About Us

Mission

To maintain and improve Hidden Lake Gardens for the benefit and education of the public.

To instill an appreciation of plants, gardens, landscapes and the natural environment.

To display collections of plants that are of horticultural, botanical, and aesthetic value to the public, to students, and to professionals of various disciplines. 

To interpret the collections and grounds and utilize them for the educational benefit of the public. 

To preserve an undeveloped area of the scenic Irish Hills, providing a place of beauty and inspiration for public enjoyment.

History

Hidden Lake Gardens was donated to Michigan State University (then Michigan State College) in 1945 by Harry A. Fee, an Adrian businessman. He had always dreamed of owning a lake, and, upon his retirement in 1926, he purchased Hidden Lake along with 200 acres of land surrounding it. He repaired and refurbished the old farmhouse, built a greenhouse, and began farming. When he realized that the land was not suitable to conventional farming or raising livestock, he turned his efforts toward growing nursery stock. Not wanting to compete with local nurseries during the depression he planted the stock on his own land in an effort to create a "series of pictures"—a philosophy that we continue to strive for today. Mr. Fee described Hidden Lake Gardens as a "dream as you go development". 

Recognizing the natural beauty of the land, Mr. Fee designed and built a road from Highway 50, lining it with a shrub and perennial border. He cleaned out the lake, constructed a small pond and rock garden, and extended the road to the top of Juniper Hill—one of the most scenic locations in the Gardens. Over time, small parking areas were added to allow visitors to pause and take in the breathtaking views.

"When the idea that I was making a series of beautiful scenic pictures available to the public and just when I decided to dedicate the Gardens to public service, I do not remember...all subsequent work has been and should be continued with the prime object of its being for the Benefit of the Public." – Harry A. Fee

Mr. Fee donated Hidden Lake Gardens to Michigan State University in 1945, and his vision of the Gardens serving as a place of beauty, education, and public benefit has continued for decades. He remained actively involved in decision-making until his passing in 1955. Thanks to his generous endowment and the leadership of MSU's Horticulture Department, the Division of Campus Parks and Planning, Land Management, and currently, Infrastructure Planning and Facilities, Hidden Lake Gardens has flourished, expanding from 200 acres to 755 acres.

Growth and Development

Since its donation to MSU, Hidden Lake Gardens has continued to evolve with land acquisitions, educational programs, and facility expansions. In 1962, a 120-acre arboretum was established, featuring plant collections such as crabapples, lilacs, maples, evergreens, and shrubs. The Gardens' growth has also been supported by generous benefactors like the Herrick family of Tecumseh, who provided funding for many of the site's buildings. The Visitor Center was constructed in 1965 housing a library, exhibits, auditorium, meeting room, and a gift shop, followed by the addition of the Conservatory in 1968 which includes a Tropical Biome, Arid Biome and Temperate House. Other expansions included a picnic area shelter in 1971 and a service building in 1973.

Plant collections have continued to grow over the years, with significant contributions such as the Harper Collection of Dwarf and Rare Conifers (cone-bearing plants), donated by Justin C. Harper in 1981. This collection, transported from East Moline, Illinois, was designed by Sam Lovall of MSU's Campus Parks and Planning and included over 350 plants. Additionally, the Michigan Hosta Society contributed to the development of Hosta Hillside, located where Mr. Fee’s original rock garden once stood. Both of these collections are now supported by separate endowments, the Harper Endowment and the Herb & Dorothy Benedict Hosta Hillside Endowment.

Hidden Lake Gardens welcomed the opening of the Bonsai Courtyard, an intimate space dedicated to the appreciation of the ancient art of bonsai. This beautifully designed courtyard provides a tranquil setting where visitors can admire a carefully curated collection of bonsai trees while learning about their history, care, and significance in horticulture.

The Gardens have also expanded accessibility and educational opportunities, including the addition of a raised bed garden near the Conservatory, a wheelchair-accessible trail within the existing trail system, and a perennial garden established in 1991 with the help of donors and volunteers. Hidden Lake Gardens remains committed to fostering an appreciation for plants, nature, and conservation through its diverse landscapes and educational initiatives.

Reach for the Sky Canopy Walk

One of the most transformative additions to Hidden Lake Gardens in recent years is the Reach for the Sky Canopy Walk, which officially opened on June 20, 2023, after a grassroots fundraising initiative that began in 2019. This awe-inspiring treetop experience allows visitors to explore the forest from an elevated perspective, immersing themselves in the beauty of the natural world while learning about Michigan’s rich woodland ecosystems. The Sky Walk symbolizes the Gardens’ ongoing commitment to innovation, conservation, and public engagement.

Visit and Support Hidden Lake Gardens

Today, Hidden Lake Gardens is owned and operated by Michigan State University under the division of Infrastructure Planning and Facilities. The Gardens are supported through admission fees, endowments, generous donations, and the "Friends of Hidden Lake Gardens" membership program.

Hidden Lake Gardens is open year-round, Tuesday through Sunday, and is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. Visitors can explore the diverse plant collections, scenic trails, conservatory, and the Reach for the Sky Canopy Walk while participating in a variety beloved annual seasonal celebrations, educational programming, and community gatherings that invite visitors to engage with nature in meaningful ways.

Year-round educational programs for all ages are offered in our Visitor Center which also houses a library, exhibits, auditorium, meeting rooms and a gift shop. The Conservatory includes tropical plants, arid plants, and a variety of flowering houseplants. A picnic area with shelter is available without reservations.

We invite you to experience the beauty and history of Hidden Lake Gardens and be part of its growing legacy. Whether you visit for a peaceful walk, a seasonal festival, or to engage in hands-on learning, you’ll find that Hidden Lake Gardens remains a place of inspiration, discovery, and connection with nature.