Must Visit Places in Michigan for Flower Lovers: Bloom Guide to Flower Festivals, Botanical Gardens and Flower Fields
Flowers have the power to illicit joy, conjure up past memories through a simple scent, and bring people together to witness the beauty ushered in each season. As a local Michigan resident, I am passionate about exploring the best blooms around the state. So grab your camera and get ready to find the most picturesque spots filled with stunning wildflowers at preserves to purple lavenders fields and even curated botanical gardens throughout Michigan.
Thankfully in Michigan, we are blessed to have numerous flower festivals, conservatories and specialty gardens that can be found throughout the state. With the vast benefits of the Great Lakes, the region makes it an ideal growing environment for many flowering trees and shrubs, ephemerals, spring bulbs and perennials. Drawing garden lovers from across the Midwest, here is a Michigan Bloom Guide to the best towns with flower fields, flower festivals and events that are occurring this year. In true Michigan fashion, some of the dates are dependent on Michigan’s fickle weather and temperature fluctuations, so always check the website prior to planning your Michigan day trip.
Holland Tulip Festival | Holland
DATES: April- early May
COST: $12 Adults/ $6 Kids
There’s truly no better destination to celebrate spring, than in Holland, Michigan for their annual Tulip Time Festival. Visit early May at Windmill Island Gardens to view the Tulip Festival in its vast splendor of colors. Drawing locals and flower enthusiasts from across the state of Michigan don’t skip seeing the stately De Zwann Windmill, set in a picturesque backdrop among a sea of brilliant tulips.
Each year the entirety of Holland turns out to celebrates Dutch heritage with a festive parade downtown, Dutch dancing, and a plethora of food vendors and events. In addition, Holland is home to unique shops and delicious restaurants, with entertaining playgrounds, parks and sandy Lake Michigan beaches to savor. Don’t miss the top things to do in Holland, with this detailed list.
Frederik Meijer Gardens | Grand Rapids
DATES: Year Round Events
Butterfly Exhibit: March- April
Cherry Tree Promenade: April- Mid May
COST: Kids $10/ Adults $20
Each year we usher in spring with a much anticipated day trip to see the ‘butterflies are blooming’ exhibit in all it’s glory at the massive Tropical Conservatory at Frederik Meijer Gardens. Located on the edge of Grand Rapids, the beautiful gardens and sculpture park is a delightful experience for both young and old as the flowers, trees and bulbs show off their color.
Japanese Gardens at Frederick Meijers
Here are some great tips including everything you need to know before visiting Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park.
The Park is open year-round, and every season in turn highlights the beauty of differing blooms. The massive 158-acre park includes 18 stunning indoor and outdoor gardens, including the largest temporary tropical butterfly display open from March - April. During spring, brightly colored tulip bulbs emerge and delicate flowering cherry blossoms put on a show in the Japanese Gardens.
Dow Gardens | Midland
DATES: Open Year Round
Butterflies in Bloom: March 1 — April 14
Spring Stroll: Friday, May 3, 2024
COST: Adult $15/ Child $5
Walking in a floral wonderland is what you can expect when visiting Dow Gardens. Throughout the year, Dow Garden’s showcases beautiful blooms, from the beginning of spring when the butterflies are on exhibit in the tropical conservatory to the beauty of rows and rows of fragrant picture-perfect roses in summer.
Easily spend a half day exploring the gardens and Whiting Forest, which features 54 acres of dabbled woodlands, tranquil ponds, apple orchards, and babbling brooks. Being ADA compliant, all visitors can enjoy the beauty and thrill of traversing across the impressive canopy walk as you take in the scenic views from 40 feet above. Check the calendar because Dow Gardens hosts several special events throughout the year including Spring Stroll (Friday, May 3, 2024 from 6-8 pm).
TIP: Tickets must be purchased in advance online or by phone. Arrive early and plan for the .25 mile walk to reach the Conservatory.
Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory | Detroit
DATE: Open Year Round
COST: Free with a Recreation Passport
Since 1902, Detroit’s Belle Isle Park has been a peaceful green space in urban Detroit. Not only does this island hold beauty, but it’s rich with history. Holding the title of the oldest conservatory and aquarium in the entire country, Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory and the Belle Isle Aquarium are truly historic places to visit. On your trip, enjoy the lovely perennial gardens, lily ponds, and scenic pathways that will delight your eyes and senses. Inside the Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory explore five unique indoor gardens including the Palm House, Show House, Tropical House, Cactus House, and Fernery. Admission and parking is free to visit this urban green space.
*Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory will be closed through 2024 as they work on renovation projects. Help keep daffodils on Belle Isle by supporting Daffodils4Detroit fundraising event.
Lilac Festival at Mackinac Island | Mackinac
DATES: June 7-16, 2024
COST: $10/ person
Few floral scents are as lovely or distinct as lilacs blooming. Each year Mackinac Island holds the annual Lilac Festival, this year it falls on during the week of June 7-16th, 2024. Visiting the island is an adventure like no other, especially during this lively festival. Take a ferry over to the island, where you’ll find events that include the coronation of the the Lilac Festival Queen, lilac poster reveal, daily lilac walking tours and planting sessions. In addition, you can participate in the Lilac Festival Run/ Walk, concerts in the park, movies in the fort, the grand parade and a corn hole tournament.
Purple Lupines Bloom | Galesburg
DATES: Late May- June
COST: Free
Sea of Purple Lupines blooming at the Chipman Preserve in Late May
Spend an afternoon hiking through a grassy field adorned with the striking hues of royalty as purple lupines bloom at Chipman Preserve in Galesburg. Weather dependent, the lupines burst forth in a display of purplish-blue wildflower blooms beginning in late May and into June. Generally, this striking sea of purple blooms will only last for four weeks. This is the perfect time to enjoy a relaxing 3 mile stroll through grassy fields and wooded areas, all of which are graciously cared for by the Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy.
Lupines
Peonies at Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum | Ann Arbor
DATES: Late May – Mid June
COST: Entry is Free, metered parking fees
Heavy ladened with gorgeous blooms, the peony bush is a favorite among gardeners. The peony season in Ann Arbor is a worthwhile time to visit the Nichols Arboretum at the University of Michigan. As the massive blossoms emerge the W.E. Upjohn Peony Garden is a perfect outdoor space for a relaxing day strolling through the gardens. Bring a picnic lunch to enjoy as you take in the rows and rows of lush blooms.
Peony Bushes
Leila Arboretum | Battle Creek
DATES: Open Year Round
COST: Free, except for special events.
Prepare to thrill your senses with the delectable fragrance of blooms at Leila Arboretum. The botanical gardens and arboretum contain over 2,000 flowering shrubs and trees. Meander along trails with the sights and smells of lilac bushes, magnolias and weeping cherries.
Children will especially enjoy the Kaleidoscope Gardens and Fantasy Forest. Walk amongst whimsical statues of castles, dragons, and wizards while taking in the beauty around. This free Sculpture Garden is a quiet gem, perfect for a sunny afternoon. Combine music and your love for the outdoors with Battle Creek’s Leilapalooza Music Festival 2024 on Saturday July 27, 2024.
TIP: Dogs are allowed at the Arboretum on a leash.
Dahlia Hill | Midland
DATES: September
COST: Free
While visiting the Midland area, stop to see the lovely kaleidoscope of colors in bloom from August through October. Open from dawn till dusk, the beautiful gardens are entirely free to visit due to the commitment of generous volunteers from the community. With over 250 varieties of dahlias displayed on the eight level terraced hill, garden lovers can enjoy this spectacular sight in September. Desiring some Dahlias of your own, in the spring extra tubers go on sale on the last two Saturdays in May.
An annual celebration of the autumn equinox is held each September. All year long, Dahlia Hill has sculptures like the four “Seasons of Life” sculptures, designed by Dahlia Hill founder Charles Breed, which are set beside the gravel pathways. At the top of Dahlia Hill is the Equiline Museum, which can be toured by appointment.
TIP: The Dahlias are planted in Alphabetical Order
Lavender Labrinth Cherry Pointe Farm | Mears
DATES: Mid-July
COST: Free
Generally, in Michigan the optimum time to visit lavender fields is in mid-July, when lavender erupts in blooms throughout most of Michigan. In June Michigan lavender farms open to the public, with the last purple hues ending in August.
This summer discover the ethereal beauty of the Lavender Labrinth in Mears, Michigan near Lake Michigan and Silver Lake. Unlike other lavender farms, the Lavender Labrinth is designed with hundreds of fragrant plants set in a spiral shape. Culminating in the middle are a variety of herbs nestled in the stone center.
Michigan Lavender Festival | Imlay City
DATES: June 28-30, 2024
COST: $5 /person
Surround yourself in all things lavender, at Eastern Michigan State Fairgrounds this summer during Michigan’s Lavender Festival. Not only is the town’s lavender bushes flowering, but lavender enthusiasts have come from all over the state to share lavender themed artisanal items from decadent foods, luxurious soaps, essential oils, crafts and art. In addition, visitors can participate in lavender yoga, u-pick lavender, wellness classes and educational instruction on growing and harvesting lavender. Find all the information at Michigan Lavender Festival’s website.
Address:
Eastern Michigan State Fairgrounds
195 Midway St.
Imlay City, Michigan 48444
Frankenmuth’s Sunflower Festival | Frankenmuth
DATES: August 2-4, 2024
COST: $6.50/ person
Few flowers elicit a cheerier countenance than the golden sunflower. These quintessential summer flowers that thrive in the heat of the summer come in a wide variety of sizes, shapes and colors from deep burgundy, Indian hues to large doubles.
Experience acres of sunflowers at Michigan's Little Bavaria Sunflower Festival in Frankenmuth at Grandpa Tiny's Farm. Along with U-Pick sunflowers, other events include: dinner in the sunflowers, Sunflower Fun Color Run, a vendors craft show and food trucks. Find out more about the events on their Facebook page.
Blake’s Sunflower Festival | Armada
DATES: August 9-11th & 16-18th, 2024
COST: $10/ person
Blake’s Orchard is well known in the area for it’s sprawling apple orchard, delicious ciders and family fun events. End the summer, celebrating the sunny, iconic yellow flower at Blake’s Sunflower Festival this season with artesian craft vendors, free classes, flower experts, children’s educational presentations, DIY floral arranging, U-pick sunflowers, photo opportunities and barnyard animals petting.
Closing Thoughts
You’re bound to have a memorable time this spring and summer exploring all these beautiful gardens, conservatories, botanical gardens and flower farms throughout Michigan. As you explore, you may be inspired to plant your own cut flower garden to enhance your yard, attract butterflies to your home and help cultivate homegrown bouquets and fresh vegetables, here is a simple guide for starting a cut flower garden of your very own.
As you plan your next Michigan day trip add one of these spots to your itinerary. If their is a festival or unique destination we’ve missed, please share with us. Make sure to Pin and Save for later so you remember all these lovey garden locations to visit. If you found this helpful, follow Discovering Anew for more Michigan adventures. We’re constantly producing new content and strive to create honest reviews to help make planning your next trip easier.
