University of Michigan & Kerrytown

About

The University of Michigan's Kerrytown district sits at the intersection of academic excellence and community charm in Ann Arbor. This unique area combines the energy of a major research university with the warmth of a historic market neighborhood, creating a destination that's both intellectually stimulating and genuinely welcoming.

Kerrytown itself is anchored by the Kerrytown Market & Shops, a beloved indoor marketplace that's been a community gathering spot since 1902. Inside you'll find local vendors, specialty food shops, and the famous Ann Arbor Farmers Market operating just outside. The market building houses everything from artisan cheese to fresh flowers, making it a sensory treat for any visitor.

The surrounding University of Michigan campus offers remarkable cultural attractions. The University of Michigan Museum of Art (UMMA) features free admission and a collection spanning centuries of artistic achievement. The Michigan Theater, a stunning 1928 movie palace, hosts films and live performances year-round. For science enthusiasts, the university's natural history museum provides hands-on exhibits and fascinating displays.

Walking through the area, you'll notice the blend of historic architecture and modern campus buildings. State Street and South University Avenue bustle with independent bookstores, coffee shops, and restaurants serving cuisines from around the world. Ann Arbor consistently ranks among the most walkable cities in the Midwest, and the Kerrytown area exemplifies why.

The district truly comes alive during events like the Ann Arbor Art Fair each July, one of the largest juried art fairs in the country. Saturday mornings at the farmers market buzz with activity from spring through fall. In autumn, the campus transforms with brilliant fall color, and the excitement of Michigan football at the Big House is just a short trip away.

Visitors should plan for at least a half day to explore comfortably. Street parking is available but can be limited, so consider the public parking structures nearby. The area is well-served by Ann Arbor's public transit system, TheRide, which connects major destinations throughout the city.

Accessibility

The University of Michigan maintains a strong institutional commitment to accessibility, with a dedicated Disability Equity Office coordinating ADA compliance across campus facilities and programs. The university is actively working to meet updated ADA regulations for digital and physical accessibility.

The Kerrytown Market & Shops building has ground-level entrances and interior pathways that accommodate wheelchair users, though the historic building's layout can vary between sections. The Ann Arbor Farmers Market operates on paved outdoor surfaces. Nearby public parking structures offer designated accessible parking spaces.

Campus buildings, including the University of Michigan Museum of Art, generally feature accessible entrances, elevators, and accessible restrooms, as the university is required to meet ADA standards under federal law. Many campus paths are paved and maintained for year-round accessibility.

Ann Arbor's public transit system, TheRide, operates ADA-compliant buses with wheelchair ramps and priority seating throughout its routes. Curb cuts and crosswalks with audible signals are common in the downtown and Kerrytown areas.

For visitors needing specific accommodations, the university's Disability and Accessibility Services office can provide guidance on campus accessibility. Contact the Kerrytown Market directly for details about current accessibility features within the market building. Individual shops and restaurants in the area vary in their accessibility, so calling ahead is recommended for specific needs.

More accessible places in Michigan

• Detroit Institute of Arts (Detroit)
• Michigan Science Center (Detroit)
• Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore (Empire)
• The Henry Ford (Dearborn)
• Tahquamenon Falls State Park (Upper Peninsula)
• Flint Institute of Arts (Flint)