President's House, Ann Arbor
The President鈥檚 House, situated on the University of Michigan鈥檚 Central Campus, has welcomed visitors since 1840, making it the oldest remaining building on campus. Originally one of four Greek Revival-style residences built for faculty as the university relocated from Detroit, it soon became the official residence of the university鈥檚 first president, Henry Philip Tappan, in 1852. Over time, the house evolved into a graceful Italianate mansion, undergoing multiple additions and modifications that reflect its storied past.
As you wander past its stucco-over-brick walls, bracketed eaves, and Doric-columned porch, you鈥檙e tracing the architectural narrative shaped by successive presidents. In the 1860s, Erastus Otis Haven added a third story and kitchen wing; in the 1890s, James Burrill Angell oversaw enhancements that included a semicircular library wing. Through the early 20th century, further renovations brought sun parlours, sleeping porches, glassed-in plant rooms, and stone terraces, marrying function with charm.
Today, the President鈥檚 House continues to serve its ceremonial role, representing a living link between the university鈥檚 past and present. Inside, you鈥檒l find inviting common rooms, a period library that hosts receptions, and carefully preserved historic details alongside modern upgrades completed most recently in 2023 to ensure accessibility and comfort. The 22-room residence, once a quiet private domicile, now quietly celebrates milestone gatherings鈥攆rom graduates鈥� receptions to community events鈥攅choing more than 180 years of intellectual and civic life.
For tourists visiting Ann Arbor, a stop at the President鈥檚 House offers a contemplative interlude amid the bustling campus. It stands as both architectural anchor and storied witness to the university's evolution鈥攆rom fledgling institution to national leader. While interior tours are generally private, the exterior鈥檚 dignified presence invites reflection on how campus life and leadership have changed, yet maintained a steadfast sense of place since the mid鈥�19th century.
As you wander past its stucco-over-brick walls, bracketed eaves, and Doric-columned porch, you鈥檙e tracing the architectural narrative shaped by successive presidents. In the 1860s, Erastus Otis Haven added a third story and kitchen wing; in the 1890s, James Burrill Angell oversaw enhancements that included a semicircular library wing. Through the early 20th century, further renovations brought sun parlours, sleeping porches, glassed-in plant rooms, and stone terraces, marrying function with charm.
Today, the President鈥檚 House continues to serve its ceremonial role, representing a living link between the university鈥檚 past and present. Inside, you鈥檒l find inviting common rooms, a period library that hosts receptions, and carefully preserved historic details alongside modern upgrades completed most recently in 2023 to ensure accessibility and comfort. The 22-room residence, once a quiet private domicile, now quietly celebrates milestone gatherings鈥攆rom graduates鈥� receptions to community events鈥攅choing more than 180 years of intellectual and civic life.
For tourists visiting Ann Arbor, a stop at the President鈥檚 House offers a contemplative interlude amid the bustling campus. It stands as both architectural anchor and storied witness to the university's evolution鈥攆rom fledgling institution to national leader. While interior tours are generally private, the exterior鈥檚 dignified presence invites reflection on how campus life and leadership have changed, yet maintained a steadfast sense of place since the mid鈥�19th century.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Ann Arbor. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "黑料吃瓜网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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President's House on Map
Sight Name: President's House
Sight Location: Ann Arbor, USA (See walking tours in Ann Arbor)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Ann Arbor, USA (See walking tours in Ann Arbor)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Ann Arbor, Michigan
Create Your Own Walk in Ann Arbor
Creating your own self-guided walk in Ann Arbor is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Ann Arbor Introduction Walking Tour
A western exurb of Detroit, the charming green college town of Ann Arbor possesses a unique charm and down-home atmosphere 鈥� a combination of big-city amenities and a small-town vibe.
It started off as a small strip of land registered in 1825 as "Annarbour", named after the wives of its co-founders, both called Ann, and the stands of bur oak trees. Following the move of the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
It started off as a small strip of land registered in 1825 as "Annarbour", named after the wives of its co-founders, both called Ann, and the stands of bur oak trees. Following the move of the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
University of Michigan Walking Tour
Ann Arbor is a home to the sprawling University of Michigan 鈥� one of America鈥檚 best public educational institutions, attracting top students and faculty from all over the world.
Founded in 1817 in Detroit as the University of Michigania, 20 years before the territory became a state, this university is Michigan's oldest. The school was moved to Ann Arbor in 1837. Among its alumni there... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.6 Km or 2.2 Miles
Founded in 1817 in Detroit as the University of Michigania, 20 years before the territory became a state, this university is Michigan's oldest. The school was moved to Ann Arbor in 1837. Among its alumni there... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.6 Km or 2.2 Miles
Ann Arbor's Historical Buildings
Founded in the 1820s and centered on the University of Michigan, the city of Ann Arbor boasts hundreds of splendid buildings, many of which are included in the National Register. The U-M campus itself was registered as Historic District in 1978.
The abundance of down-home charm, especially in the historic district, is richly complemented by plethora of time-tested architectural landmarks in... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
The abundance of down-home charm, especially in the historic district, is richly complemented by plethora of time-tested architectural landmarks in... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles