Lansing, Michigan
Situated on the Grand River, Michigan’s third largest city is best known as the State’s Capital and the birthplace of the Oldsmobile Brand. Having a population of just over a hundred thousand (one tenth that of Detroit), Lansing is easy to navigate- generally devoid of rush hour traffic and congestion. Visitors coming into the downtown area via I-496 can easily spot the white Capitol spire to the north and find their way to the foot of the Capital steps by exiting at the next off ramp and cutting though the city streets.
Tours of the capital building are available Monday through Friday, and those who have been to the nation’s Capital in Washington D.C. will find it strikingly similar in style. Originally built in 1879 and painstakingly restored during the late 1980’s and early 1990’s, visitors will be impressed by the rich woodwork and lavish painted moldings that line the interior of the dome and legislative galleries.
 Although you won’t find a new Olds’ rolling off the assembly lines at the massive factories in Lansing, you may see a freshly produced fleet of Buick, Pontiac, or Cadillac cars waiting for delivery outside one of the city’s numerous GM facilities. To understand the importance of the automotive industry to Lansing and feel automotive history come alive, visit the R.E. Olds Transportation Museum.
The Transportation Museum is centrally located near other downtown attractions such as the interactive science museum “Impression Five” and Oldsmobile Park- home to the uniquely named “Lansing Lugnut” team (…again a reference to the city’s automotive heritage). While you are downtown taking in the attractions, be sure to check out the numerous unique gift shops, diners, and pubs that the line the streets surrounding the Capital and stop at the Farmer’s Market along the “Riverwalk” for some local delicacies and produce.
 If you or those in your group enjoyed the hand-on features of Impression Five Museum, you might want to continue south to Potter Park Zoo for a little more tactile fun. This zoo features spacious open play areas, large exotic animal displays, as well as a mini-railroad and several themed petting areas.
If shopping downtown got you in the mood and you want more, head east of the capital, down Michigan Avenue to the Frandor Shopping Center and East Lansing- a town where the college crowd from MSU shops for green and white Spartan wear, trendy clothing, and hangs out at fun coffee shops or ethnic restaurants. If it’s large retail chains and malls you are after, then try the Okemos Mall east of the MSU campus, or swing around to the west side and enjoy the big box stores and the Lansing Mall.
Lest you think that Lansing is all about busy attractions and shopping, there are numerous botanical gardens, quiet city parks, and a wide range of scenic public golf courses where the outdoors can be enjoyed.
Featured Destinations
Don’t miss out on these Lansing favorites:
 R.E. Olds Transportation Museum
Drive into history at the unique R. E. Olds Transportation Museum in Lansing, Michigan. From 1880's through the Curved Dash Olds era to today's futuristic concept cars, you'll find an automobile to love in Lansing.
State Capitol Tours
Tours of the capital building are available Monday through Friday.
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