Dow Gardens

Dow Gardens in the Spring

Dow Gardens is a 110-acre (45 ha) botanical garden located at 1809 Eastman Avenue, Midland, Michigan, United States. Visitors are invited to leave the pathway and explore the uniquely-designed landscape, take a tour of the historic Pines Home, participate in one of many hands-on educational programs, stroll the nation's longest canopy walk, and discover beautiful art and music in a relaxed setting.

Dow Gardens began as a home for entrepreneur Herbert Dow, his wife Grace A. Dow, and their seven children, including Alden B. Dow. The 1899 Pines of Dow Gardens is located at the southwest corner of the campus. As a National Historic Landmark, The Pines welcomes visitors for guided tours and special events. The home, which is still filled with the Dow family's furnishings, provides an intimate look into their life. Upon Herbert's passing, Grace A. Dow established The Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow Foundation, which has charter goals to improve the educational, religious, economic, and cultural lives of the people of the City of Midland and the State of Michigan. Dow Gardens is a significant gift of The Foundation as the family shares the estate with the community and its visitors.

Attractions

In addition to the visitor center and gift shop, are the award-winning Children's Garden, Estate Garden, Exploration Garden, Founder's Circle, Orchard, Playground, and The Pines of Dow Gardens (a national historic landmark). During the spring/summer months, the Garden is home to over 35,000 annuals. Each year the Dow Gardens uses a variety of annual bedding plants as part of the summer botanical display.

Whiting Forest

Home to the longest Canopy Walk in the nation, Whiting Forest connected to Dow Gardens with a series of pedestrian bridges and walks in October 2018. The canopy walk is suspended up to 40 feet above the ground and is 1,400 feet long. Visitors can walk the trails, play in the children's playground and enjoy drinks and snacks in the cafe. Tour the longest canopy walk in the U.S. at Whiting Forest in Midland

Recent accolades

• 2017-AAS Landscape Design Challenge Winner
• 2018-TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence
• 2018-Keep Michigan Beautiful President's Award
• 2019-Midland Business Alliance Heritage Award
• 2019-Bette R. Tollar Civic Commitment Award
• 2019-AIA Tri-State Architectural Excellence in Design Bronze Award
• 2019-Society of American Registered Architects (SARA) Award of Merit

See also

• List of botanical gardens in the United States
• List of parks in Midland County, Michigan

External links

• Dow Gardens
• The Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow Foundation