Overview
Greater Lansing is located in the heart of Michigan where the Grand River and the Red Cedar River converge. This energetic and diverse region is home to Michigan State University and the seat of Michigan’s state government. Completing the Greater Lansing area are the vibrant neighborhoods and picturesque towns that you will find just beyond the city. These communities create a balance of urban sophistication and natural beauty.
History
- Originally surveyed in 1825, the area that is now Lansing was then a dense forest.
- Lansing became the state capital in 1847, when the state constitution required that the capital be moved from Detroit.
- In 1855, Michigan State University was founded as the Agricultural College of the State of Michigan, becoming the first land grant university in the United States.
- Ransom E. Olds founded Olds Motor Vehicle Company in August, 1897, before starting the REO Motor Car Company in1905, which lasted for 70 years, helping build Lansing into what it is today.
Climate
- Coldest month is January
Average range: 13.9°F – 29.4°F
- Warmest month is July
Average range: 58.4°F – 82.1°F
Population
(
2000 census)
- 119,128 – City of Lansing
- 454,044 – Lansing Metropolitan Area
Industries
The Greater Lansing area is an important center for educational, cultural, governmental, business, and high-tech manufacturing institutions, including three medical schools, two nursing schools, two law schools, a Big Ten University in Michigan State, the State Capitol, the state Supreme Court and Court of Appeals, the Library of Michigan and State Historical Center, a federal court and headquarters of four national insurance companies.
Tourism Statistics
- Greater Lansing employees over 7,500 people in the hospitality field.
- Over 5 million visitors come to the region each year.
- Visitors spend approximately $431 million dollars per year.
- The Lansing area has 4,300 hotel rooms for guest accommodations.
Michigan State University
- Located in East Lansing, Michigan State University (MSU) has a sprawling campus with over 5,000 acres and 46,045 students.
- MSU offers over 200 programs of study, and is home to fourteen different degree-granting schools and colleges including three medical schools, a law school and numerous PhD programs.
- MSU is the only university in the nation with three medical schools (two human medicine and one veterinary).
- MSU ranks tenth in the nation among public universities for international student enrollment. In the fall of 2007, MSU enrolled nearly 3,900 students from 131 countries.
- MSU is consistently one of the top three programs in the United States for study abroad programs.
Points of Pride
Did you know the Greater Lansing region’s reach extends around the globe? We’re smack in the middle of America’s heartland, but area companies ship their products and services worldwide, and area colleges and universities send their students and scholars almost everywhere. In all, our region’s reach extends to more than 130 different countries:
- TechSmith Corporation’s software products, including Camtasia Studio® and SnagIt®, are sold in 30 countries and are available in five languages.
- General Motors Corporation sells its vehicles in almost every country in the world, and Lansing-built GM vehicles are shipped to 43 different countries. GM had its second-best global sales year ever in 2007, setting records in China, India and other countries.
- Capital City Airport was recently designated a U.S. Port of Entry, which will allow the airport to handle international flights for the first time. The airport will open a permanent customs facility by 2009.
- Thomas M. Cooley Law School ranked first in the number of foreign national students among the 195 ABA-accredited law schools in 2007. As of June 2008, nearly 200 foreign students from 46 different countries were enrolled at Cooley.
- Michigan State University and Lansing Community College’s study-abroad programs are among the largest in the United States — more than 3,000 students from the schools studied in more than 60 countries on all continents last year.
Annual Events
East Lansing Art Festival
In May, East Lansing hosts the East Lansing Art Festival, blocking off its downtown streets to host more than 200 artists from across the country. At the same time, right across the street, Michigan State University holds its Spring Arts and Crafts Show, a nice compliment to the Art Festival.
Common Ground Music Festival
Music, food and fun can be found along the banks of the Grand River in downtown Lansing as thousands of participants are drawn to hear nationally known artists for a week-long concert series in July.
Folk Festival
East Lansing plays host in August to the Great Lakes Folk Festival, an event filled with live music stages and a dance pavilion, as well as food and traditional crafts from across America and around the world.
Silver Bells in the City
The holiday season officially gets kicked off in late November with Silver Bells in the City. Over 80,000 attendees watch the annual electric light parade, the lighting of Michigan’s official Christmas tree and experience fireworks cascading over the Capitol dome.
Major Attractions
State Capitol Building
Step back into the Victorian era with Michigan’s award winning State Capitol Building. Tours are available of the public areas and House and Senate galleries.
Michigan Historical Museum
Visitors are surrounded by Michigan history from prehistoric times through the late 20th century.
Impression 5 Science Center
This family-friendly science center is a delight for children of all ages. Explore, discover, and experience exhibits about simple machines, throwing things, water, bubbles and more.
Wharton Center for Performing Arts
Nationally recognized as one of the top performing arts centers in the country. Wharton center plays host to the finest in touring Broadway, dance, music and more.
MSU Athletics – Big 10 Conference Sports
Athletics have a rich tradition at Michigan State University. And when the Spartans aren’t contending for a Big Ten title in football, you can catch them battling for supremacy in hockey, basketball and other sports.
Lansing Lugnuts – Triple A Baseball
Lansing’s minor league baseball team, Lansing Lugnuts offers family fun at an affordable price.