Beaumont Tower

4.8(52)google

Free(An iconic monument on the MSU campus; viewing and photographing from the exterior is free. The interior is generally closed, with rare free public tours offered during select summer carillon concert series.)

OutdoorPhoto SpotCity LandmarkFreeHistoric Building

Overview

The Beaumont Tower is a structure on the campus of Michigan State University, designed by the architectural firm of Donaldson and Meier and completed in 1928. The 104-foot-tall (32 m) tower marks the site of College Hall, the first building constructed on the campus, as well as the first building in America erected for instruction in scientific agriculture. Due to poor construction, College Hall collapsed in 1918.

Practical Info

375 W Circle Dr, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA

Every dayOpen 24 hours

Suggested Duration30-45 minutes

Best TimeMid-spring for lush green graduation photography or October for vibrant autumn colors across the oak opening. Position yourself on the grassy lawn directly beneath the historic 1928 collegiate gothic stone tower precisely at noon on a weekday; the massive mechanical carillon bells chime historic symphonies across the campus canopies beautifully.

Getting TherePerched at the dead center of the historical campus greenway along W Circle Dr, East Lansing. Because the immediate sacred ground is strictly a pedestrian-only zone, personal vehicles are barred. Drivers must utilize the Main Library public pay structure, followed by a scenic 6-minute walk straight east across the lawn paths.

Travel Tips

The interior tower stairs are closed to the public; historic carillon performances occur exclusively on designated summer midday windows, restricting off-season activity to exterior photography from the lawn.
The central historic circle surrounding the tower is a pedestrian-only zone closed to outside vehicles; the nearest unloading bay is on West Circle Drive, requiring a 200-meter walk via gravel paths.

Photo Tips

Best LightThe surrounding old-growth trees create severe shadow interference across the neo-Gothic facade by 3 PM; optimal sun angles for capturing clear architectural detail occur between 9 AM and 11 AM.

Reviews

Positive

As MSU's most iconic Gothic landmark, the tower stands grand and elegant among shady oak groves, photographing beautifully with high visual awe.
The surrounding great lawn is kept pristine, encircled by smoothly paved accessible concrete paths and plenty of rustic benches for resting.
Beautiful carillon music echoes across campus on the hour or during concerts; occasionally, carillonneurs warmly share the instrument's history with walkers.
An entirely free, publicly accessible historic landscape requiring zero admission; picnicking and viewing on the lawn offers an elegant, pure value.

Heads up

Except for specific campus open days or pre-booked official tours, the tower interior is locked and strictly closed to climbing by general tourists.
There are no dedicated tourist facilities like restrooms or visitor centers nearby, and vehicles cannot drive up close, requiring a long walk.
During graduation season or freshman orientation week, the lawns swarm with crowds lining up for photos, disrupting the quiet, historic ambiance.
There are no descriptive multilingual history plaques around the base; without prior online research, independent tourists can only view the exterior blindly.