Home to Michigan State University, world-class museums and performance arts venues, Lansing is a cultural centre in the American Midwest. The city also boasts a growing collection of wineries, distilleries and craft breweries paired with regional foodie enclaves and live music venues.
Things to do in Lansing
Several artsy neighbourhoods in Greater Lansing play host to the city’s cultural venues. Head over to Reo Town Lansing for vibrant murals and street art or hit Old Town Lansing to find handcrafted instruments and the MICA Gallery. Catch a show at Wharton Center for Performing Arts in East Lansing and don’t miss the downtown Sculpture Walk at Lansing Community College.
History digs deep in Lansing, starting with the 1879 Michigan State Capitol building featuring a massive cast-iron dome. You can learn about the state’s heritage from prehistoric times to the present by visiting the Michigan Historical Museum. Walk through the Upper Peninsula copper mine exhibit and explore the re-creation of a 1920s street scene.
Travelling with the family? Engage the kids with science at Impression 5 through interactive play stations appealing to the five senses. Potter Park Zoo introduces you to at least 400 animals, including endangered species, such as golden lion tamarins and Magellanic penguins.
After viewing the intriguing collection of automobile memorabilia at R.E. Olds Transportation Museum, tour the Makers & Shakers Trail to sample freshly crafted microbrews and regional wines. From May through November, enjoy seasonal cider tastings, tractor rides and corn mazes at Uncle John’s Cider Mill.
Getting around Lansing
Transportation options in Lansing include buses, taxis, rideshares, limousines, and an Entertainment Express trolley. You can also pick up a rental car downtown or at Capital Region International Airport.