Home › Michigan › Ann Arbor › Bandemer Nature Area
Bandemer Nature Area
4.6 ★★★★★ 713 Google reviews · Running trail in Ann Arbor, Michigan · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Bandemer Nature Area's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Riverfront natural area with trails, picnic facilities & activities such as fishing & canoeing.
What runners say about Bandemer Nature Area
“Lovely views of the river, pretty clean composting toilets (I have kids & have been to events here, gotta think of these things!”
“Took advantage of the BEAUTIFUL weather today and investigated this park, as well as the Argo Nature Area and it was amazing.”
“The park is always clean and provides a peaceful escape that is a quick drive/bike ride from downtown.”
Easily accessible park. It is right off the highway. There was ample parking when we went. You have to go through this bridge. The highlight is the picnic area. There are also grills available. There is also a kayak/canoe launch area which is a scenic spot. We foraged wild plums in the summer.
Great place to take a walk. So relaxing to walk by the river. Several choices of what path to take. There is a place to rent kayaks and tubes as well. Plus there are spots to have a picnic, some people choose to fish and sun bathe. Picture of the water is the trail by Argo Cascades.
A beautiful park right off the 23/14 freeways. Great for biking, trail walking, running... It is also an easy entrance point for a canoe or kayak. There is a Frisbee Golf Course, a dirt biking course (with big mounds) tucked in here too. It is not on the map but it is there.
Nice (long) peaceful park. Good walking trails, good parking & canoe/kayak storage rental is available from the city. Also shelters are available to rent. Nice physical buffer from the disc golf.
Trail conditions & character
“Lovely views of the river, pretty clean composting toilets (I have kids & have been to events here, gotta think of these things!”
“Make sure to bring your water bottle, and be prepared for a very minimal bathroom.”
“The park is always clean and provides a peaceful escape that is a quick drive/bike ride from downtown.”
“Good walking trails, good parking & canoe/kayak storage rental is available from the city.”
Plan your run at Bandemer Nature Area
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfacePaved — asphalt or concrete. Fast and predictable, runnable year-round, and fine with a stroller
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitea2gov.org
- Phone+1 734-794-6230
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 6 am–10 pm |
| Tuesday | 6 am–10 pm |
| Wednesday | 6 am–10 pm |
| Thursday | 6 am–10 pm |
| Friday | 6 am–10 pm |
| Saturday | 6 am–10 pm |
| Sunday | 6 am–10 pm |
Running trails near Ann Arbor
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Argo Nature Area
4.7 ★★★★★ 1,108 reviews
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Bluffs Nature Area
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39-acre forested park featuring a variety of rugged hiking & biking trails & scenic ridge views.
Black Pond Woods Nature Area
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Park with picnic tables and kid-friendly hiking trails, plus plants and a bridge.
Cedar Bend Nature Area
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Bird Hills Nature Area
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The city's largest park at 161 acres, this hilly green space offers unpaved woodland hiking trails.
Barton Nature Area
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River park offering picnicking & trails amid meadow, forest & marsh, some accessible by boat only.