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Michigan State University

Planning a Visit? Welcome to Spartan Country!

There are tons of reasons to visit Michigan State University in East Lansing. Whether it's to visit your new college student, MSU graduation or to cheer the Spartans on to victory, you're probably wondering where to stay and what to do while you're in town. We compiled all the necessary resources, including nearby hotels, restaurants and attractions, to make planning your trip to East Lansing, Michigan a breeze.

Insider tips:

  • If you are planning a visit during peak times such as home football game weekends, graduation and/or move in week, be sure to book your lodging well in advance. Hotels fill up quickly!
  • Celebrating MSU graduation with your Spartan grad and looking for group dining options? Find a private dining list and comprehensive group dining list.
  • Need the latest info on football game day rules and parking maps? You'll find the answers here.
  • Want to show your Spartan spirit? Be sure to grab your green and white gear at one of the many specialty retailers on campus or at the Student Book Store along Grand River Avenue.
  • Looking for an easy way to get here from the Chicago area? Check out the Amtrak line with a convenient East Lansing station located near campus.
  • If someone shouts "Go Green!" True Spartan fans know the only response is an immediate "Go White!"
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Travel Information

Mi Drive

View construction and traffic information from the Michigan Dept. of Transportation.

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Where to Eat

East Lansing is a vibrant, eclectic college town full of great dining options. From the award-winning Jolly Pumpkin Cafe, to fool-proof options like Noodles and Company, East Lansing has options to suit not just every taste, but every budget.

If you're a self-proclaimed "Foodie" then check out the For Foodies page. Over 21? You may enjoy the Greater Lansing Craft Beverage Pass. Check out all of the dining options in Greater Lansing. 

The Peanut Barrel

Serving up crazy good burgers, beer & fun for 41 years. #GetInHere and Support Your Neighborhood Bar. Dine in or dine out on our patio. Check out…

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SanSu Sushi & Cocktails

We are a Japanese fusion restaurant. We strive to be one of the best Asian restaurants by serving high quality food and providing excellent…

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Must-See Attractions

MSU is more than just a Big Ten university. From the exquisite gardens of the W.J. Beal Botanical Gardens to the awe-inspiring modern art of the Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum...well, like we said earlier there is plenty to keep you busy right on campus.

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Top 10 Things to Do on Campus

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MSU Dairy Store

Learn first hand how cheese, ice cream and other dairy products are made, then sample the freshest ice cream you'll ever taste.

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MSU Museum

Starting June 29, 2024, the MSU Museum will be temporarily closed for renovations. The estimated re-open date is January 2026. The MSU Museum's…

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MSU Bug House

Did you know that a cricket's ears are on its knees? Or that a fly has taste buds on its feet? A visit to the Bug House will explain these…

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Beaumont Tower

Beaumont Tower marks the site of Old College Hall-the first building in America erected for instruction in scientific agriculture. A gift from…

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Abrams Planetarium

Rediscover the wonders of the universe at Abrams Planetarium. The sky theatre features fantastic star shows produced by a digital star projector…

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Beal Botanical Garden

Beal Botanical Gardens, founded in 1873, is the oldest continuously operated garden of this type in the United States. It includes over 5,000…

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Don't Miss Events

Homecoming

September | Find a weeks worth of activities culminating with the big game on Saturday!

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Spartan Spectacular

November | Annual Green and White presents a unique surround-sound program featuring the Spartan Marching Band with other top ensembles from the…

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Midnight Madness

October | The men's and women's basketball sign autographs and there are promotional giveaways and performances.

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Lodging

Whether you're visiting a student, coming for a game, or conducting business on campus - the list of hotels below are all located in the east side of the region. Making it convenient to get to campus and downtown East Lansing amenities.

Social Spartans!

Follow us on Instagram and tag your pics @ChooseLansing and use the hashtag #lovelansing. Maybe you'll be featured in our gallery!

“Michigan State University occupies the ancestral, traditional and contemporary lands of the Anishinaabeg – Three Fires Confederacy of Ojibwe, Odawa and Potawatomi peoples. The university resides on land ceded in the 1819 Treaty of Saginaw.”

The College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CANR) is striving to be more cognizant about the history of the land Michigan State University (MSU) occupies, as well as current relationships to the land and the Native people and their ancestors who still reside here. Learn more at Native American Institute and Taking Steps to Use the MSU Land Acknolwedgement More Broadly.