Lansing Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

A large, historic building with a prominent dome and columns, surrounded by trees and a clear blue sky.
A modern building complex with a river in the foreground.
A grand hall with ornate decorations, a checkered floor, and multiple portraits on the walls.
A modern building with a glass facade and a brick structure.
A Victorian-style house with green ivy covering the exterior walls and a brick chimney.

The capital of Michigan has a picturesque college campus, one of the best car museums in the country and great antique shopping.

The city of Lansing is located in the centre of Michigan. As the state’s capital, it is of great governmental importance, but the city’s Midwestern charm and many attractions have been attracting visitors for decades.

Downtown Lansing is integrated with the bustling campus of Thomas M. Cooley Law School. Browse for treasures in its historical shopping district, which has antique stores, local boutiques and well-known brand names.

The Michigan State Capitol is the centerpiece of Lansing. This beautifully restored National Historic Landmark is in the heart of downtown. Take a guided tour of the building, which is still the working seat of the Michigan Senate and the Michigan House of Representatives.

Visit the suburb of East Lansing, home to Michigan State University. This “Big Ten” school is one of the largest and most highly esteemed public universities in the U.S. You will notice a large collegiate presence throughout Lansing, especially during weekend nights or at big sporting events.

A wide range of museums appeal to visitors of all ages. Young children can experience hands-on science exhibits at Impression 5 Science Centre. If you like contemporary art, Broad Art Museum on the university’s campus is a must-see. Also on campus, Michigan State University Museum contains fascinating ancient artefacts such as dinosaur skeletons.

The auto industry plays a huge part in Michigan’s history and General Motors still has a large presence in Lansing. R.E. Olds Transportation Museum is dedicated to the founder of Oldsmobile. As one of the highest rated automobile museums in the country, it covers nearly a century of automobile memorabilia ranging from early traffic signs to a complete collection of Oldsmobile cars.

Lansing is a short drive from some of Michigan’s biggest attractions. The largest city in the state, Detroit, is 90 miles (144.8 kilometres) away. Lansing is also conveniently located between three of the Great Lakes. You can reach Lake Huron, Lake Michigan and Lake Erie by car in less than 2 hours.

Our guide on where to stay in Lansing

Find the best Lansing areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Lansing
Learn more about Lansing

Downtown Lansing

If you're spending some time in Downtown Lansing, Michigan State Capitol and Lansing Center are top sights worth seeing.

Old Town Lansing

Travellers enjoy Old Town Lansing for its live music and architecture. Consider checking out The Creole Gallery while you're in the area.

REO Town

While there might not be top attractions in REO Town, you can explore the larger area and discover places like River Trail and Michigan History Museum.

Waverly

You'll enjoy the restaurants and shopping in Waverly. You might want to make time for a stop at Lansing Mall or Horrocks Farm Market.

East Side

While East Side may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Potter Park Zoo and Jackson Field.

Hyatt Place Lansing - East

Hyatt Place Lansing - East

3 out of 5
2401 Showtime Dr Lansing MI
The price is NZ$198 per night from 1 July to 2 July
NZ$198
1 July - 2 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Lansing. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,003 reviews)
"It was a very nice place to stay while visiting my daughter."

Reviewed on 26 June 2026

Hyatt Place Lansing - East
DoubleTree by Hilton Lansing

DoubleTree by Hilton Lansing

4 out of 5
111 N Grand Ave Lansing MI
The price is NZ$175 per night from 5 July to 6 July
NZ$175
5 July - 6 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Lansing. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
8.4/10 Very good! (472 reviews)
"Clean hotel. Staff was ok. Walls are thin. Very noisy at night. Hard to sleep. Bed and pillows were uncomfortable."

Reviewed on 28 June 2026

DoubleTree by Hilton Lansing
Quality Suites Lansing West

Quality Suites Lansing West

2.5 out of 5
901 Delta Commerce Dr Lansing MI
The price is NZ$174 per night from 27 July to 28 July
NZ$174
27 July - 28 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Lansing. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
8.4/10 Very good! (1,002 reviews)
"Breakfast was good, dining area clean, our first room furnace was all apart and laying in room, second room was worn and dirty. So disappointed."

Reviewed on 28 June 2026

Quality Suites Lansing West
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Villa on the Grand

Villa on the Grand

Lansing MI
Stay at this beach holiday home in Lansing. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a beach locale and a fitness centre. Popular attractions Woldumar Nature Center and Regal Lansing ...
8.2/10 Very good! (38 reviews)
"Great communication with host. Has everything you need!"

Reviewed on 9 May 2026

Villa on the Grand
Charming and Cozy Lansing Loft Home

Charming and Cozy Lansing Loft Home

Lansing MI
Stay at this holiday home in Lansing. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a garden and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Sycamore Driving Range and Learning Center and REO ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (91 reviews)
"A wonderful little bungalow that had everything we needed for a short visit to East Lansing. The host was incredible and we will definitely look to stay here again."

Reviewed on 24 June 2026

Charming and Cozy Lansing Loft Home
Park-like and sports bar - close to MSU

Park-like and sports bar - close to MSU

Lansing MI
Stay at this holiday home in Lansing. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, private pools and a garden. Popular attractions Malcolm X Homesite Historical Marker and REO Motor Car ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (10 reviews)
"Dominique was a great host, and the home provided exactly what we needed. It was a great location close to everything we needed including MSU."

Reviewed on 26 Aug 2025

Park-like and sports bar - close to MSU
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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