Lansing, Michigan: Your Guide to the Capital City’s Top Attractions

Stay connected with Airtel’s international roaming plans as you explore Lansing, Michigan, ensuring reliable communication while discovering the capital city’s top attractions, cultural landmarks, and vibrant local experiences.

Tucked along the Grand River in the heart of Michigan, Lansing beckons with an intriguing mix of history, politics, culture, and outdoor fun. The state capital since 1847, this unassuming city of 118,000 people surprises visitors with its rich offerings. Spend a weekend exploring Lansing’s historic landmarks, interactive museums, scenic parks, and vibrant neighborhoods.

1. Tour the Iconic Michigan State Capitol

Start your Lansing adventure at the majestic Michigan State Capitol. Completed in 1879, this National Historic Landmark features ornate Victorian decorative paint schemes and one of the largest cast iron domes in the US.

• Free guided tours are available on weekdays, taking you through the public areas and legislative chambers.

• Look up at the eye-catching glass floor oculus in the rotunda as you ascend the grand staircase.

• Check out the gallery of portraits of former Michigan governors dating back to 1813.

2. Explore the Michigan History Center

Dive into Michigan’s fascinating past at the Michigan History Center. This complex includes the flagship Michigan History Museum, spread across five levels.

• Journey through exhibits on Michigan’s earliest peoples, statehood, Civil War history, and 20th-century life.

• View an original 1957 Detroit-built automobile and step inside a one-room schoolhouse.

• Admission is free for the public every Sunday. The museum is closed on Mondays.

3. Uncover Automotive History at R.E. Olds Transportation Museum

Lansing’s automotive legacy comes alive at the R.E. Olds Transportation Museum. The collection spans from 1886 to the early 2000s, with a focus on vehicles manufactured in Lansing.

• See the first Oldsmobile ever made, a curved dash from 1901, along with classic REOs and Auto-Gears.

• Take a photo with the 1953 Oldsmobile Fiesta featured in The Godfather movies.

• The museum is located in the former REO factory; check hours before visiting.

4. Get Hands-On at Impression 5 Science Center

Budding scientists will love the 25+ interactive exhibits at Impression 5 Science Center. This family-friendly museum makes learning about scientific phenomena fun and engaging.

• Experiment with giant simple machines, plasma balls, and an interactive water table.

• Little ones can explore the First Impression Room designed for ages 0-4.

• Sensory friendly hours are offered on the first Saturday of each month from 9-11 am.

5. Meet Global Wildlife at Potter Park Zoo

Nestled in an 80-acre oak forest, the AZA-accredited Potter Park Zoo is home to over 500 animals representing 160 species.

• Spot critically endangered black rhinos, Amur tigers, snow leopards, and red pandas.

• Feed the Sichuan takins and barnyard animals or get up close with small mammals.

• Join a zookeeper chat to learn insider stories about the animals and their care.

Ingham County residents enjoy free admission on non-holiday Mondays from 9 am–12 pm.

6. Pedal or Stroll the Lansing River Trail

The Lansing River Trail winds over 20 miles along the banks of the Grand and Red Cedar Rivers, linking parks and key attractions. Rent bikes from the River Town Adventures shop and set off to explore.

• Pedal across the stunning “Labor Legacy” bridge, with its intricate metal silhouettes depicting workers.

• Stop for a picnic at Hawk Island Park or Adado Riverfront Park.

• Look for great blue herons, painted turtles, river otters, and bald eagles along the way.

7. Browse Local Goods at Lansing City Market

The Lansing City Market has been a community gathering spot for 120 years. Today, it houses a variety of local vendors selling fresh produce, baked goods, artisan wares, and ready-to-eat meals.

• Sample Mediterranean fare from Zaytoon Lansing or Jamaican patties from Jamaica Dave’s.

• Shop for Michigan-made jewelry, soaps, candles, and gifts for loved ones back home.

• Grab an outdoor table overlooking the Grand River and soak up the bustle.

8. Attend a Lansing Lugnuts Baseball Game

Catch a spirited Minor League Baseball game at Jackson Field, home of the Lansing Lugnuts. The team is affiliated with the Oakland Athletics.

• Join the lively crowds for Thirsty Thursdays, with $2 sodas and beers, or Firework Fridays.

• Snag a photo with the team’s quirky mascot, Big Lug, a giant purple dinosaur.

• Splurge on all-you-can-eat seats with unlimited ballpark food and soft drinks.

9. Visit the Michigan Women’s Hall of Fame

Learn about the diverse accomplishments of Michigan women at the Michigan Women’s Historical Center & Hall of Fame. Over 300 women have been inducted across fields like science, politics, arts, and activism.

• Read inspiring profiles of aviation pioneer Harriet Quimby and Motown legend Diana Ross.

• Take a selfie with the Rosie the Riveter statue outside the building.

• The center hosts rotating exhibits on topics like the women’s suffrage movement.

10. Discover Funky Finds in REO Town

Once the site of Ransom Eli Olds’ REO Motor Car Company factory, REO Town has evolved into a hub for artists, musicians, and entrepreneurs. This historic district exudes a cool, laid-back vibe.

• Browse handmade gifts and quirky vintage finds at the REO Town Marketplace.

• Get your caffeine fix at Blue Owl Coffee, known for its lavender vanilla lattes.

• Attend a workshop or live music performance at The Robin Theatre, a 1920s vaudeville stage turned intimate venue.

Where to Stay in Lansing

Lansing offers a variety of hotel rooms and accommodations to suit different budgets and preferences:

Hotels in Downtown Lansing:

• Radisson Hotel Lansing: Contemporary rooms, indoor pool, restaurant, and city views

• Crowne Plaza Lansing West: Sleek rooms, 24-hour gym, American bistro, free airport shuttle

• Courtyard Lansing Downtown: Modern rooms, indoor pool, café, and location near Capitol Building

Hotels in East Lansing near Michigan State University:

• Marriott East Lansing at University Place: Polished rooms, M.A.C. Avenue Grill, and free Wi-Fi

• Graduate East Lansing: Chic collegiate-themed décor, rooftop bar, and fitness center

• Holiday Inn Express & Suites: Simple rooms, indoor pool, free breakfast buffet, and MSU proximity

Family-Friendly Hotels with Pools:

• Best Western Plus Lansing Hotel: Cozy rooms, indoor pool, free breakfast, near Potter Park Zoo

• Comfort Inn & Suites Dimondale: Casual rooms, indoor pool, free breakfast, close to Lansing

• Hampton Inn & Suites East Lansing/Okemos: Modern rooms, indoor saltwater pool, and free hot breakfast

Tips for Visiting Lansing

• Getting Around: While Lansing has a public bus system, renting a car provides the most flexibility to explore the region. Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft also operate in the city.

• Best Time to Visit: Lansing shines in summer, with warm temperatures perfect for outdoor activities and festivals. Fall brings stunning foliage along the river trails. Winters can be chilly, but hotel rates are lower.

• Day Trips: Lansing makes an ideal base for exploring other parts of Michigan. Drive an hour to Jackson to tour the Cascades Falls or Michigan’s State Prison. Charming Grand Ledge lies just 12 miles west of Lansing.

• Dining Scene: Lansing’s culinary landscape spans farm-to-table cafes, international eateries, and classic diners. Try the olive burger (a Lansing original) at Olympic Broil or Weston’s Kewpee Sandwich Shoppe.

• Seasonal Events: Watch for special happenings like Common Ground Music Festival (July), Lansing Beerfest (October), Silver Bells in the City (November), and Lansing Board of Water & Light Chili Cook-Off (June).

Travel Smart in Lansing with Airtel

Whether you’re a history buff, political junkie, outdoor enthusiast, or traveling with kids, Lansing delivers with its eclectic mix of things to do. Having a reliable phone plan ensures you can navigate the city, book tickets, and stay connected with loved ones as you explore. Airtel’s Prepaid International Roaming Packs offer affordable talk, text, and high-speed data, so you can wander Lansing worry-free.