So, you've made it to MSU. But what's that? You're already getting lost on and off campus?
Well, then it's time to learn about campus landmarks through history.
Sparty
First we'll start with Sparty, the statue that stands 10 feet 6 inches, and is mounted on a brick and concrete base 5 feet 4 inches high.
Sparty was dedicated in June of 1945 after being designed and produced by Leonard D. Jungwirth, who was an assistant professor of art. Since then, it has withstood more than 50 years of rough Michigan weather and University of Michigan abuse.
There are plans for Sparty, which is considered the largest free-standing ceramic statue in the world, to head indoors for permanent hibernation and a new bronze statue to be constructed in its place.
Beaumont Tower
So now you know where to find the buffest man on campus, but how do you know what time it is?
Well, just follow your nose, er, ears actually. If you head to the center of campus and look up, you're bound to catch a glance of Beaumont Tower grazing the sky and keeping time.
It was finished in 1929 after a gift from John and Alice Beaumont funded its construction, which was designed by architect John Davidson. John Beaumont was an 1882 graduate of what was then Michigan Agricultural College. The clock stands tall on what was formerly the site of the first building of the original school, Old College Hall.
What makes the tower especially unique is the carillon that lies inside. A carillon is a musical instrument made of a series of bells.
Beal Botanical Garden
Before you leave the tower's shadow, head a little bit to your east next to the Red Cedar River and check out the Beal Botanical Garden. The garden emerged in 1873, and later earned its name from MSU Professor William James Beal, who died in 1922.
Beal grew 140 species of forage grasses and clovers along a small tributary of the Red Cedar River, north of West Circle Drive in an area which would become known as "Sleepy Hollow." You'll find this soft spot is helpful for clearing your head or just plain relaxing during a busy week.
In addition, the botanical barden was voted the "Most Romantic Place" in the Greater Lansing's People's Choice competition in 2001.
Students chanting "Go Green, Go White" at the football games won't exactly be urging you to check out some of the natural areas such as the gardens on campus, but you should definitely take some time to stop and smell the roses.
The rock on Farm Lane
Another historical landmark, whose tradition and lore grows each year with each coat of paint, is the rock on Farm Lane.
The rock made its official appearance on campus in 1873 as the first senior class present.
Just off Farm Lane across from Bessey Hall, you will find the brandished behemoth.
Nearly every night of the year, a band of students guard the rock and paints it. They might be pledges from a fraternity or sorority, rebels with a cause, or just artists without a canvas. Slogans range from preaching "no war" to announcing anti-abortion rallies.
