Ann Arbor is a great place to hang out, but sometimes you need to get away from everything that reminds you of school.
You might have some time over fall break to go somewhere new or if you are one of the lucky students who does not have classes on a Friday or Monday, take advantage of that built-in long weekend to explore the neighboring attractions.
We rounded up some of our favorite spots to take a much-needed study break.
Saugatauk
Approximately a 2-and-a-half-hour drive from Ann Arbor.
Saugatauk is a quintessential Michigan beach town. This kind of vacation requires between 2-3 days in order to make sure you have enough time to spend on the beach, walk around the shops in town, and maybe even explore some other surrounding towns. Although most Michigan beach towns tend to be quieter, in Saugatuck, I personally recommend the Saugatuck Dune Rides for those who enjoy being in nature and a thrilling, almost minor roller-coaster-like experience. Ice cream in Saugatuck is also a must with Kilwin’s being one of the most popular Michigan brands, but also locally-owned shops at every corner.
You might be thinking that there is no reason to go to a beach town during the fall or winter, however, these seasons offer a very unique vibe for Michiganders. The fall colors are gorgeous to explore town under and a nice chill in the winter provides a unique beach experience. I would recommend going to Saugatauk for fall break.
Cedar Point – Sandusky, Ohio
Approximately a 2-hour drive from Ann Arbor.
This is for the thrill seekers and roller-coaster lovers. Cedar Point is one of the best amusement parks in the country and has both a variety of roller coasters and board-walk-style games, and a water park. After Labor Day, Cedar Point tends to only be open on the weekends, making it perfect for a student just trying to get away with their friends.
Due to the short drive, I personally recommend leaving Ann Arbor early in the morning on a Saturday and coming back in the evening—rather than staying the night. This is definitely better for the average student’s budget and still allows you another day to face the Sunday scaries.
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Traverse City, Michigan
Approximately a 4-hour drive from Ann Arbor.
Traverse City is arguably one of the most famous cities vacation destinations in Michigan, and for good reason. There is so much to see and a variety of things to do in upper Michigan. Some of the best activities include visiting the wineries or going on a wine tour, spending time on the water of Lake Michigan, or hiking the sand dunes.
Traverse City is a great location to visit—especially for those not originally from Michigan—over fall break to really be immersed in Michigan culture. This city is also colloquially known as “the Cherry Capital of the World.” Even though the fall would be a bit too late for cherry season, visit the Cherry Republic to fulfill all of your cherry needs.
Toledo, Ohio
Approximately a 1-hour drive from Ann Arbor.
For a quick and easy getaway, Toledo has a mix of activities packed into a short trip. The Toledo Museum of Art, which is free to visit, is especially known for its world-class glass collection. Sports fans can catch a Toledo Walleye hockey game for an energetic night out, while food lovers should stop at Tony Packo’s, a local landmark famous for its Hungarian hot dogs. In the winter, Glass City Metropark offers a riverfront ice skating experience with great views of downtown. With its blend of culture, sports, and local flavor, Toledo makes for an ideal day trip or overnight escape.
Chicago, Illinois
5-hour train ride or approximately a 4-hour drive from Ann Arbor.
Chicago is quite different from the other locations in that it is a huge city with tons of different types of activities to do. There are multiple museums, venues for music or comedy shows and a beach and lakefront walk. Some of my favorite Chicago activities include visiting Shedd Aquarium, the Art Institute of Chicago, Navy Pier and catching a ball game with the White Sox or Cubs. Although you can drive to Chicago, I personally would recommend taking the direct Amtrak train from Ann Arbor. There is great public transportation in the city that is easy to navigate and can take you nearly everywhere.
As there is so much to do and see in Chicago, I would personally recommend going for 3-4 days at minimum, such as during fall break. Allowing enough time is very important so that you can really take in the city and everything it has to offer.
