bigtravelbuzzLansing is the capital city of the US state of Michigan, located in the central part of the state. It has a population of approximately 117,000 people and is the fifth-largest city in Michigan.
Lansing is known for being the home of Michigan State University, which is the state’s largest university and a prominent research institution. The city is also home to a number of state government buildings and offices, as well as several major employers in the healthcare, manufacturing, and education sectors.
In terms of attractions and landmarks, Lansing is home to the Michigan State Capitol Building, which is a National Historic Landmark and serves as the seat of government for the state of Michigan. Other popular destinations include the Lansing River Trail, Potter Park Zoo, and the Michigan Historical Museum.
Overall, Lansing is a vibrant and dynamic city with a rich history and a diverse range of cultural, educational, and economic opportunities.
Places to Visit in Lansing
Lansing, Michigan has a variety of interesting and unique places to visit. Here are some popular destinations:
Michigan State Capitol Building – Located in the heart of downtown Lansing, this historic building houses the offices of Michigan’s governor and legislature. Guided tours are available.
Potter Park Zoo – This 102-acre zoo is home to over 500 animals from around the world, including big cats, primates, and reptiles. There is also a petting zoo and pony rides for children.
Michigan History Center – This museum tells the story of Michigan’s past through interactive exhibits, artifacts, and hands-on activities. There are exhibits on topics such as the automotive industry, the Civil War, and the state’s Native American history.
Lansing River Trail – This 20-mile paved trail winds through Lansing’s urban core, offering beautiful views of the Grand River and the city’s parks and neighborhoods. The trail is perfect for walking, jogging, or biking.
Impression 5 Science Center – This interactive science museum is geared towards children and families, with exhibits on topics such as sound, light, and electricity. There is also a climbing wall and a miniature golf course.
Old Town Lansing – This historic district is located just north of downtown and is home to a variety of unique shops, restaurants, and art galleries. The area also hosts a popular farmer’s market on weekends during the summer.
Fenner Nature Center – This 134-acre nature preserve is located in the heart of Lansing and features a variety of hiking trails, a butterfly garden, and an indoor nature center with interactive exhibits.
Best Time To Visit Lansing
The best time to visit Lansing, Michigan depends on your preferences for weather and activities. Here is some information about the different seasons in Lansing to help you plan your trip:
Spring (March – May): Spring in Lansing can be unpredictable, with temperatures ranging from cool to mild. The city comes to life in the spring with blooming flowers and trees, making it a great time for outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and exploring parks and gardens.
Summer (June – August): Summer is the most popular time to visit Lansing, with warm temperatures and plenty of outdoor festivals and events. This is a great time for water activities, such as swimming or kayaking in the Grand River or visiting Lake Lansing.
Fall (September – November): Fall in Lansing is beautiful with colorful foliage and mild temperatures. It’s a great time to explore the city’s parks and nature areas, and to enjoy fall festivals and events.
Winter (December – February): Winters in Lansing are cold and snowy, but the city has plenty of indoor activities to offer, such as museums, theaters, and shopping. If you enjoy winter sports like skiing and snowboarding, nearby ski resorts offer opportunities for outdoor recreation.
Overall, the best time to visit Lansing depends on your interests and preferences. If you enjoy warm weather and outdoor festivals, summer is the best time to visit. If you prefer cooler temperatures and colorful foliage, fall is a great time to explore Lansing.
Things to Do in Lansing
Lansing, Michigan offers a variety of things to do for visitors of all ages and interests. Here are some popular activities and attractions:
Visit the Michigan State Capitol Building – Take a guided tour of Michigan’s historic state capitol building and learn about the state’s government and history.
Explore the Impression 5 Science Center – This hands-on science museum is perfect for families with children, with interactive exhibits on topics such as light, sound, and motion.
Hike or bike the Lansing River Trail – This scenic trail stretches for 20 miles through the heart of Lansing, offering beautiful views of the city’s parks and riverfront.
Visit Potter Park Zoo – This 102-acre zoo is home to over 500 animals from around the world, including tigers, lions, and bears.
Tour the Michigan History Center – This museum tells the story of Michigan’s past through interactive exhibits, artifacts, and hands-on activities.
Attend a Lansing Lugnuts baseball game – The Lansing Lugnuts are a minor league baseball team that play at Cooley Law School Stadium in downtown Lansing during the summer months.
Take a walk through the W.J. Beal Botanical Garden – This 5-acre garden is located on the campus of Michigan State University and features over 5,000 plant species from around the world.
Visit the Michigan State University campus – Take a self-guided tour of Michigan State University’s beautiful campus, which is home to over 50,000 students and offers a variety of cultural and educational events throughout the year.
Attend a show at the Wharton Center for Performing Arts – This performing arts center hosts a variety of concerts, plays, and other cultural events throughout the year.
Shop and dine in Old Town Lansing – This historic district is home to a variety of unique shops, art galleries, and restaurants, making it a great place to spend an afternoon or evening.
How to get around in Lansing
There are several ways to get around in Lansing, Michigan:
Car – If you have a car, it is the most convenient way to get around Lansing. The city has several major highways and roads, and parking is readily available in most areas.
Public Transportation – The Capital Area Transportation Authority (CATA) operates a bus system throughout the Lansing area, with several routes serving major attractions and destinations. Fares are affordable, and the buses are equipped with bike racks and free Wi-Fi.
Biking – Lansing has a growing network of bike lanes and trails, making it easy to explore the city on two wheels. The Lansing River Trail is a popular route for bikers, and several bike rental companies are available in the city.
Walking – Many of Lansing’s attractions and destinations are within walking distance of each other, making it easy to explore the city on foot. The city’s downtown area is particularly walkable, with several pedestrian-friendly streets and sidewalks.
Rideshare and Taxi Services – Popular rideshare services like Uber and Lyft operate in Lansing, providing a convenient and affordable way to get around the city. Traditional taxi services are also available in the area.
Where to eat in Lansing
Lansing, Michigan has a diverse and growing culinary scene with a range of restaurants offering different types of cuisine. Here are some popular places to eat in Lansing:
Soup Spoon Cafe – This cozy cafe offers a range of soups, salads, sandwiches, and breakfast dishes made with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients.
Meat BBQ – This casual eatery specializes in slow-smoked meats like brisket, pulled pork, and ribs, served with classic Southern sides like mac and cheese, collard greens, and cornbread.
Saddleback BBQ – Another great spot for barbecue lovers, Saddleback BBQ serves up a variety of meats, sandwiches, and sides, as well as craft beers and cocktails.
Zoobie’s Old Town Tavern – This popular pub serves classic American fare like burgers, wings, and sandwiches, as well as a range of beers and cocktails.
Creole Burger Bar and Southern Kitchen – This restaurant serves up creative burgers, po’boys, and other Southern-style dishes, as well as a range of craft beers and cocktails.
Cuginos Italian Restaurant – This family-owned restaurant offers classic Italian dishes like pasta, pizza, and seafood, as well as a range of wines and cocktails.
Pho Viet – This Vietnamese restaurant specializes in pho, a popular noodle soup dish, as well as other Vietnamese favorites like banh mi sandwiches and spring rolls.
Maru Sushi & Grill – This contemporary Japanese restaurant serves up a range of sushi, sashimi, and other Japanese dishes, as well as a variety of cocktails and sake.
Golden Harvest – This quirky breakfast spot is known for its creative and delicious breakfast dishes, such as omelets, pancakes, and breakfast sandwiches.
El Oasis – This Mexican restaurant is known for its authentic and flavorful dishes, such as tacos, burritos, and fajitas, as well as a range of margaritas and other cocktails.
Famous street stalls in Lansing
Lansing, Michigan is not particularly known for its street stalls, but there are some popular food trucks and outdoor vendors that offer delicious eats. Here are a few of them:
Good Truckin’ Diner – This vintage-inspired food truck offers classic diner fare like burgers, hot dogs, and milkshakes, as well as vegetarian and vegan options.
Fire & Rice – This food truck specializes in Spanish-style paella, made with fresh seafood, chicken, and vegetables, cooked in a large paella pan.
La Cocina Cubana – This food truck serves up authentic Cuban cuisine, such as sandwiches, empanadas, and plantain chips.
Woody’s Oasis – This outdoor vendor offers Mediterranean-style dishes, such as gyros, falafel, and hummus, as well as fresh salads and wraps.
LuLu’s Lunchbox – This food truck serves up creative and flavorful sandwiches, such as the “Thanksgiving in a Bun” with turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce.
El Charro – This outdoor vendor offers authentic Mexican cuisine, such as tacos, burritos, and tamales, as well as fresh salsa and guacamole.
The Purple Carrot Truck – This food truck offers a variety of vegetarian and vegan dishes, such as grilled cheese sandwiches, vegetable tacos, and smoothies.
MSU Dairy Store – This outdoor vendor offers delicious ice cream made with milk from Michigan State University’s dairy cows, as well as a variety of cheese and dairy products.
Midtown Brewing Company – This brewery offers outdoor seating and a variety of food trucks, such as Los Jalapeños, which serves up Mexican-style street food like tacos and quesadillas.
Naing Myanmar Family Restaurant – While not a street stall or food truck, this family-owned restaurant offers authentic Burmese cuisine, such as curries, noodle dishes, and samosas, in a casual and welcoming atmosphere.
Where to stay in Lansing
Luxury accommodation
Lansing, Michigan offers a variety of luxurious accommodation options for visitors seeking a high-end experience. Here are some of the top luxury hotels in the area:
The English Inn – This historic hotel is located in a beautiful country setting and offers elegant rooms and suites with antique furnishings, plush bedding, and modern amenities like flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi.
The Radisson Hotel Lansing at the Capitol – This modern hotel is located in downtown Lansing and offers spacious rooms and suites with city views, pillow-top beds, and marble bathrooms, as well as a fitness center, indoor pool, and on-site restaurant.
The Graduate – This stylish hotel is located near Michigan State University and offers spacious rooms and suites with retro decor, plush bedding, and modern amenities like flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi, as well as a 24-hour fitness center and on-site restaurant.
The Marriott East Lansing at University Place – This upscale hotel is located near Michigan State University and offers elegant rooms and suites with city or campus views, pillow-top beds, and modern amenities like flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi, as well as a fitness center, indoor pool, and on-site restaurant.
The Crowne Plaza Lansing West – This modern hotel is located near Michigan State University and offers spacious rooms and suites with contemporary decor, plush bedding, and modern amenities like flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi, as well as a fitness center, indoor pool, and on-site restaurant.
Where to stay in Lansing
Budget accommodation
Lansing, Michigan offers a variety of budget-friendly accommodation options for visitors seeking affordable lodging. Here are some of the top budget hotels and motels in the area:
Red Roof Inn Lansing West – This budget hotel offers simple rooms with free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and mini-fridges, as well as free parking and coffee in the lobby.
Motel 6 Lansing – This budget motel offers basic rooms with free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and mini-fridges, as well as free parking and coffee in the lobby.
Super 8 by Wyndham Lansing – This budget hotel offers clean and comfortable rooms with free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and mini-fridges, as well as free parking and a complimentary breakfast buffet.
Magnuson Hotel Lansing – This budget hotel offers simple rooms with free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and mini-fridges, as well as free parking and a 24-hour front desk.
Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Lansing – This budget hotel offers comfortable rooms with free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and mini-fridges, as well as free parking and a complimentary breakfast buffet.
Travel Tips Lansing
Here are some travel tips for visiting Lansing, Michigan:
Plan your visit around the weather – Lansing experiences four distinct seasons, with hot summers and cold winters. Spring and fall offer mild temperatures and colorful scenery, making them ideal times to visit.
Rent a car or use public transportation – Lansing is a spread-out city with limited public transportation options, so renting a car or using ride-sharing services can make getting around easier.
Visit the Michigan State Capitol – The Michigan State Capitol building is a must-see attraction in Lansing. Take a tour of the historic building and learn about Michigan’s political history.
Explore the River Trail – The Lansing River Trail is a 13-mile paved path that winds through the city’s parks, gardens, and scenic riverfront areas. Rent a bike or take a leisurely stroll to take in the beautiful scenery.
Check out the local food scene – Lansing has a vibrant food scene with a variety of local restaurants and breweries to choose from. Try some of the local specialties like Michigan cherry pie, Coney Island hot dogs, or craft beer.
Pack for the weather – Depending on the time of year you visit, you may experience extreme weather conditions. Be sure to pack appropriate clothing and gear for the season to ensure a comfortable trip.