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.

Hyatt Place Lansing - East

Hyatt Place Lansing - East

3 out of 5
2401 Showtime Dr Lansing MI
The price is AU$168 per night from 26 July to 27 July
AU$168
26 July - 27 July
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
DoubleTree by Hilton Lansing

DoubleTree by Hilton Lansing

4 out of 5
111 N Grand Ave Lansing MI
The price is AU$171 per night from 20 July to 21 July
AU$171
20 July - 21 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Lansing. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
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 AU$108 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
AU$108
3 Aug - 4 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 (296 reviews)
"This property is on the process of remodeling for the last 5+ years. courtyards are in disarray and no longer maintained besides mowing. I was turned off even more when I called the front desk requesting a bath mat & toilet paper and was told I had to pick them up from the front desk. There was now ..."

Reviewed on 18 July 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.
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 Lansing Center and Malcolm X Homesite Historical ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (62 reviews)
"House was great and host was very nice and communicative. Neighborhood is more residential vs. college kids."

Reviewed on 5 July 2026

Avalon Guest Lodge 3102 House. 2 Baths, 2 Living Rooms. Sleeps 9
5-Star 3 bedroom home with heated pool and hot tub! 10 minutes away from MSU

5-Star 3 bedroom home with heated pool and hot tub! 10 minutes away from MSU

Lansing MI
Stay at this holiday home in Lansing. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, private pools and patios. Popular attractions Lansing Center and Chisholm Hills Golf Club are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (25 reviews)
"This is an amazing place to stay. It felt like home and the kids loved the pool! I would recommend this place to anyone wanting to relax and have a great time!"

Reviewed on 15 July 2026

5-Star 3 bedroom home with heated pool and hot tub! 10 minutes away from MSU
Charming and Cozy Lansing Loft Home

Charming and Cozy Lansing Loft Home

Lansing MI
Stay at this holiday home in Lansing. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a garden and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Lansing Center and Sycamore Driving Range and Learning ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (93 reviews)
"Very clean. Host was quick to respond to any communication. Would definitely choose this place again."

Reviewed on 15 July 2026

Charming and Cozy Lansing Loft Home
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