ANN ARBOR, Mich., July 22, 2026 – MotorCities National Heritage Area and Destination Ann Arbor are partnering to showcase the automotive history, cultural landmarks and community stories that helped shape the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti region through a new Day in the MotorCities: Road Trip to Ypsilanti itinerary.
Part of MotorCities’ growing collection of automotive heritage itineraries, “A Day in the MotorCities” invites visitors and residents to explore the people, places and innovations connected to Michigan’s automotive legacy. The initiative highlights destinations throughout MotorCities National Heritage Area’s 16-county region and provides travelers with curated experiences created in partnership with local destination experts.
The Ypsilanti, MI itinerary will guide visitors through a collection of automotive-related attractions, historic sites, dining options and community experiences that reflect the area’s contributions to the mobility industry. The region’s automotive story includes manufacturing, design, innovation and the workers who helped build Michigan’s reputation as the birthplace of the modern automotive industry.
“MotorCities is proud to partner with destinations like Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti to bring Michigan’s automotive heritage stories to life,” said Executive Director Shawn Pomaville-Size of MotorCities National Heritage Area. “A Day in the MotorCities initiative gives visitors a new way to experience the people, places and innovations that transformed Michigan and shaped the world. By connecting communities through authentic heritage experiences, we are helping preserve and share the stories that continue to define our region.”
Through the “A Day in the MotorCities” program, MotorCities is working with tourism partners across the National Heritage Area to make automotive heritage travel easier to discover and explore. The program launched through partnerships with destinations across Michigan and continues to expand with new itineraries that highlight local automotive landmarks, attractions and experiences.
“Ypsilanti’s role in Michigan’s automotive and manufacturing history is a story visitors can experience firsthand through museums, local restaurants, historical markers and events,” said Sarah Miller, President and CEO of Destination Ann Arbor. “We’re grateful to partner with MotorCities National Heritage Area on an itinerary that makes these stories easy to explore and gives travelers another reason to spend time in the Ypsilanti area.”
Visitors can explore the new “A Day in the MotorCities: Road Trip to Ypsilanti” itinerary and begin planning their automotive heritage journey by visiting https://bit.ly/a-day-in-the-motorcities-ypsilanti-itinerary.
About MotorCities NHA:
Established in 1998 and headquartered in Detroit, MotorCities is a nonprofit and a member of the system of National Heritage Areas with the National Park Service. MotorCities National Heritage Area serves 16 counties representing a population of over 6.5 million. Its mission is to preserve, interpret and promote the region’s rich automotive and labor heritage. Regional programs inspire residents and visitors with an appreciation for how the automobile changed Michigan, the nation, and the world. To learn more about the organization, visit www.motorcities.org or follow their Facebook and LinkedIn pages at www.facebook.com/motorcities and www.linkedin.com/company/motorcities-national-heritage-area/
About Destination Ann Arbor:
Destination Ann Arbor is a 501(c)6 not-for-profit organization whose mission is to elevate economic vitality and connect our communities in Washtenaw County through the power of travel. For more information, visit AnnArbor.org.
Media Contacts:
LaTrisha Jackson
MotorCities National Heritage Area
Phone: (313) 259-3425 ext. 302
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Chad Wiebesick
Destination Ann Arbor
Phone: (734) 995-7281
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