Historical Mill & Nature Afternoon

The story

Overview

Start your afternoon with a delicious meal in a local eatery, then immerse yourself in the history and natural beauty of Parker Mill County Park. End your leisurely outing with a warm, locally roasted coffee or pastry from a popular Ann Arbor spot.

1. 1

   1 hr

   Zingerman's Roadhouse

   Food & Drink · Lakewood

   Bustling locale offering hearty American comfort fare, local draft beers & a gourmet food shop.

   What to do — Grab a table and order from their extensive menu, perfect for a filling lunch. Try a local draft beer if you're inclined.

   5.7 mi · 16 min drive

   Then Drive east for about 10 minutes to reach Parker Mill County Park.

2. 2

   1h 30m

   Parker Mill County Park

   Outdoors · King

   This park offers forested trails, seasonal tours of its old grist mill & a museum in a cider mill.

   What to do — Check for seasonal tour times for the grist mill. Afterwards, explore the museum and enjoy a walk on the park's trails.

   Scout Side Quest

   Along the trail, each pick the spot that feels most peaceful. Compare your choices on the walk back.

   5 mi · 14 min drive

   Then Head southwest for a short 5-minute drive to a local coffee shop.

3. 3

   Optional 1 hr

   Zingerman's Coffee Company

   Food & Drink · Bryant Pattengill West

   Unassuming coffeehouse offering house-roasted brews, espresso drinks & tea to go with baked goods.

   What to do — Order your favorite coffee or an espresso drink, and pick out a freshly baked pastry to enjoy as a relaxing end to your outing.

   Scout Side Quest

   Before ordering, secretly guess which pastry your date will gravitate toward. See if you were right.

The route

On the map

Common questions

Planning this outing

Is this a good Ann Arbor itinerary for solo?

Yes. It's built for solo, couples, and friends and runs about 3 hr 30 min across 3 stops, starting at Zingerman's Roadhouse.

How long does this outing take?

Plan on 3 hr 30 min door to door, including time between stops.

How much does this Ann Arbor itinerary cost?

Roughly $25–$55 per person, before parking and tips. Free and low-cost stops are marked on each card.

Is this itinerary walkable?

Not entirely. The stops cover about 10.7 miles, so you'll drive or rideshare between at least one pair.

Do I need reservations?

No. Every stop on this plan takes walk-ins, though weekends move faster if you arrive early.