5 Interesting Things to Do in Midland, MI
Find some of the best things to do in Midland, MI, including The Tridge, Dow Gardens, great restaurants and Midland Brewing Company.
Fittingly, as its name implies, Midland is located smack dab in the middle of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. Midland is often rated among the best small cities in America to raise a family, and students have multiple higher education options, such as Davenport University, Delta College Midland Center, Northwood University and a Michigan State University research facility. There is plenty to do in this community:
In This Article
Excite Your Senses
The Dow Chemical Company was founded in 1897, and is still headquartered here today, remaining a key player in the community’s quality of life. That includes establishing Dow Gardens, a 110-acre botanical paradise with more than 1,500 plant and flower varieties that grow well in mid-Michigan conditions. Dow Gardens has been a part of Midland since 1899 and is open to the public throughout the year. The roses at Dow are most spectacular from June-September.
Eat Hearty
A number of top restaurants are experiencing success in Midland thanks to the great food and atmosphere they offer. Some of the dining hot spots are Basil Thai Bistro, The Creek Grill, Villa D’alessandro’s and Cafe Zinc, which features a menu of entrees that rotate on a monthly basis. Cafe Zinc has a French bistro setting with a certified French pastry chef who prepares a daily variety of homemade breads. Another excellent dining spot in Midland is Fuji Sushi.
Courtesy of Bluejacket under a CC 4.0 license.
Walk The Tridge
Experience the unusual tourism attraction of The Tridge, a wooden pedestrian bridge that spans the confluence of the Chippewa and Tittabawassee rivers near Midland’s downtown district. The structure is the iconic landmark in the city and gets its name because it has three sides that are available for walking and biking. There are surrounding parks and green spaces, and The Tridge hosts an annual Labor Day Walk. At night, the arches of The Tridge are lit.
Take the Family
Spend some time outdoors at Chippewa Nature Center, an ideal spot to enjoy the environment any time of year. The visitor center building features exhibits and a wildlife viewing area, while family programs include bird walks, wildflower hikes, maple syrup hunts, life on an 1870s farm, full moon walks, animals tracking and golf-cart tours. Several workshops occur throughout the year for youth groups and schoolchildren.
Try the Copper Harbor
An interesting afternoon or early evening excursion to Midland Brewing Company is a great place to quench your thirst. Owned and run by master brewers who are all area college grads, the facility offers pub food and a sports bar setting, along with beer selections like Dublin Street Stout, Lumberjack Lager and Red Keg Amber Ale. The most popular beer is Copper Harbor Ale, which features German hops and caramel malts that give it a copper color.