Dow Gardens plus Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park

Dow Gardens

I don't know how I've lived in Michigan for so long and not gone to Dow Gardens. I've seen so much in my state, but somehow I haven't hit up this place!

My friend Julie and I went, and we had to buy tickets ahead of time. It's $10.00 for admission, and we ordered them online on an October day while our kids were in school.

We got there before it opened, so we hit up downtown for a coffee. Julie and I are late-in-life coffee drinkers. We both just started drinking it a few years ago, but we are now fully, completely, and totally in. Let me once again emphasize how much we're in.  So, we went to Espresso Milano in Midland.  I had a latte and it was so great. Sometimes coffee is good and sometimes it's okay, but this time...just go here. (My view may have been even more improved by the fact it was a gorgeous fall day, I was with Julie, we sat outside, and we were about to go on an adventure. But even if I were crabby, I still think it would have been great.)

We entered Dow Gardens and were blown away. It was huge! We made our way toward the canopy walk, which we'd both heard about. (The internet tells me it's the nation's longest canopy walk - 1,400 feet long and 40 feet above the ground.)

I loved the canopy walk. It was such a great view. Then we made our way around the entire place - waterfalls, gorgeous flowers, picturesque bridges, pretty leaves, and then Herbert and Grace Dow's house! I'm sure it's gorgeous in every season - it's open all year long.

I didn't know much about the Dows before I went here. I mean, I knew they built an industry, but I didn't KNOW know them. The museum here had a little bit of history about them, and it made me really like them. 

He was an inventor, and he had 90 patents to his name. As the Michigan Walk of Fame put it, "Herbert Dow literally put down roots in Midland. The orchards and gardens he planted around his home offered not only relaxation and an opportunity to research agricultural chemicals during his lifetime; they are now part of his legacy to the community." Grace and Herbert raised seven children together, volunteered and donated a lot, and after Herbert died, Grace founded The Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow Foundation and served as a trustee until she died.

They made a beautiful place, they started a wonderful business, and they then used their money to share this place with the rest of us. It was a fantastic day and visit. A latte cheers to you, Dows!

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park

Now, this place I have been to several times ... but this time I saw parts of it I've never seen before! Also, they frequently exchange the indoor exhibits. They're open 362 days a year, and it cost $14.50 to go.

I went with Kate and Moriah to celebrate Moriah's birthday! She even has a year membership. Again, we went when our kids were in school, and again, it made for a lovely day!

We started in the Japanese Gardens, and I was blown away. Bridges, leaves, and even bonsai trees. I couldn't believe I'd never seen that part of the gardens before. We walked to every inch of it to soak it all in. This was my favorite part of the whole place. (I just read right now that this opened in 2015. When was the last time I was here not just looking at butterflies? Uncertain.)

We then ventured to the sculpture gardens, and oh my goodness, it's so awesome to see art with people who love it as much as you do. So much fun discussion! My favorite was Lying Man. I won't show it here so you can go and see it and enjoy it as much as I did. I will show you how you can do an awesome photo shoot here against vines. WHY NOT?!

We went inside for the gallery exhibit, the chrysanthemum and fall flower exhibits, and the gorgeous, good-smelling, and humid plant rooms. I couldn't get over how beautiful it all was. Made even better with super-appreciative friends! 

Again, I'm so happy that this exists within an hour from my house. A little history: "Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park opened in April 1995 after 13 years of planning and fundraising by the West Michigan Horticultural Society. In 1990, Fred and Lena Meijer were asked for their support, and they embraced the concept of a major cultural attraction centering around horticulture and sculpture. The original vision has turned into a top cultural destination in the Midwest region, known internationally for the quality of the art and gardens. It is a non-profit organization...operated by almost 200 full and part-time staff, more than 850 volunteers and supported by gifts from more than 27,000 member households and many donors."

Now, on to my yard, which has gorgeous fall leaves ... all over the ground. Where are my armies of volunteers?!