Free to all, but donations are encouraged. For guided tours, groups must arrange ahead at least two weeks in advance. A guided tour costs $2.00 per adult and $1.00 per child 13 years old and younger. There is a minimum fee of $20. An average tour of the gardens lasts from one to two hours. A greenhouse tour takes 30 to 60 minutes. Tour fees are used to fund the tour coordinator program.

The Michigan State University Horticultural Demonstration gardens surround the Plant and Soil Sciences Building and its teaching greenhouses. The Department of Horticulture constructed the gardens to provide a place for students and visitors to learn about gardening and be inspired by beautiful plants. These display and teaching gardens provide enjoyment and learning for everyone. Annuals, perennials, roses, herbs, vegetables, trees, and shrubs growing in the garden illustrate horticulture the art and science of gardening. There are six different gardens, each with its own distinct purpose, that make up this seven and one half acre display garden: perennial garden, annual trial garden, foyer garden, rose garden, children's garden, and idea garden.