Name: Leslie Science & Nature Center
Address: 1831 Traver Road, Ann Arbor, MI, 48105

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

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

An award-winning course, this is one of Ann Arbor's favorites. It is 18 holes that makes the best use of natural land it can. Leslie Park is a public, municipally-owned course that has golf carts available for use.

Leslie Park Golf Course

Ayse's Turkish Cafe is Ann Arbor's only Turkish restaurant, serving Ann Arbor for over 20 years. The food served encompasses traditional Turkish home cooking. The emphasis is on fresh, seasonal cooking, using locally produced ingredients as much as possible, as the menu revolves daily to reflect both the seasons the rich diversity of Turkish cuisine.

There are numerous vegetarian options and can provide gluten-free and vegan options as requested. There are many lamb, beef, chicken and vegetarian dishes available for both lunch and dinner daily.

Ayse's Turkish Cafe

Boasts the best sushi in town; made fresh daily. Also serves variety of Korean dishes and Nabemono.

Saica Sushi

CoCo Fresh Tea & Juice is a global bubble tea brand with over 3,000 stores worldwide. They serve authentic bubble tea straight from Taiwan and have lots of seating available!

CoCo Fresh Tea & Juice Ann Arbor

Cardamom seeks to explore what Indian food and culture have done for centuries—take the best from outside influences and create something new, but distinctly Indian. Indian cuisine has been influenced over the centuries by a host of cultures including Persian, Chinese, Portuguese and British. Indian chefs and home cooks have a long history of taking outside flavors and cooking techniques, and combining them with their native spices. India is a vast country and very diverse. Cardamom designed their menu to reflect this diversity, and then to take it a step further by adding their own Western-influenced dishes.

Cardamom Restaurant

Authentic Chinese from appetizers to full meals using water instead of oil, lean quality meats or tofu, and a wide assortment of fresh veggies. Gluten free and vegan options are available upon request.

Lucky Kitchen

**​Black Pond Woods Nature Area** is a 34 acre woodland nature area on the north side of the city between Traver Road and Pontiac Trail. It is bordered by Leslie Golf Course on its east side, Leslie Park​ on its north side, ​and the Leslie Science and Nature Center on the south side. The park features rustic trails winding through the woods of oak, hickory, maple and dogwood. The spring wildflowers offer a terrific show. The area is named after the Black Pond, which is a vernal, or seasonal, pond that supports a variety of wildlife.

Black Pond Woods Nature Area

Your next great read awaits! Booksweet is a cozy community spot to browse and chat about books of all kinds. Located near U-M’s north campus.

Booksweet

Since it opened in the summer of 2025, A+ Wagyu BBQ has remained the pinnacle of Korean-influenced Chinese barbecue. As Michigan’s first Wagyu barbecue restaurant—offering premium Japanese A5 and Australian M9 Wagyu cooked right at your table—nothing beats the incredible taste and authenticity of their grilled meats.

A+ Wagyu BBQ

Looking for the best pizza in Ann Arbor? Rejoice, you aficionados of all things pizza pie, the seemingly endless search is finally over. From thin crust to deep dish to gluten-free options and beyond, Cottage Inn has got you covered.

Since 1948 they've offered the Ann Arbor community superior products using only the finest ingredients available. Not to mention, they're always listening to our customers in an effort to provide the best possible service around. The result? Decadent, delicious, delivery-ready gourmet pizza.

Cottage Inn - Broadway St.

Ann Arbor's burger and wraps hot spot where everything is made FRESH daily AND 100% Halal Certified! Choose from 1/4 lb beef, grilled crispy chicken or wraps, or BUILD YOUR OWN masterpiece!

Leslie Science & Nature Center

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