Between Grand Rapids And Toledo Lies A Michigan City With College-Town Charm And A Vibrant Downtown

Michigan is home to some of the quirkiest college towns for travelers to visit. But while places like Grand Rapids and Ann Arbor are already relatively well known among avid travelers, there's a smaller, 20,000-resident city not too far away that promises the same collegiate charm we've come to know and love, plus a vibrant downtown and a small-town feel: Adrian. The local campus comes equipped with an ice arena, and the city itself features historic buildings, an opera house, parks, festive displays, highly reviewed restaurants, and more. 

Beyond that, Adrian is conveniently located between Toledo (Ohio) and Grand Rapids, the Michigan gem where art, beer, and Midwest charm meet big-city flair. Of the two, Toledo is closer at 38 miles away, so for many of those flying into town, Toledo Express Airport is the most convenient option. You can also drive here from Detroit, but that's a bit farther away, sitting 72 miles northeast. Driving is usually the most reliable mode of transportation in and around Adrian — there aren't any direct public transportation lines when it comes to transfers, and the city, despite being a student hub, isn't the most walkable. What's more, this is a place surrounded by a variety of other, just as visit-worthy destinations, so take advantage of the flexibility that comes with driving and make time for a couple of day trips, too. 

Considering its size, Adrian has quite the varied collegiate life. Siena Heights University, Adrian College, and the local campus of Jackson College not only give the city a fun, youthful vibe but also open a whole new door of attractions for visitors. Adrian College's Arrington Ice Arena, for example, is a local favorite. With over 500 seats and skate rentals, this is the best place in town to catch a hockey game, watch some figure skating, or dust off your own skating skills. You can view the arena's (jam-packed) calendar here to find what coincides with your visit. Adrian College is not just about sports, though. Events like happy hour and seasonal concerts take place year-round, and its library is worth checking out, too.

Siena Heights has a similarly impressive athletics schedule, with games that include everything from basketball and baseball to soccer and wrestling. It has an avid theater program, too. The university's website even has a dedicated page where you can purchase tickets and get more information about upcoming shows.

Last but not least, make some room in the itinerary for a game of the Jackson College Jets. Disciplines include basketball and bowling, and events take place all day long, so it shouldn't be too hard to find something that coincides with your trip. For those who can't get enough of the collegiate atmosphere, Ann Arbor is a walkable Michigan hub with riverfront trails and a charming downtown that's been named "America's best college town." Moreover, it's less than an hour's drive away – perfect for a day trip.

Ann Arbor isn't the only place you'll get to enjoy a charming downtown — Adrian's heart is worth exploring, too. For architecture lovers, the Lenawee County Courthouse and the historic Croswell Opera House are must-sees. The latter is also Michigan's oldest theater and one of the earliest of its kind to still be operating in the U.S., not to mention a generally great place to catch a show during your time in Adrian. The public consistently praises the performers. There's even an on-site bar that's open four days a week, as well as 90 minutes ahead of every performance. Prices are reasonable, according to one reviewer.

From here, you can walk the seven minutes to Comstock Park. This is a grassy, riverside space complete with benches, gazebos, sculptures, and a flower garden. Bonus points if you come here during the winter holidays: The park gets decked out with Christmas trees and twinkling lights, perfect for a festive walk. Speaking of walks, the pathways are flat and paved, and you can bring your dog along, too. Before you leave Adrian, stop by Numazu Delights. It's a hole-in-the-wall Japanese restaurant that serves great sushi, noodles, and crab Rangoon at reasonable prices.

Once you feel like you've taken in everything Adrian has to offer, consider a day trip to either Jackson or Tecumseh before you head home. The former has a lively local art scene, craft brews, and numerous nearby lakes, while the latter is a charming Michigan town with historic streets; friendly, small-town magic; and cozy boutiques. Both take under an hour to reach.