Visit Dow Gardens Michigan: Spectacular Botanical Gardens, Butterflies, Waterfall, Nation's Longest Canopy Walk-Winter,  Spring, Summer, Fall 


Dow Gardens by Sherry Trautman | Travel-Mi.com | Updated February 1, 2023

Dow Gardens Michigan is home to:

Oh and be sure to attend the Dow Gardens Christmas Walk!

Virtually tour spectacular Dow Gardens with photos, videos



This phenomenal 110 acre botanical gardens is open year round as the changing seasons bring new glorious sights to discover as you wander the grounds.

I can't count how many times I have been to Dow Gardens.  Maybe literally 100 times? For me, it's a place of solitude, peace and beauty.  A place that offers exploration, wonder, art and inspiration for your gardens.  I also walk there for exercise as the paved trails offers over 3 miles of exercise while enjoying the beauty of the gardens.  


"Happiness is a butterfly, which when pursued, is always just beyond your grasp, but which, if you will sit down quietly, may alight upon you."

Nathaniel Hawthorne

Where is Dow Gardens?

Midland Michigan MapMidland Michigan Map


Location: 1809 Eastman Avenue, Midland, MI 

Dow Gardens is located in Midland Michigan.  Midland is home to the famous Tridge, the Loons baseball league, Chippewa Nature Center, Whiting Forest, Midland Center for the Arts and so much more!  Read more about Midland Michigan here!


Dow Gardens Map



Visit Dow Gardens During the Tulip Season is Exquisite!


I am in awe of Dow Gardens during tulip season.  If you are unable to make it to Holland's Tulip Time Festival, I highly highly recommend visiting these gardens as the traffic is minimal, the tulips are everywhere in vast amounts perfect for photography and well, parking is abundant and close.


Dow Gardens has about 1700 varieties of plants!!

It's a great place to scope out what plants work in Michigan so you have a better chance at growing your own garden successfully!

Visit the Nation's Longest Canopy Walk!


Plan to spend at least two hours exploring Whiting Forest and America's Longest Canopy Walk!  Lots of shade in the summer, very safe with high railings and lots of places to explore!



Near the Children's Garden is the long bridge that connects Dow Gardens to Whiting Forest. The views are amazing along the way! 

Your entrance fee at Dow Gardens offers admission to Whiting Forest and the Nation's Longest Canopy Walk at no extra charge.  So go check it out!  You will feel what it's like to be a bird soaring four stories high!


Is It Worth Visiting Dow Gardens located in Midland Michigan in Winter?

Yes! This beautiful botanical garden offers unexpected beauty all winter long!

Frequently Asked Questions


  • No pets allowed
  • The trails are paved so it is accessible for everyone. 
  • There is a daily fee and a yearly membership fee.
  • Restrooms are plentiful: Main building, Children's Garden, Arboretum and in the barn near the Arboretum.  
  • Dow Gardens is open all year and is closed for major holidays
  • Golf cart tours are available, just contact the Gardens for more information
  • Check Dow Gardens' website for movie nights (super fun), events and workshops


Why You Need to Visit During Dow Garden's Butterflies In Bloom!


I love Dow Gardens Butterflies in Bloom because spring is definitely in the air!  Birds are chirping, chipmunks are scurrying and the trees are juuuust beginning to bloom.  It's a great place to visit in Michigan!

Visiting the butterfly house at Dow Gardens in Midland, Michigan will get you outside, awaken your spirit and well, give you a bit of much needed fresh air.  It's kind of a two for one...butterflies AND a chance to explore the gardens!

Plus the sunshine, thawing creek and chirping birds revives my soul! I'm sure it will do the same for you!



Dow Gardens Butterflies In Bloom is an explosion of your senses!!  Watch stunning butterflies emerge from their chrysalis' and learn how to safely pick them up! Located in Midland, Michigan!


While Visiting Midland...


Pin This Dow Gardens Page!

Want More Photos and Videos of Dow Gardens??


We have tons more photos, videos and cool things to see at Dow Gardens on our Dow Gardens Tour!


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I've Got Butterfly Fever! (Only two weeks away!)⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ .⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I know I shouldn't be thinking about spring but it just keeps creeping into my thoughts! I took this photo at Dow Garden's last year when their butterfly house was open. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ .⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I was thrilled how the shadows danced across the leaf! Too bad the leaf had water spots, but that's natural, right? If you know what type of butterfly this is, please let me know!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ .⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ .⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ .⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ .⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #liveauthentic #beauty #nature #Michigan #puremichigan #greatlakesstate #travelingmichigan #michiganders #mittensmitten #butterflies #butterflies_lovers #butterfliesofinstagram #buterfliesandflowers #butterflieseverywhere #loving_butterflies #butterflyhouse #welivetoexplore #colorful #naturelovers #getoutdoors #adventure #instaphotographer #landscape #wanderlust #outdoors #keepitwild #simplyadventure #lifeofadventure

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About the Lead Author | Sherry Trautman

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    Sherry Trautman is a seasoned business owner and a multifaceted content creator, deeply entrenched in the world of travel in Michigan. With her extensive background in writing, editing, photography, marketing, website design, web mastering, social media, and publishing, she is the driving force behind the acclaimed Michigan Travel site "Travel-mi.com." A lifelong Michigander, Sherry's journey began in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan led her to St. Joseph during her formative years, and further to Kalamazoo for her higher education. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Design and Fine Art from Western Michigan University. Her career initially blossomed in Battle Creek, where she contributed significantly to aviation, marketing, and the art industry.

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