10 best outdoor photo locations in Mid-Michigan for families and couples
- Lisa Calandrino
- Mar 27
- 8 min read
When people think of scenic outdoor locations in Michigan, they usually jump straight for the coasts, right? We think of Lake Michigan, Sleeping Bear Dunes, Pictured Rocks, and the Mackinac Bridge. These locations and more make absolutely stunning backdrops for photo sessions. But what about those of us living in mid-Michigan, away from all of those classic Michigan views? What about those of us who want to celebrate our lives as they truly are? Who want to celebrate the small moments, togetherness, and home?
As a proud Michigander through and through and someone who grew up square in the middle of mid-Michigan, I may be biased, but I think our quiet chunk of the mitten is beautiful in its own right. We have several locations that simply do not disappoint when it comes to photo sessions. If you're looking to plan your next session - be it for anniversary photos, engagement photos, family photos, or maternity photos - this list of 10 outdoor locations in mid-Michigan is for you.
Downtown Frankenmuth
Michigan's Little Bavaria is loved for a reason. It's charming, quaint, and festive. Every bit of Frankenmuth's Main Street was created with aesthetic in mind, and it shows. Perfect for Christmas photos, vacation photos, or engagement photos, there are plenty of backdrops within this Michigan city to make for the perfect photo session location.
Pro Tip: Frankenmuth is one of the busiest spots in mid-Michigan! To avoid having too many people in your photos, I recommend hosting a portion of your session in Heritage Park. From there, head into downtown and make use of the gardens and decorative walls as backdrops. For a fully people-free session, plan your photos for winter. Tourist season ends on New Year's Day and lasts through March.
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Dow Gardens + Whiting Forest
Dow Gardens of Midland, Michigan is a sight to behold. With stunning gardens, weeping willows, and tall trees, this outdoor location is perfect for dreamy, romantic couples photos, fresh family pictures, and scenic senior photos.
Please note that unlike other locations included in this list, Dow Gardens does require an entry fee of $5.00 for students aged four through 18 years old. For adults, the fee is $15.00.
Pro Tip: Dow Gardens is absolutely gorgeous all year round, but if you're in the market for autumn colors, this is your spot! Additionally, please embrace lightly rainy days. A slight drizzle can add so much mood to a session, and cloudy skies help to even out harsh, spotty shadows created by trees!
Downtown Lansing
Downtown Lansing, Michigan is where you want to go if you're looking to have city vibes in your photos. Think Grand Rapids or Detroit-style photos on a much smaller scale. Not only is the awe-worthy Michigan State Capitol Building here, but just a short walk away you'll find beautiful pieces of architecture such as the building that hosts Comerica Bank.
I've used downtown Lansing for two incredible boss babe sessions, but it is also the perfect spot for classically romantic couples sessions.
Pro Tip: Evening golden hour light at the capitol building is an absolute dream! However, it does grow dark very quickly afterwards thanks to the tall buildings surrounding the capitol area.
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Saginaw Valley State University
Saginaw Valley State University (SVSU) has my heart for many reasons. I not only spent over four years attending classes, living, and working there, but I also had some of my very first photo sessions there. On top of all that, the biggest day of my life played out at SVSU: my wedding day!
That being said, I know this campus really well, and it is gorgeous. Of course, the Saginaw, Michigan campus acts as the perfect place for college graduation photos, but it's also a great spot for professional head shots, anniversary, and engagement photos. Whether you attended Saginaw Valley as a student or not, there is a backdrop for any type of photo session here.
In the spring, campus explodes with blossoming trees. During the summer, a meadow erupts with the most romantic wildflowers (I may be biased; this is where I requested to have my wedding photos taken)! Additionally, there are ponds, fountains, a forested path, and an amphitheater with seating that makes a statement.
Pro Tip: If you do want to venture indoors, Curtiss Hall has amazing lighting at certain points of the day!
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Flushing Township Nature Park
Flushing Township Nature Park might be one of my top favorite parks in the mid-Michigan area. This park is relatively large given its location in mid-Michigan, and therefore, provides a variety of beautiful backdrops such as golden grasses, a lush green forest, a boardwalk, and the banks of the Flint River. I've used this park a few times over the years for both family and couples photography, but it is also a perfect location for high school senior portraits or maternity photos.
Pro Tip: Where comfy shoes to change in and out of at this location! Trails can be muddy, and sessions here can require a bit of walking.
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Clover Beach
Clover Beach is a small park just outside of Fenton, Michigan. While tiny, it does offer several beautiful spots perfect for family, couples, or maternity photo sessions. The beach part of Clover Beach is backed by lush foliage and cattails. Stone pillars line the main walkway to the water, creating a great way to split your photos between a slightly architectural vibe and a nature aesthetic.
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Curwood Castle Park
Curwood Castle Park is another small park on this list. Located in Owosso, Michigan, this city park sits on either side of the Shiawassee River. It hosts a quaint castle straight out of a fairy tale, beautiful magnolia trees, a suspension bridge, and more. Whether you need engagement pictures or photos for your high school senior, Curwood Castle Park can provide cute garden or cottage-core aesthetics without requiring a long drive from home.
Showboat Park
The next outdoor location is Showboat Park in the cozy village of Chesaning, Michigan. This riverside park has, of course, stunning river landscapes, but it also has flowering trees, a forested trail, and beautiful walking paths. If you have a soon-to-be high school graduate, the dirt drive running through the river flats makes a great spot for car-themed senior photos. There are also ball fields for senior athlete pictures. In addition to senior photos, I have used Showboat Park for both family and couples photos. Each time, I have loved the results!
Pro Tip: The best spot along the riverbank for photos is both easiest and safest to access in Spring before the grass has a chance to grow too long!
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Henderson Park
I've actually only used Henderson Park twice throughout my photography career; once for a high school senior and once for this sweet Mama & Me session pictured below. Despite this, I had to add Henderson Park to the list. It's truly a hidden gem, tucked back on a country road that you probably have had no business being on unless you've actually driven in or out of Henderson, Michigan (and I'm going to guess you haven't). This park has gorgeous fall colors and stunning river access (do you sense a theme yet?). While small, it has everything needed to create a beautifully curated gallery.
Grand Ledge
Oooh, do I have a three-for-one for you! Grand Ledge is KING when it comes to outdoor photo locations, and because of that, it's definitely the area I have hosted the most photo sessions. So, what makes Grand Ledge so great?
It literally has everything you could hope for in an outdoor photo session spread across three amazing parks. I'm talking river access (again), I'm talking tall grasses, I'm talking wide open areas, I'm talking brick ruins, I'm talking stunning fall foliage, I'm talking everything. Out of all of the places on this list, Grand Ledge - as a whole - is my favorite location.
Here's a super quick breakdown of which park offers what:
Oak Park: This is the smallest park of the three and probably the most challenging to use. Oak Park has a large grassy area with trees that can be used for family photos, but the real wow factor is below. Underneath this grassy area is a hidden, narrow trail. The Grand River runs along one side of the trail while steep rocky cliff sides (or ledges, if you will) run along the other. Due to the rough terrain and narrow trail, I only recommend this spot for photos if you're an individual or couple who is steady on their feet.
Pro Tip: Wear quality shoes and watch for poison ivy.
Fitzgerald Park: Almost directly across the river from Oak Park is another beauty. Whereas Oak Park's ledges are rugged and adventurous, Fitzgerald Park's ledges are straight out of a storybook. The cliff sides in this park, which is much larger than Oak Park, are covered in ferns, moss, and all of the lush greens you could hope for. Again, the trail is narrow with cliffs on one side and river on the other. However, the segment of river that runs along Fitzgerald Park contains a tiny island, and thanks to that tiny island, majestic white ducks can often be seen swimming along the river, adding to the fairy tale magic that is the grand ledges.
On higher ground above the ledges, there is another wide grassy area with trees. This area is perfect for extended family photos.
Lincoln Brick Park: Okay, we have officially reached the outdoor location I use most for photos. I've been to this park several times, and I still haven't found how to access the ledges here. What I have found though is tall, beautiful grasses that glow just right during golden hour. Brick ruins that allow for one of the most unique backdrops. Fall colors that truly stun. Forested trails with sparkling pockets of light. Lincoln Brick Park comes with such variety that it can fit the needs of so many different session types. And remember, I still haven't found the ledges to use as an additional backdrop!
Pro Tip: Both the road heading into this park and the road running through it have terrible pot holes. Drive carefully! Bring bug spray as well; the mosquitos can be absolutely horrible. Lastly, like Oak Park, it is essential that you keep an eye out for poison ivy- especially at the brick ruins!
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Honorable Mentions for Outdoor Photo Locations in Mid-Michigan
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