Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Greater Lansing unique?

Michigan's Capital - Lansing is the seat of the state government and home to the historic and majestic Michigan State Capitol Building
Birthplace of Oldsmobile - The city is recognized as the birthplace of Oldsmobile, one of America's first car manufacturers.
Festival Capital of Michigan - The Greater Lansing area hosts over 60 festivals and annual events throughout the year, celebrating everything from music to unique traditions.
The Lansing River Trail: The city is bisected by the Grand and Red Cedar Rivers, along which runs the 20+ mile Lansing River Trail. It is a popular path for biking, walking, and running.

What are the top attractions and things to do?

Michigan State Capitol - Take a free guided or self-guided tour of the stunning historic building.
Michigan History Center - Explore Michigan's past across five levels, from prehistoric times to the rise of the automobile industry.
R.E. Olds Transportation Museum - View a large collection of antique vehicles, including replicas of the original Oldsmobile and the REO Speedwagon.
Impression 5 Science Center - A highly interactive, hands-on science museum geared toward children and families. In 2025, it won the best children's museum.
Potter Park Zoo - Home to over 350 animal residents, including endangered animals like the black rhinoceros and Red Panda.
Lansing River Trail - Rent a bike or walk a section of the 20+ mile paved trail that connects the city's highlights, including Old Town and the campus of Michigan State University.
Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum - Experience contemporary art in the uniquely designed building on the campus of Michigan State University in East Lansing.
Lansing Lugnuts Baseball - Catch a Minor League baseball game at Jackson Field in downtown Lansing.
Old Town - Explore the historic neighborhood with unique boutiques, art galleries, and diverse dining options.

When is the best time to visit Lansing?

The most popular and comfortable time to visit Lansing is generally late spring through early fall.

Summer (June to August) is the busiest season. Highs average around 82°F. It is the perfect time of year for enjoying the numerous outdoor activities and festivals

Fall (October to November) is an ideal time to visit with cooler temperatures, low humidity, and stunning fall foliage. It is also football season at Michigan State University.

Winter (December to March) is cold, with average high temperatures dipping below 40°F. It is a good season to enjoy indoor attractions, cozy dining, and holiday events like the Wonderland of Lights at Potter Park Zoo.

Spring (March to May) offers a beautiful transition as parks and gardens bloom, making it great for hiking and biking.

How do I get to and around Lansing?

By Air: Lansing has its own airport (LAN – Lansing Regional International Airport) and is an hour from Flint Bishop International Airport (FLN,) one hour from Grand Rapids’ Gerald Ford International Airport (GRR) and 90 minutes from Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW.)

By Car: Lansing is conveniently located in the central part of Michigan at the junction of I-96, I-127 and I-69 with 496 running east and west through the city.

By Train/Bus: The Capital Area Multimodal Gateway, also known as the East Lansing station, is an intermodal transit station in East Lansing, Michigan. Operated by the Capital Area Transportation Authority, it is served by Amtrak's Blue Water passenger train, local buses, and intercity buses.

Once here, the Capital Area Transportation Authority (CATA) operates the local bus network and taxis, uber, and lyft services are available throughout the area.

Parking Downtown: Metered stree parking in downtown Lansing is generally free after 6:00 p.m. on weekdays and all day on weekends. During the day, rates typically range from $0.75 to $1.50 per hour.

Where do I park? Do I have to pay on weekends? How do I pay for the metered parking?

City of Lansing Parking

Meters

Use the Passport app or pay at the kiosks located nearby. In Lansing after 6 p.m. weekdays and weekends parking is free! Meter rates vary by location. Rates do not exceed $1.50 per hour. Minimum Per Hour: $0.75 Maximum Per Hour: $1.50

Ramps

South Capitol, North Capitol and North Grand ramps are $3/hr with a daily maximum of $15.

Downtown East Lansing

Meters

Use the passport app or pay at the kiosks located nearby at $0.75 per half hour. Sundays beginning at 8 a.m. except for event days.
Surface Lots: $1 per half hour, Max Daily: $20
Garages: $0.75 per half hour, Max Daily: $15
Pay-by-Space Machines: $0.75 per half hour

MSU Football Parking

Public lots and ramps are available for a fee on game day, but you can park for free at the shuttle lots and pay $5 to take the shuttle to and from the game. See the parking map.

How long is the Lansing River Trail? Where do I park?

The Lansing River Trail is approximately 17 miles and runs north and south between Turner Dodge House in Old Town and Maguire Park with branches that head west to Moore's PArk and an eastward trail that goes to Michigan State University. At its southernmost point at Maguire Park, it joins up with Sycamore Creek and Valhalla Trail in Delhi Township.

Parking

Clippert St Parking

The Clippert St parking lot is at the southern end of Clippert St. It is a good place to start to see the more scenic parts of the LRT or to travel into MSU. There is also a nearby parking lot by Muncipial baseball field at the corner of Clippert and Kalamazoo Streets.

Hawk Island Parking

There is a per vehicle entrance fee of $3 for residents and $5 for non-residents at all times. Annual passes are available for $30 for Ingham County residents and $40 for non-Ingham County residents. Annual passes are available at the gatehouse.

Kruger Landing

Aurelius Road Kruger Landing is a great central parking location and a good place to launch a canoe or kayak. On the south side of the river at Aurelius Road.

Lot 56/Cesar Chavez Plaza

At the intersection of Turner St and Grand River Ave in Old Town. Accessible entrance to the Lansing River Trail.

Maguire Park Parking Lot

Parking for Maguire Park. Enter off Aurelius Road.

Moores Park Parking Lot

Parking at the western end of the park right off the River Trail. Generally ample parking for those that want to check out REO Town and the Moores Park extension which connects to the main trail about 1.5 miles to the east.

Oakland Ave Parking Lot

On the north side of Oakland Avenue. Great place to park to visit the children's playground right there.

Potter Park Parking Lot

This is an Ingham County Parking Lot and has small fees associated with parking here. A great place in the middle of the trail to explore many areas.

Saginaw St Parking Lot

On the north side of Saginaw St and east side of the river.

Are there hotel sell out dates?

Be sure to book early for certain times of the year because hotels fill up fast during the following times.

MSU student move in and move out days
MSU Football weekends
MSU Graduation weekends (Fall and Spring)
East Lansing Art Festival (East Lansing hotels)

Which hotels have rooms with a full kitchen?

Sure, most hotels nowadays have a microwave and/or a small refrigerator in the room, but if you’re looking for a room with a stove/oven combination, most long term stay facilities will accommodate your needs. Check out Homewood Suites, Staybridge Suites, Towneplace Suites, Residence Inn by Marriott East Lansing and Residence Inn Lansing West.

What hotels are pet friendly?

We know how hard it is to leave your best dog buddy at home while you’re on the road or taking a weekend getaway break. If you’re looking for pet-friendly hotels, check out this list. Once you get checked in, it’s time for fun. Find all kinds of trails, parks and pet friendly locations throughout the Lansing area. – Pet Friendly Lansing

How can I get information for other destinations in Michigan or general Michigan travel information?

Find all other destinations in Michigan at the Pure Michigan website.