Lansing Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Michigan State Capitol which includes heritage architecture
River Trail featuring a city and a river or creek
Lansing
Lansing
Rogers-Carrier House featuring a house
The capital of Michigan has a picturesque college campus, one of the best car museums in the country and great antique shopping.

The city of Lansing is located in the center of Michigan. As the state’s capital, it is of great governmental importance, but the city’s Midwestern charm and many attractions have been attracting visitors for decades.

Downtown Lansing is integrated with the bustling campus of Thomas M. Cooley Law School. Browse for treasures in its historical shopping district, which has antique stores, local boutiques and well-known brand names.

The Michigan State Capitol is the centerpiece of Lansing. This beautifully restored National Historic Landmark is in the heart of downtown. Take a guided tour of the building, which is still the working seat of the Michigan Senate and the Michigan House of Representatives.

Visit the suburb of East Lansing, home to Michigan State University. This “Big Ten” school is one of the largest and most highly esteemed public universities in the U.S. You will notice a large collegiate presence throughout Lansing, especially during weekend nights or at big sporting events.

A wide range of museums appeal to visitors of all ages. Young children can experience hands-on science exhibits at Impression 5 Science Center. If you like contemporary art, Broad Art Museum on the university’s campus is a must-see. Also on campus, Michigan State University Museum contains fascinating ancient artifacts such as dinosaur skeletons.

The auto industry plays a huge part in Michigan’s history and General Motors still has a large presence in Lansing. R.E. Olds Transportation Museum is dedicated to the founder of Oldsmobile. As one of the highest rated automobile museums in the country, it covers nearly a century of automobile memorabilia ranging from early traffic signs to a complete collection of Oldsmobile cars.

Lansing is a short drive from some of Michigan’s biggest attractions. The largest city in the state, Detroit, is 90 miles (144.8 kilometers) away. Lansing is also conveniently located between three of the Great Lakes. You can reach Lake Huron, Lake Michigan and Lake Erie by car in less than 2 hours.

Where to stay in Lansing

Lansing featuring street scenes as well as a small group of people

Downtown Lansing

If you're spending some time in Downtown Lansing, Michigan State Capitol and Adado Riverfront Park are top sights worth seeing.

Downtown Lansing
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Waverly

You'll enjoy the restaurants and shopping in Waverly. You might want to make time for a stop at Lansing Mall or Horrocks Farm Market.

Waverly
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West Lansing

When in West Lansing, you can plan a visit to Michigan History Museum and Lansing Mall, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

West Lansing
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East Side

While East Side may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Potter Park Zoo and Lansing Fire Station No. 8.

East Side
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Eastwood

While Eastwood may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Eastwood Towne Center and Plymouth Congregational Church.

Eastwood
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Old Everett

Though Old Everett may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Fenner Nature Center and Potter Park Zoo.

Old Everett
Charming and Cozy Lansing Loft Home
Charming and Cozy Lansing Loft Home
Lansing
Stay at this vacation home in Lansing. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and patios. Popular attractions Sycamore Driving Range and Learning Center and REO Motor Car ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (54 reviews)
Super cute and clean
"The property was even cuter in person! Everything was very clean and I loved how things were labeled so we knew which switches controlled which lights, where different things were, and how to work various electronics."

Reviewed on 4 Feb. 2025

Charming and Cozy Lansing Loft Home
Pet and family friendly-3 bedroom home-MSU Campus 10 min away!
Pet and family friendly-3 bedroom home-MSU Campus 10 min away!
Lansing
Stay at this vacation home in Lansing. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions REO Motor Car Company / REO Clubhouse and Michigan ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (37 reviews)
Charming home
"Charming home in a quiet neighborhood. Home is stocked with everything you need. Owner is very easy to deal with. The location is very convenient to MSU campus."

Reviewed on 1 Jan. 2025

Pet and family friendly-3 bedroom home-MSU Campus 10 min away!
Basement Apartment, Outdoor Hot Tub add on, infrared Sauna, Pool Table and more
Basement Apartment, Outdoor Hot Tub add on, infrared Sauna, Pool Table and more
2 out of 5
Lansing
Stay at this apartment in Lansing. Enjoy a sauna, a pool table, and cable/satellite TV service. Popular attractions Michigan Supreme Court Learning Center and ...
8/10 Very Good! (5 reviews)
Better than hotel
"Very nicely done basement in home.Top of line Bose home theater system, and tv equipment. Fun games, nice sauna,hot tub was very relaxing. Furniture was nice, and i would absolutely stay here again.Very clean and comfortable."

Reviewed on 20 Jan. 2025

Basement Apartment, Outdoor Hot Tub add on, infrared Sauna, Pool Table and more
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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