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City in Michigan, United States
Photo: Cmadler, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Ypsilanti (ĭp′·sĭ·lăn′·tē, often mispronounced yĭp′·sĭ·lăn′·tē) commonly shortened to Ypsi (ĭp′·sĭ), is a city in Michigan, six miles (10 km) east of Ann Arbor. "Ypsilanti" commonly refers to either or both of the City of Ypsilanti and the Charter Township of Ypsilanti, which lies mostly south of the city, with small portions to both the east and west of the city, and may also include neighboring parts of other townships. The geographic grid center of Ypsilanti is the intersection of the Huron River and Michigan Avenue, the latter of which connects downtown Detroit, Michigan with Chicago, Illinois, and through Ypsilanti is partially concurrent with US-12BR and M-17. It was established as a trading post in 1809 by Gabriel Godfroy, a French-Canadian fur trader from Montreal. A permanent settlement was established on the east side of the Huron River in 1823 by Major Thomas Woodruff. It was incorporated into the Territory of Michigan as the village Woodruff's Grove. A separate community a short distance away on the west side of the river was established in 1825 under the name "Ypsilanti", after Demetrius Ypsilanti, a hero in the Greek War of Independence. Woodruff's Grove changed its name to Ypsilanti in 1829, the year its namesake effectively won the Greek war, and the two communities eventually merged.
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Museum that houses many pieces of firefighting equipment and vehicles, promotes fire safety and prevention. Dedicated to the history of firefighting in Michigan.
A varied collection of automobiles as well as the last Hudson dealership in the United States.
Ypsilanti, despite being a relatively small city (fewer than 20,000 as of the 2010 census), boasts the second-largest contiguous historic district in Michigan.
A local historical museum featuring a large collection of antiques and historical documents.
A historic water tower completed in 1890, it has the curious distinction of having won Cabinet magazine's competition to find the "world's most phallic building." With apologies to squeamish readers: it's 147 feet (45 m) high, has a base diameter of 85 feet (26 m), and is known locally as "the brick dick." A bust of the city's namesake, Demetrius Ypsilanti, a hero of the Greek war of independence, stands just west of the water tower.
The northernmost park in Ypsilanti, offering picnic areas and fishing.
No longer an island, the park has a small amphitheater at the south end, an athletic field (which is set up for soccer) with a running track, and a community garden at the north end. A three-way bridge, called the "tridge", connects Frog Island Park to Riverside Park and Depot Town. Frog Island Park is used for some of Ypsilanti's largest events, such as the Heritage Festival.
Home to most of Ypsilanti's outdoor events, including the Michigan Summer Beer Festival, ElvisFest, and the Michigan Roots Jamboree, Riverside Park is a popular location for picnicking, fishing, and sunbathing, and provides a connection for pedestrians and cyclists between downtown and Depot Town.
Water Street park is a largely unimproved park, consisting primarily of a rough trail for walking and bicycling (not suitable for narrow-wheeled road bicycles). The trail reaches from the south side of Michigan Avenue, near downtown and Riverside Park, south to Waterworks Park.
The southern-most city park on the river, Waterworks Park has a picnic shelter and expansive open fields, including a baseball field and a disc golf course.
Located in southern Ypsilanti Township, Rolling Hills is a 363-acre (147 hectares) Washtenaw County park with a water park within it. The park is open year-round from 8AM until dusk (until 9PM in the summer), with a per-vehicle admission charge, while the water park is open M-F 11AM-7PM, Sa Su holidays 11AM-8PM, admission ranging from $4 to $9 (children under 36 inches (910 mm) tall are free). In the winter, skis and toboggans are available for rental.
Eastern Michigan University fields 19 varsity sports teams competing in the Mid-American Conference. Although they do compete in NCAA Division I -- the top tier of collegiate athletics -- the atmosphere at EMU athletic events is closer to lower-level colleges than to the professional-like atmosphere at the University of Michigan, 7 miles (11 km) to the west. The Eagles play American football games at Rynearson Stadium, men's and women's basketball games in the EMU Convocation Center, and baseball games at Oestrike Stadium, all on the northwest side of Ypsilanti. Event parking is free and plentiful, and tickets are usually easily available ranging from free to $10, depending on the event.
A casual group of local cyclists organize several weekly rides as well as larger periodic rides (e.g., Spring Ride).
Just south of Ypsilanti, Wasem Fruit Farm is a second-generation family-owned orchard offering apples, tart cherries, currants, gooseberries, peaches, pears, plums, rasberries, and pumpkins, in season. All fruits are available as U-pick or pre-picked. In the fall they also make and sell apple cider, apple butter, jams and jellies, and donuts.
In addition to an apple orchard and cider mill, Wiard's offers an "agri-entertainment park" (their term!) including a corn maze, apple cannon, pony rides, hay rides, petting farm, miniature golf, haunted barn, and more.
Multi-level laser tag and an arcade.
For more than 10 years, Dreamland Theater has entertained patrons with original puppet shows, experimental theater, comedy, and local independent film. If you're in town at the end of the year, their annual 24-hour New Year's Eve to New Year's Day show is not to be missed.
Formerly known as the Ypsilanti Community Band, the WCCB offers free concerts in and around Ypsilanti. Music includes marches, modern band music, orchestral transcriptions, and arrangements of popular songs.
The YSO presents four ticketed concerts during each fall/winter/spring season, and a free Memorial Day weekend concert in Riverside Park.
The YCC performs three free concerts annually -- one in the spring, one at the Ypsilanti Heritage Festival, and one in December together with the Washtenaw Community Concert Band -- as well as other performances at community events.
Held in Riverside Park the last weekend of July. Approximately 50 Michigan breweries offer hundreds of beers for tasting in a two day event. 15 samples included in the ticket price.
The largest Elvis festival in North America, each summer more than 10,000 fans gather to enjoy performances by Elvis tribute artists as well as tribute performances for related artists such as Roy Orbison and Tom Jones.
An indoor bourbon tasting event in January.
Cruise nights offer a chance to see classic cars up close and talk to the car owners.
Late August.
Great selection of beer and bar food, accompanied by the occasional rumble of Amtrak trains (hence the name). Burgers have received national acclaim from GQ Magazine and Oprah Winfrey. Service may leave something to be desired, but the food is always good.
Another Depot Town favorite, probably best known for their pizza.
Although they offer cakes and other baked goods, "Dom's" is really known for their donuts. Cash only.
Known for their steak and seafood, Haab's had been an Ypsilanti institution since 1934. Every year, on the third Monday in October, they celebrate their longevity by offering several menu items at their original 1934 prices: chicken dinner for $0.50, spaghetti dinner for $0.40, and barbecue sandwich with french fries for $0.20!
Barbecue and sides, with a variety of craft beers. Pulled pork, chicken, and beef brisket are the main feature, but the sides are excellent.
This tiny diner is known for having one of the best burgers in town.
The Bomber's name and decor celebrates the region's role in World War II, when B-24 bombers were built at the Willow Run factory. Lunch is offered, but the restaurant is known for their breakfasts, particularly their Cap'n Crunch French Toast.
Old style drive-in where food is served to you in your car. Open year-round.
Another old-fashioned drive-in, known for their chili dogs and homemade root beer (actually that's about all that's on the non-existent menu).
Central American restaurant.
Cafe next-door to the downtown library.
A popular Ann Arbor cafe for 20 years, Sweetwaters is opening an Ypsilanti location by the end of January 2013.
Arbor Brewing
Beer garden open in warmer months. Free wifi, dart boards, and board games. Children accompanied by a parent are welcome until 9PM. Frequently hosts community events and gatherings.
The Tap Room has been around since 1941, feeding and quenching the thirst of workers at the old bomber plant during the war. It is said that in order to do the wiring and other work in the small confines of the plane wings, the plant flew in small people that could crawl into the cramped spaces, and it is also said that Tap Room was their bar. Those who know this story affectionately call this "The Midget Bar". Is this just a "tall" tale? A visit to Tap Room might prove otherwise, as the original doorknobs for the front door and old restrooms were only 2 feet from the floor!
A 238-room hotel just south of the city, the Eagle Crest includes an attached conference center, an 18-hole golf course (open March through November), and three on-site restaurants.
Located between Ypsilanti and Ann Arbor, just off US-23, the Regent offers 125 rooms, all including free hot breakfast, wireless internet, refrigerator, microwave, and coffee maker. The Regent has an indoor pool, whirlpool, billiards lounge, and 24 hour fitness center.
Located in Ypsilanti Township, to the east of the city.
Thrift store.
Bulk candies, novelty toys, and items of local interest (e.g., "Pirates of the Huron River" t-shirts).
By plane
The nearest major airport is Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW), about 20 minutes away, from which it will probably be necessary to rent a car or have a friend pick you up.
By train
There has been no railway service to Ypsilanti since 1984, however Amtrak serves nearby Ann Arbor via its thrice-daily Wolverine service between Chicago and Pontiac via Detroit.
By bus
Several intercity bus lines run from Ann Arbor, from which it is a short taxi ride or local bus trip to Ypsilanti.
By foot or bicycle
Washtenaw County's Border-to-Border (B2B) Trail, intended to eventually reach from Livingston County to Wayne County, along the Huron River, runs from northwestern Ann Arbor through Ypsilanti to…
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