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!"

US-127 Rebuild Update with MDOT

Construction on the US-127 Corridor Improvement Project has begun. This will impact those traveling to campus from…

A Love Letter to Michigan State: Advice for the Next Spartan Generation

Dear Future, Spartan Graduate, Oh, how deeply envious I am of the journey you’re just about to begin.

A drone shoot of Michigan State University Campus

Construction Update on Campus

An interactive map of closures and detours on the campus of Michigan State University. Photo: Michigan State University

Mi Drive

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

US-127 Rebuild Update with MDOT

Construction on the US-127 Corridor Improvement Project has begun. This will impact those traveling to campus from US-127, I-96, and I-496.

US-127 Reconstruction Campus Traffic Impacts

Maps of how the US-127 Reconstruction Project will affect people getting to the campus of Michigan State University.

Essential Tips for MSU Students Returning to Greater Lansing

As a new semester begins, it's time for Michigan State University students to return to the Lansing area. Whether…

5 Tips for Attending a Michigan State Football Game

Here in Greater Lansing, Fall means three things. Pumpkin picking, cider sipping and Michigan State football. For all…

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…

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…

Jolly Pumpkin Cafe & Brewery

Discover delicious food offerings and award-winning beer at Jolly Pumpkin Cafe & Brewery East Lansing. Signature menu items like artisan pizzas…

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.

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.

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…

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…

Michigan State University Athletics

There are few things to match the excitement of a Big Ten athletic contest at MSU. When it comes to seeing a football game, every seat in the…

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…

Abrams Planetarium

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

Wharton Center for Performing Arts

Wharton Center for Performing Arts is committed to inspiring the mind and moving the soul. Our stages offer a diverse array of performances…

MSU Horticulture Gardens

The MSU Horticulture Gardens are actually a family of three gardens: The 4-H Children's Garden is designed especially for children, and is…

Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum at Michigan State University

The MSU Broad Art Museum connects people with art through experiences that inspire curiosity and inquiry. With a focus on the art of our time—in…

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…

Homecoming

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

Homecoming Parade

September | Show your Spartan Spirit at the parade Friday evening before the Homecoming game on Saturday.

Spartan Spectacular

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

Meet the Spartans

August | All ages are invited to meet and receive autographs from the coach and football team.

Breslin Arena During Basketball Game with Dancers on the Floor

Midnight Madness

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

MSU Arts & Crafts Show

Artisans display their work on campus in May and December.

Did you know these fun facts about Michigan State University?

- MSU's campus is one of the biggest and greenest in the nation

- MSU became the first agricultural college in the United States in 1855

- The college went through five names changes before it was called Michigan State University

- Sparty is a three-time national top collegiate mascot

Read Entire List of Facts About MSU

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!

Sparty Statue on the campus of Michigan State University

Michigan State University Native American Institute

“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.

Family taking a selfie with Michigan State campus in the background

Get Your Visitor Inspiration Guide!

Planning your trip to Greater Lansing is easy with your visitor inspiration guide. This comprehensive handbook shares…

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Visiting Lansing? Sign up for our e-newsletter! Discover the newest attractions, upcoming events and festivals, and the…

Michigan State University

Planning a Visit? Welcome to Spartan Country!

Where to Eat

Must-See Attractions

Lodging

Social Spartans!

Spartan Social Shares

Go Green!