The Entire Family Will Love This 700-Acre Botanical Garden In Michigan
By Jack Springgate|Published August 02, 2023
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Jack Springgate
Author
I'm proud to be from the great state of Michigan. I've lived in the Mitten several different times throughout my life spending time in all corners of it. My journeys took me up and down the Lake Michigan coast, out east to explore Detroit and Ann Arbor, and to the dense forests of the UP.
Before writing with Only In Your State, I worked as a local TV news reporter and anchor, most recently in South Bend. Many of the stories I covered took place in Southwest Michigan. My roots are even deeper in the Wolverine State as I often head to Kalamazoo to visit family.
When I'm not out exploring nature, I'm avidly watching sports. I specifically have a deep love for the Michigan Wolverines (my alma mater), and I get to write about them and several other Big Ten teams as and editor for Athlon Sports. I also love to enjoy the great outdoors with my wife and our dog, Piper.
I'm excited to share all my favorite Michigan destinations with you. Keep exploring.
You can find the perfect family field trip by visiting the Matthaei Botanical Gardens in Ann Arbor, Michigan, just east of the University of Michigan campus. This is part of the 700-acre Nichols Arboretum system where folks can explore hundreds of different plant species in one of the most beautiful settings you can imagine. Make sure to include these stops when you plan your next day of exploration and learning at the Mattaei Botanical Gardens.
This botanical garden is located near the University of Michigan campus in the southeast part of the state. It’s open almost every day of the year, but the hours change seasonally. Make sure to check their website to find out when they’re open the day you plan your visit.
This greenhouse is one of the main attractions of the gardens. It opened in 1964, marking a turning point in the garden’s history, making this its permanent site ever since.
The conservatory is separated into several different houses, which make distinctions between tropical, temperate, and arid types of vegetation. These plants earned their place in the conservatory because they represent important vegetation to their biomes, plant diversity, species at risk of extinction, or special human medicinal or cultural interests.
One of the three houses is the temperate house. This is where you can find their unique year-round bonsai exhibit that combines conservation and art. Between May and October, you can check out how these trees are trained and maintained.
In addition to the Bonsai and Penjig gardens, the courtyard leads to more than a half dozen other unique collections of plant species. While this is a great way to explore nature, they don’t allow dogs, so unfortunately you’ll have to leave those four-legged friends at home.
There are numerous enchanting trails just like this one throughout the garden. Matthaei Botanical Gardens is also connected to the greater Nichols Arboretum trail system if you want to extend your adventure.
This is where you need to take your little ones. The Gaffield Children’s Garden is great for hands-on learning. Just don’t be shocked if your kids develop a green thumb.
Get in touch with nature while getting your whole family involved. The Mattaei Botanical Gardens come with no costs for entry unless you pay for parking across the street. Keep this beautiful spot in mind if you’re making a trip through Southeast Michigan.
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