Serving as a political hub while also playing an important role in regional commerce, education, and culture, this compact capital has more depth than first impressions suggest. Though it lacks the scale and spectacle of larger cities, its scenic riverside setting and active cultural life give it plenty of appeal.
Lansing sits at the confluence of the Grand River and the Red Cedar River and was founded in 1835 before being named the state capital just over a decade later. That designation fueled its growth, leaving a legacy of stately government buildings and modern museums that now define much of the downtown area.
The presence of Michigan State University brings a youthful, energetic atmosphere, with festivals, performances, and cultural events taking place throughout the year. Combine this with the characterful Old Town district and the scenic River Trail, and it’s easy to see why there are plenty of rewarding things to do in Lansing.
Turner-Dodge House
Head just a short distance up the Grand River from downtown and you’ll come across the handsome Turner-Dodge House. Packed with fine old furnishings and period pieces, it exhibits some exquisite Georgian Revival-style architecture with tours taking you all around its elegant interior.
While the massive mansion was originally built by the Turners in 1855, renovations by the Dodges around half a century later almost completely changed its appearance. Nowadays, its two-story front porch is propped up by enormous Ionic columns with two large wings lying to either side.
On tours, you’ll hear all about the progressive pioneers who owned the property and the significant contributions they made to the development of the capital and state. After having seen all its antique furniture and original artifacts, you can wander back along the River Trail to the center.
Hawk Island Park
Despite being surrounded by the city, Hawk Island Park is a very peaceful spot to immerse yourself in nature and enjoy some outdoor activities. Set on the opposite side of town from the historic house museum, it has a lovely lake and lots of trails for visitors to explore.
Asides from swimming and splashing about in its refreshing waters, you can relax on the beach and play volleyball on its sandy courts. There are also fishing docks where anglers can cast out their line and a stand to rent paddleboats and rowboats at.
While summer lends itself to lounging by the lake and enjoying all its gorgeous green spaces, some terrific tubing and sledding can be enjoyed in winter. The park also has plenty of picnic areas and a playground for people to use and is accessible via the River Trail.
Michigan State University
One of the prettiest campuses in the US, Michigan State University boasts a myriad of attractive old buildings and leafy outdoor spaces. At the Big Ten school, visitors can stroll about its sprawling site and stop by some of its excellent museums.
Founded in 1855, the highly-rated university’s historic colleges and residence halls cover a massive part of East Lansing. While some paths take you alongside the Red Cedar River, others pass through fine landscaped gardens or beneath the soaring Beaumont Tower.
On top of seeing a play or concert at the Wharton Center for Performing Arts, you can always check out the outstanding Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum. It is also well worth watching the successful Spartans play if you can as 70,000 fervent football fans pack out their stadium each game day.
River Trail
A wonderful way to see yet more of the city and its surroundings is to walk, run, jog or cycle along the scenic River Trail. As well as taking you past some stunning nature spots and parks, it connects up numerous neighborhoods and tourist attractions.
Stretching thirteen miles in length, the multipurpose path winds its way alongside both Grand River and the Red Cedar River. While the first two sections traverse downtown and the Museum District, others are much calmer and quieter as they mostly pass through woodlands and wetlands.
Along the way from Old Town to Potter Park Zoo, you can stop off for a picnic or grab a kayak and explore both rivers by water. The Michigan State University campus also lies along the route as do the Impression 5 Science Center and R.E. Olds Transportation Museum.
R.E. Olds Transportation Museum
Right next door is another of Lansing’s top tourist attractions and cultural institutions: the R.E. Olds Transportation Museum. Overlooking the Grand River, its sparkling showrooms display thousands of amazing old artifacts and automobiles that date all the way back to 1886.
Now one of the top-rated automotive museums in the United States, it was established in 1981 and is named for Ransom E. Olds – the founder of both the Oldsmobile and REO car companies. While vintage makes and models of both manufacturers make up the bulk of its huge collection, other rare vehicles and interesting automobilia also feature.
Exhibits on the origins and evolution of the automobile industry are also dotted about next to early traffic signs, engines and antique bicycles. The highlight though is of course its classic Oldsmobiles which make for fabulous photos and viewing beneath the bright showroom lights.
Old Town
Both the cultural and creative heart of the city, Old Town lies on the northern side of Lansing at one end of the River Trail. Its pretty historic streets and buildings house countless local businesses with cozy cafes and cute restaurants on show wherever you look.
Founded in the mid-nineteenth century, the area initially flourished thanks to all its commercial and industrial businesses before suffering a slump around a century later. In recent years, it has regained its oomph as unique boutiques and cool bars have opened up next to eclectic art galleries and other creative concepts.
Aside from strolling around and taking in its lively yet laidback ambiance, you can also enjoy some of the fantastic festivals it hosts each year. These include the Lansing JazzFest and Scrapfest which sees artists create striking sculptures out of scrap metal.
For those interested in learning more about the state’s fascinating past, the Michigan History Center is an absolute must. Across its five floors, you’ll find an endless number of artifacts and exhibits that shine a light on the peoples, places and events that have shaped the history of the Great Lake State. What started out in 1828 as just a tiny territorial library has since morphed into the massive modern center we see before us today. While one half houses the Library of Michigan, the other is dedicated to unraveling the state’s rich history, culture and nature. Its well-done displays and dioramas cover local Native American tribes and early European settlers with others focusing on topics such as the Civil War and Underground Railroad. Michigan’s mining past and automobile manufacturing industry are also covered through artworks, historic photos and shiny car collections. Undoubtedly the city’s standout symbol and sight, the Michigan State Capitol’s cast-iron dome rises up dramatically above the rest of downtown. As well as exhibiting some extraordinary architecture, it has terrific tours for you to take around its equally attractive interior. Since its completion in 1879, the grand capitol building has served as the state’s seat of government. Its defining feature is of course its delightful dome which towers 267 feet in height and lies above a fabulous four-story facade. While touring around its cavernous chambers and halls, your expert guide will point out some of its fine features and teach you more about the building and state’s governors. After having enjoyed the capitol’s exquisite furnishings and the art decorating its cupola, you can stop by the monuments and memorials that dot its green grounds outside.
Michigan State Capitol
