Lovely Lansing

Lansing is the capital of the U.S. state of Michigan. It is one of the most important cosmopolitan hubs not only in Michigan but also in the country. The city offers visitors lots of opportunities to enjoy nature, experience art, see impressive architecture, and cheer at sporting events.

The Michigan State Capitol building was the creation of renowned architect Elijah E. Meyers. It was one of the first capitol buildings in the U.S. to feature a cast iron dome. It has been designated as a National Historic Landmark. Visitors can walk through the building or take a guided tour.

The Michigan History Center offers unusual exhibits that offer a look into Michigan’s past. There is a gallery that is dedicated to the early European explorers who explored and founded Michigan. A Civil War exhibit shows mementos from this time and you can learn about Michigan’s role in the Underground Railroad and anti-slavery movements. There is a 1950s gallery that tells about the state becoming the hub for automobile manufacturing. The atrium has a three-story topographical map of Michigan.

Explore the Old Town which has been added to the National Register of Historic Places. It consists of 44 buildings in a one-block radius. The revitalized neighborhood has boutiques, art galleries, coffee shops, and other creative spaces.

The Potter Park Zoo is home to over 160 species of animals including mammals, reptiles, and birds, The zoo is known for preserving endangered species like Amur tigers, red pandas, snow leopards, and tamarin monkeys. Children can enjoy the petting zoo and the camel rides. A wildlife education program lets visitors learn about wildlife. The zoo hosts summer camps, overnight campouts, and field trip programs.

The Talbert and Leota Abrams Planetarium or Abrams Planetarium is located on the Michigan State University campus. Visitors can learn about stars, planets, constellations, and other celestial bodies sitting in an auditorium with a dome-shaped ceiling. You can enjoy gazing at the sky through their high-powered telescopes.

The Lansing River Trail winds its way past 19 city and county parks, three museums, two rivers, a creek, a farmer’s market, and a zoo. The trail has been designated as a National Recreation Trail. It stretches along both the Grand and Red Cedar Rivers. This is a 13-mile trail that is just right for walkers, joggers, bikers, and even rollerbladers. There are paved portions, wooden boardwalks, and bridges. The trail is divided into three major sections. The first two sections take you past museums, shops, restaurants, and art galleries, and the last section through wetlands and woodlands. Towards the end, it connects with the Lansing Pathway and the Sycamore Trail. Throughout the year special events are held here like the Capital City River Run and the Common Ground Music Festival.

The Fenner Nature Center helps educate visitors on the importance of environmental conservation, There are four miles of trails and a visitor’s center where you can see live reptiles, songbirds, deer, and wild turkeys.

Children enjoy the hands-on exhibits. Among the highlights is the Monarch House, home to monarch butterflies at every stage of their lives. The center hosts festivals such as the Maple Syrup Festival and the Earth Day Extravaganza. There are school programs, scouting programs, and fun public events. Pets on leashes can go with their owners on the trails.

The Turner-Dodge House is a mansion that dates back to 1855. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as Dodge Mansion, This is now a 9-acre site with a museum where you can learn about Lansing’s past.

Minor league baseball is popular in Lansing to experience a game visit Jackson Field. It is home to the minor league team, the Lansing Lugnuts. The arena also hosts the Michigan State Spartans college baseball team. It is also a venue for ice skating, outdoor movies, haunted houses, and concerts. The stadium has free Wi-Fi and pets are welcome.

The Woldumar Nature Center is an environmental education and conservation center. It features Moon Log Cabin which is a wooden structure that is known to be one of the oldest homes in Eaton County, The park has five miles of trails that include a 1.25-mile stretch that goes along the scenic Grand River. The trails are great for hiking and in the winter for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

The Michigan Women’s Historical Center & Hall of Fame is a center that is dedicated to honoring powerful and influential women. There are interesting exhibits. In the Hall of Fame, you can learn about the lives of nearly 300 historical and contemporary Michigan women who have made their mark in politics, business, education, medicine, human rights, and other areas.

The Lansing City Market is open year-round. It was established in 1909. Here you’ll find a dozen vendors who sell their products and services. Here you can rent kayaks or canoes to go on the Grand River. You can purchase beer, wine, produce, treats, baked goods, and specialty foods. The market also hosts family-friendly blues and jazz concerts in the summer. On certain days of the week, students and senior citizens can get special deals from participating vendors.

The 9/11 Remembrance Memorial stands in Remembrance Plaza. It features several American flags as well as a 10-foot tall 980-pound beam from one of the towers that were destroyed by terrorists in the September 11th, 2001 attacks. Three sides of the memorial represent New York, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. The fourth side has a dedication statement from the Lansing community. It is located at the edge of Wentworth Park along the Grand River.

The Michigan Princess Company operates three classic steamboats. There is room for parties, meetings, and other special events. You can enjoy cruising on the Grand River. The company also hosts concerts and luncheons. You can start your enjoyable trip on the river at Grand River Park.

The Lansing Sculpture Walk begins at the Lansing Community College campus. Here you’ll find 30 unique sculptures by various artists all throughout the campus and surrounding areas.

Some of the most iconic pieces of art include the Education and Community Sculpture, a 30-foot-tall red ribbon located at the Arts & Science Buildings and the Elementary Display, a collection of massive number two pencils outside of the Early Learning Children’s Community building.

The Meridian Historical Village is a lovely park outside of Lansing, in Okemos, Michigan. You can see a collection of well-preserved homes and shops. A historical school building can be rented out by local teachers for one week. A quaint white chapel I just right for weddings with 100 guests. There are special events among them memorials and performances.

The Museum at Michigan State University dates back to 1857 and is one of the oldest museums in the U.S. Here you’ll find a collection of nearly one million artifacts and documents. This was the first museum in the state to receive the Smithsonian affiliate status, It also offers educational programs.

The Michigan State University Carillon is located in Beaumont Tower. The musical instrument inside the carillon was developed in the 15th and 16th centuries. With roots in European history, each carillon has at least two octaves of carillon bells. MSU has 49 bells. During the MSU Summer Carillon Series. visitors can hear all kinds of songs from local carillonneurs and guest performers.

Hawk Island Park offers visitors a paved 1.5-mile trail, a beach for swimming, a picnic area, a splash pad, and a fishing dock. You’ll also find a concession stand, a community-built playground, and a store renting paddleboats and rowboats. There is a game area for volleyball or horseshoes. In the winter there is space for tubing and sledding, Adjacent to the park is the Soldan Dog Park so your furry family member does not have to remain home alone.