Things to do in Midland
Alden B. Dow Home & Studio
Designed in 1933 by Alden B. Dow as his architectural office and private residence. The complex is a masterpiece of organic architecture and is surrounded by a pond and lush plants and next to the Dow Gardens. Building materials included the unique unit block system of Dow's own design and a seamed copper roof, which has acquired a green patina. Tours are available February through December. Call 989-839-2744 for more information.
315 Post Street, Midland, MI
Apple Valley Doll Works Factory & Doll Workshop
Observe how dolls are made from start to finish. The process includes molding, painting, face make-up, clothing and production of award winning dolls. Design your own customized doll with opportunity to buy. Open Monday - Thursday. Call 989-835-9388 for more information.
519 S Badour, Midland, MI
Bradley Home and Carriage House Museum
A charming reflection of 19th century American city life, the Bradley Home Museum offers inviting room displays inside a Gothic Cottage style home painted in the traditional tri-color design. Benjamin and May Bradley built their home in 1874, at the height of the Victorian era when Midland was a bustling frontier lumber town. Every visitor is welcomed to the home by a friendly guide and given a personal tour through each of the well-appointed room. The period wall coverings, fabrics, window designs and furnishings have all been selected and restored with careful attention to historic detail. Colorful, old fashion gardens, including a heritage rose garden, surround the home. A Carriage House, with antique sleighs, carriages and a working blacksmith forge, is just a few steps away. The Carriage House Hall hosts parties and events for up to 200 guests. Open Sunday 1 -5pm; Wednesday - Saturday 10am – 4pm. Group tours are by appointment. Admission is charged. Call 989-832-5319 for more information.
3200 Cook Road, Midland, MI
Chippewa Nature Center
Chippewa Nature Center features 14 miles of hiking and cross-country ski trails which traverse the center's 1000 acres of forest, fields, wetlands, ponds and rivers. Located at the confluence of the Pine and Chippewa Rivers, the visitor center includes ecosystem gallery, a nature center store and classrooms for educational programs. Call 989-631-0830 for more information.
400 S. Badour Road, Midland, MI
Doumel Tree Farms
Variety of Christmas trees on 150 acres. Scotch or White Pine; Blue Spruce; Fraser, Douglas, Concolor or Balsam Fir. Tree wrapping, wreaths/boughs, 9' trees, flocked trees, living trees. Christmas tree sales start the day after Thanksgiving and our holiday activities begin. Every Saturday and Sunday from 1- 5 pm until Christmas we invite you to bring the family out for a free horse drawn wagon ride and visit with Santa Claus. Call 989-631-2221 for more information.
3765 Rockwell Drive, Midland, MI
Dow Gardens
Winner of the Governor's Embassy Award, the gardens feature over 100 acres of flowers, shrubs, ponds and trees in a relaxing pastoral setting. Curving paths meander past a waterfall, beside a winding brook and over bright red bridges. One path leads to the Conservatory with lush tropical orchids and seasonal displays. Spring blooms with an array of 20,000 tulips, rhododendrons, and flowering trees. Throughout the summer, the roses, annuals and perennials are splendid. Autumn offers a time to enjoy the magnificent colors of the season. And winter brings a tranquil, snow-covered landscape. A Sensory Trail introduces the gardens to people with disabilities. In the hands-on children's garden the young and young-at-heart can explore a tree house and goldfish pond plus have fun learning about wildflowers, vegetables, and aquatic plants. Open all year 10 a.m. until dusk, except major holidays. Call 989-631-2677 for more information.
1809 Eastman Avenue, Midland, MI
Hall of Ideas
What's 10 feet tall, 10,000 years old, hairy, wears size 80 sneakers? You can find the answer to that and many other questions in the Hall of Ideas, where visitors are encouraged to see, touch, hear and explore interactive exhibits explaining the world's natural wonders. Located in Midland Center for the Arts, the Hall of Ideas is a science museum dedicated to discovery. Call 989-631-5930 for more information.
1801 W St Andrews, Midland, MI
Herbert H. Dow Historical Museum & Bradley House Museum & Carriage House
The Bradley home was built in 1874 and is a fine example of Victorian Gothic architecture. There is also a carriage house on the premises with horse drawn carriages and a working blacksmith's forge. The Herbert H. Dow Historical Museum is a replica of the original Grist Mill, known as the Evens Flour mill. This site is sponsored by the Midland County Historical Society. Call 989-832-5319 for more information.
3200 Cook Road, Midland, MI
Maple Syrup Day
Come and watch as tree sap is turned into maple syrup on March 15, 2003 at the Chippewa Nature Center. Learn as you watch this process during our family event beginning at 10 am. A pancake breakfast, demonstrations by the Midland Woodcarvers and the Homestead Quilters. Held 2nd weekend in March at the Chippewa Nature Center in Midland. Call 989-631-0830 for more information.
Midland Center for the Arts
The tri-city's home for the arts, the sciences and the humanities. We feature a 1,500-seat auditorium, 400-seat theater and museum, and many different exhibits during the year. Call 989-631-5930 for more information.
1801 W St Andrews, Midland, MI
Midland Center for the Arts with The Hall of Ideas
The family friendly, hands-on exhibits in science, art and history featuring Michigan and the Great Lakes, are an awesome adventure dedicated to Discovery! See a giant skeletal replica of an American Mastodon, captain a Great Lakes fishing boat, set off a mine blast, ride in a John Deere combine, create your own computer music and step into "your" future on three spectacular levels with over 50 interactive stations. On the fourth level Arts Midland Galleries feature ever-changing exhibitions of art from around the world and nostalgic Historical Society displays that take you back to another time and place. Hall of Ideas and Galleries are open daily 10am – 6pm (except major holidays) and during performance hours. Call 800-523-7649 for more information.
1801 West St. Andrews, Midland, MI
Midland Civic Arena
Public skating, leagues & clubs, pro shop and skate rental Call 989-832-8438 for more information.
515 E. Collins Street, Midland, MI
The Tridge
Midland's "Tridge" is a three-legged pedestrian footbridge spanning The Forks, the confluence of the Tittabawassee and Chippewa Rivers. Each leg of The Tridge spans 180 feet linking recreational areas with the downtown area. The Tridge is a gathering spot for people of all ages to come together. In the summer, canoe rentals are available for a paddle up the Chippewa or Tittabawassee. Midland's Riverdays Festival is held each July at The Tridge. The Tridge may very well be the only three-legged pedestrian bridge in the USA!
Ashman Street, Midland, MI
Trilogy Park
An awesome 15,000 square-foot park for skateboarders and inline skaters only. The park contains ramps, rails and quarter pipes. An exciting good time for the boarders and spectators alike!