Tree Canopy Walk At Whiting Forest Of Dow Gardens Drives Record Attendance

Midland, Mich.—In October 2019, Whiting Forest of Dow Gardens celebrated its one-year anniversary since reopening to the public with an expansive new nature-play campus planned and designed by Philadelphia-based firm Metcalfe. With three new facilities (including a visitor center, café, and classroom) surrounding the nation’s longest tree canopy walk coursing through the 54-acre forest’s orchards and groves and over a vernal pond, and 1.5 miles of ADA accessible pathways, the Midland, Michigan destination has become an important local and national attraction.

Thirty-thousand people visited Dow Gardens on the opening week of Whiting Forest, and the site has consistently drawn record levels of attendance throughout the year—even through the cold Michigan winter. Over the past twelve months, attendance at Dow Gardens has increased by 30%, with average daily attendance ranging from 2,000-3,000 visitors. In 2019, the Garden has welcomed over 303,000 guests.

Whiting Forest of Dow Gardens is a signature gift of The Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow Foundation. Located within Dow Gardens, the landmark public gardens established in 1899 by Herbert H. Dow, Whiting Forest of Dow Gardens is a four-seasons, experience-oriented complement to the site that encourages visitors to engage with nature. The project was championed by Metcalfe; Macauley (Mike) Whiting, Jr., Trustee and President Emeritus of The Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow Foundation and his wife Sara.

Of the collaboration with Metcalfe, Whiting said, “At our first meeting with the Metcalfe team, we were impressed by their authentic, intelligent approach to our project. Metcalfe absorbed our vision and created a solution that took our institution to the next level-in terms of design and measurable performance. Since opening day, our visitor count has increased dramatically, and we have brought joy to the lives to the families who visit the Forest; it’s been an exceptional return on our investment."

“As an architect, you always want to build something that resonates with people,” said Alan Metcalfe, founder of Metcalfe. “Working with The Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow Foundation, we were able to tap into the potential of the site and create a great resource for the community. The whole site, the canopy walk and facilities, work as a campus to support learning, and I am thrilled that people have really connected with what we designed.”