12 Best Things to Do in Midland, MI

By VI Staff on February 13, 2022 - Updated

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Midland is a gorgeous Tri-Cities destination in Central Michigan, best known as the former home of renowned American architect Alden B. Dow, an apprentice of Frank Lloyd Wright whose beautiful estate home is considered to be a 20th-century masterpiece of American architecture. The beautiful Midland Center for the Arts, designed by Dow, showcases a plethora of cultural performances and hands-on museum exhibits celebrating the arts, sciences, and humanities. More than 3,000 acres of gorgeous parkland stretches throughout the city, including passive recreation waterfront areas and multi-use trail networks. Certain attractions may be temporarily closed or require advance reservations. Some restaurants are currently offering pickup only. Hours/availability may have changed.

1.Whiting Forest of Dow Gardens

Whiting Forest of Dow Gardens is a stunning 54-acre woodland area set on the grounds of the beautiful Whiting estate, designed by renowned 20th-century architect Alden B. Dow. The forest, which was opened to the public in 2004, is home to gorgeous meadow, apple orchard, and pond and stream habitats, as well as the nation's longest canopy walk, which soars more than 40 feet above the ground and was recently opened in 2018. The 1,400-foot canopy walk is designed to be accessible to all guests throughout the year in every season, showcasing three arms and a unique nature viewing platform 25 feet in the air. The Whiting Forest Café serves up light lunch fare, including soups, salads, coffee, and pastries.

Forest Visitor Center, 2203 Eastman Ave, Midland, MI 48640, Phone: 989-631-2677

2.Alden B. Dow Home and Studio

Alden B. Dow Home and Studio preserves the gorgeous former residence of 20th-century architect Alden B. Dow, a former apprentice of Frank Lloyd Wright who earned national acclaim in his own right throughout the 1930s and 1940s. The stunning home, which was constructed between 1934 and 1937, was designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1989 and awarded the prestigious Paris Prize for Residential Architecture for its beautiful lyrical composition. In 2014, the home was listed on Traditional Home's list of the 25 best historic homes in America. Visitors can explore the home throughout the year as part of guided public tours, which offer information about the facility's unique diverging angles and use of reflective light. Tours last approximately an hour and a half, offered between February and December.

315 Post St, Midland, MI 48640

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3.The Tridge

The Tridge is a three-way wooden footbridge stretching across the confluence of the Tittabawassee and Chippewa Rivers, near downtown Midland's Chippewassee Park. The bridge, which is named for a portmanteau of the words "tri" and "bridge," was constructed in 1981 and is anchored around a 31-foot-tall central pillar supporting all three of its spokes. It has become known as a major tourist attraction in the Tri-Cities area, surrounded by 35 acres of surrounding parkland that is known as one of Midland's top outdoor recreational destinations. Though it is mainly used as a pedestrian footbridge, it is also open to skateboarders, cyclists, and inline skaters. The bridge marks the start of the 3.5-mile Chippewa Nature Trail and hosts public concerts on select summer evenings. Each year, the bridge hosts an annual Labor Day Walk event sponsored by the Chippewa Nature Center.

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4.Dow Diamond

Dow Diamond is the home of the Single-A Great Lakes Loons Minor League baseball team, affiliated with the Los Angeles Dodgers as part of the Midwest League. The stadium, which is located in downtown Midland, is sponsored by the Dow Chemical Company and is a reference to both baseball diamonds and the company's signature red diamond logo. It was opened in 2007 and has hosted several Midwest League All-Star Games throughout its tenure, along with regular season home games for the Loons against other Minor League teams. Seating for up to 9,000 includes 12 luxury suites with onsite catering.

825 E Main St, Midland, MI 48640

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5.Midland Center for the Arts

Midland Center for the Arts is a gorgeous landmark building in downtown Midland that was designed by internationally-renowned architect Alden B. Dow, opened to the public in 1970. The stunning complex is home to two performing arts venues, showcasing performances by regional arts groups like Center Stage Theatre, which presents musicals, comedies, and dramas throughout its performance season. Midland Symphony Orchestra presents concerts under the direction of music director Bohuslav Rattay, while five choral groups draw participants and audiences from across the Great Lakes Bay Region. Visitors can also peruse exhibits at the Alden B. Dow Museum of Science and Art or learn about the region's history at the Midland County Historical Society. Each year, the center presents the annual MATRIX:MIDLAND Festival, which celebrates the arts, sciences, and humanities.

1801 W St Andrews Rd, Midland, MI 48640, Phone: 989-631-5930

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6.Chippewa Nature Center

Chippewa Nature Center is a nonprofit nature center and protected wildlife area spanning more than 1,348 acres throughout Michigan's Lower Peninsula, opened in 1964. The nature center has become one of the United States' largest and most acclaimed nature centers throughout its tenure, encompassing beautiful forest, river, and wetland habitats. 15 miles of gorgeous nature trails are open to the public year-round from dawn to dusk, offering opportunities for hiking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. Wildlife common to the center includes North American river otters, American mink, great horned owls, and bald eagles. Visitors can explore the facility's Nature Center Store, which sells nature-themed books and gifts, or view hands-on exhibits at its Ecosystem Gallery. A plethora of nature-focused programming is presented by the center throughout the year, most for free or nominal entrance fees.

400 S Badour Rd, Midland, MI 48640, Phone: 989-631-0830

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7.Dahlia Hill

Dahlia Hill is a delightful protected garden area spanning 1.41 acres throughout the city of Midland, operated by the nonprofit educational organization of the same name. The garden, which was founded by Charles Breed and Bill Fisher, showcases more than 3,000 dahlia plantings each year, with blossoms ranging in size from two to 14 inches and spanning a beautiful array of color schemes. More than 250 varieties of the flower are showcased, planted each year by nonprofit organization members. Surplus flower tubers are sold throughout the spring months, available for purchase by non-members. A lovely museum honors the artwork of Charles Breed, focusing on his unique use of plastic as an art medium.

2809 Orchard Dr, Midland, MI 48640, Phone: 989-631-0100

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8.Midland Brewing Company

Midland Brewing Company was opened in its first incarnation in 1935 inside a creamery building in the city's downtown district, operating as the region's premiere brewery throughout much of the 20th century. It was reopened in 2010 in its modern incarnation, known for excellent year-round brews such as its flagship Copper Harbor Ale, Arbuckle Cold-Brew Coffee Stout, Three-Mile Market Hefeweizen, and Midland Brut IPA, brewed with champagne yeast and Mosaic and Citra hops. Visitors can enjoy drafts at the company's public tasting room, which offers an outdoor beer garden throughout the warmer months. Growler fills are available to go, along with six-pack sales of the company's flagship and seasonal brews. Delicious gastropub-style food offerings include artisanal burgers, sandwiches, shareables, and flatbreads.

5011 N Saginaw Rd, Midland, MI 48642, Phone: 989-259-7210

9.Maru Sushi

Maru Sushi is the vision of restaurateurs Robert Song and Moon Yang, opened in 2009 in Okemos. The restaurant offers several locations today through the Great Lakes Bay Region, including a delightful location in downtown Midland. High-quality sushi selections are crafted with California-sourced premium sushi rice and fresh market produce, stuffed with a variety of housemade sauces and spice blends. Chef's choice omakase platters feature delicious signature roll and sashimi options, ranging from classic favorites like California and spicy tuna to signature varieties like the Madagascar, which blends tempura shrimp, kampyo, rooster sauce, serrano peppers, and garlic eel paste. Shareable appetizer selections are also offered, including firecracker shrimp, bulgogi beef skewers, and flash-fried calamari.

715 E Main St #120, Midland, MI 48640, Phone: 989-633-0101

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10.Shier's Deli and Catering

Shier's Deli and Catering was founded in 2014 by married duo George and Kristin Shier, serving up an eclectic menu of soups, sandwiches, and Upper Peninsula-style pasties. All menu items are prepared from scratch from the family-owned deli's kitchen, including delicious sandwiches prepared to order with fillings like house-smoked brisket, pastrami, and melt-in-your-mouth pulled pork. Upper Peninsula favorites include handcrafted pasties and housemade Cudighi. Pasties are served up Wednesdays and Saturdays, stuffed with ingredients like fresh-ground chicken, rutabaga, carrots, potatoes, and onions and served with housemade gravy and ketchup. Daily specials include grilled meatloaf sandwiches, Cubans, and Colorado-style pork green chili.

2218 N Saginaw Rd, Midland, MI 48640, Phone: 989-832-3354

11.The Boulevard Lounge

The Boulevard Lounge, nicknamed The Bully, is one of Midland's oldest restaurants, known as a top area hangout and lounge since its opening in 1959. The restaurant, which has been helmed original owner Clyde Dexter's son Scott since 1995, has been rated as the region's top burger joint by area publications, renowned for its friendly service, delicious mixed drinks, and excellent breakfast and brunch deals. Hot bubbling 10-inch and 14-inch pizzas are served up throughout the day, along with acclaimed half-pound burgers smothered in mashed potatoes and gravy, walleye pollock fish dinners, 21-piece shrimp platters, and house signature wet burritos. Creative shareables include deep-fried green beans, breaded mushrooms, and Brew City fries. Keno and karaoke are offered for diner entertainment, along with a selection of delicious domestic and regional beers on tap.

316 S Saginaw Rd, Midland, MI 48640, Phone: 989-832-5387

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12.Grand Traverse Pie Company

Grand Traverse Pie Company was originally founded in Traverse City in 1997 by married duo Denise and Mike Busley. Today, the company operates more than 15 locations throughout Michigan, including a location in downtown Midland. Fresh, handmade pies are served up in the restaurant's cozy dining space, along with a delicious selection of lunch and dinner menu items. Seasonal pie flavors include delicious flavors like Montmorency cherry crumb, apple caramel pecan, chocolate peanut butter cream, and toasted pecan pumpkin brown sugar. Diners can also choose from savory menu items such as broccoli cheddar quiche, chicken focaccia sandwiches, and cherry chicken salad prepared with Michigan dried cherries.

2600 N Saginaw Rd, Midland, MI 48640, Phone: 989-839-4872