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.

Our guide on where to stay in Lansing

Find the best Lansing areas for the activities you enjoy most.

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.

Clarion Hotel & Conference Center Lansing West

Clarion Hotel & Conference Center Lansing West

3 out of 5
7501 W Saginaw Hwy Lansing MI
Fully refundable
The price is AU$101 per night from 15 Nov to 16 Nov
AU$101
15 Nov - 16 Nov
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 (390 reviews)
"When we arrived at 4:10 we were told our room wouldn't be ready until 5:00, because they were still cleaning it. When we were finally able to get into the room, the bathroom smelled like urine & the shower curtain was waded up on the floor. The cleaning staff was still in the hallway, so I asked ..."

Reviewed on 15 Oct 2026

Clarion Hotel & Conference Center Lansing West
DoubleTree by Hilton Lansing

DoubleTree by Hilton Lansing

4 out of 5
111 N Grand Ave Lansing MI
The price is AU$163 per night from 25 Oct to 26 Oct
AU$163
25 Oct - 26 Oct
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! (566 reviews)
"Great and convenient!"

Reviewed on 15 Oct 2026

DoubleTree by Hilton Lansing
Hyatt Place Lansing - East

Hyatt Place Lansing - East

3 out of 5
2401 Showtime Dr Lansing MI
The price is AU$164 per night from 25 Oct to 26 Oct
AU$164
25 Oct - 26 Oct
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 ...
Hyatt Place Lansing - East
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.
2 Full Beds|Non-Smoking

2 Full Beds|Non-Smoking

Lansing MI MI
Stay at this apartment in Lansing. Enjoy cable/satellite TV service and air conditioning. Popular attractions Chisholm Hills Golf Club and Malcolm X Homesite ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (85 reviews)
"The listing is deceiving! I bedroom apartment….no it’s a motel! Literally! No smoking yet we were on the 3rd floor and our room REEKED of weed!!! The window in our room was wide open with no screen when we got there. It felt very unsafe! No toilet paper in the room, no tv remote. It was a brand new ..."

Reviewed on 28 Sept 2026

2 Full Beds|Non-Smoking
Cottage11: 2 Bedroom-3 beds. Laundry, Sleeps 6.  Park right at your Entry Door.

Cottage11: 2 Bedroom-3 beds. Laundry, Sleeps 6. Park right at your Entry Door.

Lansing MI
Stay at this holiday home in Lansing. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a garden and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Malcolm X Homesite Historical Marker and REO Motor ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (40 reviews)
"Great property, super clean and central location to so much of Lansing! Absolutely would stay here again! Host was exceptional as well!"

Reviewed on 12 Oct 2026

Cottage11: 2 Bedroom-3 beds. Laundry, Sleeps 6. Park right at your Entry Door.
Avalon Guest Lodge 3102 House. 2 Baths, 2 Living Rooms. Sleeps 9

Avalon Guest Lodge 3102 House. 2 Baths, 2 Living Rooms. Sleeps 9

Lansing MI
Stay at this holiday home in Lansing. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a garden and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Malcolm X Homesite Historical Marker and REO Motor ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (70 reviews)
"Easy check in, clean and accurate listing, lots of parking space. Would rent again!"

Reviewed on 12 Oct 2026

Avalon Guest Lodge 3102 House. 2 Baths, 2 Living Rooms. Sleeps 9
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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