If you've never visited the grounds of the C.S. Mott Estate, you probably should at some point in your life. One of the most attractive and well-maintained properties in Genesee County, if not all of Flint, the estate is home to a rather lovely apple orchard and gorgeous gardens. If you're into horticulture/gardening on any level, then you will love the grounds. Occasionally, there are events hosted on-site for the public and I believe those are usually free. If you're any kind of Flint historian, you will note that a couple of scenes from Michael Moore's well-known documentary, Roger and Me, were shot on the estate. Here in Flint, we have the patronage and generosity of the Mott family to thank for many of our treasures in the cultural center and the family's donation of the Mott Estate is no exception. The C.S. Mott Estate is a definite must on any sightseeing tour around the city for tourists and is a cool place to visit from time to time for any local. It's definitely a bit of "local flavor" around these parts. read more

If you are in the Flint area and do not take advantage of the free weekend tours of the Applewood Estate, you are missing out. The Mott family has (and continues to) enriched the area so much through their generosity and dedication to the people of Flint. The estate and tours are just one example of how they do this. The tours of the house and garden are free (with reservations) during the warmer months. The docents are very friendly and knowledgeable and do their best to give visitors a feel for the family's charitable contributions to the area over the years. The house is warm and welcoming - the absolute opposite of the Biltmore Estate in almost every way. I, for one, view this as a great thing. Don't get me wrong, it's a gorgeous home but far more modest in scale and design than most of the other historic estates I have visited. You get a real sense of how the family lived - the guides will tell you during the tour that the home was designed for living rather than as a way to show off the family's wealth. The grounds are open to tour without reservations, but I strongly recommend making a reservation so that you get the most out of your time there. Very close to the Flint Art Institute (another local jewel). read more

If you've never been (or even if you have), the Mott Estate is definitely worth visiting. The property itself is truly impressive, with sprawling manicured lawns interrupted by rows flowers, decorated trellises, vegetable gardens, artwork, and a small pool with a fountain that's just behind the main house. The on-site 1-acre orchard (and the reason behind the estate's name) produces over 25 apple varieties, Jonathon and McIntosh probably being the most widely known. During the Fall Harvest Festival a select number of apples are set out in buckets and are free to take and munch on while exploring the grounds. The original buildings on the estate are the main house, a gatehouse, a barn and a chicken coop. While the main house is closed to visitors year-round (not sure if the gatehouse is or not), the barn and stable area is fun to walk through when the property is having one of their seasonal festivals. All events (though sadly, there are not too many of them) are free to the public. Check the calendar on the website to get the scoop on all the upcoming happenings, as you can't tour the estate unless an event is scheduled. read more

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Absolutely beautiful place to visit!! Lots of room to run around for the kiddos. Amazing house tours for the adults and teens. Flowers, Apple orchards, Farm animals, also it's handicap accessible. It's free always but they do ask if you can to bring a non perishable food item for our local food bank. Come on out and taste the fruits and have a good time at APPLEWOOD! read more

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