Boulder pass

Boulder Pass & Waterfall

This narrow corridor lined with boulders and accented with dwarf conifers is known as Boulder Pass, but Herbert Dow knew this area as “the stump cut.” As pine tree stumps were cleared from the property they were embedded into the hillside to create a path through this natural ridge. The resin from the trees preserved the stumps for over 50 years! As part of the 1970s revitalization project, the stump cut was replaced by these large boulders, which were sourced from a quarry in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan.

As you emerge from Boulder Pass you will notice a waterfall. This waterfall, framed by Junipers and Kousa Dogwoods, pumps up to 750 gallons-per-minute and circulates water throughout the gardens, feeding first into the nearby stream.

Dow Gardens Audio Tour
  1. Visitor Center & Gift Shop
  2. Birch Grove
  3. Boulder Pass & Waterfall
  4. Streamside
  5. Conservatory
  6. Secret Garden
  7. Herb Garden
  8. Sun Bridge
  9. The Pines
  10. The Yew Maze
  11. Willow Wedding Site
  12. Red Bridge Overlook & The Maze
  13. Founders' Circle
  14. The Bumps
  15. Observation Island
  16. Wedding Peninsula
  17. Rhododendron Trail
  18. Children's Garden
  19. Rose Garden & Trial Beds
  20. Rose Garden Bridge
  21. Orange Bridge Overlook & The Snake Creek Floodplain
  22. Orchard
  23. Mini Pines
  24. Wildflower Meadow
  25. Playground
  26. Forest Trails
  27. Covered Bridge
  28. Canopy Walk
  29. Education Center