150 Years of Connecting People, Plants, and Place

In 2023, the garden celebrated its sesquicentennial—that’s 150 years of learning, discovering, and making lasting memories! On September 13, 2023, we commemorated this extraordinary milestone with a 150th Anniversary Festival which included a tree planting and guest speakers, games, tours and education programs, take-home activities, art performances, and more! Thank you to the university departments, student organizations, and partners who helped make this day a success. And a big thank you to everyone who came out to celebrate with us!

Read a congratulation letter from Governor Gretchen Whitmer for our 150th anniversary!

Watch a congratulatory video from Sen. Debbie Stabenow for our 150th anniversary!

Watch a well wishes video from Rep. Elissa Slotkin!

See more event photos on the Michigan State University Advancement Events flickr!

photo collage showing various people engaged in festival activities like playing music, planting a tree, and talking to each other
Photo credit: Biddle City Creative Media

Beal Botanical Garden 150th Anniversary Tour - July 15, 2023
Tour given by History Scholar Bill Hodgkins to the Historical Society of Greater Lansing
Video by the Historical Society of Greater Lansing

Then and Now Historical Photo Gallery

Is this the same garden? Visit our historical photo gallery to see side-by-side photos of different areas of the garden. The present-day photos were taken from approximately the same angle as the historical images to give you a comparison through time.

Photo Gallery

A Walk Through Time

Over the past 150 years, the garden has seen many changes. Our garden history timeline highlights some of the events that have shaped the garden into what it is today. See what we have accomplished, how far we have come, and look forward to what lies ahead.

Garden History

two historical color postcards of the garden

150 years of Memories Made in The Garden

As we celebrate our sesquicentennial this year, we want to hear from you! What are your favorite memories you’ve made in The Garden? Send your stories and photos to wjbeal@msu.edu to be featured on our website, socials and anniversary events. The Garden as seen a lot of evolution throughout the years so please include the date, if possible.