Fernwood Botanical Garden & Nature Preserve
Fernwood is a special place where people, plants, and nature come together. Beautiful gardens surrounded by forest are tucked into a landscape of 105 acres of cultivated and natural areas along the scenic St. Joseph River valley. Fernwood's nature preserve, with its tall trees, tranquil ponds, abundant springs, and carpets of wildflowers, is a magical place that draws people back again and again.
Trails provide access to all parts of the preserve, allowing visitors to see a remarkable variety of plants and wildlife. Some trails climb steeply while others offer gentle grades. All are kept simple so visitors remain close to nature. Surfaces are wood-chipped or bare earth, and there are steps on hilly portions and boardwalks over wet areas. Benches provide places to rest and observe the beautiful surroundings. Species of endangered or threatened Michigan plants and animals are protected in the preserve.
The garden trails are paved, but preserve trails are not wheelchair accessible.
Matching Blogs
-
Summer activities for kids in Southwest MichiganBlog Jun 6, 2025
-
A Walk in the Gardens: Meet Fernwood’s New Executive DirectorBlog Apr 23, 2025
-
Spring Road Trip: Discover Southwest Michigan's Hidden GemsBlog Mar 24, 2025
-
Hit the Trails! The Top Spots for Spring Hiking in Southwest MichiganBlog Mar 11, 2025
-
Fun, Affordable Family Spring Break IdeasBlog Feb 26, 2025
-
A Winter Silent Sports Guide to More Fun in Southwest MichiganBlog Feb 25, 2025
-
Craft the Most Romantic Weekends in Southwest MichiganBlog Feb 7, 2025
-
Discover Why St. Joseph is One of Michigan’s Most Romantic DestinationsBlog Jan 30, 2025
-
A Winter Guide to Hiking TrailsBlog Jan 13, 2025
-
Top Things to Do During a Notre Dame Football Weekend in Southwest MichiganBlog Dec 11, 2024
-
Top 10 Fun-Filled Holiday Activities in Southwest MichiganBlog Nov 15, 2024
-
Buchanan, Michigan: A Cannabis-Friendly Hidden GemBlog Nov 14, 2024
-
Early Christmas CelebrationsBlog Oct 30, 2024
-
See some of the BEST fall colors in ALL of MichiganBlog Oct 25, 2024
-
Taste of Southwest Michigan: Your Culinary Destination for Small MeetingsBlog Oct 24, 2024
-
Work & Play: Family-Friendly Meetings in Southwest MichiganBlog Oct 11, 2024
-
Ultimate Guide to Sunset Views in Southwest MichiganBlog Sep 5, 2024
-
The Top Southwest Michigan Towns to Visit This FallBlog Sep 4, 2024
-
Double your fall color tour fun: Nature + Makers TrailBlog Aug 26, 2024
-
Five Fun Summer Date IdeasBlog Jul 29, 2024
-
69 summer ideas for your Southwest Michigan bucket listBlog Jun 10, 2024
-
How to take the Best Spring Photos in Southwest MichiganBlog May 5, 2024
-
Tips for birdwatching in Southwest MichiganBlog Apr 21, 2024
-
A first-timer’s guide to Southwest MichiganBlog Feb 27, 2024
-
Plan Your Next Reunion in Southwest MichiganBlog Feb 27, 2024
-
Best Christmas light displays in Southwest MichiganBlog Dec 15, 2023
-
Walk through Christmas lights in Southwest MichiganBlog Dec 3, 2023
-
Refresh at Michigan’s most relaxing vacation spotBlog Oct 31, 2023
-
Visit some of Michigan’s best fall hiking trailsBlog Sep 18, 2023
-
Dreams come true at these summer wedding venues in Southwest MichiganBlog Jun 29, 2023
-
Where to cross-country ski in Southwest MichiganBlog Jan 18, 2023
-
Unique Halloween activities in Southwest MichiganBlog Oct 20, 2022
-
Fall activities for kids in Southwest MichiganBlog Oct 2, 2022
-
Do these 10 things in Southwest Michigan before summer endsBlog Aug 7, 2022
-
Outdoor art sculptures in Southwest MichiganBlog Aug 4, 2022
-
Wellness activities in Southwest MichiganBlog Jun 9, 2022
-
Southwest Michigan Date Night StarterBlog Mar 8, 2021
-
An Inside Look at Fernwood Botanical Garden and Nature PreserveBlog Jan 23, 2020
-
What makes Southwest Michigan Sweet?Blog Jan 20, 2020