Matthaei Botanical Gardens

JesussavedRuth 4 months ago

This place is beautiful! Very well kept, cute gift options, perfect for dates, and relaxing place to read & talk! I love that its FREE! Also there are lots of parts to explore at this location, they have a childrens part, an indoor part, a large outdoor part, and lots of sitting areas. Beautiful to go when it’s nice outside & perfect for pictures! Only thing you pay for here is parking and gifts if you want to buy! There is also a large conference area not sure if its open to the public. There is a hiking/ biking trail & lots more to explore! I recommend this place 10/10!

Tonya Sanchez 4 months ago

A beautiful, free botanical garden location that is wonderful for educational, family, or visit with children. It is run by the University of Michigan and includes an indoor botanical garden, several walking paths through various ecosystem types, a children's Montessori-style outdoor play area, a Bonsai garden, an adorable gift shop, and is also home to the UM sustainability farm and Native Student Association Garden. This is an excellent place for field trips, birders, home schooled children trips, and general nature enthusiasts as this location has a multitude of native plants and a spectacular peony bloom event each spring. They offer native plant nursery days on occassion, educational events, and I believe there may be a summer program for kids? You can even become a member. You do have to pay for parking, and the lot tends to always have some availability. They have plenty of signs, but it is important to note that the small, but venomous, massassauga rattlesnakes of Michigan are regularly seen here. So watch your footing and or wear boots on the trails, however, these small snakes are generally harmless if left undisturbed and will rattle to warn you if you get close (it i

Jason Brew 5 months ago

Wonderful experience. Very well maintained and the staff is friendly. The greenhouse has all sorts of exotic plants. And I especially love all the paintings along the hallway. Who knew you would get an art gallery as an added bonus!

Min Qin 5 months ago

I try to come here once a month at least so I can see all seasons change. It’s awesome place. I found gardenia, which is my late grandma’s favorite flower. After I moved to the US for 14 years, this is the first time I ever seen it and be able to smell the flower. I also see Osmanthus which is unique to my hometown from China. That’s awesome to be able to smell them again too. We walk the long trail a lot during summer, you can customize short or long walk. Just love this place. It’s always free, just need to pay for parking.

Karly Herron 8 months ago

As a photographer, it's such a privilege to have a lovely botanical space like this in the community (especially in the frigid winter months!) Not only is it a great spot for photos, it's just a great place to visit if you're into plants + nature, or if you just like a fun weekend activity with a friend, significant other or kids. I love that its free to visit and is so well maintained by the lovely staff. It's also a pretty spot for a wedding ceremony in the summer months when all the flowers are in bloom (though keep in mind there are still visitors wandering the conservatory and gardens during your designated time block).