The capital of Michigan, Lansing is unsung but well worth visiting, with engaging museums, fine food, and beautiful parks near the city center. You'll love it.
Lansing is fortunate to have some great museums, from the dinosaur exhibits at the Michigan State University Museum to the inspirational Michigan Women's Historical Center.
Take a tour of the Michigan State Capitol, with its soaring 260-foot-high dome, sculptures, and paintings. It's one of America's most beautiful public buildings.
Lansing is one of the greenest cities around. When the sun shines, visitors can hit miles of trails along the riverbank or get to know the peacocks and camels in Potter Park Zoo.
Lansing punches well above its weight in cultural terms, with constant shows at the Riverwalk Theatre, classical music at the Wharton Center for Performing Arts, and less refined entertainment at Mac's Bar or the Loft.
The city is packed with great places to drink like the Midtown Brewing Company, as well as Mexican, Korean, and down home American restaurants to enjoy.
Lansing can be pretty chilly in spring and fall, but from June to late September, the climate is ideal for sightseeing and exploring the city's parks.
There are regular flights from major cities into Capital Region International Airport (LAN). From there, take bus number 14 into the city ($1.25). Taxis should cost about $20.
Amtrak's Blue Water route connects Lansing to Chicago.
Those driving from Detroit or Grand Rapids need to take I-96. If you are coming from Chicago, take I-94 and switch to I-69.
Lansing is served by Greyhound, Indian Trails, Michigan Flyer Motorcoach, and Megabus, so budget travel should always be an option.
Some of the city's finest accommodation options include the centrally located Radisson Hotel Lansing and the East Lansing Marriott, which is handy for visiting the university.
Downtown - encompassing the State Capitol and the stores and restaurants on S Washington Square, Downtown Lansing is the first stop for most visitors.
East Lansing - on the other bank of the Grand River, East Lansing is down to earth and diverse, with superb Mexican eateries like El Azteco and the campus of Michigan State University.
Waverly - over in western Lansing, Waverly is dominated by the massive Lansing Mall, the city's biggest shopping complex.
CATA's public bus network covers the whole city and single tickets cost just $1.25.
Taxis in Lansing charge around $2.50 per mile in the center of town, and Uber is also active in the city, so you may be able to get around for less.
You can rent a car in Lansing from branches of Avis or Enterprise, and rates can be as little as $15 per day.
Standard SUV
5 Adults, 3 Bags
$50/day
Intermediate SUV
5 Adults, 3 Bags
$50/day
Lansing Mall is easily the biggest shopping center in town, but you might also check out the Meridian Mall in Okemos. Don't miss the Lansing City Market by the Grand River. The summer flower markets are a beautiful sight.
Supermarkets in Lansing include Meijer, Walmart, and Whole Foods. Expect to pay around $1.75 for 12 eggs - below the national average.