Ann Arbor's Historical Buildings (Self Guided), Ann Arbor

Founded in the 1820s and centered on the University of Michigan, the city of Ann Arbor boasts hundreds of splendid buildings, many of which are included in the National Register. The U-M campus itself was registered as Historic District in 1978.

The abundance of down-home charm, especially in the historic district, is richly complemented by plethora of time-tested architectural landmarks in downtown Ann Arbor, providing an unforgettable sightseeing experience. To make your stroll around this "college town" particularly exciting and enlightening, here is the outline of some of Ann Arbor’s most interesting historic locations not to miss along the way:

Angell Hall – an academic building named after James Burrill Angell, the University's president from 1871 to 1909; completed in 1924.

Nickels Arcade – a historical commercial site of 1918, accommodating some of the best cafes and shops in town.

Michigan Theater – hailed as “a Shrine to the Arts” since in 1928; an integral part of Ann Arbor’s cultural scene, home to the local annual film festival.

Judge Robert S. Wilson House – an outstanding specimen of Neoclassical design from 1839.

Kempf House Museum – a Greek Revival edifice dedicated to preserving, interpreting, and celebrating the Bennett-Kempf house, its garden and collections.

First National Bank Building – an iconic Romanesque Revival structure finished in 1930; once the tallest building in the city.

To explore these and other beautiful and historically significant works of architecture, and to learn more about the people and buildings that made Ann Arbor the incredible city it is today, take this self-guided walking tour!