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Dow Gardens

110 acres of nature's beauty

photo by Harold Klassen

The Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow Foundation is celebrating seventy-five years of philanthropy. The Foundation provides grants to qualifying organizations for religious, charitable, scientific, literary or educational purposes for the public benefaction of the inhabitants of the City of Midland and the people of the State of Michigan. The Foundation's signature gift each year is the Dow Gardens as they share the family estate with the community and its visitors.

What's in bloom?

Local talent have captured the essence of the season by “"Containing Winter Creativity”". Check out the innovative container exhibit January - February!

2012 Annual Admission Cards are in!

Pick yours up at the gift shop or order online here and have them shipped to you.

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dow_gardens_map.pdf

photos by Harold Klassen & Dow Gardens

ABOUT US

admission
history
e-newsletter
staff
volunteer
plants
store
directions

admission

Prices

Daily admission:Adults = $5.00Students (ages 6-17 or with a college ID) = $1.00Children 5 and under = FreeAnnual admission card (good for calendar year):Individual (student or adult) = $10.00 - purchase the 2012 card online by clicking here!For guided tours and event pricing, please click the appropriate link above.Hours:Open every day except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New YearsJanuary 1st - April 14th: 9:00am - 4:15pmApril 15th - September 5th: 9:00am - 8:30pmSeptember 6th - October 31st: 9:00am - 6:30pmNovember 1st - December 31st: 9:00am - 4:15pm

history

History of Dow Gardens

Here's the Story of the Family Legacy That Made It Possible...The Dow Gardens were started in 1899 by Herbert Dow, founder of The Dow Chemical Company. The Gardens, originally developed on eight acres of flat, sandy land, provided a creative outlet for Herbert Dow’ and his interest in agriculture and design. He created gardens, ponds and hills according to a simple philosophy that we still follow to this day: “never reveal the gardens’ whole beauty at first glance.”Alden B. Dow, Herbert’s youngest son and an experienced architect, continued his father's work on the Gardens. The family connection continued with the involvement of Herbert Dow’s grandson, Herbert Dow II.Thanks to the dedicated guidance of the Dow family, the Gardens have grown to 110 acres. Alden Dow once wrote: “I think this garden is a most interesting side of my father's character.” Today, the creativity of Herbert Dow is still revealed to all those who visit Dow Gardens.Mission Statement:The Dow Gardens exist to preserve the history, enhance the horticultural beauty and share the educational and leisure time opportunities of the Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow estate.

e-newsletter
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Stay Informed

staff

Meet our Staff

Questions? Feel free to click on a staff members name to email them. For general questions, you may also email us at info_dowgardens.orgAbbey ClaerhoutAbbey Claerhout joined the Dow Gardens staff in 2008 as a Horticulturist. She graduated from Michigan State University with a B.S. in Horticulture (emphasis in Landscape Design, Construction and Management) and is licensed as a Michigan Certified Nurseryman. Abbey spent three years with the City of Midland as the Horticulturist for the Downtown area and currently maintains the parking lot islands and the area surrounding the Midland Center for the Arts.Melissa EddyMelissa Eddy is the Children’s Garden Horticulturist. She is a graduate from Michigan State University and has a degree in Horticulture. Her responsibilities include design and maintenance of Children’s Garden, children’s programming, and assisting with greenhouse production.Michelle HolmesMichelle Holmes is the Dow Gardens gift shop manager. She received her B.S. degree in biology from Central Michigan University. Her responsibilities include marketing, managing, and maintaining the Dow Gardens gift shop.Ray JenningsRay Jennings is an ISA Certified Arborist, and he currently manages the Whiting Forest. He received a B.B.A. in Business/Marketing from Tampa college. Ray brings 15 years of experience in tree care, vegetation management, woodlot management and timber harvesting. He works with children from elementary schools to scouting programs, helping them to understand the importance of ecology, natural resource management and the roles each of us has in protecting and nurturing our woodlands.Karin JohnsonKarin Johnson is the Plant Collections Manager at Dow Gardens. She graduated from the University of Minnesota – Morris with a Bachelor’s degree in English and from the University of Minnesota with a Master’s Degree in Horticulture. In addition to updating and mapping the plant collection, Karin also maintains the herb garden and the area around the Dow Garden’s office.Roy LefevreRoy Lefevre is a Horticulturist\Aquatic systems specialist. He obtained a B.S. degree from Michigan Tech University and M.S. in ornamental horticulture from Michigan State University. His responsibilities include managing the conservatory, maintaining the ponds and taking care of the irrigation system.Elizabeth LumbertElizabeth Lumbert is the Assistant Director. Her responsibilities include marketing, coordinating volunteers, and special events. She earned her Bachelor of Science at the college of Lyman Briggs, Michigan State University, as well as her Executive Masters of Business Administration from Northwood University.Chuck MartinChuck Martin has been a Dow Gardens Horticulturist since 1984. He received his Bachelors Degree in Ornamental Horticulture from Michigan State University. After a few years as a caretaker of an estate garden, he retreated to the University of Wisconsin in Madison and obtained a Masters Degree in Ornamental Horticulture. He also obtained an MBA from Northwood University. Chucks responsibilities include care for the rose garden, perennials, woody plants, and ground maintenence.Elly MaxwellElly Maxwell is the Dow Gardens entomologist. She graduated from Freeland High School, received a B.S. degree from Michigan State University and a M.S. degree from Auburn University, both in Entomology. She is responsible for pest control and education, as well as the seasonal butterfly display at the Dow Gardens.Dale McFarlandDale McFarland is the Maintenance Mechanic for Dow Gardens. He has 22 years of experience in the field, has his Millwright Journey card as well as a certificate in Criminal Justice. Dale handles much of the maintenance needs of the Dow Gardens, including repairs and upkeep on all machinery. He also handles parts ordering for repairs and replacements.Marty McGuireMarty McGuire has been the Managing Director of the Dow Gardens since May of 2007. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Recreation and Parks Administration and a Master's Degree in Public Administration, both from Central Michigan University. He held administrative positions with the City of Midland for over 30 years and now oversees the operations of Dow Gardens. McGuire has introduced several special events to the Gardens in his tenure.Scott SchultheisScott Schultheis has worked at Dow Gardens since 1991. He is a graduate of Ferris State University and holds degrees in both Ornamental Horticulture and Applied Biology. His work roles include various aspects of Floriculture, Horticulture and Greenhouse Management and Production.Ben TierneyBen Tierney has worked at Dow Gardens since 2003. He graduated from Northwood University with a B.B.A. in Marketing/Management. His responsibilities include coordinating rentals and weddings, maintaining the Dow Gardens and Dow Foundation websites and scheduling for classes/events.Dan VereshDan Veresh joined Dow Gardens in 1982, and is the Dow Gardens Arboriculturist. He received a Bachelor of Science in Forest Management and a Masters in Urban Forestry from Michigan State University. His responsibilities include general grounds maintenance in a designated area of Dow Gardens. He supervises a crew to achieve the goals in his grounds and tree maintenance program. He also teaches horticulture classes periodically through the year.

volunteer

Want to Help?

Hundreds of volunteers help at Dow Gardens throughout the year at special events like the Christmas Walk and Butterflies in Bloom Festival.In the summer, volunteers work with horticulturists on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings. Jobs include working in the Rose Garden, tending the "welcome area" beds, working at Whiting Forest and much more. We'd love to have you join us!Would you like to volunteer at The Dow Gardens? Please email Elizabeth at lumbert_dowgardens.org or give her a call at 989.631.2677 ext. 310 for more information.Master GardenersDid you know?You can earn Master Gardener credits for volunteering at Dow Gardens! You can also earn Midland Master Gardener education credits in some of the classes offered at Dow Gardens - just look for the MG abbreviation. For more information on the Michigan State University Master Gardener program go to:www.msue.msu.edu/mastergardener/midland

plants

Dow Gardens Plant Evaluations

Click the links below for downloadable plant evaluations:

2010_bedding_plant_eval.pdf

2011 Bedding Plant Eval Final.pdf

store

Purchase Annual Admission Card or Donate

annual

Annual Card

Now shipping! Admits one person for the entire calendar year. Cards are transferable - let a friend borrow it when you're not using!

$10.00

Add To Cart

donate

Rose Donation

See sidebar for more information before donating.

$15.00 minimum

Add To Cart

gift card $10

Gift Card

Gift cards are good for gift shop purchases or daily admission into Dow Gardens.

$10.00

Add To Cart

gift card $25

Gift Card

Gift cards are good for gift shop purchases or daily admission into Dow Gardens.

$25.00

Add To Cart

gift card $50

Gift Card

Gift cards are good for gift shop purchases or daily admission into Dow Gardens.

$50.00

Add To Cart

Annual Admission Cards are now available to purchase online!Donations are also being accepted online for the Rose Garden. Please read before donating:Looking for a way to honor someone who is or was special to you? Has a friend or family member recently reached a milestone? Consider sending a Rose Garden donation in their name.A donation to the Dow Gardens Rose Garden will sustain the rose collection and will be cared for by the Dow Gardens' Staff. This rose collection is located with the Trial Plants in the Exploration Garden. The Rose Garden will contain most of the All American roses, as well as species and shrub roses.Donations are made in increments of $15. To donate more, simply add more rose donations to cart. With at least a $15 donation we will send an announcement of your gift to the honored person and/or family. Their name will also appear in our Rose Garden tribute book.Once checkout is complete, we will contact you via email for details about the honoree(s).

Checkout

directions

Map & Directions

Visiting Address:Dow Gardens1809 Eastman AvenueMidland, MI 48640Mailing Address:Dow Gardens1018 West Main StreetMidland, MI 48640Toll Free:800.362.4874

EVENTS & CLASSES

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calendar

list

Upcoming Events, Classes & Announcements

Dow Gardens Specialty Garden Winter SeriesJanuary 26th - March 1stShade Gardens, Pollinator Gardens, a Fragrance Garden and more! Start dreaming of warmer months this winter and join the Dow Gardens staff to explore diverse specialty gardens. We plan to introduce unique gardening ideas with a specific focus or to suit a particular space. Join us each Thursday beginning January 26 at Whiting Forest from 6:30-8:00 PM. Sign up for one class or all six! The cost is $20 per class or $100 for the series of six classes. 1.5 MG Ed credits per class. Please call 989.631.2677 to register. Click the PDF link below for details.Celebrate 175 Years of Michigan!Thursday, January 26th from 3:00pm - 7:30pmBe surrounded by the wonder of our state at a 175th anniversary celebration of Michigan. You’ll enjoy a truly Michigan experience at Dow Gardens in Midland. Stroll along pathways lined with luminaries in a garden transformed by the beauty of winter. Be inspired by the “Containing Winter Creativity” exhibit designed by local talent. Meet the exceptional people behind some of our most popular Michigan - made items at the gift shop.Winter Walking ClubOctober 18th - February 28thFrom October 18th - February 28th we're giving you the chance to earn a gift shop discount every time you take a walk in Dow Gardens! Join the free club and each walk of 10+ minutes gets you a 1% discount. Combine for up to 20% off then start working on another! More details and sign-up information is available at the front desk.Containing Winter CreativityNow - February 29Local talent have captured the essence of the season by "Containing Winter Creativity" at Dow Gardens. Come and see the innovative container exhibit this January - February while walking down clear pathways in the frosted garden. 2012 Know and Grow SeminarSaturday, February 18th from 9:00am - 3:30pmThe Dow Gardens is excited to present the 2012 Know and Grow Seminar. The seminar allows us to bring top-notch speakers to mid-Michigan. Speakers this year include Allan Armitage and Tony Avent. For more information about the event and this year's speakers, please click the download at the bottom of this page.The early registration fee is $60.00. Registration after February 3, 2012 is $75.00.Registrations accepted by phone at 989.631.2677 or online by clicking here.Butterflies in BloomMarch 2nd - April 22nd, 2012Enjoy hundreds of live butterflies in our conservatory during this unique spring event. Visitors will be able to explore the greenhouse and experience many tropical butterflies - you can even see them emerging from their chrysalis! Update: Tim Drier will be in on Saturday, March 24th from 12:00pm - 4:00pm with a live glass blowing show. A limited number of pieces will be available for sale. Cost = regular admission.For information about guided student tours, please click here.Muzyka!April 22nd from 2:00pm - 4:00pmHear live music from Muzyka! during this special event as we celebrate Butterflies in Bloom. Cost = regular admission.

winter_series_updated.pdf

2012cal_new.pdf

knowandgrow2012.pdf

Click here to register online

calendar

Calendar of Events - Coming Soon!

TOURS

Adult Tours

Student Tours

The Pines Tour

General TourGuided tours are available for groups of five or more. A $2 guide fee will be added to the $5 admission price. Groups of 10 or more will have the guide fee capped at $20. The tour lasts about 1 hour.There is a maximum of 25 people per tour, larger groups will be split and require more than 1 tour guide. In order to assure the availability of a guide, arrangements must be made at least ten days in advance. Tours scheduled with less than ten days notice as well as weekend tours will be accommodated as resources are available.Golf Cart TourA special golf cart tour is provided on weekdays in the summer and fall seasons at 12:45pm. The golf cart can accomodate up to 5 people. The cost is $7 per person, or $2 with an annual admission card. Please call for reservations.
Guided Tour:$1 per person (students and adults)If your student group is 9 or less, the cost is $2 per personButterflies in Bloom:$1 per personMarch 2nd - April 22ndFun, educational and interactive tour - for more details go to the CHILDREN page.For quick and convenient online scheduling of our Butterflies in Bloom tour, please click here!Unguided Tour:Preschool: no charge for studentsSchool-age groups: $1 per studentChaperones (teachers, staff & parents): $1 per person in all instances stated above.
Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow EstateHerbert H. Dow (The Pines) home tours will take place on Fridays at 2:00pm. The cost is $7 per person (seperate from general Dow Gardens Admission).Visitors may drop in at 2:00pm on Fridays. A short (5 minute) walk through Dow Gardens is necessary to access the home. Due to the historic nature, the building is not handicap accessible. Reservations are encouraged but not required. Adults only please.

school_programs_2011.pdf

For mobility challenged guests, Dow Gardens has available three wheelchairs and four amigos. The wheelchairs are available at no charge. The amigos may be reserved in advance at a cost of $5.00 or utilized at no charge on an “as available” basis. These mobility aids are available for either guided or unguided tours.

CHILDREN

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welcome

Children's Garden

Welcome to the Children's Garden!The Dow Gardens Children’s Garden was built in 1999. It was designed to be an organic vegetable display garden and to educate children on where food comes from. The Children’s Garden is a very interactive garden. Guests are encouraged to sample the different vegetables during harvest season - and even pick a couple to take home. Get ready to explore and discover!Planning a visit?We would love your help! Here is a chore list for the Children’s Garden:> Water the plants> Sweep the sidewalks> Eat some vegetables> Clean the dirty pig> Complete the scavenger hunt (located in front of the pavilion)> Try to catch a “jumping jewel”> Crawl through the tunnel> M ake a BIG bubble (bubble station open during summer)> EXPLORE and DISCOVER

growin gardeners

Growin' Gardeners Program

Have you ever wondered what the raised beds with all of the colorful scarecrows on the edge of the Children's Garden are? They are the Growin' Gardener plots. This summer there are 200 children gardening on 84 plots! Families register to be a part of a 10 week gardening program. Children visit each week to learn about the wonderful world of gardening. Topics include: insects, weeds, worms, the water cycle and plant identification. Take a look at all the hard work these children have done but please remember to be respectful.If you are interested in signing up for this program, we typically start accepting registrations in February. Due to limited space, the program fills up every year. The best way to find out when registration opens is to join our e-newsletter group.Update:Registration opens Wednesday, February 1. One plot per family. This is a family plot and must have one child 4 years or over to register. The whole family is welcome!Cost is $30 for a plot +$10 admission card for adult ($40 total).Attendance is mandatory the first week of class or forfeit your garden plot. Tuesday June 12 - August 14Class Time: 9:15-10:15 & 10:45-11:45Wednesday June 13 - August 15Class Time: 9:15-10:15 & 10:45-11:45Thursday June 14 - August 16Class Time: 9:15-10:15 & 10:45-11:45

events

Upcoming Children's Classes and Events

Story Time at Dow GardensEvery Friday at 10:00amJune - —August Join us in the Children’s Garden and listen to gardening stories, then busy yourself with funactivities like running through a sprinkler, harvesting vegetables or showing off your fairy costume!Stories are geared for pre-school aged children. For Fall/Winter: A short walk in the gardens may be incorporated if the weather is nice! (Admission is needed for walk).January— - February: located at Visitor’s CenterMay— - September: located at Children’s GardenOctober— - December: located at Visitor’s Center*No story time in March and April due to Butterflies in Bloom.

school programs

Teacher Information

We have a lot of great classes planned for this school year! Please click the link below for an updated list of what we offer. As always, we are happy to work with your curriculum for a specialized guided tour.

school_programs_2010.pdf

butterflies

Butterflies in Bloom

Bring your students to the Dow Gardens for a Butterfly Field Trip. Your students will experience live butterflies flying all around them! They’ll get a close up look at butterflies -their habits and their interactions with plants. Our butterflies arrive in chrysalis form so students will be able to see this life stage firsthand!Dow Gardens makes a wonderful educational destination for a school program.Fees: All programs are just $1 per person. (Annual Admission Cards may also be used).~Your students will learn about butterflies and their life cycle in the historic barn!~They'’ll experience visiting the Conservatory where they’ll be immersed in a lush warm environment with colorful tropical butterflies.~Older students learn about butterflies –their parts, habits, and life cycle while playing "Jeopardy" with a Dow Gardens guide.~Younger students participate in life cycle fingerplays and roleplaying. They’ll even make a life cycle puppet to take home.~A trip to the butterflies is fun, educational, and interactive!Click here to register online!SCIENCE GLCE’sL.OL.01.13 Indentify the needs of animals.L.OL.01.21 Describe the life cycle of animals including the following stages: egg, young, adult; egg, larva, pupa, adult.L.OL.03.32 Identify and compare structures in animals used for controlling body temperature, support, movement, food-getting, and protection (for example: fur, wings, teeth, scales).L.OL.42 Classify animals on the basis of observable physical characteristics (backbone, body coverings, limbs)L.EV.03.12 Relate characteristics and functions of observable body parts to the ability of animals to live in their environment (sharp teeth, claws, color, body coverings).

WHITING FOREST

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rentals
tours

explore whiting

Whiting Forest

40 acres and 2 miles of trails right in the City of MidlandLocated just ¼ mile north of Dow Gardens on Eastman Avenue:Whiting Forest2303 Eastman AveMidland, MI 48640Make time to enjoy seven different types of forest, a spacious Visitor Center, hiking trails, covered bridges, and ponds.What to do and see in the forest:TREEmendous forts - come play in the woods with 7 different forts built within 7 forest types.Inside the Visitor Center, make sure you check out the live honeybee display. A glass-sided observation hive with a clear entrance tube to the outside is located in the visitor center. Watch as the bees draw out honeycomb to make more bees (a brood). The bees are working hard, foraging for pollen and nectar to expand their hive. You might even catch a glimpse of the queen bee!Current hours:10:00am - 4:00pm dailyHoliday hours: closed on December 24th, 25th, 31st & January 1st.Cost:Same as Dow Gardens admission - $5 for adults, $1 for students, free for children 5 and under. Annual passes are also available for $10 per person.

rentals

Facility Rental Information

Whiting Forest is available for ceremonies, receptions, rehearsal dinners or other parties. It can accomodate a maximum of 80 guests.Amenities include:> 10 round and/or 10 banquet tables (seat 8 each)> 10 high top tables> 80 chairs> Catering Kitchen (dishes/silverware and linens are not provided)> Audio/visual equipment (projector and screen)> Wireless microphone/sound system ($30 rental)The cost is $50 per hour for the first 4 hours ($200 for 4 hours), then $15 per hour after. There is an extra fee for events lasting more than 8 hours. Non-profit discounts are available.Please call 989.631.2677 or email info_dowgardens.org for details or booking.

Whiting Forest Rental Agreement.pdf

tours

Tour Information

Tour Whiting Forest with a GuideMonday - Friday, 9:00am - 3:30pmWe can't promise you Smokey the Bear as a guide but we can dedicate one of our staff members to your group. Gather a group of eight together and call 631.2677 at least one week before you would like a guided tour. Tour Guides are provided at an additional charge of $2.00 per person with a maximum of $20.00 per group. School groups: please see the CHILDREN page.

WEDDINGS

welcome

Dow Gardens Wedding Information

Thank you for considering Dow Gardens for your wedding ceremony, and congratulations! At Dow Gardens we offer a choice between two different outdoor locations within our 110 acre botanical garden. These locations can accommodate weddings on Saturdays and Sundays (check locations link for specific times) as well as Monday - Thursday evenings.We now also offer Friday evening ceremonies at an all-new wedding site. Ceremonies may be held at 6:00pm only on Fridays. Please call for details.Please explore the links above for detailed information regarding weddings held in Dow Gardens. If you have any additional questions, would like to arrange a tour, or would like to check availability, feel free to contact Ben Tierney at 989.631.2677 or tierney_dowgardens.org.At this time, we do still have availability for 2012 and are booking into 2013 & 2014. Please call for exact openings.Photos on this website: If you like a particular photo, please click on it to check out the artists website. They would love to help you with your wedding photography needs!Note for groups just coming in for wedding pictures: For those groups coming in to take their wedding pictures in Dow Gardens, we do offer a special rate of $20 for the entire wedding party, including photographers (normally $5 per adult and $1 per student). If everyone in the group has annual admission cards ($10), there is no fee.

locations

Peninsula or Pineside

Schedule a guided tour - call us at 989.631.2677 or email tierney_dowgardens.orgPeninsulaTime BlocksPeninsula weddings can be held at 11:00am, 2:00pm or 5:00pm on Saturdays or Sundays from May - October. Weekday weddings (except Friday) can be held May - August at 6:00pm. The rental time starts the hour before and ends the hour after your ceremony. For example, the 2:00pm time slot is an 1:00pm - 3:00pm rental. This rental period is for the wedding site and accompanying changing room. There is no time limit for taking pictures throughout the gardens before or after your ceremony. Your guests are also free to walk the grounds before and/or after the ceremony.Wedding rehearsals may be held in the Gardens one or two days prior to the wedding, at no additional cost and must be scheduled in advance.GuestsThere is no limit to the number of guests you may invite. We have up to 100 chairs available. You are welcome to rent additional chairs from an outside vendor if desired. The total number of chairs cannot exceed 300.Changing AreaA private final changing area for the bridal party is provided at no extra cost. The changing area is located just inside our main entrance, located at 1809 Eastman Ave.VendorsYou are welcome to invite vendors into the gardens to help with your special day. To insure the event goes smoothly, please inform your vendors of the following:> Outside vehicles may not enter the grounds. Vendors may either transport items on foot from the Visitor Center or service drive to the wedding area, or the wedding party can rent a golf cart and request it be made available to vendors for help with transporting items.> The service drive is located at 1907 W St Andrews Street. All vehicles must park just outside the service gate and leave enough room for emergency vehicles to enter/exit the gate.> Vendors should check in at the front desk before dropping items off. Our Visitor Center is located at 1809 Eastman Ave, Midland, MI 48640.PinesideTime BlocksPineside weddings can be held at 12:00pm, 3:00pm or 6:00pm on Saturdays or Sundays from May - August. September and October ceremonies may be held at 12:00pm or 3:00pm. Weekday weddings (except Friday) can be held May - August at 6:00pm. The rental time starts the hour before and ends the hour after your ceremony. For example, the 12:00pm time slot is an 11:00am - 1:00pm rental. This rental period is for the wedding site and accompanying changing room. There is no time limit for taking pictures throughout the gardens before or after your ceremony. Your guests are also free to walk the grounds before and/or after the ceremony.Wedding rehearsals may be held in the Gardens one or two days prior to the wedding, at no additional cost and must be scheduled in advance.GuestsThere is no limit to the number of guests you may invite. We are however limited to 100 chairs in this location. After 100 guests are seated, there is standing room only available.Changing AreaA private final changing area for the bridal party is provided at no extra cost. The changing area is located in the historic barn in Dow Gardens. The bridal party may park at the Dow Gardens office, located at 1018 W Main St to access the changing area.VendorsYou are welcome to invite vendors into the gardens to help with your special day. To insure the event goes smoothly, please inform your vendors of the following:> Outside vehicles may not enter the grounds. Vendors may either transport items on foot from the Visitor Center to the wedding area, or the wedding party can rent a golf cart and request it be made available to vendors for help with transporting items.> Vendors should check in at the front desk before dropping items off. Our Visitor Center is located at 1809 Eastman Ave, Midland, MI 48640.
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Pineside
Pineside
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Peninsula
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amenities

Amenities and Options

RehearsalA rehearsal may be scheduled one or two evenings prior to your ceremony. We allot one hour for rehearsal times, and there is no extra charge. Please note that we do not set out chairs or provide electrical cord for rehearsals.ElectricityElectricity will be made available at either ceremony location in the form of one 110 volt outlet. On your wedding day, we will provide extension cord and place the outlet where you prefer.Changing RoomThe bridal party will have a large private changing area available. Gentleman are free to use the restroom facilities located at the main visitor center entrance.TransportationFor guests that may have difficulty walking to the ceremony location, we do have options available. There is no charge to reserve up to 3 Amigos (motorized cart) and 3 wheelchairs. There is also a golf cart (driver provided) that can be rented for $30.ArborThere is an arbor available to be rented for $40. It is approximately 10' high by 6' wide. If rented, our staff will take care of setup/takedown in the location of your choice.Chairs20 chairs are included in the base cost of a ceremony. Additional chairs can be rented for $1.75 each, up to 80 extra for a total of 100. Our staff will take care of setup and takedown of all chairs. Please note that at our Peninsula location, you have the option to bring in extra chairs from an outside vendor as long as the total number of chairs does not exceed 300.

pricing

Cost

The base cost for a Dow Gardens ceremony is $350 plus a refundable $50 damage deposit. Additional fees may include:Additional Chairs: $1.75 each (20 included)Golf Cart Rental: $30.00 (including driver)Arbor Rental: $40.00Whiting Forest Rain Backup: $100.00 (80 guests max, call for details)Grace A. Dow Memorial Library Auditorium: $40.00 (266 guests max, call Wendy Shields at 989.837.3432 for details)MCFTA Rain Backup: $140.00 (100 guests max, call MCFTA at 989.631.5930 for details)

©Dow Gardens Phone: 989.631.2677 E-mail: info_dowgardens.org Current Hours: 9:00am - 4:15pm Map and Directions