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Few small cities owe as much to one family as Midland does to the Dows. Herbert H. Dow founded his chemical company here in 1897, and the company still has its headquarters in town, but the family's deeper legacy is visible everywhere: in public gardens, a performing arts center and dozens of modernist buildings designed by his son, architect Alden B. Dow, a former apprentice of Frank Lloyd Wright.
The city of about 42,000 sits where the Chippewa and Tittabawassee rivers meet, a spot marked by the Tridge, a three-legged footbridge that is the starting point of the Pere Marquette Rail-Trail. Nearby, Dow Gardens unfolds over more than 100 acres, and its Whiting Forest holds one of the longest canopy walks in the country.
Spend a day touring the Alden B. Dow Home and Studio, browsing the science and art galleries at the Midland Center for the Arts and catching a Great Lakes Loons game at Dow Diamond. The Chippewa Nature Center protects woods and wetlands along the river, and Heritage Park tells the story of the town's lumbering and chemical past.
Begun by Herbert H. Dow in 1899, these gardens cover more than 100 acres with sculpted lawns, a rose garden, streams, waterfalls and the famous red bridge. Paths lead past seasonal displays from spring tulips to fall color. One admission ticket also covers the Whiting Forest canopy walk across the street.
Part of Dow Gardens, this canopy walk of about 1,400 feet is among the longest in the United States. It rises up to 40 feet above the forest floor, with a glass-floored lookout, a swaying net section and an orchard view. Ramps make it accessible to strollers and wheelchairs, and the cafe below serves lunch.
A large nature preserve along the Chippewa River with more than 15 miles of trails through woods, meadows and wetlands. The visitor center has wildlife exhibits and a viewing window, and the grounds include a homestead farm and a log schoolhouse. Trails are free and open daily from dawn to dusk.
The architect's own home and studio, built from his patented unit blocks beside a pond, with rooms that seem to float over the water. A National Historic Landmark, it shows his idea of organic architecture down to furniture and lighting he designed. Visits are by guided tour only, so reserve in advance.
A wooden footbridge with three legs that meet over the confluence of the Chippewa and Tittabawassee rivers in Chippewassee Park. Opened in 1981, it is the city's best-known symbol and a favorite meeting point. A summer farmers market sets up nearby, and the rail-trail starts right here.
Built in 1926, this Tudor Revival courthouse is unusual for the large murals on its exterior walls, created by artist Paul Honore to depict scenes from county history. The building is still used by the county, so admire it from the lawn and take a slow walk around all four sides to see each scene.
A paved trail of about 30 miles that starts at the Tridge and follows a former railroad northwest toward Clare. Mostly flat and shaded, it passes woods, farm fields and small towns, with rest stops along the way. Rent a bike in town and ride a few miles out along the Tittabawassee River and back.
A performing arts complex designed by Alden B. Dow and opened in 1971, with theaters for concerts, plays and dance. Inside is the Alden B. Dow Museum of Science and Art, whose hands-on science exhibits and traveling art shows appeal to all ages. Check the calendar for evening performances.
A cluster of history sites near the Midland Center for the Arts, including the Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow Historical Museum, set in a replica of an old flour mill, and the Bradley Home Museum and Carriage House. Exhibits cover the lumber era, early Dow Chemical and family life around 1900.
Home of the Great Lakes Loons, a minor league affiliate of the Los Angeles Dodgers, this downtown ballpark opened in 2007. Tickets are inexpensive, the lawn seating suits families, and summer nights often end with fireworks. Kids can run the bases after Sunday games; check the schedule for promotions.
Main Street runs a few blocks from the river with restaurants, coffee shops, a brewery and locally owned stores. Sculptures dot the sidewalks, and summer brings concerts and the farmers market by the Tridge. In winter, the streets glow with lights for the holiday season, when the town hosts its festive walks.
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