Mushroom Park

Whimsical Wonders

Tucked away between Waltham Drive and Saxon Street in Ann Arbor's Dicken neighborhood, Mushroom Park is a charming 1.54-acre green space that's as quirky as its name suggests. The park's gentle rolling hills create a natural playground, but what really steals the show? Those concrete mushrooms dotted within the grounds that have been delighting local kids for generations.

These painted fungi sculptures aren't exactly cutting-edge playground equipment (and probably wouldn't pass today's safety standards with flying colors), but they've become the park's signature feature. There's something wonderfully retro about watching children clamber over these whimsical structures just as their parents might have done decades ago.

Kid-Friendly Play Zone

Beyond the iconic mushrooms, you'll discover a modest play area that's fantastic for the younger crowd. The compact structure offers two slides and various climbing challenges that little adventurers will appreciate. Classic playground staples like monkey bars and swings round out the experience.

One of the more imaginative touches is the cute theater window with mushroom-shaped seating nearby - a wonderful spot for impromptu performances or quiet storytelling sessions. Wooden mulch covers the ground, while a magnificent shade tree watches over everything, providing welcome relief on those hot summer afternoons.

Seasonal Fun

When winter blankets Ann Arbor in snow, Mushroom Park transforms into a pint-sized sledding paradise. The gentle slopes that frame the sidewalk path are just right for elementary schoolers building their sledding confidence - not too intimidating, but still thrilling enough for genuine squeals of delight.

It's one of those rare spaces that actually has something to offer year-round, with different features taking center stage as the seasons shift.

The Basics

Throughout the park, you can find places to sit and relax, from traditional benches and picnic tables to those charming mushroom stools that perfectly match the park's theme.

Mushroom Park keeps things simple - you won't find bathrooms, sports fields, or elaborate trail systems here. This is very much a neighborhood spot, ideal for families with young children or anyone seeking a peaceful moment outdoors without a lot of bells and whistles.

If you're driving, plan to park along Waltham Drive or Saxon Street, as the park doesn't have its own lot.