Visit

We hope you will plan a visit to KBS. We are dedicated to sharing our knowledge and expertise with students of all ages! There is a lot to do here from hiking trails and observing wildlife to learning about the history of the property and W.K. Kellogg’s influence.  Professionals and community members are invited to enjoy KBS.  Public areas of KBS are open dawn to dusk..

Want to stay overnight, host an event or have lunch while you are here?  Visit the the W.K. Kellogg Biological Station Conference Center and Manor House webpage for more information.

Group Tours and Visits

Groups are welcome and encouraged to visit KBS.  Please see the Tours web page for details on what is available for your group or family.

While much of KBS is open to the public (W.K. Kellogg Manor House, Kellogg Bird Sanctuary), certain areas have restricted access for the safety of visitors and to protect research (LTER, GLBRC, Kellogg Farm).

Trails and Picnic Areas

Trails of KBS: We invite you to explore the KBS campus, but keep in mind that research occurs in many of these areas. The public is welcome on trails from dawn to dusk; but please avoid private events.  Areas without trails are closed to the public, except for guided tours or special events. Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are welcome; motorized vehicles, including snowmobiles, are prohibited on all KBS properties. Please see the KBS Trail Guide for trail-specific information regarding access with dogs and/or bikes.  No alcohol is allowed on the property.  Picnics are allowed at the Kellogg Bird Sanctuary on the south end of the parking lot.

The NPS North Country Trail also runs through KBS. You may park at the Bird Sanctuary Trailhead and hike in.  No bikes, horses or motorized vehicles allowed.

Motorized vehicles of any kind are NOT allowed on KBS properties, this includes snowmobiles.  Horses are NOT allowed on trails.  Dogs are only allowed on the Academic Campus, Conference Center and Manor House and on the Succession Trail on the corner of B Ave. and Gull Lake Dr.

Self-guided trails and brochures: The Kellogg Bird Sanctuary, Kellogg Manor House and Long-term Ecological Research (LTER) program all have self-guided trails and coordinating brochures:

• Information about Bird Sanctuary Trails
• Information about Manor House and Kellogg Estate self-guided experiences
• Long-term Ecological Research Program self-guided walking tour

Information for Visiting Researchers

Interested in conducting research at KBS? Please see the Information for Visiting Researchers webpage for more information.

Photography at KBS

As part of Michigan State University, KBS adheres to the media guidelines established by the university. Please visit the MSU Communications and Brand Strategy (CABS) website for overall Media Guidelines and Filming at MSU information.

The grounds of KBS are a public space, and so taking pictures is allowed.  As a courtesy, if you plan to take photos on the grounds of the Kellogg Manor House, please email events@kbs.msu.edu to ensure the areas you would like to visit have not been reserved for an event.  Anyone photographing at the Kellogg Bird Sanctuary must visit during open hours and pay admission or purchase a membership.

The interiors of the buildings at KBS are private and should only be entered or photographed with permission.

No images of KBS grounds, facilities or properties should be sold for profit.  You must be a licensed partner of MSU to acquire permission