Location: Lansing
Top Things to do in Lansing
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The 10 Best Free Things to do in Lansing, Michigan (MI)
The birthplace of the Oldsmobile and Michigan's automotive center, Lansing offers visitors a number of car-related sites like plant tours and automobile museums, but there are other forces driving this capital city. On the political side, there's the award-winning State Capitol Building, completely restored in 1992, where tourists are wowed by the glass-floor rotunda and acres of decorative handpainted surfaces. The Michigan Historical Museum, which boasts a great collection of items from Michigan's past, including a recreated copper mine, will please history buffs. Children and families will enjoy taking a camel ride at the Potter Park Zoo or spending the day biking through Sleepy Hollow State Park. On the cultural side, the nearby campus of Michigan State University is a must-see for the Kresge Museum and for the beautiful campus itself. Entertaining and educational attractions, great shopping, fabulous restaurants and a variety of affordable accommodations make Lansing worth the ride.
Restaurants in Lansing
1. The Creole Gallery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 20 reviews
Small live theater offers performances that are all-ages appropriate, showcasing local and regional visual artists, musicians and performers.
2. Horrocks Farm Market
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 550 reviews
Reviewed By marierF4236WB
Horrocks has just about everything from soup to nuts, cheeses to deli meats, fresh fruits and veggies, fresh POPCORN, good dairy offerings, and beautiful fresh flowers and plants. A warm and inviting place to spend quality time especially right now when it's a tad cold outside.
3. Absolute Gallery and Custom Framing
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 9 reviews
Absolute Gallery, located in the heart of Lansing's Old Town District, features an eclectic assortment of art for all tastes and budgets.
Reviewed By 325marguerited
Looking for a beautiful, unique, special gift? Absolute Gallery is the place to go. The owner is soooo nice, as is Ricky (the pup mascot). You'll find so many unique gifts and cards here; you'll be glad you discovered this little gem. (Reminds me of Sutton's Bay!)
4. Michigan State Capitol
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 339 reviews
Designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1992, this building has served as Michigan's seat of state government since its completion in 1879.
Reviewed By Disneybus - Pittsgrove, United States
We did a self tour of this magnificent capitol. You enter on the ground floor which is very much like a basement providing little hint of the splendors above. The capitol is done with Victorian elegance and opulence. There are magnificent chandeliers, and the rotunda and inner dome are beautifully decorated with elaborate hand-painted designs, as are the walls and ceilings throughout the Capitol. As a cost saving measure almost all the wood trim appears to be walnut but most of it is inexpensive woods, carefully hand painted to mimic walnut. The impressive grandiose House of Representatives and Senate Chambers are located on the third floor and are accessible to the public. We particularly liked the glass coats-of-arms for each state in the chamber ceiling. We've toured several state capitols, and this one is certainly impressive and well represents Michigan. Of note - there is no capitol parking lot - it's all street!
5. River Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 94 reviews
Reviewed By Chelz1111 - Lansing, United States
I love walking the rivertrail all through town, love to bring my dog with me and look at all the cool art all along the trail. The trail is huge so you can get to it from all sorts of spots. Great for biking and rollerblading too
6. Greater Lansing Visitors Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 13 reviews
Whether you're here for business or pleasure, Greater Lansing, Michigan is a one-of-a-kind setting for a visit to remember! Explore nearly endless dining options. Browse unique boutiques. Celebrate culture and the arts in our world-class performance venues and galleries. Catch Spartan Spirit on the Campus of Michigan State University. Your visit starts here! Be our guest, in Michigan's Capital City.
7. Woldumar Nature Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 24 reviews
Reviewed By 574stacyj - Lansing, United States
I have been visiting Woldumar since I was in grade school, and my daughter has attended camp there whlie she was in grade school. Wonderful organization that educated and protects nature. We have volunteered here on numerous occasions and always enjoy walking through the wood.
8. Grand Woods Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 9 reviews
9. Carl G. Fenner Nature Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 27 reviews
tel. 517-483-4224
Reviewed By angelabouterse - Lansing, United States
I love this Center for many reasons. Besides being a treasure in our city. It's a little slice of a Woods in the middle of the city. They also have an Apple Butter Festival. Which I love. Hey have docents there that when I bring my students on a field trip they have many activities to help each age level. The Apple Butter Festival is for family and individuals. Which is a must-do. I also love the maple syrup Festival. You must come and walk amongst the trees. Go to the observation room and look at the birds being fed with all of the different bird feeders. See the lovely bees buzzing and an actual window into the hive is quite an attraction for young and old. They also have feathers and different species to show to the visitors.
10. Mt Hope Cemetery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 18 reviews
Reviewed By soswop - Lansing, United States
This Municipal Cemetery contains the remains of many pioneers and leaders of the city of Lansing. It's rolling hills and valleys are remnants of a glacial moraine. There are several microenvironments within the cemetery and there is a plethora of flora and fauna; wildlife includes foxes and eagles. Opened in 1874, this cemetery also includes remains moved over from the city's first cemetery, Oak Park. Monuments and markers range from the very simple to the mausoleum of the R. E. Olds auto pioneer family. There is a Civil War veterans section, which also contains remains from the Spanish-American War, and a Firefighters Memorial section. The new Fratcher Memorial Garden encompasses a columbarium wall, a cremation tower section, a fountain, a gazebo, benches, wandering pathways, and several flower beds. Monuments and markers are made from a variety of materials, including sandstone, limestone, marble, granite, and zinc. Styles range from extremely ornate to very basic. Much of the history of the city of Lansing can be found in the names of those at perpetual rest in this peaceful place.
