Orange bridge overlook

Orange Bridge Overlook & The Snake Creek Floodplain

Measuring 425 feet long by 10 feet wide, this overlook provides spectacular views of the Snake Creek Floodplain. The viewing platform stands 27 feet in the air! Take a moment to pause and observe your surroundings from this unique perspective.

The Snake Creek Floodplain plays an important role in our local ecosystem. The creek meanders from its source upstream, down to the Tittabawassee River, flowing for ½ mile through the Dow Gardens campus. The first phase of the Snake Creek Restoration Project was completed in 2018 and extensive restoration efforts have reduced erosion and improved local wildlife habitat. The restoration also included the removal of 1,200 dead ash trees that had been killed by the invasive Emerald Ash Borer beetle. In their place, 3,000 native trees and shrubs were planted. Limestone and fieldstone were added along the banks and in the creek to slow the water and prevent future erosion.

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. Forest Mounds
  26. Forest Trails
  27. Covered Bridge
  28. Canopy Walk
  29. Education Center