keeps the puzzles rolling.

From the Ann Arbor newsletter, September 10, 2026

Pat Perry Mural (A2AC Murals) brings Detroit-based artist Pat Perry’s intricate, world-traveled storytelling to a big Ann Arbor wall, a thoughtful piece that rewards slow looking and mid-errand detours. Stroll by, then let the details sneak up on you.

From the Ann Arbor newsletter, September 14, 2026

The State Theatre is Ann Arbor’s Art Deco icon since 1942, screening indie gems, classics and the occasional blockbuster across four cozy screens. Head upstairs for the films, then browse the retail below... a community staple that still nails the big-screen magic.

From the Ann Arbor newsletter, September 5, 2026

Detroit-based illustrator Jesse Kassel brings his Americana-inspired style to the Jesse Kassel Mural (A2AC Murals), a clever, vintage-ad nod you catch new details in every time you pass. Initiated by A2AC and backed by local supporters, it makes your everyday downtown laps feel a little cooler.

From the Ann Arbor newsletter, September 21, 2026

Pinball Pete's is that downtown standby where pinball, pool, air hockey, and skee-ball still rule, tickets never expire, and receipts work at both Ann Arbor and East Lansing. Easy drop-ins, legit prize counter, and no-fuss party bookings, whether you're flying solo or corralling a crew.

From the Ann Arbor newsletter, September 20, 2026

Family-friendly outdoor swimming facility featuring wave pools and waterslides plus play areas.

Barton Hills Country Club pairs a classic Donald Ross course that’s as enjoyable to walk as it is to play with a member-owned, Distinguished Club of America vibe, plus lively social events and seriously good dining, so your weeknight can feel like a mini getaway this week without leaving Ann Arbor.

From the Ann Arbor newsletter, October 4, 2026

Putt-R-Round Mini Golf & Putt Arcade keeps the fun rolling with an 18-hole indoor course, six outer-space glow holes, and seven ticket-spitting skill games for prizes, including goodies by local artists. Great for weeknights in Ypsi, or have them pop up at your next party.

From the Ann Arbor newsletter, August 24, 2026

Clean simulators at a venue with a bar that serves food, and friendly staff who offer lessons.

Historic since 1922, Huron Hills Golf Course hugs Gallup Park with a par-67, 18-hole, 5,071-yard layout featuring dramatic elevation changes and Huron River views, perfect for beginners, juniors, seniors and families yet sneaky fun for low handicaps. Sneak in a round, grab a lesson, and make your week feel like summer.

From the Ann Arbor newsletter, October 16, 2026