Great Lakes Bay Gardens Tour
From lush, sprawling botanical gardens that cover 110 acres in color to serene Japanese gardens revered among the most authentic in North America — these gardens of the Great Lakes Bay are each worth a visit. Take your time while wandering through them all!
Dow Gardens
Midland
Dow Gardens
Delight your senses within Dow Gardens' 110-acre botanical oasis. See 22,000 bulbs emerging in spring — and 35,000 annuals each spring & summer — and pack a picnic to spread out on the lawns. Stroll through Color, Rose, and Estate Gardens, wander along streamside paths, and snap pictures of unique architectural bridges & tranquil water features throughout.
Midland
A quick hop over from Dow Gardens, discover Dahlia Hill's eight terraces — bursting with 3,000 dahlias of over 300 varieties! Visit for free (dawn to dusk, July to October) and see all 19 different dahlia petal types, sprinkled in with impressive sculpture on display.
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Bay City
Netsled within Bay City's waterfront Veterans Memorial Park, experience the Kantzler Memorial Arboretum. Enjoy 12 acres of well-maintained plantings — and a stretch of scenic Riverwalk that spans the full length of the park!
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Saginaw
With botanical beds, babbling fountains, and gorgeous bronze sculptures, spend time enjoying the outdoor sculpture garden at Marshall M. Fredericks Sculpture Museum. And with more than 200 works by "America's public sculptor" just inside, save plenty of time to soak it all in.
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Saginaw
Saginaw Art Museum & Gardens
Beyond the impressive art collection inside this Georgian-Revival mansion, just outside, its Italianate gardens offer even more eye-candy to enjoy! Walk the neatly hedged garden rows to view blooms like Japanese anemone before touring the Museum's permanent collection & rotating art exhibitions.
Saginaw
Tucked along the banks of Lake Linton, discover tranquil Japanese gardens considered among the most authentic in North America! Wander past the bamboo gates to take in weeping cherry blossoms & water features — and reserve a Traditional Tea Ceremony to complete the serenely beautiful experience.
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Saginaw
Centered around a sparkling pool & fountain complete with sculpture by Marshall M. Fredericks, this manicured rose garden includes more than 200 rose bushes, alongside flowering shrubs, trees, and plants. Watch for annual garden-centered events like the Art & Garden Festival or Jazz in the Garden!
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Frankenmuth
Dedicated in honor of Frankenmuth's German sister city, Gunzenhausen, the Memorial Park Rose Garden offers a secluded, picturesque setting where you can stop to smell the roses — or picnic on its expertly groomed lawns.
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Downtown Frankenmuth
See Our Cities in Bloom
Stroll through Downtown Frankenmuth to take in the beauty of hundreds of hanging flower baskets — or cruise your way through Midland Blooms, a 2.5-mile floral corridor that flanks both sides of Midland's Eastman Avenue. You could also enjoy the elaborate gardens at Frankenmuth Mutual Insurance, complete with a shaded pergola and peaceful reflecting pool.
TAKE IN THE COMPLETE GARDENS TOUR
Saginaw Valley State University, 7400 Bay Road
University Center,
Michigan
48710
527 Ezra Rust Drive
Saginaw,
Michigan
48601
120 Ezra Rust Drive
Saginaw,
Michigan
48601
Discover Inspiring Art + Enlightening History
From a historical museum in an enchanting castle to a naval ship museum aboard a National Historic Landmark — chances to dive into the region's rich history are here.
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Cool Off On This Tasty Scoop Loop
Whether you're craving locally churned, hand-dipped ice cream piled high in a house-made waffle cone, or you'd rather order up a sundae with all the fixings — these creameries & scoop shops will satisfy your sweet tooth!
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