Do you love spending time in nature? Here are the best gardens and parks in Michigan:
1The Heidelberg Project
Detroit, MIThe Heidelberg Project is an outdoor art project located in the McDougall-Hunt neighborhood on the east side of Detroit. It was established in 1986 by artist Tyree Guyton, who was assisted by his wife, Karen, and grandfather Sam Mackey. The project began as a political protest against the deterioration of Guyton's childhood neighborhood after the 1967 riots. Over the years, it has evolved into a vibrant and colorful art installation that has transformed the neighborhood and attracted visitors from around the world. 2Ford House - Edsel and Eleanor
Village of Grosse Pointe Shores, MIThe Edsel and Eleanor Ford House, a historic mansion, is situated at 1100 Lake Shore Drive in Grosse Pointe Shores, northeast of Detroit, Michigan. The mansion stands on a site known as "Gaukler Point", which is located on the shore of Lake St. Clair. This location offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore a historic site while also enjoying the natural beauty of the lake. 3Marshall M. Fredericks Sculpture Museum
Zilwaukee, MIThe Marshall M. Fredericks Sculpture Museum is an art museum dedicated to the life and works of the renowned sculptor, Marshall Fredericks. The museum provides an in-depth look into Fredericks' artistic journey, showcasing his unique style and the evolution of his work over the years. 4Eli & Edythe Broad Art Museum - Zaha Hadid Architect
East Lansing, MIThe Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum, also known as MSU Broad, is a contemporary art museum situated at Michigan State University in East Lansing, Michigan. The museum was officially opened to the public on November 10, 2012. 5Fort Gratiot Lighthouse
Port Huron, MIThe Fort Gratiot Lighthouse is a significant landmark located on the west bank of Lake Huron. It is situated to the north of Fort Gratiot, near Port Huron in St. Clair County, Michigan. This location offers visitors a chance to explore the lighthouse and its surroundings, which include the beautiful Lake Huron. 6Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park
Grand Rapids, MIThe Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park is a sprawling 50-hectare area that houses both a botanical garden and a sculpture park. It is located in Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA. This location is often referred to as the Meijer Gardens and is considered one of the most significant cultural events in the American Midwest. 7Matthaei Botanical Gardens & Nichols Arboretum
Ann Arbor, MIThe Matthaei Botanical Gardens is a vast 121-hectare (300-acre) botanical garden that is managed by the University of Michigan. It offers a wide variety of plant collections and natural areas for visitors to explore. The gardens are named after Frederick C. Matthaei, Sr., a former rector of the University of Michigan, who, along with his wife Mildred, donated 200 acres of land for the botanical garden. 8Alden B. Dow Home and Studio
Midland, MIThe Alden B. Dow Home and Studio, located in Midland, Michigan, is a significant architectural site as it served as the residence and workspace of renowned 20th-century architect Alden B. Dow. The site is recognized nationally for the quality and originality of Dow's work and his association with Frank Lloyd Wright. 9Hidden Lake Gardens
Tipton, MIHidden Lake Gardens, colloquially known as Hidden Lake, is a sprawling 755-acre botanical garden and arboretum nestled in the scenic Irish Hills of southeast Michigan. The gardens are operated by Michigan State University and are renowned for their extensive collection of native and nonnative trees, shrubs, and flowers. The gardens were gifted to the university by Harry Fee in 1945 and have since become a popular destination, attracting nearly 45,000 visitors annually. 10Belle Isle Conservatory
Detroit, MIThe Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory, also known as the Belle Isle Conservatory, is a greenhouse and botanical garden located on Belle Isle. This 982-acre island park is situated on the Detroit River within Detroit, Michigan. The conservatory is the oldest continually-running conservatory in the United States, having opened in 1904. It is named after Anna Scripps Whitcomb, who donated her collection of 600 orchids to Detroit in 1955. 11Michigan State University Horticulture Gardens
East Lansing, MIThe Michigan State University Horticulture Gardens are a significant attraction located on Bogue Street on the Michigan State University campus in East Lansing, Michigan. These gardens are open to the public daily without charge, making them a popular destination for visitors. The gardens have been a part of the campus since the founding of the Michigan Agricultural College, which later became Michigan State University. 12W. J. Beal Botanical Garden
East Lansing, MIThe W. J. Beal Botanical Garden is a significant botanical garden that spans across 5 acres. It is conveniently located on the campus of Michigan State University in East Lansing, Michigan, United States. This location makes it easily accessible for visitors who are interested in exploring the diverse range of plant species that the garden has to offer. 13Liberty Hyde Bailey Museum & Gardens
South Haven, MIThe Liberty Hyde Bailey Museum, located at 903 Bailey Avenue in South Haven, Michigan, holds significant historical value as it is the birthplace and childhood home of renowned horticulturist Liberty Hyde Bailey. This location offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the early life and influences of Bailey, who made significant contributions to the field of horticulture. 14Lake Erie Metropark
Brownstown Charter Twp, MILake Erie Metropark is a vast recreational facility spanning 1,607 acres. It is strategically located between the mouth of the Huron River on Lake Erie to the south and the City of Gibraltar to the north. This positioning offers visitors a unique blend of natural beauty and urban convenience. 15Dow Gardens
Midland, MIDow Gardens is a large botanical garden spanning 110 acres. It is situated at 1809 Eastman Avenue in Midland, Michigan, United States. This expansive garden offers a unique landscape for visitors to explore and enjoy. 16Slayton Arboretum
Hillsdale, MISlayton Arboretum is a 14-acre arboretum that is situated next to the campus of Hillsdale College in Hillsdale, Michigan. It is privately owned but is open to the public. The arboretum is a significant part of the college and has been used by students since the 1860s. It officially began in 1922 when Mr. and Mrs. George A. Slayton donated the land to Hillsdale College. 17Windmill Island
Holland, MIWindmill Island Gardens is a unique municipal park situated in the city of Holland, Michigan. It houses the 251-year-old windmill De Zwaan, which holds the distinction of being the only authentic, operational Dutch windmill in the United States. This historical windmill adds a touch of Dutch heritage to the park, making it a fascinating destination for those interested in history and architecture. 18Leila Arboretum Society
Battle Creek, MIThe Leila Arboretum, located at 928 West Michigan Avenue, Battle Creek, Michigan, is a public arboretum and garden that spans 72 acres. This expansive green space offers a tranquil setting for visitors to explore and enjoy. 19Fernwood Botanical Garden
Niles, MIThe Fernwood Botanical Garden and Nature Preserve is a beautiful destination located at 13988 Range Line Road in Buchanan Township, Michigan. It spans an impressive area of 105 acres, offering a vast space for visitors to explore and enjoy. The garden is open to the public, with an admission fee charged for entry. 20Cranbrook House and Gardens
Bloomfield Hills, MIThe Cranbrook Educational Community, recognized as a National Historic Landmark in the United States, was established by newspaper magnate George Booth in the early 20th century. This prestigious educational institution is located in Bloomfield Hills, a wealthy suburb of Detroit. It is a testament to the vision of its founder and offers a glimpse into the history and development of education and art in the United States. 21Old Post Office Museum
Grand Marais, MIThe Old Post Office Museum, located in Grand Marais, offers a unique glimpse into the town's history. Built in 1905, this distinctive five-sided building originally served as a jewelry store before becoming the main post office for nearly 70 years. In 2007, the building was donated to the Grand M- 22
Michigan Legacy Art Park
Thompsonville, MIThe Michigan Legacy Art Park, situated near Thompsonville, Michigan, is a 30-acre outdoor sculpture park. It is located on the grounds of the Crystal Mountain Resort, making it a unique blend of nature and art. The park offers a unique opportunity to explore art in an outdoor setting, surrounded by the natural beauty of Michigan. - 23
Chippewa Nature Center
Midland, MIThe Chippewa Nature Center (CNC) is a non-profit educational organization that also serves as a protected wildlife area. It is located in Michigan's Lower Peninsula and spans over 1,500 acres. This vast area includes forests, rivers, and wetlands, providing a diverse and rich environment for visitors to explore.