Calendar of Events

The “gateway” to Heritage Park –houses the Dorothy Dow Arbury Midland County History Gallery, a colorful, dynamic space offering hands-on interactive exhibits where you can "talk" to Midland’s founders, visit its Main Street of a century ago and see vignettes of its history – from the beginning to today. The building also has a research library providing a wide assortment of unusual and interesting materials concerning local and general history (including Midland County Circuit Court records from 1857 through 1945), historical periodicals, and an archival collection of Midland County artifacts from its early days to contemporary times.

Admission: $5 adult - $3 child

Open: Wednesday-Saturday from 11am-4pm
Closed: Sunday-Tuesday

Experience the authentic Victorian Gothic architecture of the beautifully restored 1874 Bradley Home, a hands-on historic house museum where you can enjoy a glimpse of the everyday life of an early Midland family. The adjacent Carriage House features an amazing collection of horse-drawn carriages and sleighs, and is home to mid-Michigan’s largest functioning blacksmith’s shop.

Admission: $5 adult - $3 child

Open: Wednesday-Saturday from 11am-4pm
Closed: Sunday-Tuesday
Closed: Oct. 29, 2011 - April 11, 2012

The multi-media exhibits and innovative audio and video displays of the Herbert H. Dow Historical Museum provide a fascinating look at the birth of Midland’s largest business and the evolution of the chemical and pharmaceutical industries. From the aspirin you take for a headache, to the thin plastic used to cover food, to the dye that makes jeans blue - they all had their beginnings in Midland, thanks to the pioneering chemical experiments of Herbert H. Dow, founder of The Dow Chemical Company.

Admission: $5 adult - $3 child

Open: Wednesday-Saturday from 11am-4pm
Closed: Sunday-Tuesday
Closed: Oct. 29, 2011 - April 11, 2012

Gather round the hearth to feel the warmth of memories shared. Join a group of local residents in the Whitman Room of the Herbert D. Doan Midland County History Center as they share memories of yesteryear. Audiences are invited to listen, learn and join in with questions or memories of their own. This wonderful series also serves to preserve our past by recording sessions for the oral history collection.
 

Free Admission

Oct. 13, 2011 @ 2pm
Apr. 12, 2012 @ 2pm
May 10, 2012 @ 2pm

The Herbert H. & Grace A. Dow Home is currently open for touring at 2 p.m. on Fridays. ( Monday - Friday, at 2 p.m. during the summer.) The home is also known as "The Pines" and is the home which Herbert & Grace Dow built and raised their family in. Tours of the home are $7 per person. Reservations are suggested due to limited tour sizes.

Historical, musical, educational and participative programs designed to enhance your appreciation of the role Midland County plays in our collective histories. Presented four times a year at Heritage Park. Past topics include Michigan history, Victorian gardening, antiques and collectibles.

Upcoming Lecture Dates
Nov. 17, 2011 @ 7:30pm
Feb. 16, 2012 @ 7:30pm
May 17, 2012 @ 7:30pm
Aug. 16, 2012 @ 7:20pm

Tickets: $5 adult - Free for MCHS members

Local talent have captured the essence of the season by “Containing Winter Creativity” at the Dow Gardens in Midland. Come and see the innovative container exhibit this January through February while walking down clear pathways in the frosted Garden.

Over 50 of Carolyn Russo's large-format photographs showcasing some of the National Air and Space Museum's iconic aircraft. From the first successful flight, to landing on the moon, decades of historical and technological milestones are represented in these images focusing on the aesthetic attributes of these celebrated flying machines.

This exhibition has been organized by the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum.

Museum Hours:
Wednesday, Friday, Saturday from 10am-4pm
Thursday from 10am-8pm
Sunday from 1pm-5pm
CLOSED MONDAY & TUESDAY

Museum Admission:
$8.00 per adult
$5.00 per child (4-14 years of age)
Children 3 years of age and younger do not need a ticket.
(Includes access into the Hall of Ideas)
 

Explore the excitement of flight, through aviation artifacts from private collectors and enthusiasts, including radio-controlled model airplanes, world-class collectible models, and photographs.

Museum Hours:
Wednesday, Friday, Saturday from 10am-4pm
Thursday from 10am-8pm
Sunday from 1pm-5pm
CLOSED MONDAY & TUESDAY

Museum Admission:
$8.00 per adult
$5.00 per child (4-14 years of age)
Children 3 years of age and younger do not need a ticket.
(Includes access into the Hall of Ideas)
 

Take a look beyond their beauty and gain a deeper understanding of the Solar System's fascinating giant planets: Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune. How did our Solar System form? What are giant planets made of? How big is Jupiter compared to Earth? Find the answers to these questions and many more in an interactive experience that's out of this world!

Museum Hours:
Wednesday, Friday, Saturday from 10am-4pm
Thursday from 10am-8pm
Sunday from 1pm-5pm
CLOSED MONDAY & TUESDAY

Museum Admission:
$8.00 per adult
$5.00 per child (4-14 years of age)
Children 3 years of age and younger do not need a ticket.
(Includes access into the Hall of Ideas)


 

Original costumes from some of the most popular films and television shows of all time: from Star Wars to Blade Runner, The Terminator to Star Trek, and Raiders of the Lost Ark to The Wizard of Oz. Discover how costume design incorporates color, style, scale, materials, historical traditions and cultural cues to help performers and audiences engage with the characters portrayed on the screen.

Museum Hours:
Wednesday, Friday, Saturday from 10am-4pm
Thursday from 10am-8pm
Sunday from 1pm-5pm
CLOSED MONDAY & TUESDAY

Museum Admission:
$8.00 per adult
$5.00 per child (4-14 years of age)
Children 3 years of age and younger do not need a ticket.
(Includes access into the Hall of Ideas)

 

Free Admission | Ages: 5+, under 18 w/adult

Whether you are a beginner or have strapped snowshoes on many times before, you are welcome to join us for a walk on our trails. We'll look for animal tracks, birds, and other points of interest,and enjoy the snowy scenery. If you need to borrow snowshoes, please call 989-631-0830 to reserve a pair. Meet at the Visitor Center.
If snow conditions are unfavorable the hike will be canceled (based on the discretion of CNC).
 

Come spend an hour learning about nature! The hour will include a story and may include songs, art, rhymes and other age-appropriate activities.
 

Free Admission | Ages: 3-5 w/adult

This program is designed to help kids develop a connection to the natural world through fun, hands-on activities including experiment stations, games, crafts, and more.

Free Admission | Ages: 5-9 w/adult

Shop for great deals at an INDOOR Sidewalk Sale! Open to the public from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Browse on the beautiful indoor concourse at the Dow Diamond in a warm and cozy environment. The fireplace will be on and the concessions will be open. Local stores will be offering fantastic deals on overstocks, holiday items, and more!

Come spend an hour learning about nature! The hour will include a story and may include songs, art, rhymes and other age-appropriate activities.

Free Admission | Ages: 3-5 w/adult
 

Free Admission | Ages: 9+, under 18 w/adult

Whether you are a beginner or have strapped snowshoes on many times before, you are welcome to join us for a walk on our trails. We'll look for animal tracks, birds, and other points of interest,and enjoy the snowy scenery. If you need to borrow snowshoes, please call 989-631-0830 to reserve a pair. Meet at the Visitor Center.
If snow conditions are unfavorable the hike will be canceled (based on the discretion of CNC).
 

Whether you are a beginner or have strapped snowshoes on many times before, you are welcome to join us for a walk on our trails. We'll look for animal tracks, birds, and other points of interest,and enjoy the snowy scenery. If you need to borrow snowshoes, please call 989-631-0830 to reserve a pair. Meet at the Visitor Center.
If snow conditions are unfavorable the hike will be canceled (based on the discretion of CNC).
 

Free Admission | Ages: 9+, under 18 w/adult

This program is designed for parents to take a guided walk with their child, learn about the outdoors and learn ways to introduce children to the natural world around them.

Free Admission | Ages: 6 months-2 years w/adult

This program is designed for parents to take a guided walk with their child, learn about the outdoors and learn ways to introduce children to the natural world around them.

Free Admission | Ages: 6 months-2 years w/adult

Yo! Ho! Ho! Robert Louis Stevenson's stunning tale of piracy on the tropical seas comes to life! Treasure Island features a host of dangerous legendary swashbucklers, but at the center of all the action is 14-year old Jim Hawkins, and the infamous pirate, Long John Silver. It's a thrilling family event sure to win the heart of everyone who has ever longed for romance, treasure and adventure.

*February 10th, 11th and February 17th performances begin at 7:30 PM*

Individual tickets on sale now!

TICKETS
Adults $18 | Students $14
 

Free airplane rides to youth 8 - 17 years of age through the national Young Eagles program - permission form required which will be supplied at the Airport at the time of registration.

Northwood University, in conjunction with Business Professionals of America (BPA), is hosting the Post-Secondary State Competition on Saturday, February 11, 2012, from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. in the Hach Student Life Center on Northwood’s Midland Campus located at 4000 Whiting Drive.

Winter often seems like a time when little is alive. However, animals may be more lively than you think ... you just don't see them. But you can see the tracks and other "signs" they leave behind.  CNC Educator Jackie Kelly will give you a quick overview of some of the clues to look for. We will check for clues in the field, so dress warmly.

Free Admission | Ages: 5+, under 18 w/adult

Don't miss the 27th Annual WMPX/WMRX Bridal Show at the Holiday Inn of Midland, Sunday, February 12th from 12pm-4pm. Free Admission!

A Mid-Michigan Tradition!

Free Admission | Ages: 9+, under 18 w/adult

Join Dennis Pilaske from Chippewa Nature Center and Elan Lipschitz from the Little Forks Conservancy (LFC) for a snowshoe hike to LFC’s trails of Riverview Natural Area along the Tittabawassee River. We will meet at Little Forks Conservancy’s parking lot on Wheeler Road. If you need to borrow snowshoes, please call Chippewa Nature Center at (989) 631-0830 to
reserve a pair.

Directions to Riverview Natural Area From Downtown Midland:
Head west on M-20 for 4.2 miles. Turn right onto N. Homer Rd. Follow Homer Rd for 2 miles. Take the curve onto E. Wheeler Rd. Follow E. Wheeler Rd. for .25 miles. The parking lot is on the right.

 

During the 2011 field season, Western Michigan University archaeologists continued investigations at Fort St. Joseph, an 18th-century mission-garrison-trading post complex in southwest Michigan.  Excavations are providing a better understanding of the activities in the area of the site that is accessible for study. In this presentation, Dr. Michael Nassaney will discuss recent findings, their implications for understanding the fur trade, and the expanded effort to involve the community through public education and outreach.

Free Admission | Ages: 12+

Come spend an hour learning about nature! The hour will include a story and may include songs, art, rhymes and other age-appropriate activities.

Free Admission | Ages: 3-5 w/adult
 

Come spend an hour learning about nature! The hour will include a story and may include songs, art, rhymes and other age-appropriate activities.

Free Admission | Ages: 3-5 w/adult
 

Come out to Big E's and meet our chef. Enjoy our chef's creations accompanied by beers from the New Holland Brewery.

Please call for more information and to make reservations. Seats are limited.

 

Whether you are a beginner or have strapped snowshoes on many times before, you are welcome to join us for a walk on our trails. Native Americans used snowshoes for thousands of years to make winter travel through deep snow possible. CNC's Jenn Kirts will teach you the basics of snowshoeing and then take you on a short walk on and off the trails to enjoy the winter wonderland. Meet at the Visitor Center. If you need to borrow snowshoes. please call 989-631-0830 to reserve a pair.

If snow conditions are unfavorable the hike will be canceled (based on the discretion of CNC).

Please arrive promptly at the start of the program so we can maximize our time outdoors.
 

Free Admission | Ages: 9+, under 18 w/adult

Taste the tannins, broaden your palate, and experience the magic of Mardi Gras in TABLE Restaurant during the Mardi Gras Wine Tasting Event, featuring South American wines.

Reservations required .
 

The 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.

The early registration fee is $60.00. Registration after February 3, 2012 is $75.00.
 

Please visit our website (www.dowgardens.org) for more details, including information about topics, background on the speakers and more! You may also register on our website or by calling 989.631.2677
 

Guest conductor Chelsea Tipton II conducts Gershwin's overture dominated by Caribbean rhythms, Copland's best-known work, West Side Story's most famous songs and Mexican composer Marquez's famous and invigorating composition to create an evening of all orchestral American favorites and popular masterworks

Individual tickets on sale now!

TICKETS
Adults Rows A-Z $32 | Adults Rows AA-GG $24
Students $10 all rows
 

Snakes may be one of the most feared and misunderstood animals, but after attending this program you’ll see how fascinating and beneficial these beautiful reptiles can be.

Join CNC Educator and snake enthusiast Michelle Fournier for this live snake program.

All are welcome to get as close a look at the snakes as you feel comfortable!

Free Admission | All Ages Welcome

The Great Outdoors Exhibition will feature over 20,000 square feet of the latest in hunting and fishing gear. Vendors from all over the Great Lakes Bay Region and beyond will have outdoor merchandise and services for sale. 

Would you like to find new wild places to hike, or re-live some of your own memories? Naturalist and photographer Phil Stephens has hiked many of Michigan’s wild pathways with their waterscapes, woodlands, wildlife and wild flowers. Although he has backpacked in a number of them, his illustrated program will emphasize day hikes to such places as Pigeon River State Forest, various state parks, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, our three national forests, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore and Isle Royale National Park. Besides detailing these natural areas, Phil will share tips to help make your next hike more safe and enjoyable.

This program kicks off his Michigan’s Wild Pathways Series, in which he will lead trips to some of these wonderful places.

Free Admission | Ages: 15+, under 18 w/adult

Whether you are a beginner or have strapped snowshoes on many times before, you are welcome to join us for a walk on our trails. Native Americans used snowshoes for thousands of years to make winter travel through deep snow possible. CNC's Dennis Pilaske will teach you the basics of snowshoeing and then take you on a short walk on and off the trails to enjoy the winter wonderland.

If you need to borrow snowshoes, please call 989-631-0830 to reserve a pair.
Meet at the Visitor Center.

If snow conditions are unfavorable the hike will be canceled (based on the discretion of CNC).

Free Admission | Ages: 9+, under 18 w/adult
 

Senior Naturalist Janea Little won't keep you out for the whole three hours of this hike, but will come back early for snacks and hot drinks. Too much snow on the ground? No problem -- we'll strap on snowshoes! Winter birding might net us winter specialties like redpolls, juncos, tree sparrows, shrikes or Snow Buntings, along with year-round residents like a variety of woodpeckers, cardinals, Blue Jays and finches. Loaner binoculars are available.

Free Admission | Ages: 9+, under 18 w/adult

Free Admission | Ages: 9+, under 18 w/adult

Whether you are a beginner or have strapped snowshoes on many times before, you are welcome to join us for a walk on our trails. We'll look for animal tracks, birds, and other points of interest,and enjoy the snowy scenery. If you need to borrow snowshoes, please call 989-631-0830 to reserve a pair. Meet at the Visitor Center.
If snow conditions are unfavorable the hike will be canceled (based on the discretion of CNC).
 

It's a Mid-Michigan tradition. The 19th Annual WMPX/WMRX Golf Show at the Valley Plaza Resort in Midland! Admission is FREE!

Door prizes, and great golf deals!

The Golf Expo at Dow Diamond will feature over 20,000 square feet of the latest and greatest golf-related displays, exhibits and vendors from all over the Great Lakes Bay Region.