History Buffs
History comes alive when you immerse yourself in some of Greater Lansing's museums, monuments and era-themed festivals.
Learn about how the city of Lansing came into existence at the Michigan Historical Museum or see some of the first cars ever manufactured at the R.E. Olds Transportation Museum. Adults and kids alike will enjoy the variety of information to learn about and the hands-on displays at many of the attractions.
Historical Hot Spots
State Capitol Building
Step back into the Victorian era with a visit to Michigan's award-winning Capitol Building. Designed by Elijah E. Myers, one of the foremost…
Read MoreBeaumont Tower
Beaumont Tower marks the site of Old College Hall-the first building in America erected for instruction in scientific agriculture. A gift from…
Read MoreCourthouse Square Association
The historic courthouse square in downtown Charlotte holds the 1885 Renaissance Revival Eaton County Courthouse. On the National Register of…
Read MoreIngham County Courthouse
Standing in the center of downtown Mason, this 100-year-old-plus courthouse was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1971. A…
Read MoreMalcolm X Homesite Marker
Malcolm X, eloquent spokesman for civil rights and for the oppressed everywhere, lived in Lansing in the 1930s on a site that is now a registered…
Read MoreMeridian Historical Village
Located in the shadow of the Meridian Mall, the Meridian Historical Village provides a slice of 19th-century settler life. The Village contains…
Read MoreMichigan Vietnam Veterans Memorial
The Michigan Vietnam Monument, located in Michigan Veterans’ Memorial Park, provides an opportunity to recognize, honor, and learn from both the…
Read More9/11 Remembrance Memorial
The memorial is a 10-foot "H beam" salvaged from the World Trade Center and honors those who lost their lives in New York, Pennsylvania and…
Read MoreDon't Miss These Events
Car Capital Celebration
This free car show celebrates Lansing's automotive history and features over 200 classic cars…
Lansing Juneteenth Celebration - June
Since 1993, the Lansing Juneteenth Celebration has served as a respected voice in the community…
Must See Museums
Michigan History Center and Archives of Michigan
The Michigan History Center includes the Michigan History Museum, the Archives of Michigan and the Museum Store. The museum tells the stories of…
Read MoreMichigan Supreme Court Learning Center
A museum-style gallery filled with exhibits, hands-on activities and computer programs to help demystify the judicial branch of state government…
Read MoreMichigan Women's Historical Center & Hall of Fame
The Michigan Women's Historical Center is home to the Michigan Women's Hall of Fame featuring nearly 300 inductees past and present, changing…
Read MoreMSU Museum
The MSU Museum is the science and culture museum at Michigan State University and the state’s first Smithsonian Affiliate. The Museum features…
Read MoreNokomis Cultural Heritage Center
A Native American Cultural Center that focuses on indigenous Great Lakes history and culture, past to present day. The gallery/museum is filled…
Read MoreR. E. Olds Transportation Museum
This collection of cars and memorabilia is a tribute to the auto industry, courtesy of one of Lansing’s most prominent citizens, Ransom Eli Olds…
Read MoreSteam Railroading Institute
The Steam Railroading Institute is dedicated to the education and preservation of steam-era rail technology and its impact on the Great Lakes…
Read MoreTurner-Dodge House and Heritage Center
A fine example of Classical Revival architecture, the Turner-Dodge mansion is a National Historic Registered Place. The beautifully restored home…
Read MoreCan't wait to learn more about Greater Lansing's history? Get your fill now by reading up on the history of the auto industry and more.