The Michigan State University campus hosts more than 50,000 students each school year. After graduation each spring when the residence halls empty and many Spartans move on to pursue new opportunities, campus becomes a quiet playground for the people sticking around to explore.
To celebrate summer, MSUToday has compiled a list of campus activities to enjoy.
• The W.J. Beal Botanical Garden - The Botanical Garden is home to more than 2,000 types of flowers and plants, and serves as a perfect spot to read or decompress. Photo by Derrick L. Turner
• The MSU Horticulture Gardens – Fourteen acres of diverse gardens are a suburb retreat and resource for gardeners, plant lovers and children. The gardens include the Michigan 4-H Children’s Garden which provides an excellent opportunity to see and experience plants with a scavenger hunt, dance chimes and demonstration garden. Other attractions include the Amien Carter Annual Trial Gardens, the Judith A. DeLapa Perennial Garden, the Clarence E. Lewis Landscape Arboretum, the VIP Garden and the Rose Garden. Photo by Derrick L. Turner
• Bike Loops and Trails - Biking is an excellent way to stay fit and explore the different areas of campus. MSU has been recognized as a silver-level bike friendly university, and provides a lot of space and for cyclists.
• Campus Archaeology - The Campus Archaeology Program is committed to protecting and researching the history of MSU. Each summer, students excavate different areas around campus to uncover artifacts and memorabilia. Stay updated with their most recent finds and digs by following them on Twitter @capmsu. Photo courtesy Campus Archaeology
• The Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum - The Broad Art Museum regularly attracts new exhibitions and this spring unveiled an indoor live tree exhibition, Tree of 40 Fruit: The Michigan Trees.
• The MSU Museum - The MSU Museum hosts rotating exhibitions and has seven long-term exhibitions that include dinosaur bones, ancient artifacts and historical building displays. Photo by Kurt Stepnitz
• Summer Circle Theatre - On June 8, the Summer Circle Theatre productions will kick off with the production, “A Grand Night for Singing.” Photo by Derrick L. Turner
• Muelder Summer Carillon Series - Beginning July 1, the Carillon Series will feature carillon players from around the world to play the collection of 49 bells located inside Beaumont Tower.
While you are out exploring, sample some signature Spartan cuisine.
• MSU Dairy Store - A stop at one of the MSU Dairy Store’s two permanent locations is the perfect accompaniment to a summer day on campus. Photo by Derrick L. Turner
• MSU On-The-Go Food Truck - The MSU food truck has unveiled its summer menu, and in partnership with the Student Organic Farm is offering fresh, seasonal options. Check out its website to stay updated on lunch specials and food truck locations.
