# @themintchipmama on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/DPd8N8uDjoT
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/55053285-themintchipmama-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/ab0926d6e1.jpg
- **Posted:** 2025-10-06T12:29:46.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** The Mint Chip Mama (@themintchipmama) — https://gondola.cc/themintchipmama

## Caption

Ann Arbor is filled with world-class museums and all kinds of natural beauty. For example, in just a short distance you can visit:

-Nichols Arb
-Museum of Art (UMMA)
-Kelsey Museum of Archaeology
-The Cube aka Endover
-Graffiti Alley
-Matthaei Botanical Gardens

As a student, I frequented them all, so I couldn’t wait to show them to my family - except Nichols Arb, which I’ve wanted to visit for 25 years and finally got there! I had no idea it was located on “The Hill,” only steps from my freshman dorm - Alice Lloyd Hall. It did not disappoint.

As a world class university there’s no surprise her museums are top notch as well. I loved visiting the Art Museum (UMMA) as a student. Now it has a fun scavenger hunt for kids!

One of my other favorite spots was the Kelsey Museum of Archaeology and her carbon copy of Room 5 from the Villa of the Mysteries in Pompeii.

Both museums have been updated and expanded since the 90s into high tech establishments.

As all students know “The Cube” aka Endover: the Interactive CorTen steel sculpture is one of the most famous things on campus. Giving it a spin is a rite of passage. My kids loved playing with it and it provided a great chance for me to sit down and rest for a bit.

Once we rallied we headed over to Graffiti Alley on E. Liberty tucked away next to the Michigan Theater. This spot - filled with beautiful ever changing artwork quickly became one of my new favorites.

The botanical gardens brought back great memories from my favorite class: Practical Botany. We used to go there via bus and have our lab in one of their huge greenhouses for hours. This class not only saved my average but made me a verified plant person for life!

Add in the tree sculpture, all the murals around central campus, the rainbow doors, and Zingerman’s edible garden and there is no shortage of beauty.

Ann Arbor is not only a great destination for a family trip but a beautiful one!

Thank you annarbor for setting up this great day!

📍There’s so much more to see in Ann Arbor! Follow themintchipmama for more!

#DestinationAnnArbor #AnnArbor #Michigan #NicholsArboretum #KelseyMuseumofArchaeology #UofM #GoBlue #UMMA #GraffitiAlley #PublicArt

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## Tags

publicart, kelseymuseumofarchaeology, uofm, destinationannarbor, annarbor, nicholsarboretum, michigan, umma, goblue, graffitialley

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