Talk about a hidden gem, located just 50 miles from Toledo, Ohio, this public reprieve from the daily grind is perfect for an afternoon stroll with the one you love or a great family day destination. Complete with attractions the entire family will enjoy including, a conservatory with three biomes, a sky canopy walk, and more!
Donated to Michigan State University by Mr. Fee in 1945 with his wish that the Gardens be for the benefit and education of the public has come to fruition and has continued through the years thanks to his generous endowment, benefactors, and endless volunteers. Mr. Fee’s original 200 acres have grown into 755 acres complete with a gazebo garden, a conservatory, a bonsai collection, a visitor center, a canopy walk, and more!
We decided to make an afternoon of it and stopped off to grab food after Mass on Sunday then headed up to Michigan. The journey was enjoyable, kiddos contributed to the playlist and the scenic drive set the tone for the calm peaceful afternoon. As a mom I thought the location was perfect, it was just far enough to feel like we were going somewhere special but not too far where we had to make any pitstops.
Upon arrival, we paid and received our maps (I always like to ask for additional maps so the children can be included and take turns navigating, or, download or print the map off ahead of time). The cost is reasonable, $10 for adults and the children/students are $5.
Admission:
Cost: $10 Adults (ages 18-64)
$8 Seniors (age 65+)
$8 Military & Veterans (ID required)
$5 Students (K-12, College with ID)
Ages 4 and Under Free
Members Free
Cash and Credit Cards Accepted
Our first stop was the conservatory. Complete with three separate biomes, Tropical, Arid, and Temperate it felt like we were on mini vacations.
Conservatory: Tropical Biome…
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Arid Biome…
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Temperate Biome…
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The next stop was the Bonsi Collection
Bonsi Collection
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Talk about impressive, the patience, dedication, and history of this collection were fascinating.
Everyone was parched after touring the conservatory and bonsai collection so we found a secluded picnic space by Hidden Lake for lunch. Talk about a view!!!
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The lake effect was so relaxing, almost too relaxing, we hadn’t realized how long we had been eating, chatting, and lingering over lunch until we looked at the time and noted that the canopy walk would be closing shortly. The canopy walk closes at 4 pm and we glanced at our watch at 3:45 pm. With the canopy walk 0.5 miles from the picnic table we had a hike ahead of us. Thankfully we made it!
The Sky Canopy
The sky canopy walk has you at tree level to observe the tree canopy, the leaves, birds, wildlife, and insects that live above ground.
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From there we strolled around on the trails before stopping off at the restrooms and gazebo garden on our way out.
Gazebo Garden
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Hours:
Open Tuesday – Sunday, Closed Mondays
Gardens & Grounds
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Last Admission 4:30 p.m.
Sky Walk, Conservatory Bonsai Courtyard & Gift Shop
10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Address:
6214 Monroe Road
Tipton, MI 49287
Website:
https://ipf.msu.edu/hidden-lake-gardens
Don’t underestimate the value of time spent together exploring the great outdoors. The novelty of a new environment, the excitement of navigating the entire family to the next attraction, and the overall adventure build the family bond. Whether you have littles or teenagers, are a blended family, single-parent family, etc. removing yourselves from your environment, turning off devices, pushing past the teenager resistance, and exploring together builds the family bond, lays neural pathways, increases dopamine, and ultimately strengthens memory.
Here are a few more great outdoor adventures to visit with your family:
Mom on the go in Holy Toledo 