Discover Hidden Lake Gardens, a botanical wonderland in southeast Michigan

If you're looking to get out of Greater Lansing for a nature destination, Michigan State University's Hidden Lake Gardens is a must see.

The 755-acre botanical garden is in Tipton in the Irish Hills area of southeast Michigan. Adrian businessman Harry A. Fee donated the initial land for the garden to MSU in 1945 and it has blossomed into one of the state's best nature attractions. It's about an hour and 20 minute drive from Lansing.

The conservatory at Michigan State University's Hidden Lake Gardens on Friday, June 20, 2025, in Tipton.

One of the main attractions is the conservatory, where plants from three different biomes thirve:

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The Tropical Dome, where visitors can take in the colorful beauty of a diverse collection of rainforest plants.

The Arid Dome, which features cacti, succulents and other plants found in hot, dry desert climates.

The Temperate House, where visitors will find plant life found in environments that experience all four seasons.

Another must see is the Bonsai exhibit, that starts in the conservatory and extends just outside the building. Bonsai, an ancient Asian art form refined in Japan, are miniature trees grown and shaped in ways to appear mature. There are many different types on display and some of the trees have been potted for decades.

Other notable attractions near the conservatory include the Gazebo Garden and the Harper Collection of Dwarf & Rare Conifers. The Hosta Hillside display is located near Hidden Lake.

Visitors can drive through the gardens on the more than 6 miles of paved roads but walking along some of the 12 miles of hiking trails allows one to feel more connected with nature. There's plenty to take in along the paved and natural trails as they wind through dense mature forests. Some of the hills can be challenging so it might be smart to bring a water container and make use of the various resting points featuring benches.

Patrons walk across the Sky Walk canopy bridge at Michigan State University's Hidden Lake Gardens on Friday, June 20, 2025, in Tipton.

Another main attraction is the Sky Walk canopy bridge. The 374-foot-long bridge extends 65 feet above ground at its highest point. The walk across gives visitors an up-close look at the forest tree canopy and a bird's eye view of the environment below. The canopy bridge is a little less than a quarter mile walk on a trail from the parking lot.

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Hidden Lake Gardens is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. The conservatory, sky walk and gift shop are open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $10 for adults ages 18 and old, $8 for seniors 65 and older and for military/veterans, $5 for students K-12 and college with IDs. Kids 4 and younger are free. Leashed dogs are welcome, excluding garden beds, ponds, lake, skywalk or buildings.

If you're looking to make the trip a full day outing, there are plenty of restaurants, bars and ice cream spots in the area. The village of Brooklyn, about 15 minutes west of Hidden Lake Gardens, has plenty of options including the Village Creamery and Swiss Swirl ice cream shops, PB&J's BBQ, Poppa's Place, Jerry's Pub & Restaurant, Hometown Pizza, Atlas Restaurant and Bar and Shady's Tap Room.

A view of the downtown in the Village of Brooklyn on Friday, June 20, 2025.

Eateries in Tecumseh to the east of Hidden Lake Gardens include Danley's Country House, Embers Bar & Grill, City Limits Diner & Pancake House, Basil Boys Pizza, Tecumseh Brewing Company, Rosie's Tecumseh Cafe, Salsaria's Mexican restaurant and The Station Restaurant & Catering farm to table eatery.

The area near Hidden Lake Gardens is home to several wineries including Cherry Creek Cellars and The Winery North of 12 in Brooklyn, Chateau Aeronautique Winery, Blue Skies Brewery & Mile High Distillery in Onsted, and the Black Fire Winery and Pentamere Winery in Tecumseh. A little further east is the Flying Otter Vineyard & Winery in Adrian.

This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Hidden Lake Gardens in Tipton Michigan offers Sky Walk canopy bridge