Below are some campus gems that you absolutely must take advantage of while you’re a student at Michigan State University.

Natural areas: People’s Park and Clarence E. Lewis Landscape Arboretum

People’s Park is one of the most historically beloved outdoor spots on campus, located outside of Well’s Hall. In the space between the Red Cedar River and the International Center, there is a green space with several benches and areas shaded by trees.

Throughout the day, students occupy this space in between classes, studying or eating while taking in the fresh air or simply just enjoying the sights and sounds of the park. In years past, student organizations have hosted events for students such as outdoor coffee hours. In addition, just a stroll away is the Beal Botanical Garden, the nation’s oldest continuously operated university botanical garden which regularly hosts student events.

Home to the work of MSU landscape development scholars since 1984, the Clarence E. Lewis Landscape Arboretum sits just South of campus off of Service Rd. The arboretum features uniquely themed ornamental horticulture gardens, ponds, patios and more and serves as an instructional garden for students in landscape horticulture.

These gardens are slightly out of the way for most students, so this location is most popular on the weekends. The park has many seating areas, reflection paths, and picnic spots for visitors to enjoy.

Indoor spots: MSU Union and 1855 Place

Near North neighborhood and Grand River Avenue is the iconic MSU Union. This building boasts a variety of student resources, such as study spaces with computer labs, a Sparty’s Market, Strange Matter coffee shop, University Advising, MSU Counseling and Psychiatric Services, a Spartan Spirit Shop and more.

This multi-faceted building features the Union Art Gallery, an MSU Federal Credit Union location and the University Activities Board, which hosts concerts, open mic nights, craft nights and more for students.

Across from the Breslin Center is another one of MSU’s most popular indoor hangout spots: 1855 Place. Indeed, it is another multi-faceted building, offering indoor and outdoor seating, a Sparty’s Market, a Starbucks coffee shop, a Spartan Spirit Shop and more.

This location is also home to several MSU student services departments that assist students with housing assignments. Also home to the Athletics Department, visitors can check out The Hall of Champions, a historical MSU sports highlights exhibit and purchase tickets for sporting or Wharton Center events.

Events and entertainment: Broad Art Museum and MSU Library

The nationally recognized Broad Art Museum offers unique activities for students, and is located near the Student Services Building and Grand River Ave. Aside from perusing the museum’s vast permanent collections of contemporary art, students can attend public programming featuring artists from all over the world, check out SpARTan Wellness sessions, Student Creative Council events and more. The museum also offers a cozy first floor lounge that is great for study sessions.

In years past, the library has offered a variety of student centered events, including student art showcases, craft nights and more. For other art viewing opportunities, check out the Kresge Art Gallery, SCENE Metrospace, the MSU Union Art Gallery or visit https://art.msu.edu/galleries/exhibitions/ to learn about events near you.

An often overlooked location for student entertainment is the MSU Library, located between Beaumont Tower and the Red Cedar River. Types of events range from Beal Botanical Garden Programming and therapy dog sessions to makerspace workshops and various pop-up exhibits. The library is also home to many student resources and the world’s largest comic book collection.

Sports entertainment: Pentecost Plaza and the Student Recreation and Wellness Center

The host facility for MSU baseball, softball and soccer, Pentecost Plaza, is located just behind the Kellogg Center and provides a great opportunity for free entertainment. Students receive free admission to all MSU sporting events except men’s basketball, football and ice hockey, making Pentecost Plaza the premier location to attend sporting events on a budget. The plaza is the university’s oldest athletic facility on campus still in use, and was first created in 1900 for baseball, MSU’s first varsity sport.

Recently built to level up student sports, recreation and entertainment at MSU is the Student Recreation and Wellness Center, located near South neighborhood. This building houses six basketball courts, six volleyball courts, an all-purpose turf arena, an indoor pool, a judo room, a complete weight and fitness room, rock climbing, sports simulators and more. There are also various IM Sports and Club Sports groups that students can get involved with.