Ypsilanti, commonly known as Ypsi, is a city in Washtenaw County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population of Ypsilanti was 21,018 at the 2020 census.
Ypsilanti has a long and rich history. In 1823, entrepreneurs Andrew D. Williams and George R. C. Leaf founded a trading post, which eventually developed into the Ypsilanti we know today. The village was officially founded in 1832, and in 1858, it was officially recognized as a city. Ypsilanti boasts the nickname "The Birthplace of the Snowmobile" since it was the location where it was invented in 1924 by a guy named Virgil White, who owned a local hardware store.
Ypsilanti is also recognized for its substantial Greek American population and cultural legacy. Over the years, its cultural scene has also emerged, resulting in an annual music festival known as the Ypsilanti Heritage Festival, featuring various musical genres and other fun activities.
Eastern Michigan University is located in Ypsilanti and is renowned for its commitment to art and culture, which can be seen in the campus art galleries and theatrical performances.
One-of-a-kind shops, eateries, and bars may be found in Ypsilanti's downtown district. The Riverside Arts Center, a gathering place for creative people, has played a crucial role in Ypsilanti's renaissance. The Ypsilanti Freighthouse, a converted train depot that now houses the thrilling Sidetrack Bar & Grill, is a must-see.
Ypsilanti has excellent walkability, a plentiful selection of attractive housing alternatives, and several green areas and parks, such as Frog Island, Riverside, and Recreation Park, where visitors and locals can play, relax, and play in Ypsilanti. Arbor Hospice's ArborCare, a palliative care facility, provides compassionate care to those in their last stages of life.
Ypsilanti, a former industrial hub, is undergoing revitalization, with innovative initiatives launching and locally owned shops and restaurants opening. The Ypsilanti Downtown Development Authority supports these efforts and organizes events, including the popular summer concert series, Last Saturday, and the newly launched "Ypsi Game On."