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15 Best Michigan Botanical Gardens, Arboretums, Conservatories, Sculpture Parks to Visit This Summer, Fall and Winter | Ann Arbor, Detroit, Lansing, Grand Rapids, Midland, Traverse City and Battle Creek
15 Best Michigan Botanical Gardens, Arboretums, Conservatories, Sculpture Parks to Visit This Summer, Fall and Winter | Ann Arbor, Detroit, Lansing, Grand Rapids, Midland, Traverse City and Battle Creek
By Sherry Trautman | Travel-Mi.com | Last Updated: March 11, 2023
Now that summer is in full swing, it’s time to get outside and smell the roses! Let your imagination soar as we explore fantasy forests, dizzying labyrinths, record-breaking canopy walks, 24-foot horses, and swoon-worthy botanical gardens throughout Michigan!
We hope you enjoy these Michigan Botanical Gardens as much as we do! It's a great way to explore our great outdoors with your friends and family!
Plus, many of these botanical gardens, arboretums, conservatories and sculpture parks are open year round so you can enjoy them in the spring, summer, fall and winter!
"Never Underestimate the Healing Power of a Quiet Moment in the Garden"
1. University of Michigan Matthaei Botanical Gardens - (Ann Arbor Botanical Gardens)
Fabulous Ann Arbor Botanical Gardens:
Gardens, trails, and a conservatory, oh my! We are always wowed by the spectacular display of bonsai trees as some are over 100 years old! Check out the perennial, Helen V. Smith woodland wildflower and medicinal gardens for inspiration and sheer beauty.
Be sure to grab the University of Michigan Matthaei botanical gardens trail map and wander along the five very different trails to spot the labyrinth, sparkling ponds, peaceful prairie, and stunning overlooks!
We love to try and spot turtles and muskrats while crossing the boardwalks over Fleming Creek and at Willow Pond! This is one of our favorite Michigan Botanical Gardens!
Address: 1800 N Dixboro Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48105
Hours: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Admission: Free
Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible restrooms, gardens, and picnic areas. Plus, handicap parking is located near the entrance, and wheelchairs are available to rent on a first-come, first-serve basis. So be sure check out this botanical garden in Ann Arbor!
2. W. J. Beal Botanical Garden and Campus Arboretum at Michigan State University in East Lansing
The highlights of this lovely Michigan botanical garden is the paved pathways, lovely ponds, shade trees and flowers along the way.
The W. J. Beal Botanical Garden is a 5-acre botanical garden located on the campus of Michigan State University in East Lansing, Michigan
- Did you know this Michigan botanical gardens open in 1873!! So they know a thing or two about flowers and gardening!
Address: W Circle Dr, East Lansing, MI 48824
Hours: Beal Garden is open year-round, sunrise to sunset.
Admission: Free
Parking: Visitor Parking is at Lot 62 located South of the Red Cedar River, near the corner of Chestnut Road and Red Cedar Road adjacent to Spartan Stadium. Pay for parking at the nearby parking kiosk. Parking is free along West Circle Drive but only on weekends and after 6:00 on weekdays.
Accessibility: The Garden is accessible by using the Red Cedar River Trail from the west end of the Administration Building or by crossing the Beal Street Bridge at the west end of the botanical gardens.
3. Leila Arboretum – Battle Creek
Leila Arboretum is 85 acres of beautiful paved walkways, gardens and 2,500 marked trees and plants. Lush rolling hills of flowering trees, blooming flowers and waving grasses beckons you to grab your water bottle and head out for a stroll.
And the best part? The enchanted Fantasy Forest! If you walk softly, you’ll encounter wise wizards, wonderous trees, whimsical characters and fire breathing dragons! Oh, and you if you are lucky, you just might meet Groot!
Don't miss these fantastic Michigan Botanical Gardens!
Address: 928 W Michigan Ave, Battle Creek, MI 49037
Hours: Daily from dawn to dusk
Admission: Free!
Accessibility: Wheelchair and stroller accessible outdoors as there are many paved walkways. Restrooms - portajohns
When You Visit See: fun things to do in Battle Creek!
4. Fernwood Botanical Garden and Nature Preserve (Fernwood Gardens Michigan)
Fernwood Niles MI (near Buchanan)
The lovely Fernwood Botanical Garden is located near the St. Joseph River in Niles, Michigan, near Buchanan. Located in Berrien County, Fernwood is close to Southwestern Michigan’s wine country and popular beach towns such as St. Joseph, South Haven (be sure to see the famous South Haven Lighthouse) and several southwest Michigan golf courses.
Address: 13988 Range Line Rd, Niles, MI 49120
Hours: This Niles Michigan botanical gardens is open all year round
Admission: There is a fee to enter the ground but free to members.
Fernwood is home to 105 acres of protected land with several ecosystems making this Michigan botanical garden a birder watcher’s paradise. There are several miles of walking and hiking trails, a reconstructed prairie, arboretum, and cultivated public gardens that include an herb garden, Japanese garden, perennial border, rain garden, railway garden, fern collection, and lovely streams. Also be sure to check out the outdoor sculptures, see how many you can find!
5. Hidden Lake Gardens
Michigan State University in Franklin Township/Tipton.
755-acre arboretum & botanical garden with collections of rare conifers, hostas & bonsai. Enjoy the greenhouse complex, sparkling lake, picnic area, and thousands of labeled trees, shrubs and flowers. What an incredible Michigan vacation idea!
- See Hidden Lake Gardens' new incredible treetop canopy walk! Just stunning in the spring, summer, fall and winter!
- Elevated boardwalk
- See the bonsai courtyard and several display gardens
- Picturesque lake that is incredible to see in the fall with the brilliant hues of the surrounding trees!
- 6 miles of paved one way drives and 12 miles of hiking trails.
Address: 6214 Monroe Road (Hwy M-50), Tipton, MI 49287
Hours: Hours vary per season so check their website for details. The Bonsai Courtyard is closed for winter and will reopen late April.
Fees: Adults are $10 at the time of this writing.
Are dogs allowed at Hidden Lake Gardens? Dogs on leashes are welcome
How much does it cost to go to Hidden Lake Gardens? $10 for adults or there are memberships available.
How big is Hidden Lake Gardens? 755 acres
6. Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory - Detroit
This summer, be sure to visit Detroit’s Belle Isle Park that has housed the Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory since 1902.
This fantastic conservatory boasts five different indoor gardens: an 85-foot Palm House; a Show House with changing seasonal displays; a Tropical House; a Cactus House; and a Fernery.
The Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory is the oldest continually operating conservatory in the United States! How cool is that!
Address: 4 Inselruhe Ave, Detroit, MI, located on Belle Isle in Detroit.
Hours: Wed - Sun: 10 AM - 5 PM
Admission: Free
Accessibility: Wheelchair and stroller accessible indoors and outdoors with ramps and paved pathways. Wheelchairs are also available to rent.
See more fun things to do in Detroit!
7. MacArthur Park Arboretum in Mount Clemens Michigan
MacArthur Park Arboretum is a 2.1-acre park that is an arboretum and outdoor classroom for children studying trees and plants. There is a jogging path and boardwalk to dock a boat or fish. A universally accessible kayak launch is also available.
Address: 96 N River Rd, Mt Clemens, MI 48043
Admission: Free
8. Michigan State University Horticulture Gardens in East Lansing
The Michigan State University Horticulture Gardens are horticultural gardens, with a landscape arboretum
Address: 1066 Bogue St, East Lansing, MI 48824
Hours: open daily from sunrise to sundown.
Admission: Free
Parking: Use Lot #54 which is a pay-by-plate lot (enforced M-F 6:00am to 10:00pm; free on weekends). Pay immediately at one of the nearby pay stations by entering your license plate number and then payment.
Visit the stunning conservatory, walk the paved pathways and enjoy the Judith DeLapa Perennial Garden and ponds. The Michigan State University Horticulture Gardens has several events happening throughout the year and you can even rent the gardens for wedding or other events. Get the Horticulture Gardens walking path map.
When You Go: Here's Lots of Things To Do in Lansing! Oh, and be sure to tour our Michigan Capitol!
9. Fredrick Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park – Grand Rapids
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is a family friendly 158-acre botanical garden and outdoor sculpture park located in Grand Rapids that will absolutely wow you!
Flower, sculpture and art lovers will delight in the world-class gardens, ponds, sculpture exhibits and vast art collections featured both inside and outside.
Music fans will be in absolute heaven during the summer concert series from June – September at the Amphitheater Garden. Don’t miss my favorite sculpture in the park, the famous 24-foot monument, The American Horse, inspired by the work of Leonardo da Vinci!
Fredrick Meijer Gardens’ gift shop offers beautiful and intriguing art, books, gardening items, and keepsakes. We love eating at the James and Shirley Balk Café not only for their delicious meals but the ceiling is adorned with colorful glass sculptures created by renowned artist, Dale Chihuly.
Michigan Botanical Gardens really calms my mind, soul and body. This one is sure to do the trick for you!
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The American Horse (1999) by Nina Akamu at Frederik Meijer Gardens is a must-see! It’s absolutely huge! I was there by myself otherwise I’d have to stand under it to show you how tall it is!! . Per FMG’s website, “A monument to creativity, The American Horse was created by famed animaliere, or animal sculptor, Nina Akamu. The work was inspired, in part, by a work created by Renaissance master Leonardo da Vinci for the Duke of Milan in the late 15th century. The project was championed by Fred Meijer in the late 1990's, resulting in two casts of the 24-foot monument—one for Meijer Gardens and one for the city of Milan, Italy. In addition to inspiration from Leonardo, Akamu was also inspired by the history of equine imagery and the study of horses.” Definitely worth checking out!! . . . #fredrickmeijergardens @meijergardens #gianthorse #sculpture #sculpturepark #exploremich #botanicalgardens #puremichigan #puremichiganders #coolfinds #mittigan #greatlakesstateofmind #grandrapids #grandrapidsmi #grandrapidsmichigan #michigangarden #horses #michigander
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Address: 1000 E Beltline Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525
Hours: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sunday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday– Saturday
Admission: $14.50 Adults (14-64), $11 Seniors (65+) and Students with student ID, $7 Children (5-13), $4 Children (3-4), Free for children 2 and younger
Accessibility: Wheelchair and stroller accessible indoors and outdoors with ramps and paved pathways. Wheelchairs are also available to rent.
10. Dow Gardens – Midland (Fantastic Michigan Botanical Gardens to Visit During All 4 Seasons!)
Prepare to be wowed by Dow Gardens’ outstanding 110-acre botanical gardens featuring a breathtaking waterfall, several sparking ponds, a gurgling river, intriguing sculptures, and an interactive children’s garden.
Dow Gardens is now connected by a pedestrian bridge to Whiting Forest that is home to the Longest Canopy Walk in the United States!
Plan to spend at least four hours wandering the paved pathways, discovering new favorite flowers and capturing perfect photos on Dow Gardens’ iconic red bridges.
The gardens are open year round with workshops, classes, and events for adults and children. I absolutely love the candlelit pathways during the Christmas season!
Address: 1809 Eastman Ave, Midland, MI 48640
Summer Hours: 9 a.m. – 8:30 p.m. daily
Admission: $20 Annual Pass, $10 Adult daily, $2 Kids (6-17), Free for kids 5 and under
Accessibility: Dow Gardens has over 3 miles of barrier-free hard-surfaced pathways including Whiting Forest. There are a limited number of wheelchairs available to reserve at no additional charge.
See more fun things to do in Midland Michigan!
11. Historic Barns Park Botanical Gardens - Traverse City
The beautiful 56 acres of botanical gardens at Historic Barns Park is constantly expanding and growing. Check out the largest labyrinth in the United States (60 feet!), modeled after the stunning Chartres Cathedral in France.
Be sure to search for the secret garden and if you are feeling lucky, quietly enter the enchanted Fairy Trail to discover the homes of elusive fairies and possibly catch a glimpse of their fluttery wings. Don’t miss the huge nest and gorgeous views of the city along the trails.
Join in on the informative free tours offered daily so you can learn more about the barns, gardens, and artwork throughout the Botanical Gardens. Walking and biking trails connect to 7 miles of trails at the nearby Grand Traverse Commons.
Address: 1500 Red Dr, Traverse City, MI 49684
Summer Hours: 9 a.m. – 8:30 p.m. daily
Admission: Free
Be sure to visit these Michigan Botanical Gardens this summer! It is a great way to support our local gardens and is healthy for you and your family!
When you go: Grab our Traverse City Guides!
12. Slayton Arboretum at Hillsdale College in Southern Michigan
14 acres, is an arboretum located adjacent to the campus of Hillsdale College in Hillsdale, Michigan. Its grounds include fieldstone buildings, two stone gazebos, a children’s garden, nature trails, a waterfall, and two ponds. Quiet and serene, “the Arb,” as it’s affectionately known, is a place for students and the community to get into nature.
Address: Barber Dr, Hillsdale, MI (South of Jackson)
Hours: Open daily from dawn to dusk
Also be sure to see the Children’s Garden with a pond, Blue Ribbon Fair Garden, herb garden, and a willow teepee. So many fun things to do in Michigan with kids!
13. Cranbrook House & Gardens - Southeast Michigan (Detroit-Bloomfield Hills)
Cranbrook House & Gardens: Tour the 1908 arts-and-crafts home with 40 acres of gardens. Incredible gardens, fountains and history!
- The Cranbrook House tour season runs from June through October.
- In the winter, restroom facilities will be closed, sculptures covered and fountains turned off in the gardens, but you can wander the gardens.
- Be sure to visit the Cranbrook Art Museum and Observatory also.
Address: 380 Lone Pine Rd, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48304
Hours: Vary per season.
Enjoy all 40 acres of Cranbrook Gardens - featuring gorgeous plantings, fountains all across the gardens, statuary, sparkling lakes and streams from spring through fall!
- The Japanese Garden is a favorite of visitors and locals alike. There are over 20 gardens surrounding Cranbrook House all complemented by sculptures and other works of art.
There are guided and self-guided tours of the grounds. Check the Cranbrook House & Gardens website for tickets, schedule, and events throughout the year.
In Summary: Tour the Cranbrook house, gardens, observatory and art museum. You will need reservations.
When You Go: The famous Woodward Dream Cruise is a nearby event. Also, grab our Detroit: Top Museums and Fun Things to Do guide.
14. Taylor Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
Taylor Conservatory & Botanical Gardens located in southeast Michigan.
Address: 22314 Northline Rd, Taylor, MI 48180
The gardens and trails are free! Taylor Conservatory & Botanical Gardens offers several events throughout the year. The Conservatory is a lovely 1/3rd scale replica of the Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory on Belle Isle in Detroit.
Wander the beautiful gardens and woodlands. Check ahead prior to visiting as the gardens may be reserved for private events. Lovely way to spend a spring afternoon in southeast Michigan.
15. Lillian Anderson Arboretum at Kalamazoo College
The Arboretum is comprised of 140 acres of marsh, meadow, pine plantation and second-growth deciduous forest in Oshtemo Township, Kalamazoo County, Michigan.
Grab the Lillian Anderson Arboretum trail map!
Address: 7787 West Main St, Kalamazoo, MI 49009
Hours: open to the public from dawn to dusk.
Accessibility: Wheelchairs, strollers, and mobility assistance can utilize the paved path along Pavilion field loop.
- Dogs are welcome but must be leashed at all times and any solid waste must be cleaned up.
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Dow Gardens during the spring tulip season is breathtaking!Visiting Dow Gardens is a MUST-SEE during all four seasons. See our Dow Gardens page for lots of photos and info! Also, visit the Dow Gardens Longest Canopy Walk in America!
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