W. J. Beal Botanical Garden

W. J. Beal Botanical Garden is a five-acre garden on the Michigan State University campus that displays around 1,800 plant species. These plants are organized into separate sections focused on economic use, scientific classification, landscape design, and ecological systems.

The garden was founded in 1873 when Professor William James Beal created experimental plots with forage grasses and clovers. This beginning in an area called Sleepy Hollow grew into the extensive collection that exists today.

The garden shows visitors how plants live together in different environments and depend on each other. You can see these natural connections displayed across separate themed sections as you walk through.

The garden sits next to the university library and welcomes visitors without charge during daylight hours. It remains open throughout the year, so you can visit in any season.

One section focuses specifically on plant species that are endangered in Michigan and need special care to survive. This collection of rare native plants demonstrates the conservation work that takes place here.

Location: Michigan

GPS coordinates: 42.73140,-84.48460

Latest update: December 11, 2025 18:09