9 of the Most Beautiful Places to See in Lansing

Michigan’s capital, Lansing City, boasts the best of both worlds: the humble spirit of the Midwestern USA and the rich cultured amenities of the state capital. It is a walkable downtown where you can explore everything around the area in just a few steps. Don’t miss any of the most beautiful places to see in Lansing during your trip!

1. Michigan State Capitol Building

The building which houses one of the most important branches of the government, the legislative branch, is here.  At present, it is a National Historic Landmark. You can find the chambers and offices of the Michigan Legislature in this historical structure. The offices of the Governor of Michigan and Lieutenant Governor also call it home.

The capitol is open for the public, thanks to the founding fathers of Michigan who believed that the building should be open to all. It maintains the philosophy, “by the people, for the people.”

As such, the local government encourages tourists and locals to explore the restored national historic landmark,  amazing architecture, and walk on where Michigan’s laws are made.

2. R.E. Olds Transportation Museum

Named after the founder of Oldsmobile and REO, Ransom E. Olds, the R.E Transportation Museums houses approximately 55 Lansing-made cards. This is also your chance to see the only 1987 Oldsmobile left in existence! Truly one of the most beautiful places to see in Lansing, and you can learn a lot too.

Surely, this is one of the top-rated and well-known automotive museums in the United States. It also houses century-old automobiles and a complete collection of license plates and early traffic signs in Michigan.

3. Impression 5 Science Center

Impression 5’s name was derived from the basic five senses and an idea of Marilynne Eichinger. You can find it in downtown Lansing, Michigan which is a historic wagon works factory on the Grand River.

The Science Center encourages visitors to explore the world and make meaningful connections to science using all the senses. This attraction houses amazing exhibits including:

• the giant Light Mosaic,
• Shadow Wall,
• Chew On This!,
• Spectrum,
• Nano,
• Build-Zone,
• MI Nature,
• First Impression Room,
• Electricity & Magnetism,
• Simple Machines,
• Giant Eye,
• Rotating Travelling Experience,
• Smash: A Nuclear Adventure,
• FLOW: A Water Experience,
• Throwing Things,
• Think Tank, Spin,
• and the very popular bubble room, “Pop: A Bubble Experience”

It also offers classes, camps, teacher training workshops, and traveling school programs. Not just one of the most beautiful places to see in Lansing, but one of the most kid-friendly attractions too!

4. Cooley Law School Stadium

The Cooley Law School Stadium, also known as Lugnuts Stadium, is the home base of Lansing Lugnuts, the minor league baseball team of Michigan. It is primarily used for baseball, but it also hosted different other sports and activities, like ice skating, outdoor movies, and the annual Common Ground Music Festival.

The stadium offers 20 luxury suites and shows off a six full-service concessions in addition to its concessionaire vendors. The players and the management have on-site offices, work-out and training facilities located in the ballpark.  It is fully accessible to the physically-disabled, making it one of the best ballparks in the country.

5. Michigan History Museum

If you want to walk through Michigan’s rich past, the Michigan History Museum is the place to be. The museum provides five levels of permanent and changing exhibits that showcase the story of Michigan from the prehistoric up to the late 20^th century.

In addition, the exhibits here include interactive computers, hands-on elements, and audio-visual presentations. It is located in the Michigan Library and Historical Center building in downtown Lansing.

6. Hawk Island Park

Hawk Island Park is a 100-acre park in South Lansing, and one of the most beautiful places to see in Lansing. It is very accommodating for those looking for outdoor fun.

During warm weather, tourists can enjoy admiring the view of the place by pedal boat rentals and swimming. There are a number of concession stands and other outdoor activities like sand volleyball, fishing, and renting rowboats.  During the winter,  skiing, snow tubing, and ice fishing are just some of the activities that everyone can enjoy.

7. Michigan Women’s Historical Center & Hall of Fame

The Michigan Women’s Hall of Fame is a place that upholds and honors notable women associated with the US state of Michigan, both historical and contemporary.

It is located south of downtown Lansing, surrounded by the Cooley Gardens. In addition, the museum contains a resource library, as well as galleries dedicated to preserving and presenting women’s history and art in Michigan.

Furthermore, it also contains the Belen Gallery, which features art from Michigan Women. Some of the well-known women to be seen here are Margaret Kirchner Stevenson, Lucile A. Watts, Gilda Z. Jacobs, and Rosie Riveter.

8. J Beal Botanical

J Beal Botanical is a five-acre outdoor laboratory for the scientific study and appreciation of plants. It is located inside the campus of Michigan State University.

This garden began in 1873 and is the oldest continuously operated botanical garden of its kind in the United States of America. It is open and free to the public year-round during daylight.

The garden displays over 1,800 plant species in different groupings.  Michigan’s collection of endangered plants started in 1986 as well as the non-flowering vascular plants. You can see plants like ephedra, ginkgo, cycads, ferns, conifers, horsetails, and club mosses in this notable garden.

9. Potter Park Zoo

This 102-acre zoo houses over 160 species of animals. Many of these animals are on the endangered species list. The zoo participates in different associations in order to manage and conserve their animals.

Additionally, they partnered with Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine to provide medical care for the animals. The zoo also offers a number of annual events like the Arbor Day (annual tree planting day), and Wonderland of Lights (holiday caroling and Christmas light display).

Explore the Most Beautiful Places to See in Lansing!

Lansing is truly a remarkable place to visit. With its rich past, picturesque views, and lively attractions, you will never run out of things to enjoy and places to see here. Drop by all these places and enjoy the unique experience that it will give you.