Hidden Lake Gardens: by day or night

Visitors on the trails at Hidden Lake Gardens. Photo courtesy of Rena Spears

By ANN GRAHL

anng@tecumsehherald.com

Fall is in the air at Hidden Lake Gardens (HLG) in Tipton, and the public is welcome to enjoy all the Gardens have to offer as the leaves change hue and the breezes become chillier.

To celebrate autumn’s arrival, HLG is hosting a Fall Foliage Festival on Saturday, Oct. 18, followed by a luminary walk a week later on Saturday, Oct. 25. Last year, these two events were combined on one day and drew thousands of attendees. “We had 2,500 visitors last year,” said Jessica Goodrich, marketing & publicity coordinator at HLG.

In fact, it is that overwhelming response that led to HLG’s decision to separate the festivities into two events this time around. “We decided it was best to try to disperse the crowd a bit,” said Goodrich.

The traditional Fall Foliage Festival, which takes place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Oct. 18, includes live performances by the Saline Fiddlers Philharmonic at 12 and 1 p.m., crafts with Michigan children’s book author Polly Cheney from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and nature science experiments demonstrated on the half hour. Food and beverage trucks will also be parked at the event: The Saucer, featuring wood-fired pizzas and more; Trina’s Treats, with their big cookies, chocolate turtles, ice cream cone cake pops, and other goodies; and Mobile Side Bar, offering hot and cold beverages. 

This year’s luminary walk, “The Great Pumpkin Trail,” taking place from 4 to 8 p.m. on Oct. 25, offers folks a chance to show off their Halloween costumes while enjoying HLG after hours. The Gardens will be aglow with pumpkins, ushering in the spooky season. The journey begins at the Visitors Center, follows illuminated trails to the Reach for the Sky Canopy Walk, and then back to the Conservatory. Pre-registration is not required for this event; last admission to HLG is 7:30 p.m.

“Predictions are indicating that peak colors will be reached between October 13 and 29, which is perfect timing for these two events,” explained Goodrich. “The Sky Walk reaches peak later than the other areas, as it receives less sun, so repeat visitors experience something new every time they visit.”

Admission is included with the entrance fee to the Gardens for these events. And, as always, members are admitted free of charge. “We encourage those who are regular visitors or who plan to attend multiple events to invest in a membership,” said Goodrich.

In addition to these family-friendly happenings, October at HLG offers much more. “There will be food trucks each weekend, and other special attractions running through October 31,” said Goodrich.

Among these attractions is a brand-new Story Walk, an engaging outdoor experience that combines reading and exploration. “Sip, Pick, and Pack,” written by Cheney, is this year’s featured book. The story introduces children to seeds, plants, and pollinators, and it includes vibrant artwork. As they walk along the trails, families will discover each page of the book displayed at intervals, encouraging movement, curiosity, and connection with the natural world.

In addition, the Power of Passage Exhibit will be on display in the Visitors Center Gallery. This exhibit is a collaboration between the Adrian Center for the Arts (ACA) and Hospice of Lenawee, pairing 11 bereaved families with 11 ACA artists. Inspired by the families’ stories, the artists created full-size panel doors, symbolizing threshold and passage. These doors are as unique as the individuals they honor.

For more information on HLG and all that they have to offer, visit their website at hiddenlakegardens.msu.edu.

Regular hours for HLG, located at 6214 Monroe Road (M-50), Tipton, are Tuesday through Sunday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. (last admission at 4:30 p.m.); the Sky Walk, Conservatory, and Gift Shop are open 10 a.m.-4 p.m.