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Michigan Guides

Ingham County · Mid-Michigan

Lansing city guide hub

Michigan's capital city, with Old Town, REO Town and the Capitol dome.

Visit the Lansing Guide

Local listings, businesses and events live on lansingguide.com.

About Lansing

Lansing has been Michigan's state capital since 1847, and the Capitol building's dome still sets the tone downtown. State government, healthcare and education drive much of the local economy, alongside a long history of automotive manufacturing.

The city's most distinctive districts are its smaller ones. Old Town, north of downtown, holds galleries, bars and independent shops in nineteenth-century storefronts. REO Town, named for the old REO Motor Car Company, has redeveloped along South Washington Avenue with coffee, music venues and restaurants.

Neighboring East Lansing is a separate city and home to Michigan State University, and the two together anchor a mid-sized metro area in the center of the Lower Peninsula. The Lansing River Trail links much of it along the Grand and Red Cedar rivers.

What Lansing is known for

  • The Michigan State Capitol
  • Old Town's arts and nightlife district
  • REO Town
  • The Lansing River Trail
  • Impression 5 Science Center
  • Proximity to Michigan State University in East Lansing

Neighborhoods and areas

  • Downtown
  • Old Town
  • REO Town
  • Eastside
  • Westside

Lansing questions, answered

Is Michigan State University in Lansing?
No. MSU is in East Lansing, a separate city that borders Lansing to the east.
Can you tour the Michigan State Capitol?
The Capitol offers public tours of its restored nineteenth-century interior and dome. Check the current schedule before visiting.
What is there to do in downtown Lansing?
The Capitol, the river trail, Impression 5 Science Center and the Old Town and REO Town districts are all within a short distance of downtown.

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