Leslie Science & Nature Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan
The Leslie Science & Nature Center is a natural space that consists of trails, birds of prey and raptor enclosures, a critter house, and much more. The family of Dr. Eugene and Emily Leslie donated their home and the surrounding land to the city of Ann Arbor in 1976. The Leslies asked that the house and land be used to help educate children. The center offers many programs for children including field trips, Girl Scout and Cub Scout visits, overnight visits, and outreach programs that are led by staff and take place at schools. The center also hosts summer camps and school break camps.
State Street
State Street is known for its many great shops, restaurants and public events including fairs and festivals. The State Street Area Art Fair features works of art by more than 300 artists. The works of art include media such as ceramics, fiber, glass, jewelry, painting, photography, wood, and much more. On State Street Area Ladies Night, many of the local bars, shops, and restaurants offer discounts and the Michigan Theater located on nearby Liberty Street has special showings of films.
Power Center for the Performing Arts
The Power Center for the Performing Arts is a multi-purpose center and performance space. In 1963 Eugene and Sadye Power donated funds for the construction of the center. Designed in a style referred to as modern classical, the center opened in 1971. The theater was modeled after a Greek theater at Epidarus: there are no seats in the Power Center that are more than 80 feet from the stage. The lobby has a very high ceiling and two spiral staircases that lead to the balcony; the lobby is a popular venue for events such as weddings. There are pieces of art by Picasso and Lichtenstein hanging in the lobby.
Buhr Park, Ann Arbor, Michigan
Buhr Park is a municipal park in the south central area of Ann Arbor. The 39 acre park sits on rolling hills and features a basketball court, soccer fields, tennis courts, picnic areas with grills, baseball fields, and an outdoor pool. For children, there is a wading pool with interactive toys, a children’s play area, and the Buhr Park Children’s Wet Meadow. During the winter, visitors can enjoy the sledding hill, groomed trails for skiing, and an open-air ice arena which is a popular place for public ice skating and ice hockey. The arena hosts events such as Oldies Night, Hoedown Night, Funky Frosty Fridays, and many more.
Michigan Theater
Michigan Theater is a movie palace that screens independent films and presents music concerts and stage productions. With a seating capacity of 1,700, the theater includes lobbies, a functional stage, and an orchestra pit. Built in 1928, the theater still maintains its original Barton Theatre Pipe Organ. In a 1956 renovation many of the original decorations were removed and by 1978 the theater was threatened with demolition. A community group raised funds to save and renovate the theater. Today, the theater is the home of the Ann Arbor Symphony, the annual Ann Arbor Film Festival, and a children’s series of stage productions called “Not Just for Kids.”
The Creature Conservancy
The Creature Conservancy is an animal rescue and educational organization dedicated to rescuing animals and getting the community involved by educating them about the animals.
There are several exhibits including Aquatic Exotics that features apple snails, African clawed frogs, and water hyacinths; McCalls of the Wild for macaws; ‘Roo Room for kangaroos; and Vulture Club for vultures. The conservancy offers a variety of education outreach programs for homeschooling groups, schools, nature centers, and more. Some of the programs include African Safari, Animals Down Under, Creatures of the Night, and Rainforest Fieldtrip. The conservancy also hosts camps and parties.
