The charming capital metropolis of Michigan is a charming mecca for tradition within the Midwest, and there are many issues to do in Lansing for all. There are numerous museums, galleries, incredible eating places, and pure wonders to discover all through the vigorous city.
It’s positioned proper in “the center of the mitten” and is commonly affectionately known as L-City. The sprawling metropolis has a cosmopolitan ambiance, and the Grand River flows proper via its heart, including a beautiful scenic setting to its bustling metropolis streets. Get to know this superior metropolis with these enjoyable issues to do in Lansing, Michigan.
The place is Lansing?
Many individuals imagine that Detroit is the capital of Michigan as it’s the largest metropolis. Nonetheless, it’s good outdated Lansing that may declare the capital of Michigan. The inhabitants of Lansing is simply over 112, 000 making it the sixth-largest metropolis in Michigan, and if we measure by the metro space, it’s the third-largest metropolis after Detroit and Grand Rapids.
The Downtown space has a reasonably historic district and loads of authorities buildings. East Lansing, a suburb, is house to the Michigan State Spartans.
Many individuals use the time period “Mid Michigan” when speaking about Lansing as it’s fairly actually in the midst of the state. Lansing is 45 minutes from Jackson, 1.5 hours to Detroit, and 1.45 hours to Grand Haven, a preferred seashore vacation spot in Michigan.
The Finest Issues to Do in Lansing, Michigan
Michigan Historical past Heart
Take a transformative journey via all of the previous eras of Lansing with distinctive shows detailing the town’s historic occasions. A number of galleries on the Michigan Historical past Heart are devoted to varied attention-grabbing matters, together with every little thing from early European settlers to the Civil Battle to vehicle manufacturing.
Artifacts, pictures, replicas, and costumed interpreters serve to teach in regards to the wealthy heritage of this nice metropolis, just like the Motown motion and copper mining. On the finish, you’ll discover an atrium with a three-story tall topographical map of all the state.
Tackle: 702 W Kalamazoo St, Lansing (GPS)Hours: Friday& Saturday : 10:00 am -4:00 pm, Sunday : 1:00 pm-5:00 pm
Woldumar Nature Heart
An environmental training and conservation facility, Woldumar Nature Heart is an expansive protect of native wilderness. It’s 178 acres and has 5 miles of trails to traverse.
Hikes listed here are breathtaking in any season, whether or not it’s snowshoeing the winter away or a scenic summertime stroll via the plush panorama. It’s additionally house to the splendidly restored Moon Log Cabin, generally known as certainly one of Eaton county’s oldest houses.
Tackle: 5739 Previous Lansing Rd, Lansing (GPS)Hours: 7:00 am -7:00 pm
Impression 5 Science Heart
Impression 5 is an interactive instructional heart in Lansing that’s nice for studying all about science within the funniest methods attainable at any age.
Each exhibit is designed to interact all 5 senses and contain a bunch of hands-on actions. Within the chemistry lab, professionals current particular workshops and experiments that you would be able to additionally signal as much as take part in.
This area encourages the curiosity of all guests, with pleasant shows like standing inside a large bubble!
Tackle: 200 Museum Dr, Lansing (GPS)Hours: Thurs – Sunday: 09:30 am – 4:00 pm. Closed Monday-Wednesday.
R.E. Olds Transportation Museum
The R.E. Olds Transportation Museum is devoted to the long-lasting American automotive model, Oldsmobile. It’s best for vehicle aficionados and automotive connoisseurs, with displays exploring the historical past and design of traditional and extra modern autos.
There are over 60 completely different fashions on show, together with the unique steam carriage, REO Speedwagon, and the ultimate make, the Aleros, plus an abundance of genuine memorabilia. It’s a celebration of the as soon as thriving transportation business in Lansing and an attention-grabbing look again on the thrilling financial improvement of the town from 1883 to 2005.
Tackle: 240 Museum Dr, Lansing (GPS)Hours: Tuesday – Saturday: 10:00 am- 5:00 pmCost of Admission: Normal Admission: $10, Seniors (65+), Kids & Veterans: $7Children (underneath 12) and Members: Free
Abrams Planetarium
Situated on the Michigan College campus, the Abrams Planetarium is an incredible area to find out about astronomy and top-of-the-line issues to do in Lansing. The enormous domed ceiling commonly provides particular exhibits for the general public to immerse themselves in area and discover the flowery starry skies above.
Uncover planets, stars, galaxies, constellations, and different celestial components within the cosmos via vivid and spectacular imagery. It additionally occurs to be house to essentially the most uncommon and possibly least recognized little museum in the entire metropolis.
It’s a group of over 1,000 moist towelettes from everywhere in the world gathered over the course of the previous twenty years.
Tackle: 755 Science Rd, East Lansing (GPS)Hours: Monday-Friday: 8:30 am – 4:30 pm, Saturday: 7:30 pm-8:05 pm, Sunday: 2:00pm – 4:05 pm
Take a River Boat Tour
Spend a day getting out on the attractive Grand River of Lansing by taking a ship tour on the Michigan Princess – it’s top-of-the-line issues to do in Michigan! Traditional steamboats cruises supply completely different leisure packages, from stay music to particular luncheon occasions.
It’s additionally simple to hire a kayak, paddleboard, or canoe after which select your personal route out on the glowing waters. It’s a complete different perspective to see the town from, and there’s breathtaking magnificence all alongside the pure wonder-filled manner.
Lansing River Path
Wandering the River Path is likely one of the finest issues in Lansing. It winds its manner alongside the town, following the pleasant waterway, and provides among the most scenic settings.
It’s 13 miles whole and spacious sufficient for loads of walkers, joggers, and bikers to benefit from the nice open air. It’s divided into three main sections and has a wide range of terrains, from paved paths to picket boardwalks that undergo woodlands and wetlands.
It passes by every kind of cool cultural websites from galleries, a farmers market, outlets, museums, eateries, and even the Potter Park Zoo to cease or simply meander alongside and absorb some sunshine within the recent air.
Fenner Nature Heart
Fenner Nature Heart serves to teach guests on the significance of environmental conservation. It’s an unlimited 134 acres and has over 4 miles of nature trails. The guests heart provides hands-on displays and even stay native species, together with deer, lizards, and birds. Enjoyable occasions are held right here commonly, like guided twilight snowshoe walks or amphibian mapping, and pets are allowed on hikes so long as they’re on a leash.
Tackle: 2020 E Mt Hope Ave, Lansing (GPS)Hours: Tuesday- Friday: 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm , Saturday – Sunday : 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Lansing Sculpture Stroll
Situated on the campus of Lansing Neighborhood School, this sculpture stroll consists of over 600 distinctive installations by completely different native artists unfold all through the verdant 48 acres.
The Crimson Ribbon within the Sky is likely one of the most iconic items on the stroll at 30 toes excessive, and the most recent addition, Upward Certain, is a fair taller fashionable summary work that’s a must-see whereas within the metropolis.
Tackle: 300 S Washington Sq. Suite 100, Lansing (GPS)
Meridian Historic Village
Meridian Historic Village is a picturesque park that lies simply outdoors of Lansing and is effectively definitely worth the journey outdoors of metropolis limits. It incorporates a group of well-preserved outlets and homes constructed within the nineteenth century.
It features a church and a schoolhouse which can be additionally obtainable for occasions. It’s a good way to understand the native historical past and revel in a serene stroll to see some wonderful examples of traditional Lansing structure.
Tackle: 5151 Marsh Rd, Okemos (GPS)Hours: Wednesday : 9:00 am – 2:00 pm, Saturday : 10:00 am -2:00 pm
Beaumont Tower
MSU is house to the gorgeous Beaumont Tower, a well-known metropolis fixture. It was constructed within the early 1900s, and inside is an historical instrument developed within the fifteenth century referred to as a carillon. It’s a pitched percussion equipment performed with a keyboard and incorporates many solid bells.
This one, specifically, has 49, all added at completely different instances over many many years. They host public concert events and a sequence the place you’ll be able to hear all types of songs being performed out over the campus. It’s such a novel and iconic Lansing landmark to see.
Tackle: Michigan State College (GPS)Hours: 24hrs
Hawk Island Park
Hawk Island Park is a haven for out of doors journey in Lansing. There’s a scenic path that’s a mile and a half lengthy to wander, a playground, a picnic space, sports activities fields, garden video games, and a concession stand for those who work up an urge for food and want a snack.
If you wish to take pleasure in a extra water-based pastime right here, there’s a beautiful little seashore for swimming, a splash pad, and a fishing dock, plus paddle boats and row boats obtainable to hire. Within the winter season, it’s additionally a very fashionable spot for sledding and tubing.
Tackle: 1601 E Cavanaugh Rd, Lansing (GPS)
Eli and Edythe Broad Artwork Museum
This tremendous modern artwork museum is within the coronary heart of the charming MSU campus. Even the facade is enjoyable because it seems to be like a large shark from the skin. Inside they all the time have rotating displays in lots of mediums, from portray to multimedia to images to sculpture, so there’s one thing new and thrilling to see right here at any time.
The everlasting assortment has over 10,000 works from worldwide, nationwide, and native artists. The main target is commonly on well timed problems with regional relevance and world significance, amplifying the voices and views of the underrepresented and oppressed communities.
Tackle: 547 E Circle Dr, East Lansing (GPS)Hours: Thursday – Sunday :10: 00 am – 6:00 pmCost of Admission: Free
Benefit from the many Festivals
Lansing is usually known as the pageant capital of Michigan. Over 60 occasions happen all through the town over the course of a yr. In the event you’re on the town, verify and see what enjoyable celebrations could also be on deck.
Of all of the gala’s, there are a number of fan favorites just like the Scrapfest, a repurpose-focused artwork pageant, Mighty Uke Day, the biggest ukulele pageant within the Midwest, and the Bourbon Barrel Aged Pageant, that includes among the most fastidiously crafted beers round!
Michigan State Capitol Constructing
The Michigan State Capitol was constructed in 1879 and is about within the coronary heart of downtown Lansing. The flowery Victorian period facade took six years to construct. It was one of many first of its form to function a forged iron dome within the nation.
You may stroll via the constructing by yourself or take a guided tour to be taught extra in regards to the historic construction. The development contains greater than 9 acres of hand-painted surfaces.
It’s even inspired to put again on the glass ground within the heart of the area to get the most effective view in the home of the famously gorgeous ceiling. In case you are in Lansing across the vacation seasons, top-of-the-line issues to do in Michigan for Christmas is head downtown to the capital to see the lighting of the huge Christmas tree!
Tackle: 100 N Capitol Ave, Lansing (GPS)Hours: Monday – Friday :9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Catch a Lansing Lugnuts Sport
Lansing is house to a very fashionable minor league baseball crew, and it’s a great time to go to a recreation, whether or not you’re a fan or not. It’s not simply your common sporting occasion, as there’ll certainly be sufficient quirky antics to maintain your consideration on the Lansing Lugnuts stadium.
Head to the Cooley Regulation College Stadium and put together for a present. Half the enjoyable is feasting, so fortunately, there are six full-service concession stands. It’s possible you’ll get a traditional snack within the stands regardless when halfway via, hotdogs are shot from an air gun into the viewers.
After the sport, head to one of many incredible Michigan breweries close by – we significantly love Lansing Brewing Firm because it’s the most effective Lansing brewery!
Keep in mind to maintain your eyes out for the world’s largest lug nut, which sits on a smokestack simply throughout the road from the stadium.
Tackle: 505 E Michigan Ave, Lansing (GPS)Hours: Monday – Sunday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Stroll Previous City
In case you are busy having fun with a romantic Michigan weekend getaway, top-of-the-line issues to do is stroll via the outdated city. The Lansing Previous City is a captivating neighborhood with a wealthy historical past that seamlessly balances a extra fashionable character. Modern murals painted on the edges of historical facades line the cute streets.
There’s an ample quantity of cute cafes and classic boutiques to browse or to purchase. There’s one thing for everybody right here between the entire quaint specialty outlets and genuine native eateries. It’s the place the river path ends, so it’s simply accessible.
Turner-Dodge Home and Heritage Heart
The Turner-Dodge Home was inbuilt 1855. This spectacular mansion was made within the Traditional Revival model of structure. It’s set on a surprising nine-acre property, and there’s a small museum inside that explores the lives of a few of Lansing’s most vital pioneering residents.
Many occasions are held right here all year long, such because the well-known Frakenfest, and guided excursions can be found to be taught extra in regards to the stunning historic house.
Tackle: 100 E North St, Lansing (GPS)Hours: Tuesday – Thursday: 1:00 pm – 7:00 pm
W.J. Beal Botanical Backyard
Situated in East Lansing on the MSU campus, the W.J. Beal Botanical Backyard is a beautiful hidden gem of the town. It’s an unlimited and verdant 5 acres that features as an outside laboratory for learning and appreciating vegetation.
House to over 2,000 taxa, the backyard was first established in 1873. It’s the oldest working botanical area of its form, working in instructing, assortment, analysis, conservation, and public service. It’s open for the general public to discover and revel in all yr spherical.
Along with establishing this residing library, Dr. Beal can be recognized for beginning an elaborate seed experiment that concerned him burying 20 glass bottles full of various species, the place one is to be dug up each 20 years.
Tackle: W Circle Dr, East Lansing (GPS)Hours: 24 hrs
Michigan Ladies’s Historic Heart and Corridor of Fame
The Michigan Ladies’s Historic Heart and Corridor of Fame is an area totally devoted to honoring highly effective and influential ladies and is conveniently positioned downtown. It was opened in 1987 and was the nation’s first heart of its form.
An unbelievable variety of in-depth displays delving into the lives of almost 300 ladies who’ve considerably contributed to varied arenas, from politics to science to human rights. It’s a celebration of feminine trailblazers and known as the Herstory Gallery.
Tackle: 105 W Allegan St, Lansing (GPS)Hours: Tuesday- Thursday: 12:00 pm – 4:30 pm
Finest Issues to Do In Lansing Map
The place to Keep in Lansing?
The Finest Eating places in Lansing
Meat BBQ: Situated in Previous City that is the place to go for bbq within the metropolis.The Folks’s Kitchen: For consolation meals on Michigan Ave this restaurant can’t be missed. EnVie: A Scrumptious French Bistro that provides a enjoyable eating expertise. Crunchies: An absolute establishment in East Lansing providing low cost beer and burgers.
15 Finest Eating places in Lansing, Michigan
The Finest Breweries in Lansing
Midtown Brewing Firm: low-key native Lansing brewery Lansing Brewing Firm: Probably the most well-known brewery close to the Lugnuts StadiumBAD Brewing Firm: Small city brewery within the city of Mason.
READ MORE MICHIGAN TRAVEL TIPS
I hope you loved this information on what to do in Lansing. Listed here are a number of related articles for extra journey round Michigan.