A Day trip from Ann Arbor: Garden Walks, Fairy Doors & the Hidden Irish Hills of Michigan
By: Joel Gresham - aka WeddingGuy
The Irish Hills area has no real boundary or city designation. The name is an area that encompasses four counties and numerous municipalities. To others, it is a small historical area along the US-12 corridor.
The area began as a refuge for Irish immigrants escaping the Irish Potato Famine in the 1840s, settling in an area reminiscent of Ireland. The rolling green hills, vast countryside, and sprawling lakes with 56 in the area—quickly felt like Ireland to the settlers. We hope you enjoy a fun day of exploring from Ann Arbor to the historic Irish Hills of Michigan.
Morning (Ann Arbor)
- Start your day at Matthaei Botanical Gardens, wandering through carefully curated gardens, serene paths, and greenhouses.
Tropical House
- Head downtown and pick up breakfast at Kerrytown or the Ann Arbor Farmers Market (if open). While walking, hunt for the tiny fairy doors scattered throughout shops and alleyways.
Museum of Natural History
- Visit one or two museums (UMMA, Kelsey, Natural History) for art or history immersion.
Midday / Lunch Break
- Grab lunch in downtown Ann Arbor. Step outside your box and try some amazing vegan lunch or some ice cream at Seva’s (or any of the local cafés, international cuisine, farm-to-table options) and enjoy strolling in the area.
Afternoon (Head toward Irish Hills)
- Depart Ann Arbor via U.S. Route 12 / US-12 Heritage Trail. Enjoy scenic country roads and small towns.
Hidden Lake Gardens
- Visit Hidden Lake Gardens to stretch your legs. Walk the all new skybridge and soak up some horticultural magic.
Walter J. Hayes State Park
Drive to Walter J. Hayes State Park / Wamplers Lake for a lakeside stop, or wander lakeside roads along Clark or Vineyard Lakes.
Mystery Hill
- Pop into Mystery Hill for a quirky diversion, see gravity illusions, and optical oddities.
Irish Hills Towers
- Pass by or stop at the Irish Hills Towers (originally opened 1924) for views / photos and the Stagecoach Stop / historic tavern (originally opened in 1965) along the route. *(sadly both are now permanently closed)
The Irish Hills Wedding Barn
- On US 12 east of the Winery, see the area’s premier wedding venue “The Irish Hills Wedding Barn, Hidden Irish Hill and The iconic Irish Chapel.”
Cherry Creek Winery
- If you have time and interest, do a wine tasting at Cherry Creek Winery before returning.
Evening Dinner (Return or Overnight)
- If headed back, enjoy a quiet dinner in one of the small towns along US-12 like the Artesian Wells or Randy’s Roadside BBQ is a must!
The Enchanted School House
- If staying, pick some local lodging like The Enchanted School House and drive and explore at dusk—the hill country is peaceful then.
The drive from Ann Arbor to the Irish Hills
The drive from Ann Arbor to the Irish Hills isn’t just a route, it’s an unfolding of Michigan’s beauty, from city charm to countryside calm. Where gardens meet winding trails and old barns whisper stories of generations past, time slows down just enough for you to breathe it all in. Put the phones away and visit for the day, the Irish Hills always finds a way to stay with you, like the echo of laughter over the lake, or the glow of a chandelier in a quiet wedding barn at dusk.
Joel Gresham, “The Wedding Guy” 4/14/2025
Locally Owned
We have been a locally owned Michigan wedding venue since 2008, and the company that started Joel’s passion for weddings “Mid Michigan Entertainment” since 1989 offering custom & creative services for all of our couples over the past 35+ years. Special thanks to some of the most amazing locally owned and operated venue owners in the country who continue to inspire and support us daily! Check out our locally owned venue partners…
