Visit Hidden Lake Gardens Today To Get That Nature Fix
Have you ever thought about strolling 65 feet above a forest on a swaying canopy? Everywhere you look, there are amazing hills, gardens, and ancient bonsai trees. At Hidden Lake Gardens Tipton MI, you can do just that. This 755-acre botanical gem is waiting to be explored. Whether you are a nature lover, a curious family, or just looking for a quiet getaway, this beautiful garden got something magical for everyone. Let’s take a walk through Hidden Lake Gardens, uncover its trails, attractions, and why you must-visit here in this article.
Getting lost in the beauty of Hidden Lake Gardens
Hidden Lake Gardens began with a dream in the 1920s. A businessman named Harry Fee bought 200 acres around a serene lake. He tried farming the land, but it did not work. But Fee did not give up; he turned to horticulture with the help of Michigan State University (MSU) experts. In 1945, Fee gifted the property to MSU. He also made a generous endowment to ensure it would grow into a place where people could learn and enjoy. Today, this garden, managed by MSU, draws nearly 78,000 visitors a year. They come to explore the Hidden Lake Gardens trails, natural beauty, and horticultural gardens, take Hidden Lake Gardens photos, and enjoy unique experiences like the Sky Canopy Walk.
Looking to visit Hidden Lake Gardens Michigan? You can find this beautiful botanical garden and arboretum about 30 miles southwest of Ann Arbor at 6214 W. Monroe Road in Tipton, Michigan. You can easily drive there from Toledo or Detroit for a perfect day trip.
A world of plants and pathways
Hidden Lake Gardens has so many different things to explore. Can you believe strolling along thousands of labeled trees, shrubs, and flowers, from native Michigan wildflowers to exotic conifers? The Harper Collection of Dwarf and Rare Conifers is amazing. It has over 500 types of pines, firs, and spruces in a 5-acre area. You will feel like you are at a living gallery. The Hosta Hillside is also another crowd-pleaser with over 700 cultivars. Do not forget to check out the small stream and the pond.
Love indoor plants? Visit the Conservatory. It has three biomes called Tropical, Arid, and Temperate. Each one of them shows different plants. The Tropical Dome is warm and full of palms, orchids, and even banana trees. The Arid Dome feels like a desert with cacti and succulents. The Temperate House bridges the two, growing bulbs and bushes for spring. Next to it, you will see the Bonsai Courtyard. Here, you can see miniature trees, some over 100 years old. Make sure to visit during late April to early November to see these crafts shaped with artistry and care. Your kids will love these little trees.
Hidden Lake Gardens Trails
Hidden Lake Gardens Tipton MI is not just about plants. Did you know there are over 12 miles of hiking trails in this beautiful land? Some are easy, like the 0.3-mile All Access Trail. Others are harder, like the 3.1-mile Hiker’s Trail. You can choose the trail you like based on your skill level. Since these trails wind through forests, meadows, and glacial landscapes, you can get a glimpse of deer, songbirds, turkeys, and spring wildflowers on the way.
Hidden Lake Gardens Skywalk and more
Since its grand opening on June 20, 2023, the star of Hidden Lake Gardens is the Reach for the Sky Canopy Walk. This 726-foot-long suspension bridge takes you 65 feet above a glacial kettle hole. It was actually inspired by the Canopy Walk at the Holden Arboretum in Ohio and even called the Hidden Lake Gardens Canopy Walk at first. But everyone just started calling it the “Sky Walk,” and the name stuck.
This amazing walk lets you see the trees from above and the forest floor below. The walkway itself is 36 inches wide and accessible for wheelchairs, strollers, wagons, or any other assistive devices. You can visit the Sky Walk from 10 in the morning to 4 in the evening, Tuesday through Sunday, between April and October. From November through March, its availability depends on the weather.
And the best part? There is no extra charge for the Sky Walk! Your regular admission to the Gardens covers all the attractions. Yes, you can access the Hidden Lake Gardens Skywalk absolutely free when you buy Hidden Lake Gardens tickets for $10 if you are an adult, $8 if you are a senior/veteran, and $5 if you are a student.
More
Besides the Sky Walk, there is a newer feature at Hidden Lake Gardens that helps you get to it: the Sue and John Gruel Nature Trail. This trail is about one-third of a mile long and starts right from the Trailhead parking lot. Since it is wide and paved with fine gravel, it is easily accessible by wheelchairs, other assistive devices, strollers, or wagons. That is not all. If you need a little break or shelter from the weather, there are two covered “hiker’s huts” along the way.
FAQ Section
What to do at Hidden Lake Gardens?
You can,
- wander through beautiful woodlands and gardens
- visit the conservatory and bonsai courtyard
- and even stroll across the new treetop canopy walk.
What is the history of Hidden Lake Gardens?
It all began in 1926 when Harry Fee bought the land to grow nursery plants and design scenic garden pictures. Then, in 1945, he donated it to Michigan State University. Today, it is developed into a 755-acre botanical garden.
Can you ride bikes at Hidden Lake Gardens?
Yes, you can bike along the roughly 6 miles of paved roads through the gardens.
Conclusion
Hidden Lake Gardens is your chance to just wander around, learn new things, and truly connect with the outdoors. This 755-acre botanical garden has oak-hickory forests, glacial kettleholes, meadows, and meticulously designed gardens. Everything part of this land invites you to slow down and soak in Michigan’s natural beauty. Love hiking trails? Snapping photos? Or just want to breathe some fresh air? The hidden lake garden got everything you need. So, pack your curiosity and head to Hidden Lake Gardens Michigan. Your next adventure is calling.
