The Best Hillsdale college outdoor activities in Michigan

Hillsdale College Hayden Park, located at 1620 Barber Drive in Hillsdale, Michigan, is a 190-acre outdoor oasis just a half mile from campus. This park is a hub for outdoor activities and will soon be the new home of the College's track. With numerous trails, a driving range, soccer fields, sand volleyball courts, a disc golf course, and the College's cross country course, Hayden Park offers endless opportunities for students to enjoy the great outdoors. In addition, the park is the perfect spot for intramural club sports and offers trek mountain bikes for students to explore the trails. During the winter months, students can also check out skis for cross country skiing. The current Herrick Track, which has surpassed its expected lifespan, will be relocated to Hayden Park. Join us in making the earth better and heaven richer through the life and labor of Hillsdale College.

Mary Randall Preschool, located at 249 Hillsdale Street in Hillsdale, Michigan, United States, is a unique institution with a rich history dating back to its founding in 1929. Originally known as Hillsdale College Nursery School, the preschool was established as a lab school for college students to observe child development in a natural setting. The school moved to its current building in 1967, a circular structure with a domed roof, and was renamed Mary Randall Preschool after alumna Mary Proctor Randall. The preschool offers playrooms, a kitchen, an observation balcony, and an outdoor playhouse dedicated to the beloved former director, Elizabeth Dickinson, affectionately known as "Miss D." Children at Mary Randall Preschool are taught by members of the College's Education Department, providing a hands-on learning experience for both students and teachers. Qualified students can earn course credit for supervised instruction at the preschool.

The Roche Sports Complex is the hub of athletic activity at Hillsdale College, located at 201 Oak Street in Hillsdale, Michigan. This state-of-the-art facility, dedicated in 1988, houses the offices of the Athletic Department faculty and staff, as well as classrooms, practice and training facilities. The complex also serves as the venue for all home games and meets, providing top-notch facilities for athletes and spectators alike. Whether you are a varsity athlete competing in a game or a local resident looking to play racquetball, the Sports Complex caters to the athletic needs and interests of the college and community. For racquetball court reservations or pool hours, please call (517) 437-4981. Please note that clean and dry shoes are required to walk on the track. The Sports Complex is open Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., closed on Fridays. Hours may vary during breaks, so it is recommended to call (517) 437-7364 for updated information.

Slayton Arboretum, located on Barber Drive in Hillsdale, Michigan, is a serene and peaceful park that serves as a natural escape for both students and the local community. Established in 1922, this 48-acre natural area features fieldstone buildings, two stone gazebos, a children's garden, nature trails, a waterfall, and two ponds. The Arboretum is not only used as an outdoor laboratory for faculty and students but also as a venue for weddings, receptions, reunions, and student events. The Children's Garden, established in 2003, has grown to include a pond, a Blue Ribbon Fair Garden, an herb garden, and a willow teepee, providing a delightful setting for both children and adults. Dr. Bertram A. Barber, the visionary behind the Arboretum, created a functional outdoor laboratory and field station for students, with donated plants and labor from Hillsdale students and volunteers. The Arboretum has seen extensive repairs and restoration over the years, with ongoing community outreach activities and events. The Arboretum is maintained by the Maintenance and Grounds Department at Hillsdale College, with Dr. Ranessa Cooper currently serving as the director. The support of the community through donations and volunteering is crucial in ensuring the maintenance and beauty of the Arboretum for future generations.