Whether it’s your first visit since graduation or your go-to getaway, MSU is always ready to welcome you home. Stroll through your favorite spots, savor the sights and sounds of campus life and experience what’s new — from updated facilities to fresh dining options and exciting Spartan innovations. Every visit is a chance to relive memories and make new ones. Come see how campus has grown and feel your Spartan pride all over again.
As you rediscover campus, here are a couple of reminders:
Take Your Photo in Front of The Spartan Statues
Did you know there are two Spartan statues on campus? Standing 9 feet, 7 inches tall, The Spartan is the centerpiece of many MSU traditions and a must-visit photo spot. This statue is actually a replica of the original terra cotta one, which now resides in the west tower of Spartan Stadium to better withstand Michigan winters.
Closest Visitor Parking: Lot 62 or 67
Abrams Planetarium
The planetarium serves as an astronomy and space science education resource center for central Michigan and offers a variety of planetarium shows to the public.
Website: abramsplanetarium.org
Closest Visitor Parking: Ramp 1/Lot 51
Beaumont Tower
The carillon is played every Wednesday at noon for 30 minutes during the school year, with additional noon recitals subject to volunteer carillonist availability. Every month - generally the first Wednesday of the month, though it may be moved for certain observances - the tower is open to the public during the regularly scheduled Wednesday noon recital and guests can climb the tower to see the carillon being played live.
Closest Visitor Parking: Ramp 6/Lot 103
College of Music
See world-class student and faculty musicians perform.
Website: music.msu.edu
Department of Theatre
Take in performances and plays that matter.
Website: theatre.msu.edu
Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum
With a focus on contemporary art in conversation with history, the museum fosters engagement with timely local and global issues. The museum store offers a curated selection of artist-made and design-focused items, including stationery, jewelry and home goods. Visitors can also stop by the museum café for cold drinks and snacks.
Website: broadmuseum.msu.edu
Closest Visitor Parking: Ramp 6/Lot 103
Facility for Rare Isotope Beams/National Superconducting Cyclotron Lab
The Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB) is a world-class research and training center, hosting the most powerful rare-isotope accelerator and enables discoveries in rare isotopes, nuclear astrophysics, fundamental interactions, and societal applications like medicine, security and industry. The facility is only open for tours, which are available for groups of 10-50 people and must be arranged in advance (a minimum of one month advanced notice is recommended).
Website: frib.msu.edu/public-engagement/tours
Closest Visitor Parking: Ramp 1/Lot 51
Memorial Grove of the Great War
Originally dedicated on June 19, 1919, the Memorial Grove of the Great War honors the 33 students and alums of Michigan Agricultural College who gave their lives in World War I. In May 2024, this historic campus memorial was rededicated, preserving their legacy for future generations.
Read this article for more information.
MSU Athletics
Generally, athletics facilities are only open as part of a scheduled MSU-sponsored event and is subject to change based on university operating hours, athletic schedules and other events.
Hall of History, Gilbert Pavilion, Breslin Center
The rich legacy of MSU’s men’s and women’s basketball is celebrated through captivating videos, iconic photos, prestigious trophies and interactive experiences.
Hall of History, Munn Ice Arena
The hall offers Spartan hockey fans a nostalgic look at MSU's rich hockey history including a collection of memorabilia, busts of former coaches, a tribute to Spartans who have played in the NHL, and the old scoreboard from Dem Hall, which hangs prominently above the entrance. B
Spartan Stadium
While the stadium is not generally open to the public outside of ticketed events, the west tower is open to provide a great photo op with the original The Spartan statue.
Tom Izzo Football Building
The main lobby features displays of past MSU championships and a large video board.
MSU Bug House
The Bug House features stunning specimen displays and a menagerie of live insects and arachnids -- including beetles, tropical cockroaches, and tarantulas! The Bug House is open to the public on the second Monday of each month from 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Website: www.canr.msu.edu/bughouse/
Closest Visitor Parking: Ramp 6/Lot 103
MSU Dairy Store
No visit to campus is complete without a stop at the MSU Dairy Store, located inside Anthony Hall on Shaw Lane. Enjoy delicious, house-made ice cream and experience a beloved Spartan tradition!
Website: msudairystore.com
Closest Visitor Parking: Lot 42
MSU Farms
MSU’s South Campus Animal Farms are home to seven farms used for teaching, research, and outreach. The farms include centers for dairy cattle, beef cattle and beef cow-calf, swine, sheep, poultry, and horses.
Website: www.canr.msu.edu/scaf/index
MSU Horticulture Gardens
A vibrant retreat for gardeners, plant lovers and visitors of all ages, the MSU Horticulture Gardens span 14 acres of diverse landscapes. Explore the trial garden, perennial garden, Master Gardener idea bed,
4-H Children’s Gardens and the scenic landscape arboretum.
Website: canr.msu.edu/hrt/our_gardens
Closest Visitor Parking: Lot 54
MSU Libraries
Stop by to see how the library has evolved since your time as a student. While you're here, grab a coffee at the Starbucks in 1-West or check out the current exhibit.
Website: lib.msu.edu
Closest Visitor Parking: Ramp 6/Lot 103
MSU Museum
The MSU Museum is an innovative and experimental collaboratory that exists to catalyze creativity. Since 1857, the Museum has been collecting objects and specimens and creating exhibitions that reflect our shared histories and experiences. Admission is free.
Website: museum.msu.edu/
Closest Visitor Parking: Ramp 6/Lot 103
MSU Union
The MSU Union celebrated its centennial in 2025 and remains a beloved campus landmark. Stop in to see what’s new since your time as a student. Inside, you’ll find Sparty’s Mini-Market, Strange Matter Coffee, the Spartan Spirit Shop and the MSU Union Art Gallery. Don’t forget to snap a photo with Bronze Sparty!
Website: union.msu.edu
Closest Visitor Parking: Ramp 6/Lot 103
Minskoff Pavilion
The hub of business education at MSU, Minskoff Pavilion spans 100,000 square feet, blending modern teaching facilities with state-of-the-art technology and contemporary social spaces. Completed in July 2019, it has transformed the Broad College of Business into a cohesive, cutting-edge complex at the forefront of business education.
Closest Visitor Parking: Ramp 1/Lot 51
Multicultural Center
Opened in February 2025 after decades of student advocacy, the Multicultural Center embodies MSU’s commitment to fostering a welcoming and inclusive campus. Designed with input from MSU students, the center serves as a space for connection, collaboration and community for all Spartans.
Website: mccenter.msu.edu
Closest Visitor Parking: Ramp 1/Lot 51 or Lot 39
Radiology Healing Gardens
Established in 2000, the Radiology Healing Gardens provide a tranquil retreat for the campus and East Lansing/Lansing communities. This hidden gem invites visitors to engage their senses with vibrant flowers, soothing waterfalls, and the sights and sounds of nature, creating a space for relaxation and well-being.
Website: radiology.msu.edu/about/radiology-healing-gardens
Closest Visitor Parking: Lot 100
Self-Guided Campus Art Tour
Discover MSU’s vibrant public art collection, featuring 153 pieces woven into the campus landscape. From paintings, lithographs and photographs to sculptures, architectural glass, tile mosaics and a digital projection installation, this self-guided tour offers a unique way to experience art across campus.
Website: publicart.msu.edu
STEM Teaching and Learning Facility
Built on the footprint of the former Shaw Lane Power Plant, this innovative facility preserves its history by incorporating artifacts from the original structure. Opened in fall 2021, it is the first building in Michigan constructed with mass timber — a cost-effective, energy-efficient material that helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The facility adds more than 100,000 square feet of teaching and laboratory space, meeting the growing demand for STEM education now and into the future.
Website: stemeducationatstate.commons.msu.edu
Closest Visitor Parking: Lot 79
Wharton Center for Performing Arts
Catch the best of Broadway, music and the performing arts on MSU’s campus. Tours of the Wharton Center facilities can be arranged through the Wharton Center based on availability with a minimum four weeks notice.
Website: whartoncenter.com
Closest Visitor Parking: Lot 79
W.J. Beal Botanical Garden
Established in 1873, the W.J. Beal Botanical Garden is the oldest continuously operated university botanical garden in the country. This living laboratory features a diverse collection of over 2,000 plants from around the world, offering a unique blend of history, research and natural beauty.
Website: bealbotanicalgarden.msu.edu
Closest Visitor Parking: Lot 62
There are several ways to get to MSU's campus depending on your preferred mode of travel:
By Air:
Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR) – approximately 60 miles from campus.
By Public Transportation:
By Car:
Additional Resources:
You can check out the interactive campus map to help you find your way around.
Currently, the following tour options are available.
Prospective Students/Admissions Tours
Are you a prospective Spartan or a family member seeking a tour to discover all that MSU has to offer? Perhaps you're an admitted student eager to delve into first-year events, or a transfer student making your way from another university?
Website: admissions.msu.edu/visit to learn more about your tour options!
Group Tours
Tours are available for chaperoned groups of 20 - 60 high school-age students. Tours are offered during the fall and spring semesters, last around 60 minutes, and cover a distance of two-three miles. Your group will be accompanied by a knowledgeable MSU tour guide who will provide insights into academics, history and student life.
Website: tour.msu.edu/visits.
Self-Guided Tours
If your group would like to create their own experience or are visiting outside of tour season, this self-guided walking tour gives you the freedom to follow your own schedule and set your own pace. This general tour of campus shares information about many of MSU’s most popular campus locations, however, please note that viewing academic classrooms is not advised as classes are in session year-round.
Website: tour.msu.edu/sites/default/files/users/user422/Self-Guided-Walking-Tour-2022.pdf
Generally, tours of athletics facilities are only available as part of a scheduled MSU-sponsored event.
Spartan sports tickets, schedules and more.
Website: msuspartans.com
Generally, athletics facilities are only open as part of a scheduled MSU-sponsored event and is subject to change based on university operating hours, athletic schedules and other events.
Hall of History, Gilbert Pavilion, Breslin Center
The rich legacy of MSU’s men’s and women’s basketball is celebrated through captivating videos, iconic photos, prestigious trophies and interactive experiences.
Hall of History, Munn Ice Arena
The hall offers Spartan hockey fans a nostalgic look at MSU's rich hockey history including a collection of memorabilia, busts of former coaches, a tribute to Spartans who have played in the NHL, and the old scoreboard from Dem Hall, which hangs prominently above the entrance.
Spartan Stadium
While the stadium is not generally open to the public outside of ticketed events, the west tower is open to provide a great photo op with the original The Spartan statue.
Tom Izzo Football Building
The main lobby features displays of past MSU championships and a large video board.
There are many lodging options available in the East Lansing/Lansing area. Check out Choose Lansing for information. The lodging options available within walking distance of campus are:
Unfortunately, the residence halls are not available for lodging.
You’re welcome to enjoy a meal in MSU’s dining halls. Check out the most up-to-date information on locations, available services and hours.
In addition to dining halls, there are retail options across campus, including Sparty’s mini-markets, Starbucks locations and various food courts.
Visitors to campus can park in pay lots or individually metered spaces and most eligible locations use the pay-by-plate system.
Payment is required immediately upon arrival and must cover the entire duration of your stay.
Pay-by-plate locations can be viewed on the interactive campus map by selecting “visitor parking” under "categories" in the menu.
For the location of accessible parking spaces, refer to the interactive campus map.
A payment alternative for pay-by-plate parking is available with the MSU Parking SPOT ON app which allows you to pay for a parking session remotely. For parking sessions initiated with the app, you can also extend your session without returning to the parking lot. Check out the SPOT ON site (hyperlink “SPOT ON site” to https://spoton.msu.edu/) for additional information.
Important Reminders:
Observe all posted signs at lot entrances regarding parking rules and enforcement hours.
All parking areas require payment or a permit, per posted regulations.
Handicap-accessible, faculty/staff, metered and loading zone spaces are enforced at all times.
Most lots are affected by special events which can change availability of parking and fees.
For comprehensive parking information, go to MSU’s parking website.
Yes, EV charging stations are available in the following visitor parking locations:
Lot 39
Lot 62
Lot 79
Lot 112
Ramp 3 / Lot 19
Ramp 5 / Lot 102
Please note that regular lot restrictions still apply when parked at a charging station — payment or a valid permit is required.
For detailed information on charging station locations and availability, visit ChargePoint.
Important reminders:
Vehicles must be actively charging to park in EV spaces.
Non-electric vehicles or EVs not actively charging will be ticketed by MSU.
Once fully charged, you have 30 minutes to move your vehicle; after that, a per-hour fee will be assessed via the vendor app.
Unfortunately, RV parking is not available on campus except the day of football games. For information about local RV parks and campgrounds, we recommend visiting Choose Lansing for options in the area.
The interactive campus map enables you view the location of accessible entrances for buildings on campus. The easiest way to use the map is to search using the “Select a facility” option on the left side of the page.
MSU guests and visitors can connect to MSUNet Guest Wireless without needing an MSU NetID or register their devices.
While pets are welcome to enjoy outdoor spaces, they are not allowed inside campus facilities. Service animals are permitted in accordance with university policy.
Visitors to campus with service animals are permitted to access all public facilities, except in areas where service animals are specifically prohibited due to safety or health concerns, where the animal may be at risk, or where its presence could compromise the integrity of research.
MSU recognizes service animals as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA). Under this law, a service animal is defined as a dog that is individually trained to perform tasks or do work for the benefit of an individual with a disability — whether physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual or another mental disability. Other species of animals, whether wild or domestic, trained or untrained, do not qualify as service animals under this definition.
MSU is a tobacco and smoke-free campus. In addition to traditional tobacco products such as cigarettes and chewing tobacco, the use of e-cigarettes and vapes is also prohibited.