It's perfectly OK to take a break.
Despite all the excitement that surrounds new beginnings of a new year at college, it’s completely normal to want to take a step back to process everything. There’s a lot that these first weeks here at MSU entail. Fortunately, with its approximately 700 acres of natural environments, this campus has a diverse range of outdoor spots and gardens for students, according to the MSU Gardens website.
A good way to take some time to yourself in this environment is taking a walk across MSU and taking advantage of the outdoor spots here on campus. Spending time outdoors with nature is proven to help with stress. It’s effective in giving yourself grace with all that can happen in this busy time. It’s obviously going to be hot in the summer weeks, but these spots aren’t growing legs and running away– they’ll be here all year for you.
As The State News’ environmental reporter last semester, I’d love to guide you on a nature walk across MSU, highlighting the best outdoor spots to reconnect with nature. MSU’s campus is big — so don’t feel pressured to visit every place at once. These spaces are here for you to enjoy throughout your four years, whether you’re looking to study, relax, or reset.
Take a deep breath. Let’s begin.
W.J Beal Botanical Garden
Our first stop is Beal Botanical Garden. This is my favorite writing spot. Right outside the library, this is the perfect place to unwind from hours of locking in. Or this can be a spot utilized for studying alongside the beautiful plants, the Red Cedar, the beautiful animals and the breeze that only comes from being in nature.
Known as the ‘heart of campus’ and established in 1887 by Professor William James Beal, the botanical garden is the oldest and continuously operated university botanical garden in the nation. With over 2,000 plants with international roots, this living laboratory is a great place for students to take advantage of.
It’s one of the most popular spots on campus. Every time I stop by — to study or stroll with friends — I see people relaxing and soaking in the beauty. Community members take walks, students chat, and others quietly research the plants for class or personal interest.
Not only that, but the botanical gardens often have opportunities for student and community engagement. Additionally, staff members here offer events specifically to promote mental well-being among students. If you’re looking to interact more with MSU’s environment, this is a perfect all-rounder spot to do whatever you seek to do.
Horticulture Gardens
As a freshman, I used to stop here on runs to unwind — I even called it my “secret spot.” I didn’t realize then that it was a well-known and signature garden at MSU.
Located off Bogue Street near the Veterinary Center, our second stop is a peaceful and vibrant place. The Horticulture Gardens include 14 different areas, each bursting with color and personality.
My personal favorite part of these gardens is the Clarence E. Lewis Landscape Arboretum. There’s a combination of fifteen total formal and informal gardens as part of this arboretum. Created as a learning environment for students looking to study landscaping, even within the diversity of the horticulture gardens lie a gallery of various cultures and visual elements to enjoy. The energy here is truly unmatched– I leave feeling like a rejuvenated person every time.
And don’t skip the 4-H Children’s Garden. I visited it once with a friend and we left with lots of laughs, cute memories and fun pictures. You’re never too old to enjoy a lighthearted moment with friends.
Walking through the gardens, you’ll start to notice the dedication of MSU students, staff, and past contributors. It gives you a deeper appreciation for the campus culture and the pride Spartans take in their environment.
The gardens change with each season and watching them evolve throughout the year has been a beautiful experience.
Sanford Natural Area
If you’re someone who enjoys a more rugged adventure, Sanford Natural Area is the place for you. With wooded trails and a wilder landscape, it offers a memorable hiking experience and a peaceful escape from the noise of campus life.
The trails are safe and well-maintained, so you won’t need to worry about every step. The main loop runs about a mile and a half, perfect for a solid walk or run. Plus, the Red Cedar River winds through the area, adding to the scenic views.
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I love using Sanford as a running route. While the Horticulture Gardens feel like a destination, Sanford provides a scenic path that makes each run feel like a new experience. Tucked behind Owen, McDonel, and Holmes Halls on the northeastern edge of campus, it’s part of the 676 acres of forested land MSU purchased back in 1855.
Sanford is one of the larger areas we’ve visited, with diverse views and lush greenery throughout. In the fall, the colorful leaves are breathtaking — and always make me crave a hot chai afterward.
You can take a breath of fresh air here.
Pollinator Gardens
Our final stop is the Pollinator Gardens. While there are many smaller ones scattered across campus, the main garden is located near the northwest corner of Wells Hall. These gardens showcase MSU’s commitment to creating a pollinator-friendly environment.
The flowers here are vibrant and beautiful, with rows of color lining the Red Cedar River. It’s like watching a rainbow bloom — only better, because it’s real and right in front of you.
What sets these gardens apart is the student-led effort behind them. In 2017, students from the RISE program partnered with Infrastructure Planning and Facilities to plant the first bed. Since then, clubs like the Fisheries and Wildlife Club and PUSH have helped expand and maintain them.
These gardens are perfect for simply sitting and soaking in the view — and that’s exactly what I do. I often make a quick stop here in the warmer months to appreciate the flowers and the vital pollinators that keep them blooming.
Our walk has come to an end — thank you for joining me! But your journey at MSU is just beginning, and I hope you keep these spots in mind. Visiting them in person is even better than reading about them, I promise.
It’s inspiring to see how students and the university work together to preserve these natural spaces. Their ongoing commitment is a reminder to stay hopeful about the future of our planet.
In a world that can feel chaotic — and during a transition as big as starting college — it’s okay to feel overwhelmed. You deserve the best possible MSU experience, whatever that looks like for you. Don’t forget to prioritize your mental health. You have every right to take time for yourself.
Whether you are walking through the woods at Sanford, pausing by the riverbanks, or just sitting quietly among the flowers, MSU’s outdoor spaces are here for you. They are more than just scenic backdrops; they are places to reset, reflect and reconnect with yourself. As you find your footing in this new chapter, remember that you are never far from a peaceful place to breathe. Let these spots become part of your journey, one step at a time.
