Lansing Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Michigan State Capitol which includes heritage architecture
River Trail featuring a city and a river or creek
Lansing
Lansing
Rogers-Carrier House featuring a house

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.

Where to stay in Lansing

Lansing featuring street scenes as well as a small group of people

Downtown Lansing

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

Downtown Lansing
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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.

Waverly
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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.

East Side
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Westside

When in Westside, you can plan a visit to Michigan History Museum and Michigan State Capitol, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Westside
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West Lansing

When in West Lansing, you can plan a visit to Michigan History Museum and Lansing Mall, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

West Lansing
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Eastwood

While Eastwood may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Eastwood Towne Center and Adado Riverfront Park.

Eastwood
Quality Suites Lansing West

Quality Suites Lansing West

2.5 out of 5
901 Delta Commerce Dr, Lansing, MI
The price is NZ$150 per night from 30 Nov to 1 Dec
NZ$150
30 Nov - 1 Dec
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Lansing. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,000 reviews)
Don’t hesitate to stay here. You will not be disappointed!

Reviewed on 7 Nov 2025

Quality Suites Lansing West
Hyatt Place Lansing - East

Hyatt Place Lansing - East

3 out of 5
2401 Showtime Dr, Lansing, MI
The price is NZ$208 per night from 30 Nov to 1 Dec
NZ$208
30 Nov - 1 Dec
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Lansing. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,003 reviews)
The room was very clean and the staff was friendly I was disappointed to learn that I had to pay for parking as well.

Reviewed on 9 Nov 2025

Hyatt Place Lansing - East
Candlewood Suites East Lansing by IHG

Candlewood Suites East Lansing by IHG

3 out of 5
3545 Forest Rd, Lansing, MI
The price is NZ$158 per night from 26 Nov to 27 Nov
NZ$158
26 Nov - 27 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Lansing. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (855 reviews)
This is the best place to stay if you have an event at the pavilion. About a 3 min drive. Good price, clean, friendly, safe area. Great bathroom, kitchen and nice bed. Wish I had taken pics but just as advertised. Will stay again.

Reviewed on 3 Nov 2025

Candlewood Suites East Lansing by IHG
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.
Charming and Cozy Lansing Loft Home

Charming and Cozy Lansing Loft Home

Lansing
Stay at this vacation home in Lansing. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Sycamore Driving Range and Learning Center and ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (79 reviews)
Easy to find and good communication with host. Nice they had coffee for the morning

Reviewed on 2 Nov 2025

Charming and Cozy Lansing Loft Home
Avalon Guest Lodge 3102 Entire House. Sleeps 9

Avalon Guest Lodge 3102 Entire House. Sleeps 9

Lansing
Stay at this vacation home in Lansing. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Malcolm X Homesite Historical Marker and REO Motor ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (39 reviews)
This was perfect for a quick weekend wedding trip. The kids loved the upstairs space and finding all the little hidden animals.

Reviewed on 10 Nov 2025

Avalon Guest Lodge 3102 Entire House. Sleeps 9
HOUSE OF THE FUTURE MANSION, 2 HUGE BEDROOMS w/ WiFi, AC in Woods of W. Lansing

HOUSE OF THE FUTURE MANSION, 2 HUGE BEDROOMS w/ WiFi, AC in Woods of W. Lansing

Lansing
Stay at this vacation home in Lansing. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Hawk Meadow Park and Lansing Mall are located ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2 reviews)
host was extremely friendly and helpful!

Reviewed on 11 Nov 2025

HOUSE OF THE FUTURE MANSION, 2 HUGE BEDROOMS w/ WiFi, AC in Woods of W. Lansing
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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