Surround yourself with the beauty and tranquility of nature when you visit the University of Michigan Matthaei Botanical Gardens. The outdoor gardens are open for free to the public, although the conservatory itself requires an admission fee. Outside, you can wander around over a dozen different gardens, including a rock garden and a labyrinth, as well as walk along five different nature trails. And there’s even more on the inside!
Right beneath the Magic Stick, you’ll find the Garden Bowl. The oldest still-operating bowling alley in the country, this historical landmark is a blast to visit. Open until 2AM Monday through Sunday, the Garden Bowl offers an excellent alternative to the traditional bars. Enjoy drinks and the tunes from a jukebox as you show off your bowling skills.
Head over to Ferndale for a fun weekend at the DIY Street Fair. This 2-day, 3-night festival showcases local artists, crafters, businesses, organizations, musicians, restaurants, brewers and others who base their work on creativity and a “do-it-yourself” work ethic. Entrance is free, but bring some cash because you are sure to find something to purchase at the Marketplace, Record Shop, Beer Garden or Restaurant Row.
The world’s largest institution dedicated to African American culture, the Charles H Wright Museum of African American History serves a dual purpose–it is both a museum of artifacts and an incubator of cultural retention and growth. View a permanent collection of over 30,000 artifacts and archived materials as you explore attractions throughout the seven exhibition areas and immerse yourself in the African American experience.