Dahlia Hill in Midland
Dahlia Hill
(989) 631-0100
If you find yourself in Midland between July and October, Dahlia Hill is one of those places that’s worth pulling over for. Picture 3,000 dahlia plants blooming across eight terraced levels, each one a little different—colors, shapes, sizes, all competing to outdo each other.
It’s free to visit, open daily from dawn to dusk, and it’s got just the right mix of peaceful garden vibes and quiet wow factor.
What You’ll See
-
Terraced gardens with 3,000+ dahlias in over 340 varieties
-
Original sculptures scattered through the hill, including seasonal cast aluminum pieces by garden founder Charles Breed
-
Memorial and Donor Circles at the top, including a planter where cremated remains can be mixed with the soil
-
Pollinator activity everywhere, with bees and butterflies helping keep the display going strong into October
The Story Behind It
Dahlia Hill started in 1992, when artist Charles Breed planted his first dahlias on a vacant hill owned by Bill Fisher. What started as a small personal project has grown into one of Michigan’s most unique public gardens, and its run entirely by volunteers.
Breed’s art background shows up in the flowers and in the sculptures with his museum-quality displays set in the garden for all to enjoy. His nearby studio and the adjacent museums often offer tours that include the garden.
Planning Your Visit
-
Best bloom time: Mid-July through mid-October, with peak in late summer
-
Where: Near 1300 W Main St, Midland, MI (parking and garden are separate from the office)
-
Admission: Free
-
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible, with limited parking for those with mobility needs
-
Extras: Educational tours available, especially during bloom season; events like open houses pop up on Facebook and Instagram
Why Stop?
Locals use it for meetups, quiet breaks during bike rides, or just to take a little breather. Visitors drive over for photo ops and maybe even a few gardening tips.
Free to public
Sunrise to sunset every day
(in bloom July-September)
Garden tours by appointment