MICHIGAN.GOV/CARLTHETREE

Carl the Tree

Located within the heart of the Michigan Library and Historical Center (MLHC) is Carl the Tree. Surrounded by the Great Lakes Fountain and the building's courtyard, this large white pine has become an iconic figure to everyone who visits its home within Lansing's Capitol Complex. It represents both the many white pine trees that covered the landscape of Michigan along with the millions of unique stories that are preserved only just steps away.

Carl is often featured in social media posts from the institutions within the MLHC. Look for these posts under the hashtag #CarlTheTree.

Origins of Carl the Tree

Carl the Tree was donated by a family from Novi in 1986 to go in the central rotunda of the Michigan Library and Historical Center. Brought by flatbed trailer, the 45-foot tree was already nearly 50 years old when it was lowered into its new home on Monday, December 15, 1986. Construction would continue around Carl until the Michigan Library and Historical Center opened in 1988.

Carl was named after notable landscape architect and Lansing native Carl D. Johnson. Carl Johnson’s firm, Johnson, Johnson and Roy, was the contracted landscape architect for the MLHC building. He was also good friends with the architect who designed the MLHC, William Kessler, which is likely why he was honored in this way.