Audio Guide: Ann Arbor Introduction Walking Tour (Self Guided), Ann Arbor

A western exurb of Detroit, the charming green college town of Ann Arbor possesses a unique charm and down-home atmosphere – a combination of big-city amenities and a small-town vibe.

It started off as a small strip of land registered in 1825 as "Annarbour", named after the wives of its co-founders, both called Ann, and the stands of bur oak trees. Following the move of the University of Michigan here from Detroit in 1837, the histories of the university and the town have been closely intertwined. The arrival of the Michigan Central Railroad in 1839 made the town a regional transportation hub and brought more settlers in throughout the 1840s-50s. In 1851, Ann Arbor was chartered as a city.

Ann Arbor enjoyed further growth in the early to mid-20th century. In the 1960s-70s it gained reputation as a center for left-wing politics and became a focal point for opposition to the Vietnam War.

Thanks to the lavish gentrification in the past few decades, Ann Arbor consistently ranks among the "top places to live in the United States" selected annually by various mainstream media outlets. Indeed, today's Ann Arbor is a bustling city that is rich in everything, from tech companies to world-famous research facilities, as well as parks, top-notch museums, performance venues, and more.

Also known as Tree Town for its 50,000 trees lining the streets, this gem in the heart of America is extremely pedestrian friendly. To discover the prominent landmarks of Ann Arbor, take this self-guided introductory walk.