MSU Tollgate Night Hike Series 2025

Tollgate Farm and Education Center
28115 Meadowbrook Road
Novi, MI 48377

Night Hikes on the Farm offer visitors the opportunity to explore nighttime on the farm with several fascinating natural science topics. The hikes will take place one Friday of each month and are open to the public. Night hikes will appeal to scout groups, families, and anyone with a thirst for knowledge and adventure. Each hike will incorporate a different theme fitting to the month or season and will include light snacks and beverages. Register for one or more in the series.

I Frog-got What the Toad Said
April 11 - 8 p.m.

Many of the creatures around the farm are looking for mates this time of year. Our Frog and Toad friends are no exception and we’ll adventure around the property to see who is serenading their would-be partners.

Predators of the Night
May 23 - 8 p.m.

Darkness is an advantage many predator animals use to gain the upper hand on their prey. As we walk through the habitats of Tollgate Farm, let us investigate who is adapted to be a successful hunter during the night and who they are looking for.

The Science of Twilight
June 20 - 8 p.m.
The transition from day to night affords many spectacular sights. The horizons of Tollgate Farm will give us a great opportunity to discuss the impact of the positions of the sun and moon and how geometry controls the images before and after sunset.

Batty about Bats?

August 8 - 8 p.m.

Bats are all around and their habits and adaptations give them an incredibly interesting role in their ecosystem. Come along as we
investigate our furry flying fiends as they flit around the woodline at Tollgate Farm.

Surviving the Night
September 26 - 7 p.m.
A night in the wild unprepared could be a very stressful experience. We’ll find ourselves in Tollgate’s woodlot, and talk about preparedness and how to be ready for what the nighttime brings.

Folklore Nights

October 24 - 6 p.m.

Night plays a large role in traditional folklore. Our trek around Tollgate will give us the opportunity to talk about myths, legends, and spirits of the night. Come if you dare!

Owl Prowl

November 21 - 6 p.m.

Owls are often seen as the mysterious guardians of the night. More often heard than seen, we’ll discuss owl adaptations and

“WHO” we might expect to encounter on Tollgate Farm as we traverse its woods and fields.

Cost: $14 per person 3 and older per night hike.

Registration for MSU Tollgate Night Hike is open.

Registration closes at 11:59 p.m. ET on November 20, 2025.

Accommodations

Michigan State University is committed to providing equal opportunity for participation in all programs, services and activities. Accommodations for persons with disabilities may be requested by contacting the event contact two weeks prior to the start of the event. Requests received after this date will be honored whenever possible.

Contact Information

If you have questions, please contact Bill Eisenman, MSU Tollgate Farm Educational Program Leader, at eisenm11@msu.edu.