Name: Barton Nature Area
Address: 1010 W Huron River Dr, Ann Arbor, MI, 48103

**​Barton Nature Area** is a 9​8 acre park located along the Huron River on Huron River Drive, a few miles north of downtown Ann Arbor.

Barton Nature Area provides access to Barton Pond, if you walk up on top of Barton Dam where you can walk along the earthen embankment on the City side to find a path, green space and benches. Popular for sunsets, photography, fishing, birding, a scenic stroll or to get a big dose of nature, the Huron River is quite wide as it pools before the dam.

​​Barton Nature Area trails​ are located in the larger area known as the Barton oxbow, (a term used to refer to a u-shaped meander in a river) which is bordered by the river and the railway line with bridge access on two ends. The 1/2 mile main trail connects the two bridges with additional side trails to explore for longer hiking.

Barton Nature Area

Ann Arbor is a dynamic mix of energy and charm—a bustling university town, [a foodie’s paradise](https://www.annarbor.org/foodanddrink/), and a cutting-edge tech hub, all wrapped in a [walkable downtown](https://www.annarbor.org/things-to-do/downtown/) bursting with [world-class arts and culture.](https://www.annarbor.org/things-to-do/arts-culture/) Located in Michigan’s southeast Lower Peninsula, Ann Arbor is the heartbeat of a vibrant [network of communities](https://www.annarbor.org/surrounding-destinations/) across Washtenaw County. With its creative spirit, diverse flavors, and unique neighborhoods, Ann Arbor shines as a exciting oasis.

Whatever your passion, the Ann Arbor area has something to ignite it. Savor world-class cuisine, explore nature’s stunning landscapes, discover eclectic boutiques, and dive into museums rich with history. Enjoy thrilling sports, captivating arts, and a culture that’s vibrant and welcoming.

Our visitors flock to the area for a variety of reasons. But there’s one thing they can agree upon: There’s so much to see and do, one day is simply not enough. [Get inspired for your Ann Arbor area getaway](https://www.annarbor.org/plan/visitors-guide/ "Get inspired for your Ann Arbor area getaway").

Playeasy Innovators Summit Destination Demo

Ann Arbor is a dynamic mix of energy and charm—a bustling university town, [a foodie’s paradise](https://www.annarbor.org/foodanddrink/), and a cutting-edge tech hub, all wrapped in a [walkable downtown](https://www.annarbor.org/things-to-do/downtown/) bursting with [world-class arts and culture.](https://www.annarbor.org/things-to-do/arts-culture/) Located in Michigan’s southeast Lower Peninsula, Ann Arbor is the heartbeat of a vibrant [network of communities](https://www.annarbor.org/surrounding-destinations/) across Washtenaw County. With its creative spirit, diverse flavors, and unique neighborhoods, Ann Arbor shines as a exciting oasis.

Destination Ann Arbor

The [Ann Arbor Sports Commission](https://www.annarbor.org/sports-commission/ "Ann Arbor Sports Commission") works diligently to improve the quality of life through sports for all of Washtenaw County. The [Ann Arbor area](https://www.annarbor.org/ "Ann Arbor area") attracts both sports enthusiasts and participants alike. Thanks to its [easy accessibility](https://www.annarbor.org/plan/getting-here-getting-around/ "easy accessibility"), [wide range of facilities](https://www.annarbor.org/sports-commission/facilities-venues/ "wide range of facilities") available and variety of [dining](https://www.annarbor.org/foodanddrink/ "dining") & [entertainment](https://www.annarbor.org/things-to-do/ "entertainment") options, the Ann Arbor area is a favorite of sporting event organizations. The area has a rich sporting culture seeding in the history of two Division 1 athletic programs ([University of Michigan](https://www.annarbor.org/university-of-michigan/ "University of Michigan") and Eastern Michigan University) and several other small institutions. The Ann Arbor Sports was formed to attract amateur sporting events to the Ann Arbor region by assisting organizers every step of the way.

Ann Arbor is a dynamic mix of energy and charm—a bustling university town, a [foodie’s paradise](https://www.annarbor.org/foodanddrink/ "foodie's paradise"), and a cutting-edge tech hub, all wrapped in a [walkable downtown](https://www.annarbor.org/things-to-do/downtown/ "walkable downtown") bursting with [world-class arts and culture](https://www.annarbor.org/things-to-do/arts-culture/ "world-class arts and culture"). Located in Michigan’s southeast Lower Peninsula, Ann Arbor is the heartbeat of a vibrant network of [communities across Washtenaw County](https://www.annarbor.org/surrounding-destinations/ "communities across Washtenaw County"). With its creative spirit, diverse flavors, and unique neighborhoods, Ann Arbor shines as a exciting oasis.

Ann Arbor Sports Commission

Be In Awe Yoga holds classes, workshops, and yoga retreats in Ann Arbor and internationally. The center has classes on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Instructors also offer private Hatha yoga sessions of 60 or 90 minutes.

The studio holds a “finding your voice” workshop to help students become more confident.

Be In Awe Yoga Studio

Bandemer Park is a natural area along the Huron River. The park is accessed off North Main at Lake Shore Drive and off Barton Drive where it meets Whitmore Lake Road.

The park features accessible trails through the main body of the park, restrooms, benches, accessible canoe dock, fishing deck, shelter, picnic areas, and grills.

Be sure to bring your frisbees with you, as Bandemer Park is the home to a disk golf course. Dirt foot paths wander throughout the site, with views of the river and other unique habitat prevalent. Bandemer is directly west across the river from Argo Park.

Bandemer Park

The Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra (A2SO) is an American orchestra based in Ann Arbor. Founded in 1928, the A2SO plays most of its concerts at the University of Michigan's Hill Auditorium and at the Michigan Theater.

Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra

Bird Hills Nature Area is the largest natural area in the city at 146 acres. Its hilly woods are a sanctuary for hikers. The area is closed to bicycles to prevent damage from erosion.

There are five trailheads: at Down Up Circle, at Bird Rd, at Beechwood Dr, and two near the Newport Rd parking area.

No facilities are available in this undeveloped park. The unpaved trails wind through hills and ravines covered with beech, sugar maple, flowering dogwood, oaks and hickory and various spring wildflowers.

Bird Hills Nature Area

Bluffs Nature Area is 39.35 acres, located on a glacially formed ridge over North Main Street. Trails wind throughout the park and are accessible from North Main St., just across from Lakeshore St. on the southwest side of the street. The rugged trails are perfect for mountain biking and hiking.

Bluffs Nature Area

The Huron River Water Trail is a 104-mile (167 km) inland paddling trail connecting people to the river's natural environment, its history and the communities it touches in Michigan's Lower Peninsula. From the rapids at Delhi and Dexter to the placid flat water at the entrance to Lake Erie, a variety of paddling experiences await you. For kayaking, canoeing, fishing on a fly, and other freshwater pursuits, follow the Huron River Water Trail to learn what others already know - that Huron River is a Michigan treasure worth exploring.

Huron River Water Trail

Argo Park & Nature Area is a long 22 acre park on the east side of the Huron River.

This recreation area contains a natural area with trails, paths connecting it to other parks along the river, and is home to the Argo Canoe Livery. The Argo Canoe Livery is a busy spot drawing crowds looking to rent canoes, kayaks, and rafts to paddle down the Huron River. The Argo Cascades, a series of nine small rapids, rock chutes and pools serving as a bypass channel to connect Argo Pond to the Huron River are a popular attraction.

The Argo Pond walk​ is a 2.2 mile walking loop around the section of river known as "Argo Pond."

Argo Park & Nature Area

Sweet Heather Anne's Bakery focuses on custom cake, cookie, and dessert orders made with locally sourced ingredients - specializing in weddings and other events. Sweet Heather Anne also takes corporate orders and teaches decorating classes during the winter.They offer options for pickup orders, with a dessert counter open on Fridays and Saturdays. The counter has small items for sale, such as layered cakes in a jar, cookies and brownies.

Sweet Heather Anne Bakery

Welcome to the Leslie Science and Nature Center, once the home and laboratory of Eugene and Emily Leslie! The center is a special place where people of all ages can explore 50 acres of land and Black Pond Woods. It's also a home to many plants and animals.

Other attractions include the Raptor Center and Critter House. The Leslie Science and Nature Center is open for adventure on the trails and grounds from sun-up to sun-down.

Leslie Science & Nature Center

The private club features a signature Donald Ross golf course, exceptional dining and banquet facilities for weddings and other events, swimming pool, tennis courts, and fitness facilities. The staff and members work together to provide an outstanding environment that promotes social and recreational enjoyment for both members and guests. The Barton Hills clubhouse accommodates from 5 to 325 guests and up to 450 in the winter months. All year long, their unique, beautiful setting provides the perfect ambiance for your gathering.

Barton Hills Country Club

Ann Arbor's premiere distillery and tasting room serves craft cocktails featuring house-made spirits and fresh ingredients. Located a few blocks north of downtown in a historic grainery at 220 Felch Street, the distillery produces vodka, gin, whiskey and other spirits.

Open 4 PM to 10 PM Tuesday through Sunday, the this hotspot is quickly becoming known for its hand-crafted cocktails made with local ingredients from Ann Arbor area favorites - like olive brine from Zingerman’s and coffee from Mighty Good.

Highlights on the seasonal cocktail menu include the Seasonal Shrub, the Honey Bee and the Clover Club – all featuring fresh produce and the highest-quality ingredients.

Barton Nature Area

About Barton Nature Area

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