Location: Lansing
Top Things to do in Lansing
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What to do and see in Lansing, United States: The Best Places and Tips
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. Michigan History Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 180 reviews
The Michigan History Center fosters curiosity, enjoyment and inspiration rooted in Michigan's stories. Home to both the Archives of Michigan and the Michigan History Museum, the Michigan History Center offers experiences for visitors of all ages and interests. There is no admission charge for the museum on Sundays. There is no admission charge for the Archives of Michigan. The Archives are open 1:00 - 5:00 pm Monday-Friday, and 10:00 am - 4:00 pm on Saturday.
Reviewed By LifeisTooShort69 - Kalamazoo, Michigan
I love History, and I am trying to work my way through the state checking off all the major venues from the bucket list. This museum had plenty of parking, a friendly staff, and was reasonably priced. If you have the SSS "park pass", the cost is cheaper. Price I do not recall, but I wanna say it was $4 versus $6. We went on a Saturday, so we did not have to pay to park. I guess on Sunday you can get in free we were told.
The museum is two levels and it's very well laid out with good displays and a variety of information. There is a snack shop on the first floor, but it did not appear to be open weekends. There was a vending machine however. We opted to do the first level, then drive down a few blocks and eat, then come back.
It did not take us long to get through the museum, even reading a lot of the displays as a couple with no children in tow. However, it is an affordable way to spend an afternoon learning something new.
2. Michigan State University
Overall Ratings
5 based on 296 reviews
MSU's huge country-like campus offers a lovely setting for running, biking or just hanging out, and also has places to visit, like the Beal Botanical Gardens, Sanford Natural Area, the 70,000-capacity Spartan football stadium, an art center, planetarium and, of course, the MSU Dairy Store for ice cream.
Reviewed By blkangusgal - East Lansing, Michigan
Anytime I have friends and loved ones from out of state, they want to see the updates at Michigan State University. The campus is designed with the walking student to classes in mind. Don't forget to tour the farms attached too. Even check out the Student Union is a must.
3. Michigan State Capitol
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 285 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 Erie Deneal J - Davenport, United States
This is one of the better marketed Capitols we have visited. We toured the building with a 3rd grade class and found it educational and entertaining. We appreciated learning more about the Capitol. It was great to learn that one of Michigan's favorite governors, Austin Blair, was an abolitionist.
4. Impression 5 Science Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 162 reviews
Interactive museum engages all five senses in the exploration, understanding and appreciation of the wonders of physical science.
Reviewed By Erie Deneal J - Davenport, United States
Fun place for the family. Definitely happy we took the time to visit this Center. We were able to use our membership to recieve reciprocity access and enjoyed ourselves.
5. Spartan Stadium
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 59 reviews
Reviewed By Stategt - Traverse City, Michigan
Renovations keep making this venue better and better.
It's easy to get around inside. There are many food choices.
I love our West Upper Deck seats. Lines of vision are great.
There are multiple large bathrooms and several concession stands with a few free standing food options. Take the ramp instead of the stairs, though. It's a long way up.
6. R.E. Olds Transportation Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 130 reviews
From rare vehicles like REO, Star, Durant, and Viking to classic Oldsmobiles, buggies, bicycles, aviation endeavors, trucks and engines- enjoy the excitement of transportation history! See why we are rated one of "The Ten Best Automobile Museums in the United States" exhibiting a small collection, by Car Collector Magazine.
Reviewed By SETraveler2012 - Atlanta, Georgia
I visited the R.E. Olds Transportation Museum in October 2017 during a visit to Lansing. The museum staff were very helpful in answering questions about the museum and the museum has a variety of cars to look at from all different decades of the 20th...MoreThanks so much for visiting and for the review!
7. Potter Park Zoo
Overall Ratings
4 based on 354 reviews
Visit more than 100 species of animals, many of which are endangered, including Black Rhinos, Siberian Tigers, Red Pandas and Snow Leopards.
Reviewed By traveling_tegan
After our plans fell though, we decided to try out this zoo. Yes it's still open in the winter: $3 an adult, $2 a child, super cheap. I couldn't believe how many animals were actually still out. It was a very nice 40° day, so maybe that made a difference. All the exhibits looked well kept, and many brand new. The otters we so much fun to watch. Most of the exhibits had a nice spot with glass instead of a fence to look through, and designed with little humans in mind to allow them to see as well. There are two buildings that are heated. The aviary and lizard house and the house for monkeys, lemurs ,lions and tigers. All the animals seemed happy and even liked to show off when some one walked by. For it being a small zoo there are a lot of variety of the animals here. Penguins, red pandas, llamas, meerkats, ravens, crows, peacocks galore and so much more. The coolest part was the moose exhibit. It was way in the back of the zoo, a huge area with a nice board walk with a pond. Never have I had a chance to see moose in real life, so we sat there watching for a long time. Definitely worth the trip back in the summer.
8. Cooley Law School Stadium
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 91 reviews
Reviewed By Nancy H - Rio Rancho, New Mexico
My sister had free tickets that her agency provided her. Had not been to any baseball game in eons. This was so much fun! So much to watch and do! Lots of kid fun and activity. We had supreme seating behind the home plate. Don't know why more people don't come. There were a lot of empty seats. I'd go back.
9. Jack Breslin Student Events Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 41 reviews
Reviewed By whisox - Lake Forest, Illinois
Even though the Breslin Center is more than 20 years old it remains one of the best places to watch a college basketball game in the country. With the renovations they are currently performing the place should be even better (wider concourses, vending areas etc.
10. Old Town
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 128 reviews
Reviewed By johnlamacchia - Lansing, Michigan
I've been going to this diner for breakfast since I was a young kid. The current owner has kept the old style of grill cooking with fresh taste and hearty portions. The prices are very affordable and the service is very attentive. It's what your neighborhood restaurant used to be.
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