Hidden Lake Gardens : Events

Join us in celebrating Earth Day with a special Tree Planting Ceremony at Hidden Lake Gardens! Learn about the vital role trees play in our environment, from improving air quality to supporting wildlife and combating climate change.

During this event, local scouts will take part in planting a variety of native trees and shrubs near the Reach for the Sky Canopy Walk, symbolizing growth, sustainability, and a greener future. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, a community supporter, or just looking for a meaningful way to honor Earth Day, this is a wonderful opportunity to connect with the natural world.

All scouting troops are invited to participate.

FREE admission for all attendees and sponsored by the Tecumseh District Library.

Upon entry, follow the signs to the Sky Walk and park in the Trailhead parking lot. Meet at the Sky Walk.

For more information, visit hiddenlakegardens.msu.edu or call 517-431-2060.

Come plant a tree, learn, and celebrate Earth Day with us!

Experience the beauty and artistry of bonsai as the Bonsai Courtyard at Hidden Lake Gardens reopens for the season!

Come see how art and science intersect with our exquisite bonsai collection, now returning for public viewing fresh and invigorated after spending the winter in their newly designed storage facility. Located next to our Conservatory, the Bonsai Courtyard is a peaceful sanctuary where visitors can explore a variety of meticulously cultivated bonsai trees, each telling a unique story of patience, skill, and natural beauty.

• Open Tuesdays – Sundays
• 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
• Regular admission includes access to all attractions

Be among the first to experience the seasonal reopening of this beloved garden space and take in the tranquil setting designed to inspire and educate. Whether you're a bonsai enthusiast or a first-time visitor, the Bonsai Courtyard offers a unique opportunity to appreciate the timeless elegance of these miniature trees.

Plan your visit today and immerse yourself in the world of bonsai at Hidden Lake Gardens!

Save the Date for Our Annual Plant Sale! 

Join us for a one-day-only event at Hidden Lake Gardens, featuring a wide selection of plants including annuals, perennials, woody plants, dwarf conifers, succulents, vegetable plants, and herbs.

Special Member Preview: 9:00–10:00 a.m. (Cardholding members only—no guests, please)
Open to the Public: 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. or until sold out

Highlights:

• Limited supply of pine needle bales for mulching
• Specially curated selections from Hidden Lake Gardens
• Inventory list of most selections will be available closer to the date of sale (subject to change)
• The Hidden Lake Gardeners Club will have hyper-tufa pots available for sale
• Adrian Center for the Arts (ACA) will be on-site the same day offering nature-themed artwork for sale

Payment accepted via cash, check, or credit card. Plan to shop early for the best selection—popular varieties may sell out quickly!

Join us in the Garden Room in the lower level of Visitors Center at Hidden Lake Gardens for the much-anticipated Annual Hosta Sale! Check back soon for number of available Hosta and pricing.

Choose from a wide variety of well-established Hostas in an array of sizes, shapes, and colors—including many unique varieties not commonly found in retail stores.

Arrive early! Quantities are limited, and popular varieties tend to sell out fast. Last year, all plants were sold in 30 minutes!

Payment: Cash or check only. (Sorry, no credit cards or digital payments accepted.)

Don't miss this chance to enhance your garden with these beautiful, shade-loving favorites!

Join us at Hidden Lake Gardens for a summer celebration of bonsai! Whether you're an artist, enthusiast, or just curious, come explore the art form that combines distinct discipline, persistence and quiet contemplation.

Event Highlights:

• Bonsai exhibition featuring trees from Michigan and beyond
• Vendors offering a wide variety of bonsai essentials
• Live demonstrations by highly skilled bonsai artists
• Introductory workshops (pre-registration required once available)

Mark your calendar for this unique experience, all activities included with your regular admission to Hidden Lake Gardens with the exception of the bonsai workshops. Workshop participants enjoy FREE admission to HLG on the day of the event!

Join the Friends of Hidden Lake Gardens in helping to keep our community clean and beautiful! Volunteers are needed to assist with picking up litter along the M-50 corridor that fronts Hidden Lake Gardens. This is a great way to give back, enjoy the outdoors, and make a positive impact on the environment.

Who Can Participate?:

• Anyone 12 years of age or older
• Children 12-17 must be accompanied by an adult

What to Expect:

• No experience necessary – all supplies are provided
• Dress for the weather, including closed-toe shoes/boots and work gloves
• Pants and long sleeves are highly recommended for protection

Meet in the main parking lot, come lend a hand, enjoy the fresh air, and help keep Hidden Lake Gardens’ surroundings looking their best!

The most scenic and hilliest course in Southeast Michigan!

Join us for a beautiful fall morning at Hidden Lake Gardens for the 14th Annual Run for the Hills on our stunning paved trails! Choose between a 1 mile walk or 5K run / walk through scenic hills and vibrant autumn views.

All participants receive a T-shirt, a participation medal, and admission to Hidden Lake Gardens—including the Reach for the Sky Canopy Walk!

Registration for the 2025 race is now available at Run for the Hills! Don’t miss this chance to enjoy a day of fitness surrounded by nature’s beauty! 

Join the Friends of Hidden Lake Gardens in helping to keep our community clean and beautiful! Volunteers are needed to assist with picking up litter along the M-50 corridor that fronts Hidden Lake Gardens. This is a great way to give back, enjoy the outdoors, and make a positive impact on the environment.

Who Can Participate?:

• Anyone 12 years of age or older
• Children 12-17 must be accompanied by an adult

What to Expect:

• No experience necessary – all supplies are provided
• Dress for the weather, including closed-toe shoes/boots and work gloves
• Pants and long sleeves are highly recommended for protection

Meet in the main parking lot, come lend a hand, enjoy the fresh air, and help keep Hidden Lake Gardens’ surroundings looking their best!

Join us for a magical evening as you follow a glowing trail of luminaries through Hidden Lake Gardens, from the Visitors Center to the Sky Walk, and back to the Conservatory to explore the beauty of light and shadow in nature. Plus, all Conservatory biomes will be open for you to explore, and refreshments will be available for purchase inside the Visitors Center.

Bring your flame-free lanterns or flashlights to light your path through our peaceful forest. Our Daffodil Gift Shop will also be open from 5:00 - 7:30 p.m., stocked with flashlights and more!

Only pre-registered guests will be permitted entry on these evenings—don't wait to claim your spot! Tickets will NOT be available to purchase the night of the event. Pre-registered participants must arrive by 7:00 p.m., entry will not be permitted after this time. Learn more and register at Under the Silver Moon.

6214 Monroe Road (M-50)

Tipton, MI 49287

517-431-2060

hlg@msu.edu