The focus of this portion of our guide is on places to go and things to do in the city of Lansing, Michigan.
As the state capital, as well as an industrial and commercial hub, the city sees a lot of visitors throughout the year. While many people come to Lansing for business or other purposes, the city has much to offer tourists and those looking for entertainment and other activities.
These may include local art galleries, museums, theaters, historical places, and libraries, as well as parks, zoos, and entertainment venues. Sports and recreational opportunities in Lansing would also be appropriate for this category. Websites representing local concerts, festivals, and other events may also be found here.
As the state capital, Lansing boasts several museums and historical places, such as the Michigan History Museum, a three-story building that highlights prehistoric Native American tools and other artifacts, automobiles from the 1950s, a replica Upper Peninsula copper mine, and exhibits that commemorate the state's role in the manufacturing boom.
Located on the first floor of the Hall of Justice, the Michigan Supreme Court Learning Center includes a model courtroom, games, and various displays.
The Impression 5 Science Center focuses on hands-on exhibits, participatory educational programming, sensory rooms, and quiet spaces with select exhibits.
There are several other historical places and museums in Lansing, some honoring the city's automotive industries.
Lansing is home to several concerts and events, such as the Common Ground Music Festival, the Capital City Film Festival, and several seasonal events.
Recommended Resources
Capital Area District Libraries
Headquartered in Lansing, CADL serves most residents in Ingham County and portions of Eaton County, through thirteen branches, a mobile library, and a service area that includes twenty-three different municipalities. Its locations, services, and service area are set forth, along with membership information, staff contacts, and policy information. Its books and other materials are featured, various resources are available for downloading and streaming, and an event calendar is included.
https://www.cadl.org/
Capital Area Youth Sports Association
CAYSA is a non-profit organization, founded in 1964, and providing sports opportunities for Lansing, Michigan area youth ages 8-15 years of age, including baseball leagues for boys. CAYSA opportunities are available to all youth from Lansing and the surrounding area, regardless of athletic ability or social and financial status. Its baseball, softball, and basketball programs are highlighted, along with rosters, standings, photographs, fundraisers, merchandise, and a directory of contacts.
https://www.caysasports.com/
The annual, week-long music festival is held at the Louis Adado Riverfront Park along the Grand River in downtown Lansing, Michigan. Event hours, box office and policy information, and a map shows the location of the event. Tickets may be purchased online, and a lineup of performers for the upcoming events is included. Other resources included contact information, sponsorship opportunities, and a list of current sponsors. An overview and history of the annual event are published on the site.
https://www.commongroundfest.com/
Impression 5 is an interactive space for families to play, create, and challenge their understanding of science, intended to promote science education through hands-on exhibits and participatory educational programming. Located on Museum Drive in Lansing, Michigan, the science museum’s hours of operation, children’s programs, science camps, and other programs and services are put forth, along with information about group and field trips, annual reports, and staff contacts.
https://impression5.org/
Playing its home games at Jackson Field in Lansing, Michigan, the Minor League Baseball team plays in the High-A Central and High-A affiliate of the Oakland Athletics. An annual game schedule is published on the site, and tickets may be purchased online. Box office information, promotions, ticket packages, birthday packages, and group tickets are featured, including suite information. Promotional schedules, game-by-game results, auctions, and contests are included.
https://www.milb.com/lansing
A division of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, the MHC is headquartered in Lansing, includes the Archives of Michigan, the Michigan History Museum, and eleven other museums and historic sites, located in various parts of the state. Each of its facilities and sites are featured, with links to those with separate websites. An overview of the Center, its programs and events, places to go, things to do, and directions are included, along with multimedia, and school programs.
https://www.michigan.gov/mhc
R.E. Olds Transportation Museum
REOTM was formed through the efforts of the Greater Lansing Chamber of Commerce in 1977, and has been in its current location since 1981. Operated as a non-profit, educational organization governed by a Board of Trustees, it is dedicated to Ransom Eli Olds, who founded both the Olds Motor Works in 1897 and the REO Motor Car Company in 1904. The museum exhibits a collection of automobiles, engines, and other transportation memorabilia. Its location, exhibits, and calendar of events are noted.
https://www.reoldsmuseum.org/
