Hidden Lake Gardens : Events

Save the Date for Our Annual Plant Sale! 

Join us for a one-day-only event at Hidden Lake Gardens, featuring a wide selection of plants including annuals, perennials, woody plants, dwarf conifers, succulents, vegetable plants, and herbs inside the Service Building.

Special Member Preview: 9:00–10:00 a.m. (Cardholding members only—no guests, please)
Open to the Public: 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. or until sold out

Highlights:

• Limited supply of pine needle bales for mulching
• Specially curated selections from Hidden Lake Gardens
• Inventory list of most selections will be available closer to the date of sale at https://ipf.msu.edu/hidden-lake-gardens/plantsale (subject to change)
• The Hidden Lake Gardeners Club will have hyper-tufa pots available for sale
• Adrian Center for the Arts (ACA) will be on-site the same day offering nature-themed artwork for sale

Payment accepted via cash, check, or credit card. Plan to shop early for the best selection—popular varieties may sell out quickly!

Limited Availability – Only 50 Spots! Register Early!

Join us for a special day at Hidden Lake Gardens celebrating the past, present, and future of the beloved Hosta Hillside! 

Registration Details:
• $25 per person
• Each registered guest will enjoy a delicious lunch, including your choice of sandwich and dessert (cookie or pie) from Traverse City Pie Company!

Special Gift:
Every attendee will also receive a free hosta — Hosta ‘Emerald Chalice’ — a stunning, medium-sized Hosta featuring shiny, cupped, heart-shaped leaves, hybridized and registered by Charlie Kwick in 2020.

Event Highlights:
• While you enjoy your lunch, hear the fascinating history of Hidden Lake Gardens and the story of how the Hosta Hillside began and evolved over the years.
• After a short break, take a guided stroll through the Hosta Hillside and hear from three expert speakers. Each will give a 30-minute talk about exciting redesign plans to transform the Hillside into a new, enhanced AHS National Display Garden. Topics will include:

• Collaborations with other plant societies to enrich plantings around the pond
• Pathway updates for improved accessibility
• Redevelopment plans to amend existing beds for thriving new plantings
• Strategies to protect and sustain the new gardens

You'll also get a sneak peek at some of the beautiful improvements already underway along the pond’s shore! Don’t miss this unique opportunity to be part of Hosta Hillside’s next chapter. Space is limited—register now to reserve your spot!

Enjoy an evening of bicycling or walking at Hidden Lake Gardens! Explore over 6 miles of paved trails, surrounded by beautiful scenery and highlights of the Gardens.

Activities:

• Walk or bring your own bicycle to enjoy the Gardens at your own pace.
• Helmets are recommended for all cyclists.
• Cycling permitted on paved trails only.
• The Sky Walk and hiking trails will be open for exploration on foot.
• For safety, Woodland Drive and Arboretum Road will be closed to motorized vehicles during this event.

Amenities:

• Please park in the main parking lot near the Visitors Center.
• Restrooms and a water bottle fill station will be available at the exterior restroom building near the main lot.
• The Conservatory, Visitors Center, and Gift Shop will be closed for the evening.

Admission:

• Free admission for:
  • Hidden Lake Gardens members
  • Adrian District Library, Lenawee County Library, Stair District Library and Tecumseh District Library cardholders (Please present your library or membership card at the Gatehouse.)
• Regular admission rates apply to all other visitors.

Last Admission at 7:00 p.m. Sponsored by the Tecumseh District Library.

Celebrate the arrival of summer with an enchanting evening at Hidden Lake Gardens. Enjoy a peaceful twilight stroll through the gardens, explore the Conservatory, and experience the Sky Walk as day turns to dusk.

Special Health & Wellness Event: Caring for the Mind and Body
In partnership with the Lenawee County Department on Aging, the Alzheimer’s Association, and Dementia Friendly Services, Hidden Lake Gardens is hosting an informative and supportive event for caregivers and families impacted by dementia.

Presentation: “Healthy Living for Your Brain and Body”
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: Visitors Center Auditorium
Presenter: Melissa Salas, Program Manager, Alzheimer’s Association
Learn practical tips for cognitive health and discover helpful resources for caregivers, including ways to reduce caregiver stress.

Simultaneous Activity: Nature-Based Programming
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: Garden Room, Lower Level of the Visitors Center
During the presentation, family members with dementia are invited to enjoy guided, nature-inspired activities in a safe and welcoming space.

Luminaries for a Cause
Luminaries will be available in the Visitors Center Gallery for a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association. Guests are welcome to place them along the sidewalks outside the Visitors Center and on the path leading to the Conservatory as a tribute or symbol of hope.

Last entry at 8:00 p.m.

Join us in the Garden Room in the lower level of Visitors Center at Hidden Lake Gardens for the much-anticipated Annual Hosta Sale! Check back soon for number of available Hosta and pricing.

Choose from a wide variety of well-established Hostas in an array of sizes, shapes, and colors—including many unique varieties not commonly found in retail stores.

Arrive early! Quantities are limited, and popular varieties tend to sell out fast. Last year, all plants were sold in 30 minutes!

Payment: Cash or check only. (Sorry, no credit cards or digital payments accepted.)

Don't miss this chance to enhance your garden with these beautiful, shade-loving favorites!

Join us at Hidden Lake Gardens for a summer celebration of bonsai! Whether you're an artist, enthusiast, or just curious, come explore the art form that combines distinct discipline, persistence and quiet contemplation.

Event Highlights:

• Bonsai exhibition featuring trees from Michigan and beyond
• Vendors offering a wide variety of bonsai essentials
• Live demonstrations by highly skilled bonsai artists
• Introductory workshops (pre-registration required once available)

Mark your calendar for this unique experience, all activities included with your regular admission to Hidden Lake Gardens with the exception of the bonsai workshops. Workshop participants enjoy FREE admission to HLG on the day of the event!

Join the Friends of Hidden Lake Gardens in helping to keep our community clean and beautiful! Volunteers are needed to assist with picking up litter along the M-50 corridor that fronts Hidden Lake Gardens. This is a great way to give back, enjoy the outdoors, and make a positive impact on the environment.

Who Can Participate?:

• Anyone 12 years of age or older
• Children 12-17 must be accompanied by an adult

What to Expect:

• No experience necessary – all supplies are provided
• Dress for the weather, including closed-toe shoes/boots and work gloves
• Pants and long sleeves are highly recommended for protection
• For past participants, please note the earlier start time

Meet at the main entrance and park as directed, come lend a hand, enjoy the fresh air, and help keep Hidden Lake Gardens’ surroundings looking their best!

The most scenic and hilliest course in Southeast Michigan!

Join us for a beautiful fall morning at Hidden Lake Gardens for the 14th Annual Run for the Hills on our stunning paved trails! Choose between a 1 mile walk or 5K run / walk through scenic hills and vibrant autumn views.

All participants receive a T-shirt, a participation medal, and admission to Hidden Lake Gardens—including the Reach for the Sky Canopy Walk!

Registration for the 2025 race is now available at Run for the Hills! Don’t miss this chance to enjoy a day of fitness surrounded by nature’s beauty! 

Join the Friends of Hidden Lake Gardens in helping to keep our community clean and beautiful! Volunteers are needed to assist with picking up litter along the M-50 corridor that fronts Hidden Lake Gardens. This is a great way to give back, enjoy the outdoors, and make a positive impact on the environment.

Who Can Participate?:

• Anyone 12 years of age or older
• Children 12-17 must be accompanied by an adult

What to Expect:

• No experience necessary – all supplies are provided
• Dress for the weather, including closed-toe shoes/boots and work gloves
• Pants and long sleeves are highly recommended for protection
• For past participants, please note the earlier start time

Meet at the main entrance and park as directed, come lend a hand, enjoy the fresh air, and help keep Hidden Lake Gardens’ surroundings looking their best!

Join us for a magical evening as you follow a glowing trail of luminaries through Hidden Lake Gardens, from the Visitors Center to the Sky Walk, and back to the Conservatory to explore the beauty of light and shadow in nature. Plus, all Conservatory biomes will be open for you to explore, and refreshments will be available for purchase inside the Visitors Center.

Bring your flame-free lanterns or flashlights to light your path through our peaceful forest. Our Daffodil Gift Shop will also be open from 5:00 - 7:30 p.m., stocked with flashlights and more!

Only pre-registered guests will be permitted entry on these evenings—don't wait to claim your spot! Tickets will NOT be available to purchase the night of the event. Pre-registered participants must arrive by 7:00 p.m., entry will not be permitted after this time. Learn more and register at Under the Silver Moon.

6214 Monroe Road (M-50)

Tipton, MI 49287

517-431-2060

hlg@msu.edu