Steam tunnels

The steam tunnels, commonly referred to as dungeons, that run underneath MSU’s campus were originally built to house campus utilities. According to the MSU Infrastructure Planning and Facilities website, the tunnels are 87 to 102 years old. The tunnels stretch for two miles and continue to provide heat to buildings today. Although they are locked now, there are still ways of accessing them. A particular area of the tunnels near Olds Hall draws attention due to the fact that it’s a partially excavated area of the basement.

MSU gardens

The MSU Horticulture Gardens are a relatively unknown beauty of campus. While they are found scattered across the campus, The Michigan 4-H Children’s Garden has made quite a name for itself. Displaying more than 60 themes, the purpose of horticulture gardens are to, “Promote an understanding of plants and the role they play in our daily lives,” according to their website.

Jessica Wright is the Education Coordinator for the Michigan 4-H Children’s Garden. What sets this garden apart from other ones on campus is that it’s designed for kids, which gives it it’s own unique feel, Wright said.

The children’s garden themed areas, range from ABC to pizza designated areas. The pizza section is home to the different plants that pizza is made out of.

Mary Mayo Hall

Mary Mayo Hall of North Neighborhood was originally dubbed “Sylvan Lodge.” It is the oldest residence hall on campus, according to the MSU LiveOn website. It is rumored to be haunted by the ghost of Mary Mayo herself. According to the MSU Archives and Historical Collections, a woman’s spirit is alleged to wander the halls.

Original Spartan Statue

Many know the Spartan Statue as the one that appears in so many photos near Demonstration Field. However, that is not the original home or replica of the figure. The original statue was finished in 1945 and was made of clay, according to the MSU Archives. Sparty underwent two major renovations before being retired to the inside of Spartan Stadium to protect it from the outside elements, according to MSU Archives. The newest Spartan Statue debuted in 2005 and is the same one standing on campus today.

The Bailey GREENhouse and Urban Farm

This greenhouse is intended to enhance the communal experience for Residential Initiative on the Study of the Environment, or RISE, students. According to its website, the site surrounding the GREENhouse has been designated the first organic no-spray zone on MSU’s campus.

Anna Jean Appeldoorn, a student manager of the Bailey GREENhouse and urban and regional planning sophomore, said the greenhouse is entirely student-run.

“We grow mostly herbs and produce for the cafeterias,” Appeldoorn said. 

A lot of the vegetables that are served in the cafeteria on campus come from the greenhouse, she said.