What is there to do in Midland, Michigan?

There are plenty of fun things to do in Midland, Michigan including: discovering the 110-acre Dow Gardens and the country's longest canopy walk; taking in a Great Lakes Loons Minor League Baseball game; touring mid-century modern architecture and the Alden B. Dow Home and Studio; catching a Broadway show, concert, or performance inside Midland Center for the Arts; savoring some of the best local restaurants; and unwinding at nightlife hotspots like Three Bridges Distillery & Taproom and Midland Brewing Company.

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Dow Gardens

What are some of the top things to do outdoors in Midland, MI?

  • Dow Gardens With jaw-dropping florals, tranquil water features, architectural bridges, a tropical conservatory — and America's longest treetop canopy walk — enjoy this 110-acre oasis any time of year.
  • Great Lakes Loons Minor League Baseball Take in a ball game at Dow Diamond, with seating for 5,200 fans (and dozens of concession facilities).
  • Chippewa Nature Center Explore nearly 19 miles of nature trails and check out the two-story observation deck.
  • Pere Marquette Rail Trail Bike, hike, or inline skate this 30-mile trail — and begin your journey at The Tridge, Midland's iconic, three-legged bridge!
  • Nor'East Outdoors Choose a 2-5 hour pre-set trip to paddle the calm Chippewa River on a comfortable kayak.
  • Dahlia Hill Immerse yourself in eight terraces bursting with 3,000+ Dahlias of 340+ varieties. Insider tip: the Hill is usually in-bloom from July to mid-October.
  • City Forest Conquer winding mountain biking trails over flat land & steep hills, or hiking trails through the wooded scenery. Stop into Ray’s Bike Shop on-site to try out rentals!
  • The Commons Pedestrian Plaza With select Downtown Midland streets open only to pedestrian traffic during the summer months, relax right in the city streets at live turf areas with soft lounge seating, picnic tables, and even lawn games!
Alden B. Dow Home & Studio | @whalemap

What are some of the top things to do indoors in Midland, MI?

  • Alden B. Dow Home and Studio Explore an "oasis of architecture and inspiration," designated a National Historic Landmark and available for public tours.
  • Midland Center for the Arts Experience a one-stop destination for art, science, history, music, theater, dance, films, and world-class entertainers.
  • Mid-Century Modern Midland From the comfort of your car, discover more than 400 mid-century modern structures across the city with this mobile app at your fingertips.
  • Space Studios Visit The Glaze Bar to try your hand at creating from a wide selection of ready-to-be-glazed pottery.
  • AR Workshop Midland Pick your (candle-pouring, wood sign-making) project and get crafty with the help of an instructor!
  • Creative 360 Stop in for all kinds of creative endeavors to explore while enjoying art exhibits by area artists.

What are some fun things to do with kids in Midland, MI?

Serendipity Road | @serendipityroadmi

What are some of the best places to go shopping in Midland, MI?

  • Serendipity Road Browse a curated shop stocked with handmade gifts & goods by 75 talented Michigan artisans!
  • Peel 'N Pare Gifts for the Kitchen Sip from a fresh pot of coffee while you shop for all-things-kitchen & cooking.
  • Coyer Candle Co. Follow your nose to more than 100 scents of hand-poured soy wax candles.
  • Midland Area Farmers Market Early-May to mid-November, peruse this haven of locally sourced produce, meats, fish, cheese, eggs, fresh baked goods, and fresh-cut flowers.
  • Sassy & Chic Boutique Shop affordable fashions & accessories, alongside gifts & locally crafted goods.
  • Margos & Co. Check out this contemporary boutique for fashions, accessories, gifts, and home decor.
  • Botanica Modern Market Find clothing — and a complete home collection, from houseplants to stylish decor.
  • Willow Classic Ladies Apparel Explore casual, everyday clothing staples to gorgeous gowns.
  • Little Forks Outfitters Discover this family-owned outfitter, staffed with experienced fly-fishing & outdoor experts.
  • The Antique Center Wander through 8,000 square feet of antiques, vintage clothing, jewelry, and collectibles.
Chef Sergey's Bakery | @sergeysbakery

What are some of the best places to eat in Midland, MI?

Breakfast + Brunch

  • Chef Sergey's Bakery Experience an artisanal bakery, where traditional European breads & pastries pair with handcrafted specialty coffee beverages.
  • Crepes et Amis Taste a piece of Paris at Midland's creperie, with an assortment of made-to-order sweet & savory crepes.
  • Iron Dame Baked Goods Pop by this French-inspired bakery for flaky, buttery croissants to delicate, layered danish.
  • Live Oak Coffeehouse Linger over locally roasted drip coffee (and quiche to baked goods & breakfast sandwiches) at Midtown or Eastside Midland locations.
  • Creation Coffee Slip inside this airy shop for meticulously roasted coffee — and baked goods to breakfast sandwiches.

Lunch

  • Pizza Baker Bite into delicious, Neapolitan-style sourdough pies, wood-fired to perfection in an 800-degree oven.
  • Proper Taco Order up at this casual taco shop to savor house-made sauces and expertly seasoned proteins.
  • Pizza Sam's Taste a slice of Downtown Midland at this family-friendly spot serving pizzas & calzones to sandwiches.
  • Amazing Deli Choose from 25 specialty sandwiches, or 10 (Chili Dog to Bacon Cheddar Dog) creative hot dogs.
ONe eighteen | @oneeighteenmidland

Dinner

  • ONe eighteen Slip into a cozy booth to enjoy elevated American tavern fare & classic cocktails amidst mid-century modern styling.
  • Cafe Zinc Taste European culinary tradition — from Lobster Pasta to Steak Frites — in an elegant bistro, complete with fireside seating.
  • Gratzi Savor the perfect Italian meal, served in layered courses, from antipasti to artisanal pizzas, classic pastas, and the decadent final touch, dolce.
  • Beatniks "Eat. Drink. Groove." in a retro-inspired atmosphere, while enjoying elevated comforts & handcrafted cocktails.
  • Molasses Smokehouse & Bar Get your fill of St. Louis-style barbecue, smoked low & slow, and sip a signature mule in the industrial, rustic setting.
  • Maru Sushi & Grill Experience a Japanese fusion kitchen featuring one-of-a-kind sushi rolls, hibachi selections, and signature cocktails.
  • D'Alessandro's Italian Cuisine Spend an evening on the vineyard patio, with stone-oven pizzas to rich, authentic Italian classics — and a glass from their extensive wine list.
  • Veedu Indian Kitchen & Lounge Taste traditional Indian flavors with a refreshingly modern twist while exploring Tandoori Platters to Tikka Masala.
Three Bridges Distillery & Taproom | @three_bridges_distillery

What are some of the best spots for nightlife in Midland, MI?

  • The Commons Refreshment Area Grab a brew, wine, or cocktail to-go and step out into the Downtown Midland streets, where adult beverages can be openly enjoyed outdoors within the designated zone, all summer long!
    • Insider tip: you can even listen to The Commons Live Music Series for free, Friday & Saturday evenings throughout the summer months!
  • Three Bridges Distillery & Taproom Experience the rustic warmth of this distillery, brewery, and winery in one, while sipping your Hazy IPA or Rye Whiskey Sour!
  • Midland Brewing Company Relax in a beautiful backyard beer garden, complete with picnic tables & a fire pit, with pints like their flagship Copper Harbor Ale.
  • Whichcraft Taproom Discover 80 varieties (40 on tap) of beer, wine, cider, and mead exclusively by Michigan artisans.
  • Brinstar Open late-night, enjoy classic arcade games and 12 beers on tap, many from featured local brewers.
  • Nord Social Meet Midland's Nordic-inspired neighborhood hangout, serving seasonal & classic cocktails, crafted with house-made syrups & garnishes.
  • Oxygen Lounge Sink into this swanky, hip lounge setting for craft cocktails, local brews & spirits, and inventive bar snacks.
  • MI Element Grains & Grounds Sip your brew (beer or coffee) while snacking on baked goods and listening to live music.
  • Crazy Vines Winery Travel just out of town to sample wines, hard ciders, and charcuterie in a cozy atmosphere.
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Jen W. O'Deay + Go Great Lakes Bay

By: Jen W. O'Deay | Updates: Go Great Lakes Bay | Jen is a Saginaw native and owner of Feel These Words, an independent copywriting studio & home to the free "5 Day Website MiniBoost". Jen specializes in writing that connects, delivered through website copy, branded content articles, and WingWoman writing services. You'll find Jen camping with her family, laughing, and at feelthesewords.com