All plant museums to visit in Michigan

Immerse yourself in the world of plants at 11 museums in Michigan dedicated to botany. These museums explore the diversity, biology, and importance of plant life.

Do you love plants and nature? Here are the must-visit botanical gardens in Michigan:

  1. Matthaei Botanical Gardens & Nichols Arboretum1

    Matthaei Botanical Gardens & Nichols Arboretum

     Ann Arbor, MI
    The 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.
  2. Hidden Lake Gardens2

    Hidden Lake Gardens

     Tipton, MI
    Hidden 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.
  3. Belle Isle Conservatory3

    Belle Isle Conservatory

     Detroit, MI
    The 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.
  4. Michigan State University Horticulture Gardens4

    Michigan State University Horticulture Gardens

     East Lansing, MI
    The 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.
  5. W. J. Beal Botanical Garden5

    W. J. Beal Botanical Garden

     East Lansing, MI
    The 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.
  6. Lake Erie Metropark6

    Lake Erie Metropark

     Brownstown Charter Twp, MI
    Lake 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.
  7. Slayton Arboretum7

    Slayton Arboretum

     Hillsdale, MI
    Slayton 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.
  8. Leila Arboretum Society8

    Leila Arboretum Society

     Battle Creek, MI
    The 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.
  9. Fernwood Botanical Garden9

    Fernwood Botanical Garden

     Niles, MI
    The 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.
  10. 10

    Raven Hill Discovery Center

     East Jordan, MI
    Raven Hill Discovery Center, located in Michigan, United States, offers a variety of indoor and outdoor exhibits. These exhibits are designed for hands-on learning, making it an engaging experience for both children and adults.
  11. 11

    Chippewa Nature Center

     Midland, MI
    The 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.