Beaumont Tower Michigan State University
Iconic MSU landmark with a beautiful carillon, offering picturesque views and a melodic soundtrack to campus life.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Sakura blossoms in bloom
Beaumont Tower Michigan State University
Best Time
Sakura blossoms in bloom
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic MSU landmark with a beautiful carillon, offering picturesque views and a melodic soundtrack to campus life.
"An iconic landmark on MSU's campus, perfect for photos and listening to the enchanting carillon bells."
🎯 Check Tour Schedules
Tours are limited; check MSU's official calendar for dates and times.
🌸 Best Photo Spots
Visit during spring for sakura blossoms or golden hour for stunning shots.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Carillon Bells
Beaumont Tower
Experience the enchanting melodies of the carillon bells, which chime on the quarter-hour.
Spring Sakura Blossoms
Surrounding Campus
Witness the breathtaking beauty of Beaumont Tower framed by vibrant sakura blossoms in spring.
Tower Tours & Carillon Concerts
Beaumont Tower
Occasionally, you can tour the tower and witness student performers during summer carillon series .
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Tower Tours
Capture the Magic: Best Photo Ops
+1 Consider visiting during golden hour for stunning light. Be aware that graduation season can bring crowds for photos.Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Check Tour Schedules
Tours are limited; check MSU's official calendar for dates and times.
🌸 Best Photo Spots
Visit during spring for sakura blossoms or golden hour for stunning shots.
🎶 Listen to the Bells
The carillon chimes on the quarter-hour, offering a relaxing soundtrack.
👟 Comfortable Shoes
Campus exploration is best with comfy shoes for walking the grounds.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Check Tour Schedules
Tours are limited; check MSU's official calendar for dates and times.
🌸 Best Photo Spots
Visit during spring for sakura blossoms or golden hour for stunning shots.
🎶 Listen to the Bells
The carillon chimes on the quarter-hour, offering a relaxing soundtrack.
👟 Comfortable Shoes
Campus exploration is best with comfy shoes for walking the grounds.
📸 Graduation Photos
Popular spot for graduation pictures, expect crowds near commencement.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Beaumont Tower is widely praised as an iconic and beautiful landmark on the MSU campus, particularly loved for its picturesque views, especially during spring sakura blooms. Visitors enjoy the soothing carillon bells and the opportunity for memorable photos. However, access to the tower's interior is limited and tours are infrequent, which can be a point of disappointment for some.
"This is an amazing landmark on the campus of Michigan State University. Sometimes, on days before big football basketball games, the Beaumont tower will be open to the public and you can walk up the steps and see the Carillon. The towers beautiful, and it is surrounded by picturesque walking paths.
The Tower Guard is an honor Society at MSU and they have a meeting room on the second floor of the tower.
Rumor has it, if you kiss your sweetheart underneath the moonlit Beaumont tower, you will be married to them one day."
Plum Health DPC
"Iconic landmark on MSU campus. Very nice walk around the tower."
Adam Reason
"Amazing spot on MSU's campus to take headshots and senior pictures! Follow my Facebook page Sylvia Jarrus Photography to see more work or book a session."
Sylvia Jarrus
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Beaumont Tower is centrally located on the Michigan State University campus in East Lansing. Visitors can typically park in nearby visitor lots and walk to the tower. Public transportation options are also available to reach the MSU campus.
Yes, there are several visitor parking lots available on the MSU campus. It's advisable to check the MSU Parking Services website for the most current parking information and rates.
Yes, you can visit Beaumont Tower on game days, but expect larger crowds and potentially more challenging parking. The tower itself may have special events or be part of the game day atmosphere.
Walking is the best way to explore the beautiful MSU campus and its surroundings, including the gardens near Beaumont Tower. Wear comfortable shoes!
Yes, various bus routes serve the Michigan State University campus, making it accessible via public transport from surrounding areas. Check local transit schedules for routes and stops near Beaumont Tower.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
General viewing of Beaumont Tower from the outside is free. However, access for tours or special events inside the tower may require tickets or advance registration.
Tours inside Beaumont Tower are not regularly scheduled and are often offered on specific dates or during special events. Keep an eye on MSU's official event listings or the Beaumont Tower's specific page for announcements.
Viewing the exterior of Beaumont Tower is free. If you are able to participate in a tour or attend a special event within the tower, there might be associated costs.
Beaumont Tower itself does not have traditional operating hours as it's a landmark. However, access to the interior for tours or events will be limited to those specific times. The campus grounds are generally accessible during daylight hours.
Follow MSU's official social media channels, Arts at MSU, or the music department's pages for announcements about carillon concerts or special tower events.
📸 📸 Photography
Golden hour, shortly after sunrise or before sunset, offers beautiful lighting for photographing Beaumont Tower. Spring, when the sakura blossoms are in bloom, is also a highly recommended time.
The area around the tower provides excellent vantage points. For iconic shots, consider framing it with the sakura blossoms in spring or from the nearby gardens.
Absolutely! Beaumont Tower is a very popular and picturesque location for senior and graduation photos. Many photographers recommend it.
Beaumont Tower is ideal for landscape, architectural, portrait, and event photography, especially during carillon concerts or seasonal blooms.
Generally, casual photography is permitted. However, for professional shoots or commercial use, it's always best to check MSU's campus photography policies.
🎫 🎶 Music & Events
Beaumont Tower is famous for its carillon, a musical instrument consisting of a set of bells. The carillon plays melodies on the quarter-hour and hosts special concerts.
The carillon bells at Beaumont Tower typically chime on the quarter-hour throughout the day, providing a consistent musical presence on campus.
Yes, MSU often hosts a Summer Carillon Series featuring student performers. These concerts are a wonderful opportunity to experience the carillon live.
While specific requests are usually not accommodated for public chimes, special performances or concerts might feature a wider range of music. It's best to inquire with the MSU Music Department for any possibilities.
Yes, Beaumont Tower has played music in honor of significant events and individuals, such as memorializing students or honoring university leaders.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1While tours inside the tower might be less suitable for very young children due to stairs and limited space, simply exploring the exterior and listening to the bells is a wonderful activity. The nearby gardens and arboretum also provide opportunities for discovery and gentle exploration, making it a pleasant outing for all ages.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1 Aim for golden hour for the best light, and consider capturing the tower during a carillon concert for dynamic shots. This location is a prime spot for graduation and senior portraits, so be prepared for potential crowds during peak seasons. The surrounding gardens and campus paths also provide diverse framing options for your shots.
🎶 Music Lovers
Don't miss the chance to attend a live carillon concert, particularly the Summer Carillon Series, for a more immersive musical experience. These performances showcase the skill of the carillonists and the full range of the instrument's capabilities. It's a unique auditory experience that sets Beaumont Tower apart and offers a deeper appreciation for this historic musical instrument.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Significance of Beaumont Tower
The tower's name honors John W. Beaumont, a prominent Detroit lawyer and alumnus who was instrumental in the university's early development. Beyond its architectural significance, Beaumont Tower plays a vital role in campus life, its bells marking the passage of time and providing a soothing soundtrack to student life. It's also a popular spot for commemorative events and performances, further cementing its place in the heart of the MSU community.
+1For those interested in its history, the tower offers a glimpse into the past, while its ongoing musical performances provide a vibrant connection to the present. The unique experience of hearing the carillon live, especially during special concerts, is a highlight for many visitors and students alike.
Experiencing the Carillon: Music and Performances
Visitors can often hear the carillon chiming on the quarter-hour, a gentle reminder of the time that echoes across campus. Beyond these regular chimes, MSU frequently hosts special events, such as the Summer Carillon Series, where talented student performers showcase their skills. These concerts offer a unique opportunity to experience the carillon's full capabilities in a live setting, often drawing appreciative audiences.
+1The carillon has also been used to commemorate significant moments and honor individuals. Its resonant tones have been part of memorial services and celebrations, adding a profound emotional layer to these occasions. Whether you're catching a regular chime or a dedicated performance, the music from Beaumont Tower is an unforgettable part of the MSU experience.
+1Photography Opportunities at Beaumont Tower
+1For the best photographic results, consider visiting during the 'golden hours' – the period shortly after sunrise or before sunset. The warm, soft light at these times can dramatically enhance the tower's appearance and create captivating images. Many students also choose Beaumont Tower as a backdrop for graduation and senior portraits, highlighting its iconic status.
+1Beyond the visual appeal, the tower's carillon also offers unique photographic opportunities. Capturing images during a live carillon concert, with musicians at the keyboard or the bells in motion, can result in dynamic and engaging photos. Remember to check for any campus photography guidelines if you plan on a professional shoot.
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