The historic Applewood Estate in Flint, Michigan is now open to the public. It is located at 1400 E Kearsley St, Flint, MI 48503. It is the former residence of automotive pioneer Charles Stewart Mott. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the estate is owned by the Ruth Mott Foundation and offers a number of programs and exhibits to visitors. Additional info.
Visitors can take guided tours of the buildings and grounds, and can also explore the many gardens, orchard, and museum. During the spring and fall, the estate is open to the public free of charge. However, reservations are required for house tours. If a visitor plans to visit the estate without a tour scheduled, they can make a reservation by calling the visitor center at (989) 477-3390.
To learn more about Applewood, its history, and the Mott family, visitors can purchase a book, which draws from the archives of the Ruth Mott Foundation. The book recalls the first 100 years of the estate’s history, retelling stories of C.S. Mott’s life and the lives of four women who were close to him.
Applewood is currently undergoing an update, which includes improvements for visitors and new exhibits and programs. The updated master plan will include a new visitor center at the front gate. This new facility will provide a welcoming entrance to the community and offer visitors access to administrative offices, classrooms, and exhibits.
In addition to the buildings at the estate, the Ruth Mott Foundation also owns an apple orchard and 18 acres of landscaped grounds. The orchard features 29 varieties of heritage apples. A rose garden, perennial garden, and Discovery Trail are other attractions. Also on the property are a chicken coop, a barn, and a gardener’s cottage.
The foundation offers a variety of workshops, programs, and field trips, including family activities, educational activities, and historical tours. Children’s story times are held every Friday. There are also a number of hiking trails that are accessible for people of all ages.
Applewood also hosts public garden tours and seminars. Throughout the year, horticulturists conduct trainings, help with event set-up, and provide technical assistance. Horticulturists are encouraged to join the RMF’s Diversity and Inclusion initiative and participate in the organization’s strategic plan. They are also required to obtain a commercial pesticide applicator’s license within one month of employment.
Applewood has a full season of programming, with weekend hours in May through October. During the summer, the estate is open on weekends from 10 a.m.-6 p.m., and during the fall, it is open on Fridays and Saturdays from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. For information about other events and programs, visitors can check the website. Read on for more info.
There are a number of special events, such as Taste of Applewood, which allows visitors to taste the produce of the estate. It is a great opportunity for families to get to know the Mott family’s food traditions. Additionally, there are several programs designed to educate visitors about the heritage of the region, including Be a Tourist in Your Hometown.