A "dream as you go development" is how Hidden Lake and the surrounding 200 acres of land were referred to by local businessman Harry Fee, who bought upon the site when he retired in 1926. Fee donated Hidden Lake Gardens to Michigan State University in 1945. Today, the 755-acre botanical garden and arboretum has more than 6 miles of one-way paved drives, and 5 miles of hiking trails. The conservatory features bamboo, banana, cocoa, coffee, sugarcane, tapioca and vanilla among many others. On the Hosta Hillside are more than 700 cultivars of hosta.Of special interest is the 5-acre Harper Collection, approximately 600 species of dwarf and rare conifers. Situated in the Irish Hills of southeast Michigan, about 50 miles from Toledo. Open 362 days a year.
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