Keys to a Great Summer at Michigan State

Michigan State is full of endless fun and possibilities. Are you staying on campus over the summer? Look no further. At Michigan State University, there’s always something to do. And it doesn’t just have to be bars, either. Below, you can find a list of things to do this summer at Michigan State.

Visit the Broad Art Museum

The Michigan State Broad Art Museum, designed by Zaha Hadid, is a staple on MSU’s campus. Right on Grand River Avenue across from Campus Corner, the Broad Art Museum is sure to provoke and entertain the artist inside you.

Find a tasty treat at the MSU Dairy Store

MSU’s Dairy Store is never a bad idea. Whether you’re a fan of mint chocolate chip or just a chai tea, the Dairy Store is a good way to cool off. You can’t go wrong.

The most popular scoop at the Dairy Store is called Spartan Swirl – a cake batter ice cream with a green frosting swirl and cake pieces.

Enjoy a walk through the gardens

Finish licking your ice cream while having a stroll through MSU’s famous 14-acre gardens. These gardens are the epitome of zen. Professor William James Beal established what would become the oldest continuously operated university botanical garden in the United States, the W.J. Beal Botanical Garden. The Judith Delapa Perennial Garden spans more than 6,000 square feet.

Families will enjoy the 4-H Children’s Garden featuring a maze and a place to have a picnic.

Get buggy at the MSU Bug House

Visitors at the MSU Bug House will find bugs of all kinds. It features a wide variety of live insects including beetles, cockroaches and tarantulas. The Bug House is located in room 147 of the Natural Science Building.

Have fun with animals at the Potter Park Zoo

If bugs aren’t your thing, check out the Potter Park Zoo! Located five miles from Michigan State University, the Potter Park Zoo is the oldest public zoo in Michigan, established in 1912. During the summer, visitors can find “Keeper Talks,” an opportunity to learn more about the zoo.

On June 15, July 20 and Aug. 17, the zoo is hosting Zoo Nights from 5-8 p.m. – a unique event for those 21 and up. The event will feature a happy hour-style experience. Tickets include three drink tickets and all food samples.

Catch a performance at the Wharton Center for Performing Arts

Fancy a play? Stand-up comedy? Live music? The Wharton Center has it all. This world-class venue brings all kinds of talent from all around the world.

Discover planets at the Abrams Planetarium

A branch of MSU’s Department of Physics and Astronomy, the Abrams Planetarium teaches astronomy to the public. There are three main areas of the planetarium: the exhibit hall, black light gallery and sky theater.

The exhibit hall is 3,000 square feet and displays pictures, telescopes and globes for the Earth and moon. There’s also a gift shop. The black light gallery is a curved gallery with astronomical images. The sky theater is 50 feet in diameter with a 50-foot dome. It holds 150 people and each seat is tilted differently so everyone has the same view of the projection.

Explore golf at some of the Lansing area’s best courses

Whatever your golf level, Lansing has courses that are absolutely breathtaking. Timber Ridge, located off Park Lake Road, has spectacular views; Forest Akers off of Harrison Road is home to MSU’s golf team.

Both are scenic adventures that complement any weekend.

Travel back in time at the MSU Museum

Whether it’s historical and cultural collections, science or art exhibitions, the MSU Museum is the university’s oldest museum and the state’s first Smithsonian affiliate.

Eat out on Albert Road

The expansion of Michigan State’s downtown has made nightlife much easier. The addition of Barrio, the Jolly Pumpkin and more have made eating in downtown East Lansing a breeze.