All U Campaign


Hidden Lake Gardens

Steven Courtney, Director


Dear Colleagues and Friends:

Thank you for inquiring about Hidden Lake Gardens through the 2008 All University Campaign. Please consider making a financial gift of support.

Nestled in the Irish Hills of Michigan, there is a 757-acre botanical garden given to Michigan State University by Harry Fee in 1945. Its name has been very appropriate for many Spartans - Hidden Lake Gardens.

Once you've visited, you'll never forget its beauty. Exit the hustle and bustle of life, and enjoy the quiet serenity of the highlights this garden has to offer.
  • For those who prefer to view the attractions from the comfort of your car, there are six miles of one-way paved roads for you to travel.
  • You may want to walk through the Harper Collection of Dwarf and Rare Conifers with over 500 specimens of cone-bearing plants.

Harper Collection of Dwarf and Rare Conifers
  • For Hosta lovers, visit the Ralph H. (Herb) and Dorothy Benedict Hosta Hillside which showcases over 300 varieties of hosta plants.

Ralph H. (Herb) and Dorothy Benedict Hosta Hillside
  • The Demonstration Garden features many varieties of annuals and perennials as well as, All-America selections of annuals which are featured a couple of years before they are available commercially.

Demonstration Garden
Click here to find out more about the Demonstration Gardens.



  • The Bonsai Courtyard is a new addition that showcases over 20 trees. This new display was created in honor of Jack Wikle, HLG bonsai curator.

Bonsai Courtyard
  • The Conservatory highlights the Arid Dome, the Tropical Dome, the Temperate House and the Bonsai Courtyard.

The Conservatory
  • More than five miles of marked hiking trails provide access to the woodland area, meadows, and the glacial kettlehole.

Enjoy the beauty Hidden Lake Gardens offers you year-round. Each season offers its own breathtaking sights for you to ponder and absorb. Come and visit often.

Thank you for your support of Hidden Lake Gardens. Your gift will allow Hidden Lake Gardens to continue providing areas for quiet reflection, breathtaking sites and many educational opportunities.

Warmest regards,

Steven Courtney, N.P.D.
Manager

P.S. Slow down from your hectic pace and visit Hidden Lake Gardens to soak in the beauty of each season. Your gift will help "Grow the Gardens" for all to enjoy!


Specific giving opportunities within Hidden Lake Gardens in need of your support:

Name of Fund Fund Code
Hidden Lake Gardens
 AB8431
Ralph H. (Herb) and Dorothy Benedict Hosta Endowment Fund
 AB8436
Harper Collection of Dwarf and Rare Conifers Endowment
 AB8437
Elsie MacCready Memorial Bonsai Collection Endowment
 AB8432



For more information, visit the Hidden Lake Gardens home page.