20 Attractions to Explore Near Chippewa Nature Center

Chippewassee Park is a nature lover's paradise. Situated on the convergence of several rivers, this park offers many outdoor activities for those looking to enjoy nature orexperience the unique wildlife in the area. Popular activities include camping, fishing and swimming in one of its two dazzling lakes, Talina and Appling. With over 19 miles of unpaved trails perfect for biking and hiking, there are plenty of opportunities to explore the beautiful terrain.

Bradley Home/Carriage House Hall is a historical site with a rich and varied history. The main house was originally built by Mayhew and Daisy Bradley in the early 1920s, with the Carriage House being added later. Over the years, many renovations and updates have been made to both buildings. Today, the main house serves as a museum open to visitors featuring photographs of the original homesteaders and artifacts from the Bradley family.

The Tridge is an impressive sight to behold. Built in 1981 by volunteers from the local Kiwassee Kiwanis Club, the three-way wooden bridge spans the confluence of the Chippewa and Tittabawassee rivers. At 100 feet long and surrounded by lush park lands and beautiful views of sunsets over the river, it's become a favorite spot for locals to enjoy picnics, fishing outings, and weekend walks. Its distinct design means that no matter which way you view it.

The Pere Marquette Rail Trail is a great place for outdoor enthusiasts to explore. Stretching for over 25 miles and providing an all-season path, it's ideal for walking, running, hiking, biking, snowmobiling and cross-country skiing. With unique views of the Tittabawassee River and Six Mile Creek, it's easy to discover something new no matter how many times you visit. The trail also features several access points that can be used as stops or parking locations along the way.

Emerson Park is a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. This sprawling park features a variety of activities and experiences—from fishing on the Sanford Lake beachfront to exploring the winding hiking trails of Emerson Park Woods. Guests can also take advantage of shelters for group events, picnic areas, children's playgrounds, and expansive open spaces perfect for lounging around.

Dow Gardens is a beautiful natural wonder that visitors from all over love to explore. Featuring 110 acres of oak grove and gorgeous gardens filled with conifers, ornamental shrubs, perennial beds, and a stately formal garden design, it is one of the most popular attractions in Midland County. There are seven miles of trails that meander through wooded terrain and flowers fields suitable for leisurely strolls or quick jogs.

The Midland Center for the Arts provides locals and visitors to the area with a dynamic and exciting performing arts center. From quality live theater performances to classical music and dance, this center offers a wide variety of experiences for their patrons. Additionally, the center also hosts a number of educational activities for students such as workshops, lectures, classes and camps that emphasize positive learning experiences.

Stratford Woods Park is a natural oasis set amidst the hustle and bustle of a large metropolitan area. It consists of 100 acres of lush forest and winding trails that beg visitors to explore its interior. Wildlife such as white-tailed deer, red foxes and various species of birds inhabit this scenic park, providing a serene setting for hikers, bikers and runners alike. Camping, fishing, boating and nature watching are popular pastimes at the park as well.

The Pere Marquette Rail Trail is a spectacular outdoor experience. Spanning over 30 miles, it serves as a stunningly beautiful recreational trail encompassing lakes, woods and prairies. Formerly an old railroad line, the path is wide and flat, gently winding along scenic views of Chippewa River, Salt Creek and Warner Creek. Adventurers can enjoy bicycling, running or walking the diverse wildlife areas. It also provides horseback riding trails for more experienced riders.

The Sanford Historical Museum is a treasure trove of knowledge and fun. Located close to Wixom Lake, the museum provides an ideal setting for learning about the region's past. From Native American artifacts and clothing to exhibits on lumbering and railroad history, the museum offers an engaging exploration of Michigan's local traditions. There are also educational resources for children; interactive displays depict how animal pelts were prepared by early settlers.

Sanford Lake is a popular destination located in Midland County, Michigan. It stretches 225 acres and offers loads of outdoor activities such as boating, fishing, and even swimming. Surrounded by lush trees and rolling hills, it's the perfect place for taking a leisurely stroll or having a picnic with loved ones. The lake is home to a variety of wildlife like nesting cherries, green herons, Red-shouldered hawks, mallards and loons to name just a few.

The Marshall M Fredericks Sculpture Museum is one of the most renowned sculpture museums in the nation. This stellar cultural site offers an array of features – from art galleries displaying captivating exhibits, to educational events and prestigious visiting scholars. Over a dozen of Fredericks' public sculptures at the museum invoke movement and emotion, making it an exciting place to visit and learn. The grounds that host the museum also include a peaceful outdoor garden.

Fashion Square Mall is an impressive place for friends, family, and visitors to experience a shopping gallery like no other. Featuring over 160 brand-name stores, including prominent national retailers like Macy's and Dillard's, Fashion Square Mall has all the latest shoppers can ask for. The mall is equipped with five restaurants to choose from with both indoor and outdoor seating, so visitors are sure to find something tasty when it comes time for a break.

Tobico Marsh Nature Area is a unique and stunningly beautiful marshland. Over two thousand acres of wetlands make up this nature area, with it being one of the largest freshwater estuaries in the state of Michigan. The area is characterized by a wide variety of vegetation including tall native cottonwood trees, cattails, and bulrushes as well as other species like bullfrogs, painted turtles, and great blue herons that can be frequently sighted in the area.

Bay City State Park boasts 2,000 acres of freshwater shoreline and is home to scenic marshes, wetlands, and a variety of wildlife. There are several activities to enjoy in the park such as fishing, canoeing, hiking, birdwatching and camping. The trails offer breathtaking views over Lake Huron, where you can search for hidden treasures among its many creeks and islands. Visitors can also stay overnight in camping cabins or rustic camping throughout the summer months.

The Veteran Memorial Bridge is a major transportation hub, connecting the cities of Bay City and Bangor Township. Built in 1957, this bridge has been a source of pride for the locals. The views from it are nothing short of amazing: as travelers cross the bridge, they can enjoy clear views of the Saginaw River and its tributary, Wenonah Park. It is also unique in that it includes medallions of different branches of military service to honor local military veterans who have served this country.

Wenonah Park at World Friendship Shell is an exciting and beautiful place to visit. Surrounded by the Saginaw River on one side and a variety of wildlife on the other, the park offers gorgeous views, fishing opportunities and plenty of recreational activities. The park is also home to a large amphitheater which hosts various concerts throughout the year. Visitors can participate in nature walks and explore miles of walking trails along with playgrounds, volleyball courts, picnic areas.

Liberty Bridge is an iconic structure in Bay County, providing the community with a convenient way to cross the Saginaw River. Built in 1927, this elegant bridge combines steel and concrete to support traffic over the waterway. Placed at the same location as a previous wood truss bridge, Liberty Bridge has become an essential part of outdoor recreation in the area. It is both a symbol of strength and engineering prowess, standing strong against extreme weather conditions.

Third Street Waterfall Park is a hidden gem of the Midwest. Visitors come from miles around to enjoy its stunning outdoor beauty and numerous recreation opportunities, including several waterfalls surrounded by lush ferns and bamboo, two islands connected by wooden bridges, walking trails, and fishing spots with plenty of delicious trout. The park also features a picnic area nestled in a shady corner, offering an ideal spot for family meals or small gatherings.

The Delta College Planetarium, is a fantastic attraction for people of all ages. Aside from hosting several educational and entertaining science programs every month, it also houses an impressive collection of artifacts relating to space exploration. It has the distinction of being home to a state-of-the-art digital projection system that displays celestial images at the highest possible resolution. The planetarium also boasts a large nighttime observatory dome.