Whiting Forest of Dow Gardens

Gorgeous. Peaceful. Lovely place for a walk.

Using live reindeers as props is cruel and outdated

Just beautiful canopy walk! We loved it and plan to visit in the spring and summer when it's warmer. We visited in November so it was cold and most things are dead, but still beautiful.

Great place to check out the fall colors, take the kids while adults can swoon over some nature views

Nice way to spend the day, we were looking for something new to do and we enjoyed ourselves walking around

very nice garden, Lots of flowers and nature. Canopy walk is very pleasant but plan for lots of walking. canopy is aways away from visitor center.

Awesome

Been here several times. Always enjoy my visit.

The canopy walk is lovely and peaceful. It was an easy walk suitable for anyone. The grounds are meticulously maintained and easy to navigate. The Forest Cafe and restrooms are located near the canopy walk.

Not easy to find entrance due to construction, it was a bit confusing. Better to go early.

Dow Gardens in Midland, MI is truly a gem and a place that exceeded my expectations. From the moment we walked in, the grounds were spotless and extremely well cared for. One of the features I really appreciated was that nearly every plant and tree was tagged, so not only do you get to enjoy the beauty of the gardens, but you also learn along the way. For someone who enjoys plants and landscaping, this is a wonderful touch that makes the visit both relaxing and educational.

We covered about 3.5 miles walking through the gardens, which felt like just the right amount to take in the highlights without being overwhelming. The trails are easy to follow, and as you go, you’ll come across a variety of landscapes—from open, colorful flower beds to shaded paths and beautifully designed garden sections. The colors throughout were simply stunning, and as you can see from the photos I’ve added, it’s an incredible place for photography.

About halfway through our walk, we stopped at the café located right inside the gardens. It’s a nice break spot that offers beverages, coffee, ice cream, chips, and a few other snacks. It really adds to the experience, especially on a warm day when you need to cool off or recharge before continuing your walk.

If you’re bringing kids, they do have a dedicated play area within the gardens, but honestly, the canopy walk seemed to be the biggest hit with the younger visitors. I saw so many kids excited and full of energy while crossing it. I had thought the canopy walk would be a little longer based on photos I’d seen beforehand, but even though it was shorter than I expected, it was still absolutely worth experiencing.

Another major plus is that the gardens are handicap accessible, which makes it possible for people of all ages and mobility levels to enjoy. That’s something not every botanical garden offers, and it really stood out to me.

Overall, Dow Gardens offers the perfect mix of natural beauty, education, and accessibility. Whether you’re a local or just visiting Midland, it’s a place I highly recommend. Plan on spending at least a few hours here to fully enjoy the trails, the café, and the canopy walk. It’s a wonderful way to spend a day surrounded by nature.

Amazing walks through the trees. Had free fruit from their orchard. Various adventures to do. Tree houses, rope bridges, glass outlook, tree trampoline.

This place was awesome 👍..I enjoyed every minute of it.. can't wait to go back

If you haven’t wandered through the Whiting Forest yet, you’re missing out on such a treat. It’s one of those places that feels like you’ve stepped into a little pocket of calm, where the everyday noise just melts away. The flowers are everywhere—bright pops of color lining the paths and filling the air with that fresh, earthy smell you only get outdoors. Birds were chirping nonstop, like they were putting on their own little concert just for us. And the best surprise of the day? We spotted an otter playing by the water, which pretty much sealed the deal on making the walk unforgettable.

Always a great experience. And enjoy the different seasons