Go Green! Go White! 19 Awesome Activities to Enjoy on Michigan State’s Campus
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Nestled in the heart of East Lansing, Michigan State University’s vibrant campus offers a variety of exciting activities for students and visitors alike. From enjoying ice cream at the MSU Dairy Store to taking photos near iconic campus landmarks to cheering on the Spartans during a football or basketball game, there’s no shortage of fun to be had.
Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or simply looking to unwind with friends, MSU’s campus provides an endless array of engaging and unforgettable experiences.
Visit the MSU Dairy Store
Students and visitors alike can scream for ice cream at one of two MSU Dairy Store locations on campus.
In addition to classics like Chocolate and Blue Moon, hungry customers can choose Big Ten-inspired flavors like the birthday cake-flavored Spartan Swirl and the peanut butter-flavored Buckeye Blitz. Other products like cheese and chocolates are also available to buy.
Share True Love’s Kiss at Beaumont Tower
Students and visitors walking through the middle of campus during a school year on Wednesday afternoons would be hard-pressed not to stop and listen to the carillon at Beaumont Tower.
During certain times of the school year and special occasions such as homecoming, visitors can also take a tour up to the top of the tower to see the carillion and hear the sweet sounds of bells.
The tower is also the center of a romantic Michigan urban legend. A couple who share true love’s kiss in its shadow are said to be true Spartans and destined to marry.
Attend an MSU Sporting Event
On-campus sporting events are the perfect way for fans of the Green and White to show their support and MSU’s venues are exciting places to be on game days. The lively atmosphere at Spartan Stadium makes it one of the best venues in the Big Ten to watch a football game. Breslin Center, home of MSU’s basketball teams, has a raucous atmosphere, especially the famed Izzone student section, named for men’s basketball coach Tom Izzo.
Munn Ice Arena, home of MSU’s hockey team, has a rich history of exciting games and is a popular spot to be during the winter. In springtime, both Secchia Stadium and McLane Baseball Stadium at Kobs Field are enjoyable spots to watch softball and baseball games respectively.
Get Your Picture Taken at the Sparty Statue
Standing 9 feet, 7 inches tall, the bronze Sparty Statue near Spartan Stadium watches over campus and remains an iconic spot. Students and visitors alike stop to snap a picture daily and it’s a bucket list item for newly minted MSU graduates to be photographed with Sparty in their caps and gowns.
The statue is also the site of the annual Sparty Watch, where vigilant MSU students protect the campus icon from being defaced by University of Michigan students before the annual MSU-Michigan football game.
Snap a Selfie with Sparty
The Sparty statue remains a popular MSU landmark, but the Sparty mascot is no less iconic. This muscle-bound mascot represents the toughest with which MSU’s teams play and he’s even been voted the “Buffest Mascot.”
Sparty is a mainstay at MSU athletic events and is known for being both lovable and fearless. He’s always eager to interact with fans and offer a high-five or take a selfie.
See a Performance at Wharton Center
Whether it’s a small campus group, a nationally known comedian or musician, or an internationally known stage show, the Wharton Center is the spot on campus to watch a performance.
Since 1982, Wharton Center has gained both regional and national prominence as a spot to catch Broadway shows and other national tours as they come through Michigan.
Explore the Cosmos at Abrams Planetarium
Easily identified by its domed roof, the Abrams Planetarium is a wonderous space education center for students and visitors alike. Group visits are offered, but some of the best times to visit are on Friday and Saturday nights and Sunday afternoons when shows for the public are offered.
Paint the Rock on Farm Lane
Anyone familiar with MSU’s campus knows about The Rock. This massive boulder, located on Farm Lane just over the Red Cedar, is the most popular billboard on campus.
It is here that different campus groups and organizations paint The Rock to announce events and encourage participation in clubs. It is also a popular gathering place during more solemn moments. The Rock was donated in 1873 and its layers of paint are a testament to its endearing place in campus life.
Peruse the World’s Biggest Comic Collection
Fans of comic books and comic strips will be in heaven perusing Michigan State’s fantastic comic art collection. The collection includes more than 300,000 items, which include comic books, collected comic strips, periodicals, and books about comics.
Students and scholars alike come from around the world to see the collection and to study the history of comics publications in the United States.
Play a Round of Golf on Campus
Michigan is home to a fun variety of public golf courses, and golf enthusiasts can enjoy two courses right on the MSU campus, Forest Akers East and Forest Akers West.
The 18-hole, championship-style courses are highly rated and feature lush green fairways, strategically placed bunkers, and challenging water hazards. With its scenic surroundings and well-maintained greens, Forest Akers offers an enjoyable and rewarding golfing experience for all skill levels.
Participate in a Red Cedar River Clean-up
The Red Cedar River flows right through campus and is a major cultural symbol at Michigan State, so much so that it’s mentioned in the school fight song.
Once a semester, the school’s Fisheries and Wildlife Club participates in a Red Cedar Clean-Up, which brings students, faculty, and even community members together to remove trash and large items such as bicycles from the river. The river’s high turbidity level makes the water appear muddy or dirty, but the water quality is closely monitored and more than 30 fish species can be found there.
Soak in the Scenery on a Walk Through Campus
One of the best ways to appreciate all the nuances of MSU’s campus is to take a walk through it. The campus sprawls out over more than 5,000 acres and getting from one end to the other on foot can be a trek, but enjoyment can be found in the journey regardless of the final destination.
On a sunny, cloudless day, visitors and students can stop to reflect along the banks of the Red Cedar, walk by athletic venues, discover a new favorite spot, and appreciate the beauty of the campus.
Watch Movies For Free at Wells Hall
MSU students who want the experience of a movie theater without the steep prices for tickets and popcorn can head to Wells Hall.
During the school year on weekends, this large lecture hall shows recently released movies which students can see for free with their student ID. Free popcorn is usually available during screenings too, making it a perfect place for an on-campus date or get-together with friends.
Visit the MSU Library
Even for non-students, a visit to the MSU Library is a must if you’re on campus. Aside from the library’s place as a comprehensive academic resource, the facility fosters a comfortable environment where students and faculty can tuck themselves away for some tranquility or hunker down to get work done.
The library also hosts a wide range of events, workshops, and exhibits to promote information literacy and scholarly engagement.
Attend Homecoming
Proud MSU alumni can gather each fall for a variety of fun-filled homecoming activities. For many alumni, homecoming is just that; a chance to come home, see old friends, and visit their favorite campus spots.
The slate of events includes the Homecoming Parade with appearances by marching bands, organizations, and Sparty, a home football game, and more.
Take a Ride on a CATA Bus
Strolling through campus, it’s hard not to miss the Capital Area Transportation Authority (CATA) buses carrying students from here to there. Not only do the CATA buses make the campus easier to navigate, but they also serve the area around the campus, making it easy to hitch a ride toward downtown Lansing or toward Okemos and Haslett.
Contemplate Artworks at the Broad Museum
The Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum is a striking contemporary art museum on MSU’s campus. The building’s unique design features a pleated stainless steel and glass facade, creating a visually stunning and dynamic presence.
The museum houses a diverse collection of modern and contemporary art, including works by renowned artists such as Andy Warhol. With its thought-provoking exhibitions, the museum offers visitors a captivating and enriching experience.
Learn About Insects at the Bug House
Visitors who can’t get enough of bugs and insects can visit the MSU Bug House in MSU’s Natural Science Building on Farm Lane. The Bug House features a variety of live insects and specimen displays, which can be seen through virtual and in-person tours. The Bug House also offers free open-house events during the year.
Chow Down at an East Lansing Eatery
While students are used to dining on campus, East Lansing is home to many iconic eateries, serving up everything from burgers to pizza to pasta. Many East Lansing mainstays are close to campus, especially along Grand River Avenue and some of our favorite locations include:
- Crunchy’s: 254 W Grand River Ave, East Lansing, MI 48823
- Peanut Barrel: 521 E Grand River Ave, East Lansing, MI 48823
- Pizza House: 4790 Hagadorn Rd Stes 114-116, East Lansing, MI 48823
Embark on a Fun Adventure on MSU’s Campus
The massive and scenic campus of Michigan State University has something to offer everyone from students to faculty to East Lansing residents. Iconic campus landmarks make the perfect photo ops, a stroll through campus allows visitors to gain an appreciation for the school and energic athletic events show how exciting the on-campus atmosphere can be.
Whether you’re craving a scoop from the MSU Dairy store, you’re curious about the artworks at the Broad Museum or you’re a diehard Spartan who cheers on the Green and White through thick and thin, a visit to the MSU campus is an opportunity to discover something exciting around every corner.