Website | Directions: 1801 W. St. Andrews Rd., Midland, MI 48640
Considered a Midland science museum located at the Midland Center for the Arts. The Alden B. Dow comprises three levels of permanent interactive science exhibitions known as the Hall Of Ideas and the fourth level of expansive space for continually changing visual art and science exhibitions. Unfortunately, due to flooding in 2020, some exhibits are unavailable.
The ABDM offers exhibits that are constantly changing, so you can come back again and again to experience something new. The museum also has a planetarium, theater, and gift shop where you can buy educational toys or souvenirs from your trip around Michigan’s Great Southwest!
Website | Directions: 3200 Cook Rd., Midland, MI 48640
The Herbert H Dow Historical Museum is a Midland, Michigan, museum dedicated to the city’s history and its founder, Herbert Henry Dow. The museum is located in the Dow Center on the campus of Mid-Michigan Community College, founded by Dow in 1959.
Of all the Midland Mi museums, the Herbert H. Dow Historical Museum has multi-media exhibits that provide a fascinating look at the birth of Midland’s most prominent business and the evolution of the chemical and pharmaceutical industries.
The Museum is open during “Hands on History” Weekends.
Website | Directions: 3417 W Main St, Midland, MI 48640
The Herbert D. Doan Midland County History Center is the gateway to Heritage Park. It houses a permanent hands-on gallery of interactive exhibits of Midland County history from the beginning to today; a gallery of featured exhibitions; a research library for local and general history; and an archival collection of Midland County artifacts.
The museum features exhibits on everything from Native American history to the auto industry, with a particular focus on what it was like to live in our area 100 years ago. Visitors can go through interactive displays that show different aspects of life at that time: farm life, school life (including homework!), and homemaking tasks like sewing clothing or preparing meals. There’s even a mock library where you’ll find an old-fashioned card catalog system!
The Doan History Center is open Monday – Friday, 8:30 am – 5 pm. Closed weekends and holidays. Admission to the Dorothy Dow Arbury Gallery is free.
Website | Directions: 2222 N Smith St Sanford, MI 48657
This is the only of our Midland Mi museums not located in the city. The Sanford Centennial Museum honors the history of Sanford, Michigan. The property features nine authentically restored and furnished old buildings, including two schools, a local shop, a log cabin, a township hall, a church, a railroad terminal, a train, and a Santa home. The Main Museum is housed in a former schoolhouse from 1910. In addition, the Museum hosts several community activities throughout the year.
Inside the buildings are collections of vintage tools, logging implements, political memorabilia, a dentist’s office, a saloon, toys, household goods, and much more.
Website | Directions: 3200 Cook Road, Midland, Mi 48640
Bradley relocated from New York to Midland in 1866 and founded a food business and dry goods company. He was also the town’s Postmaster and served as alderman, village council president, board of education, and ward supervisor. Bradley could also run other enterprises, such as a publishing company and an insurance firm.
The Bradley house, completed in 1874, is an excellent example of Victorian Gothic architecture. The Carriage House displays 15 horse-drawn vehicles, blacksmithing equipment, and related artifacts. The largest operational blacksmith shop in Mid-Michigan is also on display.
In 1921, Bradley lost the house in bankruptcy, and it was purchased by the next-door St. Brigid’s Roman Catholic Church. The church used it as a rectory until 1969 when it was slated for demolition. Local preservationists formed the Bradley House Society, which purchased the house and moved it to its present location. The group rehabilitated the house and opened it to the public in 1972. The Bradley House Society merged with the Midland County Historical Society in 1976 and installed a historical park surrounding the house. The house remains open to the public.
From April through October, Thursday-Saturday 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Sunday through Wednesday: closed. Major holidays and the week of July 4th are excluded. Bradley Home Tours are available at 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., and 3:00 p.m. Adults pay $5, while children pay $3.
Website | Directions: 1809 Eastman Avenue, Midland, MI 48640
Dow Gardens is a botanical garden located in Midland. Initially established in 1899, the 110-acre Dow Gardens now welcomes thousands of guests annually. Experience a dazzling 110-acre display of annuals and perennials punctuated by distinctive bridges and much more.
Open Tuesday – Sunday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.
There are about three miles of ADA Accessible hard-surface pathways within the Gardens and Forest.
Each Spring, 22,000 flowering bulbs appear. Landscapes are refreshed annually.
During the spring/summer months, the Garden is home to over 35,000 annuals.
Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow constructed The Pines, their first house, in 1899. Their house evolved and was altered, yet it remained the beating heart of this dynamic family. Herbert experimented with fruit cultivation and garden development.
As a National Historic Landmark, the Pines welcomes tourists for guided tours and special events. The house, which is still furnished with Dow family items, allows an intimate view of their lives.
Website | Directions: 1300 W Main St, Midland, MI 48640
When you visit the garden, you’ll see it is full of various colors and shapes. The Dahlia Hill is a Midland public garden where people can relax and see beautiful flowers. It’s open during the summer, which makes it a fantastic place for families to visit with their kids! Your family will love the view of downtown Midland from this unique vantage point.
Like the number of Huron County Mi Museums, we hope this list has inspired you to visit one of Midland’s museums or gardens. We know there is so much more fun in Midland, Michigan, and we hope this guide will help your family discover it. So whether you’re looking for something educational or just want to enjoy some time together as a family, plenty of options are available!