Last fall, I set out on my very first solo trip to Dow Gardens in Midland, Michigan—a journey that turned out to be both peaceful and empowering. The crisp air and autumn colors made it the perfect time to visit. Leaves shimmered in shades of gold and crimson, and everywhere I turned seemed to offer another reason to stop, look around, and simply enjoy being there. For someone taking her first solo trip, it was exactly the kind of place I needed.
The Vision Behind the Gardens
Dow Gardens traces its beginnings to Herbert Henry Dow, founder of the Dow Chemical Company. Herbert and his wife, Grace, built their home, The Pines, on the property in 1899. Herbert was interested not only in science and industry but also in plants, agriculture, and the natural world around him. He began planting trees and experimenting with what could grow in Michigan’s sandy soil. Over time, the property developed into a landscape filled with winding paths, ponds, bridges, trees, and gardens. Knowing some of that history made walking through the grounds even more interesting. This wasn’t simply a pretty garden someone designed—it grew out of curiosity and experimentation.
A Place Where Curiosity Blossoms
That’s one of the things I enjoyed most about Dow Gardens. There seemed to be something new around every turn. You can walk quietly through the gardens, stop beside the water, admire the plants, or simply find a place to sit and take everything in. And sometimes that’s exactly what you need. No schedule. No rushing. No worrying about where you’re supposed to be next. Just walk.
Whiting Forest: A Walk Among the Treetops
One of the highlights of my visit was Whiting Forest. Walking through the forest surrounded by autumn colors were beautiful enough, but then came the canopy walk. Being high among the trees gives you an entirely different perspective. Looking across the forest in shades of amber, gold, and red was one of those moments when I couldn’t help but stop and appreciate where I was. There is something humbling about standing among trees that have been there much longer than you have.
And there I was—on my first solo trip—taking it all in.
More Than Gardens
Dow Gardens offers more than plants and walking paths. Throughout the year, special exhibits and seasonal events give visitors new reasons to return. That’s something I appreciate about places like this. You can visit more than once and have a completely different experience depending on the season. Fall happened to be my season. And Michigan certainly knew how to show off.
What That First Solo Trip Gave Me
Looking back, the most important part of this trip wasn’t any particular garden, bridge, tree, or photograph. It was realizing that I could do it alone. There was a quiet kind of confidence that came from exploring somewhere unfamiliar on my own. I could walk as slowly as I wanted. Stop when something caught my attention. Change direction simply because another path looked interesting. Nobody was waiting on me. And I wasn’t waiting on anybody else.
Dow Gardens gave me beauty, history, and plenty of photographs, but that first solo trip gave me something more. Trips like this are exactly why my Retirement Travel Bucket List keeps growing. There are still a lot of places I want to see, roads I haven’t driven and probably a few detours I don’t even know about yet.It reminded me that being alone doesn’t have to mean being lonely. Sometimes it simply means you’re free to choose the next path for yourself. And considering the way my life has gone, I’ve learned that the unexpected paths are often the ones worth exploring.
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