Lansing, Michigan, is a town that is full of family-friendly fun and educational activities.
It doesn't matter your age, income level, or interests, as there is something for everyone
to enjoy in this happening city in The Great Lakes State. Whether you are thinking about
spending a few days in Lansing or just planning on making a pit stop while passing on through
to another destination, you are sure to find a memorable experience here.
There are plenty of things for travelers visiting with children to do in the area, such as exploring
the Potter Park Zoo or spending a few hours at the Impression 5 Science Center. And if
you're planning a romantic night out with your significant other, there are a ton of
top-notch restaurants and bars to choose from to satisfy just about any craving you might
have.
If you're feeling nostalgic, an evening out playing old-school arcade games at The Grid
might be in order, and if you fancy yourself a nature lover, a stroll through the W.J.
Beal Botanical Gardens is a must.
Whatever sort of traveler you might be, Lansing offers just about everything you could hope
for. It's smack-dab in the center of all the action and makes for an ideal vacation destination
any time of the year. Join Viewcation as we take a look at some of the top sites and attractions
that await you in Lansing, Michigan.
Potter Park Zoo
This 102-acre zoo can be found at Lansing's Potter Park, and its mission is to inspire
visitors to learn about and develop a passion for animal conservation in the natural world.
It's the oldest public zoo in the state and is currently the home to more than 160 species
of animals, from giraffes to lions and even elephants. If you're looking for a wholesome,
family-friendly activity to keep the little ones entertained for a few hours, why not
consider a weekend outing to Potter Park Zoo?
Michigan State University Museum
There are many diverse exhibits on display at the MSU Museum. Some of the top exhibits
that you'll be blown away by when paying a visit to this world-class facility include
its Hall of World Cultures and Hall of Evolution. Make sure you allow enough time on your itinerary
for your family to get the whole experience that this fantastic museum has to offer. You'll
be taken on a journey through space and time while learning all about the marvels of the
worlds of science and history. The museum's collection showcases almost a million artifacts
and specimens related to the natural sciences, history, anthropology, and arts. The museum
also serves as a foundation dedicated to research education and international and local outreach.
W.J Beal Botanical Garden
If you need a break from the hustle and bustle, this 5-acre botanical garden located on the
campus of Michigan State University provides all the natural tranquility that you need.
It's claimed to be the oldest continually maintained university botanical garden in
the nation, and you'll get a chance to see more than 1,800 different species and varieties
of plants divided up into various ecological areas. It's worth spending the day here learning
all about the various kinds of plants, flowers, and native flora of Michigan, but there are
also many species on display from all around the globe.
Michigan State Capitol
This outstanding example of Renaissance Revival architecture is the building that houses the
legislative branch of Michigan's state government. It can be found at the intersection of Michigan
and Capitol Avenues and has been designated a National Historic Landmark. In addition
to the chambers and offices of the Michigan Legislature, the ceremonial offices of the
Governor and Lieutenant Governor can also be found here. Interestingly, this is actually
the third building to historically house the Michigan government. The first capital building
was in Detroit, which was at one point the first capital of the state. It was later relocated
to Lansing in 1847 when it was determined that the western side of the state need to
better develop its defenses from British troops that were stationed in Windsor, Ontario, Canada.
Impression 5 Science Center
Located downtown in Lansing's historic wagon works factory on the banks of the Grand River,
The Impression 5 Science Center is a science museum worth visiting whether you're young
or old. The name of this center refers to the five senses of the human body.
Visitors can play, create and challenge their understanding of the sciences here with hands-on
interactive exhibits. Many of the exhibits are geared towards kids, but adults will find
fascinating things to immerse themselves in as well.
The center is dynamic, interactive, and engaging. You and your family will absolutely love your
visit!
R.E. Old's Transportation Museum
One of the top automotive museums in the US, the R.E. Old's Transportation Museum proudly
displays an extensive collection of vintage and antique Oldsmobile's dating back to 1897.
If you know someone who is a fan of old cars and all of the history that goes along with
them, then this sprawling museum space is an absolute must-visit destination for them.
With automobiles and memorabilia spanning more than a century of history, guests will
be delighted when checking out their diverse collection, which includes a nearly complete
compilation of Michigan license plates, historic traffic signs, and even functioning 1950s
traffic signals. Visiting this museum is like taking a trip back in time!
Michigan Princess Riverboat
Speaking of taking a trip back in time, this 19th-century steamboat replica hearkens back
to the early days of river cruising. Passengers are granted a much-needed escape back to simpler
times for a few hours as they glide down the Grand River. Along that voyage, they are treated
to breathtaking views of the surrounding region while enjoying live entertainment, sipping
on delicious cocktails, and enjoying a fine-dining experience like none other. It's the perfect
evening out for a couple looking for a romantic getaway and is great even if you're traveling
with kids. It makes for an excellent weekend activity to pass the time while enjoying the
great outdoors.
Hawks Island Park
At this 100-acre green space, visitors can enjoy nature any time of the year. The park
offers a swimming beach ideal for the hot summer months, as well as a picnic area, playground,
and fishing docks. Come wintertime, the park is perfect for sledding or even snowboarding.
There are plenty of things here to entertain your entire family.
The Grid Arcade & Bar
The Gird takes Lansing's bar scene to the next level. Over 40 craft beers are on tap,
and if you're looking to tap into some nostalgia, the main draw here at The Grid is their vast
collection of old-school arcade games. While they offer an extensive selection of hard-to-find
yet highly-rated beers from both Michigan and across the US, they also apply this same
level of focus to their arcade and pinball games. If you're in search of an unforgettable
social experience that you can't find anywhere else, stop by The Grid to make some memories
and maybe even a few new friends.
Michigan History Museum
This museum aims to preserve, discover, and share the stories of Michigan. A visit here
will educate you about some of the state's earliest residents while detailing their many
contributions up until the present day. Located downtown, there are more than 25 galleries
of permanent exhibits, special exhibits, and even a three-story tall topographical map
of the state for visitors to see. And yes, they also have a gift shop!
Lansing River Trail
At about 13 miles long, this multi-use trail runs along the Grand River and the Red Cedar
River between Dietrich Park and Michigan State University. The first leg of the trail opened
to the public in 1975 and it has expanded extensively since then. In 1981, it was designated
a National Recreation Trail.
The western section of the trail splits off at River Point Park just south of downtown
and extends to Moores Park. The southern leg of the trail runs along Sycamore Creek beginning
in Potter Park and ending at Maguire Park. There is another stretch that goes from Maguire
park to Hawk Island County Park which was completed in 2008.
Several yearly events are held along the trail, including the Common Ground Music Festival,
Michigan Run, and the Annual Mayors Walk. Several other city-sponsored activities are
held here as well.
Lake Lansing
If you're planning on spending a day out on the water, the best spot in Lansing to go
for a float on a boat is this 461-acre lake in Haslett, just a few miles northeast of
downtown. It was originally known as Pine Lake and was a hugely popular recreational
site in the early 20th century. The name was changed in 1930 and it began to decline in
popularity and was widely neglected until it was dredged in 1978. Since then, the lake's
health has been restored, and it has once again become a popular recreational spot.
Three public parks can be found on Lake Lansing's shores. Lake Lansing Park South features a
bandshell, fishing dock, boat rentals, swimming beach, bathhouse, volleyball courts, and other
outdoor activities. Lake Lansing Park North is a 530-acre park offering hiking trails,
picnic areas, and playgrounds. Lake Lansing Boat Launch which can be found on the northern
end of the lake, provides picnic areas, a powerboat washer, basketball court, and two
boat launch ramps.
Hopefully, you now have a better idea of just how great of a vacation destination Lansing,
Michigan, really is. What are you most excited to do or see on your upcoming visit there?
And if you've already been before, what are some other top attractions that you think
deserve mention? Share your thoughts on Lansing in the comments section down below.
And before you move on to watching another one of our travel videos, take a moment to
give this one a like and subscribe to Viewcation for more content just like it. While you're
at it, tap the bell to turn on notifications. That way, you can be one of the first to watch
all of our latest videos as soon as they drop.
And as always, thanks for watching! Safe travels!