Adrian is a charming city in Michigan's Lenawee County, originally founded in 1826 by Erie and Kalamazoo Railroad promoter Addison Comstock. Throughout the turn of the 20th century, the city gained international prominence for its status as the site of the invention of the world's first wire fence and as the home of the Lion Motor Car Company. Visitors come from near and far to enjoy recreational opportunities at outdoor areas such as Devils Lake, Posey Lake, and Round Lake or to see performances at the historic Croswell Opera House, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The Croswell Opera House
The The Croswell Opera House is Michigan's oldest historic theater, located within the city's downtown district. The theater is one of the United States' oldest continually-operating theaters, originally constructed in 1866 as Adrian Union Hall. It has hosted major concerts, theatrical performances, and lectures by regional and international performers, including luminaries such as John Philip Sousa, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Susan B. Anthony, and Maude Adams. In 1985, the venue was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Theater spaces within the venue include the 640-seat Julia Argyros Theater, the 120-seat James E. Van Doren Studio, and the Farver's at the Croswell piano bar.
129 E Maumee St, Adrian, MI 49221, Phone: 517-263-6868
The Lenawee County Historical Museum
The Lenawee County Historical Museum is a cultural and historical museum within Adrian's Carnegie Library facility, showcasing collections of important artifacts related to the social and cultural history of Lenawee County. The museum was opened in 1972 by the Lenawee Historical Society and is housed within three floors of the National Register of Historic Places-listed library building, which showcases spectacular Romanesque architecture. Exhibits showcase historic paintings, documents, maps, and photographs, along with collections of furniture and larger artifacts. Visitors can explore the museum for free Tuesdays through Saturdays throughout the morning afternoon hours.
110 E Church St, Adrian, MI 49221, Phone: 517-265-6071
Adrian Center for the Arts
Adrian Center for the Arts is one of Adrian's premiere arts complexes, originally established in 1998 by the Lenawee Council for the Visual Arts. The center strives to serve as a place for professional and community artists to flourish through artist studio and gallery space, classes, and workshops. In 2000, the venue produced the city's Millennium Project, which showcased more than 200 bronze panels by 60 Lenawee artists that were installed throughout the city's Comstock Park. Today, visitors can explore the center's artist gallery, which presents rotating exhibitions throughout the year in collaboration with the Croswell Opera House. Programming is presented throughout the year in collaboration with the Adrian Symphony Orchestra, the Adrian College Youth Art Program, and the HOPE Recreation Center.
1375 N Main St BLDG 46, Adrian, MI 49221, Phone: 517-662-9333
Chaloner and Co.
Chaloner and Co. is a unique old-fashioned candy and cigar store in Adrian's downtown district, originally opened as a newsstand in 1874 by the Chaloner family. The store is known for its famed fresh popcorn, which is produced on a 1947 C. Cretors and Co. popcorn popper just inside the store's doors. It still sells candies, cigars, popcorn, and newspapers today, known as one of the city's most iconic landmarks. Chaloner's Cigar House is located on the building's second and third floors, showcasing gorgeous brickwork, a humidor, a pool table room, and a comfortable guest lounge area. Unique design elements within the store include a glass-ceiling atrium that showcases a floor-to-ceiling waterfall.
108 W Maumee St, Adrian, MI 49221, Phone: 517-263-9803
Take the kids to Aubree's Pizzeria and Grill
Aubree's Pizzeria and Grill is a delightful pizzeria and bar in Adrian that was originally founded in 2017 by restaurateurs Sandee and Bill French, known for their work at Ypsilanti's Depot Town restaurant. The full-service restaurant is known for its legendary pizza menu, which offers hand-tossed, thin-crust, deep-dish, and gluten-free pizza variants. Flavors range from classics like margherita and barbecue chicken to clever varieties like the Louisiana Cajun, which pairs Cajun sausage with roasted red peppers, sauteed onions, and sweet chili sauce. Build-your-own pizzas, calzones, and pizza rolls are also served up throughout the day, along with hand-pattied burgers and artisanal sandwiches.
1329 S Main St, Adrian, MI 49221, Phone: 517-438-8367
WOW Cafe and Wingery
WOW Cafe and Wingery was originally founded by Paul Ballard in Covington, Louisiana in 2011. Today, the delicious restaurant offers more than 55 locations throughout 25 states, known for its New Orleans-influenced flavors and dishes, including award-winning signature wing sauces and scratch-made spice rubs. Excellent fast-casual fare is crafted by a culinary team helmed by Iron Chef competitor Jose Garces, showcasing high-quality American-style selections. ?-pound craft burgers are served up throughout the day, along with handheld sandwiches and wraps, quesadillas, and shareable appetizer selections such as Wisconsin cheese curds. Diners can also enjoy gourmet soups, salads, and side dishes, including Southern favorites such as honey mustard slaw or sweet potato rice.
Arrington ICE Arena, 110 S Madison St, Adrian, MI 49220, Phone: 517-264-3985
Go wine tasting at the Flying Otter Vineyard and Winery
The Flying Otter Vineyard and Winery is a 55-acre estate situated in Southeast Michigan. Tastings, entertainment, wine education courses, crafting activities, and more are in store for guests from April to October.
Tails And Trails Farm
Tails And Trails Farm is a small, privately-run horse barn that sits on the edge of the beautiful Irish Hills of southeast Michigan. Since 2015 the property has offered a place of healing and support for clients through nature, music, and interaction with horses. Experience a personal connection with the various rescue horses through guided trail rides, horseback riding lessons, and pony rides. Also available are tours of the farm where you can meet the animals and hear their stories, offering a soul-nurturing form of therapy that the estate prides itself in. One thing is for sure, the Tails and Trails Farm is the perfect place to get rest, relaxation, and inner healing for animal and nature lovers alike.
3363 Knight Highway Adrian, Michigan 49221, Phone: 772-905-7383
Tee off at the Wolf Creek Golf Club
Come get a great game of golf in at the Wolf Creek Golf Club. Home to an 18-hole course in Adrian, Michigan, World Creek Golf Club features a driving range that is 6,207-yards long and is home to the longest tee for a par 71.
Chomp Burger
Chomp Burger, located on the north end of downtown Adrian across from the Historic Lenawee County Courthouse, is the best place for specialty burgers in the city.
