Campus Hidden Gems
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These hidden treasures can be, well, hidden. But we’re unveiling some top “hidden” spots and items so you can experience them too!
The “Lumberjack Bench”
Every lumberjack can appreciate a solid ponderosa pine — and this one is no exception. A handmade log bench outside of the Forestry Building said to be carved by Louie the Lumberjack himself!
Japanese Tea Garden ☕️
Arguably the most hidden spot on campus is the Japanese Tea Garden. Nestled in the trees on the edge of South campus, this spot is perfect for mid-day meditation or a quiet place to study. Embrace this spot’s namesake and grab some Japanese tea to make it a perfect visit.
Konnichiwa!
The First Mascot — The Lumberjack Axe!
Did you know that our original mascot used to be an actual axe?! Louie may be a little easier to dress up as at football games, but the axe is still pretty cool!
Currently, the copper axe is on display on the second floor of the Cline Library and can be spotted through the window when you’re standing outside the main entrance.
The axe itself is the object of one of the most colorful scandals in NAU’s history (hint: ASU students tried to steal it)! Read all about the high speed motorcycle chase to get the axe back here.
Hot Tub? Yes, please! 🏊⛱
Walking home from a long day of classes in the snow can be tough, make a detour to warm up at the campus hot tub! You can find this hidden gem in the new Wall Aquatics Center in the south-west corner of the main pool area. Looks big enough for a good hangout session, so grab some friends and relax.
Frisbees and Pine Trees
Disc+golf=disc golf, a.k.a. the most underrated sport in Flagstaff. NAU is home to a course that showcases unique technical holes with elevation change and lots of trouble if a player throws outside the fairway. The course sits on south campus, near the south commuter parking lot, and has a fabulous view of the Peaks! 🗻 Grab some friends and get your game on! 💪
SAS’s Secret Study Spaces
Sometimes you just need the perfect study spot.
The Student Academic Services building (attached to the San Francisco parking garage) has study spots and private study rooms that are not only fabulously designed with gorgeous views, but very conducive to study study study! 📚🎓🤓
Centennial Forest
NAU it located in the middle of the forest, so its only fitting we call it home! 🌲 ☀️ The Centennial Forest is a 50,000 acre land mass used by the Forestry Department for research — but you dont have to be a forestry major to visit it! Lumberjack campers can enjoy hiking on nature trails, stay in the cabin-like tents, sleep on cozy pine bunk beds, and socialize around the fire during the evening. ⛺️
Rental information can be found here.
Cline Library: Third Floor
The perfect insta landscape shot may not be as hard to get as you think. Try the third floor of the library! Serene mountain views and warm cozy nooks make the third floor of Cline a must-visit. Remember though, the third floor is a silent zone, so keep your squeals of joy in your head! 🤐
Berlin Wall
Are you a history junkie? Or just someone who can appreciate a piece of the past? Well look no further than the University Union. Showcased in an exhibition on the second floor of the union sits a historical piece of the Berlin Wall. Still covered in graffiti and re-bar, the wall symbolizes the separation of Berlin for 28 years before its demolition in 1989.
NAU Art Museum 🎨
(Instagram: @nauartmuseum)
This is no ordinary art museum — it’s the NAU Art Museum, and shows off the amazing talent of our Lumberjacks. Located inside the front doors of Old Main, the museum emphasizes the diversity of voices, media, themes, and creative impulses at work in today’s art and holds a temporary home to some fantastic pieces. Most of the exhibitions are free to students!
See what exhibit is going on now here.
SSLUG Garden 🐌🌿🍓
The Sustainable Living and Urban Gardening (SSLUG) Garden promotes sustainable food systems through demonstration of organic growing methods in a campus setting.
Since Flagstaff has a relatively short growing season (103 days), many of the plants are sown from seed in the NAU Greenhouses in the spring and cared for by volunteers until they are ready to be planted in the garden in early June. All the produce is donated to Louie’s Cupboard, a free food pantry at NAU, and the Flagstaff Family Food Center.
Got a green thumb? Learn how you can volunteer here.
