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.

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 Lansing Fire Station No. 8.

Hyatt Place Lansing - East

Hyatt Place Lansing - East

3 out of 5
2401 Showtime Dr Lansing MI
The price is Rp1.868.152 per night from 26 Jul to 27 Jul
Rp1.868.152
Rp2.111.011 total
26 Jul - 27 Jul
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! (1,007 reviews)
"Did not like being charged $10 for parking. Hard to get out of the garage."

Reviewed on 23 Jul 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 Rp1.966.589 per night from 9 Aug to 10 Aug
Rp1.966.589
Rp2.222.246 total
9 Aug - 10 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Lansing. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (499 reviews)
"Within walking distance to the ballpark"

Reviewed on 24 Jul 2026

DoubleTree by Hilton Lansing
Clarion Hotel & Conference Center Lansing West

Clarion Hotel & Conference Center Lansing West

3 out of 5
7501 W Saginaw Hwy Lansing MI
The price is Rp1.211.604 per night from 23 Aug to 24 Aug
Rp1.211.604
Rp1.356.996 total
23 Aug - 24 Aug
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 pool in their reviews. ...
6.4/10 (302 reviews)
"Good area, close to food, highway and stores. Clean room and good service."

Reviewed on 24 Jul 2026

Clarion Hotel & Conference Center 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.
Birch Hill Suites Detroit

Birch Hill Suites Detroit

3 out of 5
30180 North Civic Center Dr Warren MI
Stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Warren. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property ...
7.4/10 Good! (1,473 reviews)
"Clean room"

Reviewed on 24 Jul 2026

Birch Hill Suites Detroit
Kasa Cadillac Square Detroit

Kasa Cadillac Square Detroit

4 out of 5
139 Cadillac Square Detroit MI
Stay at this aparthotel in Detroit. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, in-room washers/dryers and housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (804 reviews)
"I really enjoyed my stay here . Apartment had everything I needed ."

Reviewed on 24 Jul 2026

Kasa Cadillac Square Detroit
Boardwalk Suites & Residences By Kasa

Boardwalk Suites & Residences By Kasa

2 out of 5
232 E State St Traverse City MI
Stay at this aparthotel in Traverse City. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a rooftop terrace and an in-room coffee maker. Popular attractions Traverse City Beach and Front ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (143 reviews)
"There are no staff onsite, so check-in is virtual, but they really missed the mark. We were one of three guests attempting to check in using the recommended process, but we all had to call for assistance. It was timely and quite inconvenient. The building itself was clean, as was our room mostly. ..."

Reviewed on 25 Jul 2026

Boardwalk Suites & Residences By Kasa
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.

Stay near popular Lansing attractions

Things to do

Cities near Lansing