Tourist In Your Own Town - Midland

Are we theeeeerrrre yet? How much longer?
Four potty-stops later, three sibling tantrums — the reality of road-trips is often two weary parents and frazzled kids before the “fun” can even begin. There’s no need to hassle! Quality family-time is easy to achieve right in our Great Lakes Bay Region! Take a second look at your surroundings…BE A TOURIST IN YOUR OWN TOWN!

Explore the outdoors in Midland!


Midland always has something going on downtown and parking is usually easy down by the Tridge. Saturday mornings can be a bit tricky but if you are going to the farmers market, heading up to main street for shopping or just enjoying a walk on the rail trail, parking is available behind the courthouse (the large lot to the right of the hotel) if the main lot is full. Thursdays you can enjoy Tunes By The Tridge in the evening and as mentioned before Saturday morning is a great time to start your adventure at the Farmers Market. Many weekends the downtown area is host to an event from a chili cookoff to a classic car show. For more information please visit the event page for a specific weekend.

http://www.downtownmidland.com/events/

t

One block up from main street and you will find Ray's Bike Shop. Ray's offers an unique option for touring the rail trail and around town, the surrey. They offer rentals from their fleet of comfort bikes, surreys, and pedi cabs along with a knowledgeable staff to help you find just what you need for your own bicycle travels. Outside Ray's you will find a large troll standing guard. He means you no harm and is a sculpture from a few years ago.

Downtown Midland Facebook Page

To see this years Larger than Life sculptures just head up to the main street and begin exploring.The art exhibit will be on display from June 5th to September 19th. Walking (or peddling) up and down the few downtown blocks you will smell the sweet aroma of Heather and Holly with their tasty sweet treats. Chocolate covered potato chips or perhaps some caramel corn anyone? If your feeling hungry Pizza Sams has a wonderful menu that includes salads, pizza and ice cream. The kids can even watch their pizza being made by standing on some stairs that are prime viewing seats for your little chef. Down the hall way is The Coyer Candle Co Shop  so mom can have a nice treat too.

Once you have enjoyed downtown head back to the Tridge area for the Rail Trail. The Midland section of the Rail Trail begins at the base of one side of the Tridge. You will note a MID 0 marker, indicating the start. At the start of the trail you can stop at a splash pad to cool off. Continue down the trail and view the river, beautiful landscaping of the homes, and just enjoy the outdoors. About one mile down the trail is Emerson Park. A great place for a break with the fish slide, picnic tables, and porta potty restrooms. Across the street from the trail you can see Daliha Hill, full bloom in August. Further down, about 2 miles from the Tridge, is The Midland County Historical Society Museum. The trail does continue 30 miles, all the way to Claire, so you have plenty of walking space to tire your little ones out.






Chippewa Nature Center and Homestead Farm is our go to place on Sundays. While you can go any day during the week and enjoy the trails and animals of the homestead farm, Sunday is the day the buildings are open and staff is on hand to help with questions about the buildings from 1;30 to 5pm.. The farm has cows, pigs, sheep and chickens as well as a vegetable garden. A school house, house and sugar house are located on the property. The trails go through the woods and offer a great way to explore nature with your budding scientists and historians. Pack a lunch and walk the grounds for an all day adventure in the great outdoors.

Dow Gardens

Dow Gardens offers a great day trip adventure for a very reasonable cost. For $5 per adult you can enjoy the beautiful flowers, ponds, bridges and childrens garden. If you think you will be back more than once (and I think if you live in the area you will) the $10 yearly pass is sure worth the price. Walk the trails, take wonderful pictures, play in the water at the fountain in the Children's Garden, you will be sure to spend a few hours here so pack a lunch.

Whiting Forest

After lunch you can walk over to the Midland Center For The Arts. A new exhibit is offered through out the year along with the Hall Of Ideas. After spending some time here drive down the road to Whiting Forest. Your Dow Gardens ticket/card will allow you access to the 2 miles of hiking trails and forts! That is right, through out the grounds is quite a few forts built by local businesses to climb on  and explore. With houses, castle and one that you can build yourself you can see your child's imagination come to life.


Be a tourist in your own town. Midland is full of fun and active things to do outdoors with your family.