FLINT, MI — Lush gardens are already yielding gorgeous blooms amidst a must-see 34-acre historic estate in Michigan.
Spring is certainly in the air.
The grass has returned to a rich green, and the well-manicured grounds at Applewood are welcoming visitors for the 2026 season.
Of the 34 acres on the estate, 18 acres inside the fence are available for visitors to explore.
A variety of programs are planned at the estate, 1400 E. Kearsley St. in Flint, which opens for the season Friday, May 1.
And guests are welcome to stroll the gardens and grounds on any open day, free of charge.
“Each season opening at Applewood is an invitation for our community to reconnect with a place that reflects both beauty and purpose,” said Sue Peters, president of the Ruth Mott Foundation. “Ruth Mott ensured Applewood would be preserved and opened to the public in honor of her late husband’s remarkable legacy. Today, as we welcome visitors back to the gardens and historic home, we continue her vision to offer a place where history, nature, and community come together in meaningful ways.”
A guided garden tour is held at noon on the second and fourth Thursday of every month.
The tour lasts about one hour and changes each month to highlight peak blooms.
Flowers bloom in the well-manicured grounds of the 34-acre historic Michigan estate at Applewood, located at 1400 E. Kearsley St. in Flint. The estate is now open to the public May 1 to October 31.(Photo provided by Ruth Mott Foundation)
Expect to walk over varying terrain and up and down hills. For groups of 10 or more people, please make advance arrangements with the Manager of Visitor Services.
Printed garden guides are always available at Visitor Services, so that visitors can explore flowers, shrubs and other flora at their own pace.
New this season, visitors can check out the special exhibits commemorating Ruth Mott’s 125th birthday.
Drawn from the Ruth Mott Foundation’s historical collection, the exhibits highlight Mott’s early life, her philanthropy, and her vision to transform Applewood into a place for the community.
House tours are self-guided and offered 1 to 4 p.m. every open day. Reservations are not required.
Applewood was built as a family home and farm in 1916 for automotive pioneer and philanthropist Charles Stewart Mott.
In addition to the home and attached exhibition greenhouse, the estate includes an apple orchard with heirloom apple varieties, formal gardens, a gatehouse, barn and chicken coop.
Jacob and Teresa Siekierzy, of Gaines, relax and read a book as families celebrate Father’s Day on Sunday, June 18, 2017 at Applewood Estates in Flint. The event offered lawn games, a scavenger hunt and make your own ice cream. (Callaghan O’Hare | Mlive.com)Callaghan O’Hare | MLive.com
Children and their caregivers are invited to explore the world through books and fun activities as well during a weekly storytime, held at 11:30 a.m. Fridays May through October.
The stories will celebrate the beauty of the natural world and ways to get involved in your community.
Storytime may be held outdoors, weather permitting, and is usually located near the historic barn or in the lower gardens pavilion. Bring a blanket or chair and sunscreen while arriving prepared for the elements.
The Civic Matters program on Friday, May 15, will feature a hands-on Dream Play Build placemaking activity for all ages, presented in collaboration with the Crim Fitness Foundation. Visitors are welcome to drop in anytime between 1 to 4 p.m.
Applewood Estate hosts Applewood Festival, a free event open to the community to celebrate the season and history, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Applewood Estate, 1400 E. Kearsley St, Flint. (Nico Mendoza | MLive.com)
Guided mindfulness experiences will take place on the third Saturday of every month in various peaceful places throughout the gardens and grounds, giving visitors a chance to enjoy Applewood’s beauty and tranquility with reflections that are designed to support well-being and promote self-awareness.
The initiative, which is offered through a partnership with the Crim Fitness Foundation’s Mindful Flint initiative, will take place on the following dates: May 16, June 20, July 18, Aug. 15, Sept. 19, Oct. 17.
Last year, construction was completed on a pavilion that provides new visitor amenities in the lower gardens area at Applewood. The ADA-accessible pavilion includes restrooms, a changing station, quiet/lactation room, open air shelter, and flexible program space.
Scenes from the 34-acre Applewood Estate in Flint. (Photo provided by the Ruth Mott Foundation)
The Taste of Applewood program is returning this year, in which every visitor receives a taste of something grown at Applewood to highlight its history as a gentleman’s farm. This week’s Taste of Applewood will be apple jelly made with apples from the heirloom orchard.
Applewood Estate is open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday to Saturday and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday from May 1 to Oct. 31. Admission and activities at the estate are always free.
Applewood will be open on Mother’s Day this year as well.
More about Applewood
The estate, which is operated by the Ruth Mott Foundation, was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979 and received an official Michigan Historical Marker in 2016.
The property includes formal gardens, expansive lawns and an array of other plants and stately trees.
Exhibits on the life and legacy of the Motts are in the historical garage, barn, chicken coop and throughout the grounds.
Shortly after C.S. Mott’s death in 1973, his wife, Ruth Rawlings Mott began planning for Applewood’s future.
The transformation of Applewood from a family home to a community place of learning was the vision of Ruth Mott, who wished to open it in honor of her late husband and his significant contributions to Flint and the automotive industry.
Applewood was the Mott family’s private residence from when it was built in 1916 until Ruth Mott died in 1999.
After that, Applewood was transferred to the Ruth Mott Foundation, which still operates it today as a place of beauty and learning for the community.
As the Ruth Mott Foundation marks the 25th anniversary of its community rollout, the Board of Trustees has approved its first round of grants for 2026, awarding 16 grants totaling $2,904,100 to support priorities identified by Flint residents.
“Our 25th anniversary is both a moment of reflection and a call to action,” said Board Chair Maryanne Mott, daughter of the late Ruth Rawlings and Charles Stewart Mott. “It reminds us of what’s possible when we listen to community members and take our direction from residents’ voices and experiences.”
To learn more about Applewood, visit applewood.org.
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