Midland, MI, is the perfect place to settle down. After all the excitement of college and the mid-twenties lifestyle, Midland offers an atmosphere made for raising a family. Many members of this community spend their teen years saying over and over, “I’ll never end up back here,” but most come right on back after college. It’s the kind of place that you don’t see for what it’s worth until you leave it.
Existing primarily on the extravagant financial success of the Dow Chemical Company, Midland has been gifted the ability to create unique additions such as the Tridge, Midland Center for the Arts, and Grace A. Dow Library. Located at the heart of the Tittabawassee River, the Tridge is a three-armed bridge, one arm coming from downtown midland’s Farmer’s Market venue leading to two other arms, one leading into the woods along the river on a trail that goes on forever, and the other leading to a wonderful grassy landscape, Chippewassee Park. At one end of the park, there is a huge jungle gym for children of all ages. Not too far from that is the Trilogy Skate Park, a hot spot for skater teens. On any summer day, the Tridge is a wonderful location for family activities. I myself have gone there with family or friends countless times. It’s also great for romantic strolls through the woods or down the Pere Marquette Rail Trail, a 22-mile, revamped abandoned railroad perfect for walks, bike rides, roller-blading, etc, etc. The trail, known as the “Rail Trail” to most of the community, passes over bridges, through natural woodland beauty, and even leads to Emerson Park, where the Historical Society’s Dow Museum and Bradley House are located. The Dow Museum outlines the history of Dow in a replica of its original mill where the empire began. The Bradley House is an actual home from the 1800s, which was moved to its present location from the main downtown area. Inside, actual artifacts from the period litter the entire house, replicating the life of a typical Victorian-era family. It’s a wonderful addition to the character of our community. The tridge is a gateway to a day well spent. There are plenty of opportunities for adventure and will always be Midland’s identifier.
Although, if you’re not one for nature, The Midland Center for the Arts has plenty more to offer. Another Dow donation, this performing arts haven has attracted the likes of Steve Martin, Idina Menzel, Audra McDonald, and many more. There are off-broadway shows, art exhibits, history museums, teenage musicals, choral and orchestra performances, and so much more. This huge building has something for everybody. Some of the upcoming events include a LEGO family weekend, an American Girl Bitty Baby party, and a Victorian Funeral and Cemetery tour. All I can use to describe this place are lists because honestly, there are so many events that happen every single day. I would personally recommend Rhapsody Rendezvous, a giant annual talent show put on by Midland High school that I have performed in two years in a row. No matter who you are, the Center is a great place to catch a show.
I’ve only explained two features of Midland, but I could go on for pages. The people are friendly, the schools offer IB and AP programs, the weather isn’t the worst in Michigan, there is a tremendous country club, some awesome houses, and churches everywhere. If your adventures to Michigan ever don’t lead you up north, stop by Midland, maybe find a perfect place to raise a family.
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