Dow Gardens
Dow Gardens
4.5
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
About
Originally established in 1899, as a home for Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow and family, the 110-acre Dow Gardens now welcomes thousands of guests per year. 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, and discover beautiful art and music in a relaxed setting. Dow Gardens is comprised of an Estate Garden, Exploration Garden, and Whiting Forest, which is home to the nation’s longest forest canopy walk.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
577 reviews
Excellent
441
Very good
120
Average
15
Poor
0
Terrible
1
boopsie58
Grand Rapids, MI104 contributions
Jul 2021
We have been to Meijer Sculpture park and gardens in Grand Rapids and was wondering how Doe Gardens would compare. We were not disappointed. Beautiful grounds. The canopy walk is amazing both adults and children loved this. The only thing we were disappointed in was we could not tour The Pines Home. When I made the reservations there was no mention of this home. If in Midland this is a great place to take children and very reasonable priced
Written July 28, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bob S
Cincinnati, OH2,458 contributions
Sep 2021
A really nice outdoor garden park. At $20 for each adult it's a bit pricey but the grounds are gorgeous and well maintained with a broad variety of trees, flowers and bushes. I'd rate it 5 stars for quality but the high price makes it a four star attraction. We didn't have time to see it all but will be back (in spite of the high price) to see all of it when we have more time.
Written September 12, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello, Bob! Thank you for making Dow Gardens a part of your visit. Our general admission fee is actually $10.00 for adults, daily; however, visitors may choose to purchase an annual admission card for $20.00 per person, which provides admission for one year through the month of purchase.
Written September 13, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Morella
Farmington Hills, MI1,113 contributions
Oct 2022 • Family
The Canopy Walk , part of the Whiting Forest, is espectacular! The Fall colors give a picture perfect background.
The walk is not long. Note that each segment offers something unique (a view of a lake, a net where kids can play, a transparent overlook, etc).
There is a cafe towards the end of the walk: good quality barista style coffee, and a few eating items. There is a fireplace inside with plenty of seating available. The tables outside are beautiful as well. Every single detail was carefully watched.
There is a 0.7 mile walk from the Dow Gardens to the Canopy area. If you’re going with someone who has difficulty walking, you can request a parking pass that allows you to park at the Education Center.
If you like fall colors: NOW is the time to go.
The walk is not long. Note that each segment offers something unique (a view of a lake, a net where kids can play, a transparent overlook, etc).
There is a cafe towards the end of the walk: good quality barista style coffee, and a few eating items. There is a fireplace inside with plenty of seating available. The tables outside are beautiful as well. Every single detail was carefully watched.
There is a 0.7 mile walk from the Dow Gardens to the Canopy area. If you’re going with someone who has difficulty walking, you can request a parking pass that allows you to park at the Education Center.
If you like fall colors: NOW is the time to go.
Written October 15, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dudoldve
Bokeelia, FL405 contributions
Sep 2021 • Friends
Very well done gardens and canopy walk with many different interesting areas. Both the canopy and the gardens are completely wheelchair accessible. The canopy is ramped and the garden has wide paved walkways. There is beautiful and interesting glass artwork throughout the gardens, historic homes and a pretty stream. There are areas set up in the grass for one just to sit and enjoy the surroundings and a cafe. Priced very fair.
Written September 12, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cori L
Bruce Township, MI49 contributions
Aug 2022 • Couples
Always a beautiful, enjoyable visit! My husband and I have visited several times over the years and enjoy spending several hours here. I have gone at various times during the year and it is still a great visit even if things aren't in full bloom. We went to the children's garden section this time which we had skipped before and it may have been my favorite part! There are large sections of herbs and vegetables planted and they encourage you to take 2 ripe items per visit. Great way to get adults and kids excited about gardening. I am blown away by how beautiful vegetables can be. The forest section with the canopy walk is fun as well. And be sure to stop at the coffee shop on the forest side- they serve very tasty coffee beverages. The iced almond joy latte was a perfect accompaniment for a stroll through the woods.
Written August 8, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Amanda B
Richmond, MI32 contributions
Jul 2022 • Family
This place is an affordable, great day trip. We drove 1.5hrs to spend the day there. There is plenty to do for all ages, if you enjoy the outdoors.
I recommend brining a small stroller for littles, or children who can’t walk long distances. This place is also wheelchair friendly, I noticed.
They have a great sandwich/coffee/ Ice Cream shop, located by the children’s play area. Huge sandwiches for $6. The ice cream is delicious as well.
The grounds are well maintained, beautiful, and tranquil. I spent 5hrs here with a toddler and young child. Highly recommend.
I recommend brining a small stroller for littles, or children who can’t walk long distances. This place is also wheelchair friendly, I noticed.
They have a great sandwich/coffee/ Ice Cream shop, located by the children’s play area. Huge sandwiches for $6. The ice cream is delicious as well.
The grounds are well maintained, beautiful, and tranquil. I spent 5hrs here with a toddler and young child. Highly recommend.
Written July 21, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ChelH
Grand Rapids, MI115 contributions
Mar 2020 • Family
We had wanted to visit for a while and visited in March finally (just a week before the state shut down). So glad we were went there when we did. It was a little chilly, but we layered up and loved every bit of it. The butterfly room was open, the walks were pretty even without blooms, and my kids absolutely loved the playground and the bridges and treetop stuff. Will be planning a trip in the summer or fall when the colors are in full show off mode!
Written August 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MichiganMom71
Clarkston, MI457 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
Gorgeous, large gardens with so much to see and great activities for all ages. I took my daughter and her three friends there for her 18th birthday and we all had a blast. The canopy walk is an amazing experience and we appreciated the cafe for a brief mid-day rest and snack. There were so many sections to see and although we walked miles, I don't think we saw it all. I would love to return here and do it all again. Great gift shop, too.
Written April 25, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
rdsm77
Tucson, AZ394 contributions
Jul 2021
Unfortunately I was in town on a very rainy day. It had stopped raining when I got there, but looked like it could start up again so I went through the grounds fairly quickly. I had already paid for a ticket online so it’s not something I could really skip. At least the place wasn't crowded! I think the gardens would have been much better had I gotten there before the flowers were damaged by heavy rain but there were still plenty of pretty flowers there. The glass sculptures were beautiful too. Definitely something to see.
Written September 15, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Elizabeth O
Royal Oak, MI4 contributions
Sep 2020
We expected to spend about an hour or so here, but wound up exploring for more than three. We visited in late summer but there were still tons of different plants in full flower. We lost count of the different garden areas - loved the herb garden and the gardens by the house. Lots of trails to wander along. Almost every plant and tree had identifying tags which was great if you're looking for ideas for your own gardens. We spent about two hours in the gardens before heading across the bridge to the Canopy Walk area. Also awesome.
Wonderful day, spent almost 4 hours onsite, walked about 4.5 miles.
Wonderful day, spent almost 4 hours onsite, walked about 4.5 miles.
Written September 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Do I have to get an admission ticket online or can I buy one at the location itself?
What is the best time of year to visit Dow Gardens?
P4551RNwilliamm
24 contributions
Spring, summer, or fall. This is an encyclopedic garden, so there will always be something in bloom.
LVCT
Ann Arbor, MI35 contributions
Hi! Is the canopy walk shaded?
robgeorgie
Chesterfield, MI101 contributions
It is in the trees. Shaded naturally but dependent on where the sun is coming from and how dense the foliage is.
occams-razor
Antioch, IL87 contributions
What happened to Dow Gardens and the Canopy Walk with the flooding? Will it be able to reopen when all is safe from covid or were the gardens ruined? Thanks!
goudahoo
Ada, MI37 contributions
The flooding missed the gardens
Is it too early in the season to visit the outdoor grounds?
Kristen I
Michigan11 contributions
Hello! We are seeing new and wonderful blooms in the gardens daily. The outdoor sculpture exhibit, Origami in the Garden, will also begin this Sunday, April 28! Hope to see you soon!
773charlenec
Winston Salem, NC42 contributions
Hello, planning on visiting early June, passing through to UP. How long should we allow for the Canopy Walk?
Kristen I
Michigan11 contributions
Hello,
Thank you for your interest. We recommend allowing at least an hour to explore the Canopy Walk. We also recommend that you visit the gardens while there. You could easily spend another hour there.
Is there a separate charge to tour the Dow house.
Brenda B
29 contributions
I do not know, we didn't tour the house.
suespaulding
Frankenmuth, MI
Is there anywhere to get something to eat?
msr345
Grosse Pointe Woods, MI274 contributions
I do not recall any such facility on the property, but nearby there are places
dgartside
DeWitt, MI
Is the Alden Dow Home decorated for Christmas and available for tours
Kristen I
Michigan11 contributions
Hi, dgartside! The homestead of Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow, the Pines (c.1899) is located within the garden. Tours are offered weekly throughout the year. The home of their son, architect Alden B. Dow, is viewable but not accessible from the garden and is managed separately. For information regarding this residence please contact (989) 839-2744.
what is the entrance fee for the gardens?
Kristen I
Michigan11 contributions
Hi, Larry! Adult admission is $5.00 daily (or $10.00 for an annual pass.) Kids 6-17 and students (with i.d.) are just $1.00. Kids 5 & under are FREE.
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