Discover Lansing: Rivers, Culture and City Life

Lansing offers several distinct ways to explore the city: history and architecture sit alongside rivers, outdoor activities, family attractions and a market. When planning your trip, you can first decide whether you’d like to focus on museums, activities on the water, interactive science or what the market has to offer.

History and Architecture

The Michigan History Museum takes visitors through Michigan’s history across five floors—from the earliest populations to the late 20th century. Each year, the museum presents special exhibitions on topics in Michigan history. Alongside its broad historical overview, visitors can explore changing thematic focuses.

The Turner Dodge House is a historic home built in 1855. The Michigan State Capitol in Lansing is one of the outstanding examples of decorative painting in the United States. A museum in Lansing also honors the legacy of Ransom E. Olds, founder of Oldsmobile and the REO Motor Car Company. These places and themes offer different perspectives on the history of the city and Michigan.

Rivers, Trails and Parks

The Grand River and the Red Cedar River flow through Lansing. The Lansing River Trail stretches for more than 20 miles along both rivers, through Lansing and East Lansing. The trail is suitable for cycling, running and walking. Its length and the three activities it accommodates make it a notable destination for anyone looking to include exercise in their time in Lansing.

Visitors can paddle or row on either of Lansing’s two rivers—the Red Cedar River or the Grand River. This offers a way to experience the river landscape both from the riverside trail and on the water. Lansing’s riverside Rotary Park is open to visitors. It includes a beach area and a plaza, adding another place by the water to the trails along the rivers.

Hands-On Science

The Impression 5 Science Center is an interactive destination for families. Its hands-on exhibits teach basic scientific principles. The First Impression Room is designed specifically for children from birth to age four. It offers opportunities to crawl, play, splash, climb, read and explore. The room combines early discovery activities with the science center’s broader focus on scientific topics.

Market and Neighborhoods

The Allen Farmers Market is located on Lansing’s Eastside. Its offerings range from seasonal fruits and vegetables and pasture-raised eggs to artisan and gluten-free baked goods, dry beans and cheese. There are also hot, ready-to-eat foods, local meat and fish. The selection includes both groceries and food to eat on the spot.

Old Town Lansing is the city’s original downtown and a boutique district. Together with the market on the Eastside, the neighborhood offers another perspective on the city beyond its museums and rivers. These different highlights can help you plan your trip around your interests—whether you’re more interested in history, activities on the water, family exhibits or a visit to the market. When choosing a hotel in Lansing, these themes can help guide your stay.

Discover more destinations: Williamston, Meridian Charter Township, East Lansing.

Go to the main travel overview: Ingham.