Midland, Michigan

Midland is located in east central Michigan, and is the county seat of Midland County. The city is located 19 miles (31 kilometers) west of Bay City (which is on Saginaw Bay), 30 miles (48 kilometers) northwest of Saginaw, and 129 miles (208 kilometers) north of Detroit.

Dow Chemical was founded in Midland in 1897, and Dow Chemical and Dow Corning remain two of the largest employers in the community.

Midland experiences all four seasons, with January highs averaging 29F (-2C) and July highs averaging 84F (29C). Locally, there are several great places to get outside to enjoy the four seasons. One place is the Chippewa Nature Center (CNC), a 1,000-acre (405-hectare) area, with deciduous and coniferous forests, fields, rivers, ponds, and wetlands. The CNC also includes a 14-mile (23-kilometer) network of trails, an 1870 Homestead Farm, and the Garrett Arboretum of Michigan Trees and Shrubs. Another is the Dow Gardens, which were started in 1899, and encompass 110 acres (45 hectares) and more than 1,700 varieties of plants. When you get itchy feet and want a good long hike, head out along the Pere Marquette Rail-Trail, which stretches about 30 miles (48 kilometers) from Midland to Clare. When you're new to town and out and about walking, don't miss seeing the local landmark, the "Tridge" – a three-branched bridge spanning the Forks, which are the confluence of the Tittabawassee and Chippewa rivers.

Not far from town, you can enjoy the outdoors at many state parks and recreation areas, including, to name a few: Black Creek State Forest Campground, Bay City Recreation Area, Trout Lake State Forest Campground, Sleepy Hollow State Park, and Wilson State Park.

And back in town, you'll find your performing arts needs met at the Midland Center for The Arts, which is home to local companies, such as the Midland Symphony Orchestra and the Midland Theatre Guild.

Downtown Midland is a great place to shop or dine and – pet lovers take note – in May 2005, they initiated an annual Parade Your Pet event! And speaking of events, don't miss community fun like the musical MATRIX:MIDLAND Festival, the Midland County Fair, and the Michigan Antique Festival.

So if you're seeking a great place for yourself, your family, and your pet, consider Midland!

See our 8 Jobs in Midland, Michigan