Flint's iconic Applewood estate gives unique view into local history

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FLINT, Michigan — Flint’s historic Applewood estate will again open its doors, luxurious grounds, storied buildings, and unique historic insight starting May 2. Reservations are now being accepted for tours.

Applewood is the family home of Charles Stewart Mott, a founder of General Motors and namesake of the Flint-based foundation. It opened to the public four years ago in honor of its centennial and has reopened each year offering visitors access to its 34-acre grounds and 35,000-square-foot home located at Kearsley and Robert T. Longway Boulevard.

New this year are rooms never before seen on tour, including the telephone room with original phone on the first floor and the nanny’s room on the second floor. There are also new artifacts on display and exhibits on the life of the Mott family in Flint.

Applewood is maintained and operated by the Ruth Mott Foundation. It also includes an apple orchard, rose garden, many artpieces including the iconic frog sculpture, bowling green, bee hives and walking trails outside.

Inside the home, there are 35 rooms packed with hundreds of artifacts, art, and stories about life at the estate.

Once Applewood reopens May 2, it will be open to the public 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Thursdays through Sundays through October.

The Strolling House Tour and Walking Garden Tour, which are offered on a first-come, first-served basis, will also be available throughout the season.

All tours and programming at Applewood is offered free of charge.

For more information or to make reservations, visit ruthmottfoundation.org.