Ten important skateboard spots in Ann Arbor, Michigan
1. Ann Arbor Skatepark
Located in Veterans Memorial Park, the Ann Arbor Skatepark is a skater’s paradise and the city’s most popular spot for skateboarding. Built with the input of local skaters, it offers a professionally designed 30,000-square-foot area with bowls, ramps, ledges, rails, and stair sets. With smooth concrete surfaces and plenty of variety, the park is suitable for skaters of all levels, from beginners to advanced riders working on technical tricks.
The skatepark’s layout is designed to encourage progression. The smaller bowls and ramps are ideal for those new to the sport, while larger, more challenging features cater to experienced skaters. Open year-round, it’s a bustling hub where skaters can connect, exchange tips, and enjoy the sport together. It’s no surprise that the Ann Arbor Skatepark is a centerpiece of the city’s skate scene.
2. University of Michigan Diag
In the heart of the University of Michigan campus, the Diag is an iconic spot for skaters. With flat ground, ledges, benches, and stair sets, it provides a blend of urban and campus vibes that few spots can match. The layout is great for both technical and flat-ground tricks, making it a popular choice for skateboarders looking to practice or film their moves in an aesthetically interesting setting.
However, skaters should be aware of certain restrictions when skating on campus grounds, especially during peak class hours when foot traffic is high. While it may not be as structured as a skatepark, the Diag’s creative setup offers a unique urban environment that attracts skaters from around the city.
3. Nichols Arboretum
Known to locals as “the Arb,” Nichols Arboretum is an unusual yet scenic spot for skateboarding. Situated on the eastern edge of the University of Michigan’s campus, the Arb has smooth, winding trails and mild hills. Though it’s more suitable for cruising and carving rather than technical tricks, it offers a refreshing break from traditional skate spots. Skating here allows riders to connect with nature and enjoy views of the Huron River, making it ideal for longboarders or anyone looking for a peaceful ride.
While Nichols Arboretum is generally pedestrian-friendly, it’s best to skate during off-peak hours to avoid crowds. The Arb’s relaxed ambiance makes it a standout location for a different kind of skateboarding experience in Ann Arbor.
4. Liberty Plaza
Downtown Ann Arbor’s Liberty Plaza is another popular spot for skaters. Located near East Liberty and Division, the plaza features benches, stairs, and open areas perfect for a range of tricks. Known for its central location and downtown energy, it’s a lively place to skate, especially in the evenings when the crowds thin out, leaving the space open for skaters to make the most of the plaza’s obstacles.
Although Liberty Plaza isn’t a designated skate spot, its urban design and proximity to other downtown amenities make it an attractive destination for local skaters. The plaza's urban backdrop also provides a photogenic setting for skaters wanting to capture their tricks on video.
5. Gallup Park
East Huron River Drive’s Gallup Park is known for its natural beauty and extensive walking trails, which also make it a great spot for skateboarding. The smooth pathways, mild slopes, and long stretches of trail make Gallup Park ideal for skaters who enjoy cruising. While it’s more popular with longboarders due to the length of the paths, beginners on regular skateboards can also enjoy the park’s gentle terrain.
Skating along the Huron River in Gallup Park is a unique experience, offering a peaceful atmosphere that feels worlds away from the bustling city. The park’s natural surroundings, combined with its open pathways, provide a serene environment that is perfect for relaxed skate sessions.
6. State Street Plaza
Near the University of Michigan’s State Street, this plaza is a well-known skate spot with a gritty, urban aesthetic. With concrete areas, ledges, and curbs, it’s frequented by skaters who appreciate the minimalistic setup and central location. The spot’s accessibility and simple yet effective layout make it a go-to for skaters looking to practice their street tricks in an authentic downtown environment.
Skating at State Street Plaza can be especially enjoyable during early mornings or late nights when pedestrian traffic is minimal. The location also places skaters near coffee shops, stores, and restaurants, adding to the appeal of this busy and vibrant area.
7. Kerrytown
Kerrytown, a historic district near downtown Ann Arbor, is known for its artistic charm and has a few hidden skate spots scattered throughout. The area’s old-school ledges, flat ground, and occasional stair sets create a classic street skating atmosphere. Skating through Kerrytown offers a unique experience with its mix of vintage architecture and modern art installations, which is both visually inspiring and versatile for skating.
The area can be busy on weekends, so it’s best to skate here on weekday mornings or during off-peak hours. Kerrytown’s artistic vibe adds a touch of culture to any skate session, making it a memorable place to explore on wheels.
8. Huron High School
Huron High School on Fuller Road is another excellent skate spot, especially known for its stairs, rails, and curbs. Its open layout and variety of obstacles make it a top choice for street skaters looking to perfect their techniques. While it’s important to skate here outside of school hours to avoid disrupting students, Huron High’s design offers ideal features for skaters who enjoy rail slides, stair jumps, and ledge tricks.
Locals appreciate Huron High School for its low-key, skate-friendly environment. The school’s classic architecture and spacious areas provide plenty of opportunities for creative skating, making it a favorite among Ann Arbor’s skateboarding community.
9. Ashley Street Rail
Located at the corner of Ashley Street and Miller Avenue, the Ashley Street Rail is a well-known spot among skaters who love grinding. This rail is particularly popular due to its height and smoothness, which make it ideal for skaters looking to work on their rail tricks. The adjacent manual pads add an extra dimension to the spot, allowing skaters to mix up their routines with manual tricks.
The Ashley Street Rail caters mostly to intermediate and advanced skaters, as the setup can be challenging for beginners. However, its central location makes it accessible and easy to find, attracting skaters who enjoy testing their skills in a real street environment.
10. The Rock
One of Ann Arbor’s most iconic landmarks, the Rock, is located at the corner of Hill Street and Washtenaw Avenue. This spot offers a variety of ledges, benches, and steps, making it a flexible and fun place to skate. Besides its skateable features, the Rock is often painted with colorful murals by local artists, creating a visually striking backdrop for skating.
The Rock is a popular choice for skaters who appreciate Ann Arbor’s creative culture. The site’s history as a meeting point for protests, gatherings, and celebrations adds to its unique character. Skating here is not just about tricks but also about connecting with the city’s vibrant artistic community.
Skateboarding is tribal and most locals are welcoming, but if you're new to a spot, or just passing through, have respect for the locals. Listen. Be smart. Have fun.
A human being
Art can change the world – and everybody is an artist. Those who scribble stickmen. Those who paint chapel ceilings. Those who tattoo biceps. Those who are careful with pigment on canvas. Those who create fantasy characters. Those who paint pet portraits. Those who yarn bomb. Those who write poems on crappy old cardboard.
My art lives on the bottom of skateboard decks. It's designed for you to destroy. For you, the rider, my art may come second to the deck’s ability to perform – and that’s awesome. To me, art comes first. Always.
It’s how I think. It’s who I am. It’s what I am.
A machine
This article has been created with the help of artificial intelligence platforms ChatGPT and Bard. If there are inaccuracies or there are opportunities for improvement, please let me know.
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