2024 Choose Lansing Visitor Inspiration Guide by Choose Lansing

Plan On Something Greater

A Guide To Great Dining, Great Festivals, Great Shopping & Great Experiences In Greater Lansing, Michigan

Graduate Rock Bar © Thomas Gennara

The 2024 Choose Lansing™ Visitor Inspiration Guide is provided by Choose Lansing™, for the benefit of its members and the visiting public. While every reasonable effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained within this Visitor Inspiration Guide, no responsibility will be assumed by Choose Lansing™, or its associates for errors or omissions. For additional information on member hours, admission, and pricing please visit lansing.org. Choose Lansing™ makes no warranties regarding the information contained herein and is subject to change without notice.

We want visitors to Choose Lansing and plan on something Greater! I would personally like to invite you to experience all that Greater Lansing has to offer. From world-class attractions to colorful festivals, Michigan’s Capital region has something for everyone. And I promise, it won’t take you long to see we’re glad you’re here! Greater Lansing is a diverse and welcoming community with over 500 Certified Tourism Ambassadors. We take pride in rolling out the red carpet for visitors, whether you’re here for a conference, sports tournament or a weekend getaway. While in the area, please stop by our visitor information center for maps, brochures and personalized planning assistance. It is conveniently located in downtown Lansing just steps away from shops, dining and attractions. Whether you prefer to navigate our community with your smartphone, or simply wish to browse a copy of our visitor inspiration guide, we are dedicated to being your travel planning resource. If we can offer any assistance to make your stay more enjoyable, please contact us! On behalf of our staff, Board, partners and community leaders—Welcome!

“Greater Lansing is a diverse and welcoming community with over 500 Certified Tourism Ambassadors. We take pride in rolling out the red carpet for visitors, whether you’re here for a conference, sports tournament or a weekend getaway.”

Scan this QR Code to get the latest Greater Lansing happenings.

Julie A. Pingston, cdme, cmp, cta President & CEO, Choose Lansing™

#LOVELANSING |

WE’VE

Evolved THE GLCVB IS NOW CHOOSE LANSING™ The Greater Lansing Convention & Visitors Bureau (GLCVB) is excited to share that the organization has rebranded as Choose Lansing™! Choose Lansing™ is a non-profit, Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) that seeks to positively impact the community’s quality of life by developing the tri-county area of Ingham, Clinton, and Eaton counties as a visitor destination. That was the mission of the GLCVB, and it remains its mission moving forward. Only the name and logo changed. The rebrand is a result of the accumulation of months of research, including surveys and focus groups with community leaders, locals, visitors, and industry experts. This exciting change reflects both the recent and upcoming development in the Greater Lansing area.

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Scan this QR Code to learn more about us and our rebrand.

Michigan State Capitol © Adrienne Cooley

CHOOSE LANSING™

CREATIVE CONTRIBUTORS EXECUTIVE EDITOR Tracy Padot, CTA

MANAGING EDITOR Lori Lanspeary, CTA

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Valeri Gill, CTA

LAYOUT DESIGN Emily Hedglen, CTA

LANSING SPORTS COMMISSION™ The Greater Lansing Sports Authority, a sub-division of the Greater Lansing Convention and Visitors Bureau, also underwent a rebranding process and has been renamed the Lansing Sports Commission™. While both organizations are destination marketing organizations dedicated to increasing visitation to the Greater Lansing, Michigan region, the Lansing Sports Commission™ is focused on amateur athletic competitions and events and is committed to regional destination development of athletic facilities in the area.

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Adrienne Cooley, CTA Emily Hedglen, CTA Lori Lanspeary, CTA Amie Lucas, CTA Tracy Padot, CTA Valeri Gill, CTA

PRINTING Quad: A Marketing Solution

ON THE COVER Photography: Adrienne Cooley (main photo) Thomas Gennara, Kendall D Lartigue, James Lenon and © Michigan State University

PUBLISHED BY

500 E. Michigan Ave., Ste. 180, Lansing, MI 48912 517.487.0077 Lansing.org | #LoveLansing The businesses and organizations highlighted in this publication are members of Choose Lansing™. To learn more about membership, phone 517-377-1410. #LOVELANSING |

WHAT’S

Inside 12

CRAFT BEVERAGE TRAIL

EagleMonk Pub & Brewery © Valeri Gill

MORE TO EXPLORE NEW things to do and our top favorites.

18 FESTIVALS Find an abundance of festivals and events!

28 MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY GO GREEN! Tips for tailgating and more.

38 TOP KIDS’ ACTIVITIES Our top go-tos for kid friendly fun.

42 GREATER LANSING AREA MAP Tri-county area visitor map.

44 ACCESSIBLE TRAVEL Discover accessible-friendly activities and attractions.

62 DINING Patios, brunch, NEW openings and more.

74 SHOPPING Shop local, play and stay.

78 MICHIGAN DAY TRIPS Surrounding destinations that make great day trips.

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36 LANSING.ORG

ARTS & THEATER

Lansing Symphony Orchestra © James Lenon

Trip

PLAN YOUR

LANSING VISITOR INFO Stop by our visitor information center where our Certified Tourism Ambassadors can help you customize your itinerary and help unlock the region’s hidden treasures. Find maps, brochures and other helpful tools to make the most of your time in mid-Michigan. 500 E. Michigan Ave., Ste. 180, Lansing, MI 48912 Open Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. STAY UP-TO-DATE To get a sense of the full Capital region experience, we encourage you to engage with our many digital resources. From our robust website to social media and weekly blogs, we hope you’ll join in on the conversation. @ChooseLansing Lansing.org

#LoveLansing

Thank You! 32

MSU FOOTBALL

Sparty at Spartan Stadium © Michigan State University

We thank our #LoveLansing community for sharing their visual viewpoint of the region. Their contributions are reflected in the photos and user generated content (UGC) throughout the publication. #LOVELANSING | 7

REASONS

To Visit In Greater Lansing, visitors have plenty of activities to choose from. Here are our top picks for the ultimate weekend getaway!

MICHIGAN STATE CAPITOL @miss.annie.xo

UNCLE JOHN’S CIDER MILL © Andrew Schmidt

SPARTAN STADIUM @hannahspyhalski

Scan this QR Code for more reasons to visit Greater Lansing.

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GET YOUR PASS TO LANSING ADVENTURE

Downtown Lansing © James Lenon

HIGH CALIBER KARTING & ENTERTAINMENT © High Caliber Karting & Entertainment

Discover or rediscover fun things to see and do with your Lansing Experience Pass. Let this be your guide to top attractions, cultural museums, exciting entertainment centers and family-friendly opportunities throughout Michigan’s Capital region. Scan this QR Code to get your pass!

WHARTON CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS

5 REASONS WHY YOU NEED A PASS 1

Access to deals and discounts.

Check in, accumulate points, win fun prizes.

No apps to download.

Find a list of the region’s things to do all in one place.

Best reason of all—it’s free!

#LOVELANSING |

Neighbors

GREAT

The cities of Lansing and East Lansing are surrounded by communities with postcard-worthy downtowns, rich with signature festivals, unique shopping and delicious dining options.

GRAND LEDGE

CHARLOTTE

EATO

GRAND LEDGE

Grand River,

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@josephzopf

LANSING.ORG

Scan this QR Code to start exploring the region’s small towns.

ST. JOHNS

Uncle John’s Cider Mill, © Andrew Schmidt

ST. JOHNS

DEWITT

HASLETT OLD TOWN

LANSING

DOWNTOWN

EAST LANSING

REO TOWN

OKEMOS WILLIAMSTON

HOLT

ON RAPIDS MASON

WILLIAMSTON

Downtown Williamston, © James Lenon

#LOVELANSING |

MORE TO EXPLORE IN ‘24

Graduate Rock Bar © Thomas Gennara

JOIN IN ON THIS NEW FESTIVITY! Rock Lansing Lansing’s newest music festival takes place May 18 at Adado Riverfront Park.

SIP AND STROLL SOCIAL DISTRICTS

EAT A LEGENDARY OLIVE BURGER AT THE OLIVE BURGER FESTIVAL

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SEE A BROADWAY SHOW AT THE WHARTON CENTER

CHECK IN & WIN Lansing has two online Experience Passes to help © Choose Lansing guide you through the region like a local. From the don’t-miss top attractions to a craft beverage trail, use these free gamified passes to check in to various venues, accumulate points, discover discounts and earn prizes. Scan this QR Code to get your pass!

10 X-Golf Lansing @xgolflansing

CHECK OUT ONE-OFA-KIND ATTRACTIONS Find tons of unique indoor sports complexes and family fun centers, packed with unique things to do. TAKE IN THE VIEWS FROM THE ROOFTOP AT THE GRADUATE ROCK BAR

The Comfort Zone Cigar Lounge & Bistro © Adrienne Cooley

TRY THESE NEW RESTAURANTS Niko’s Taverna Offering Greek dishes, full bar, fun family-friendly atmosphere.

Nokomis Learning Center © Choose Lansing

CHEER ON THE SPARTANS AT MSU

The Comfort Zone Cigar Lounge & Bistro Find a robust menu of dinner entrées, spirits and cigars.

DISCOVER CULTURAL ATTRACTIONS

Toscana Kitchen & Wine Market Fine dining Tuscan steakhouse. *Discover other new eateries on pg. 67

CELEBRATE THESE CULTURAL EVENTS! Lansing Pride June | Details on page 20

WATCH AND DISCOVER THE NEW ACCESSIBLE PLAYGROUND— PLAY MICHIGAN!

Lansing Juneteenth Celebration AND 517 Juneteenth Weekend June | Details on page 21 517 Hispanic Heritage Festival September | Details on page 22 #LOVELANSING | 13

@kcmaiyo

EXPAND YOUR COOKING SKILLS Check out these cooking class options that make Greater Lansing a true foodie destination.

ATTEND SILVER BELLS IN THE CITY, CELEBRATING 40 YEARS IN 2024

MEANDER THROUGH A NATURE CENTER Fenner Nature Center Features over four miles of nature trails.

TAKE A TOUR OF THE MICHIGAN STATE CAPITOL BUILDING

Harris Nature Center Over five miles of natural trails and a .75-mile paved loop. Woldumar Nature Center Offers five miles of nature trails for hiking and cross-country skiing.

TAKE A CRUISE ON THE MICHIGAN PRINCESS RIVERBOAT

@ryanvdillon

ATTEND A CONCERT AT THE NEW GREWAL HALL AT 224

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SHOP SMALL IN OLD TOWN LANSING

LANSING.ORG

20 VISIT BLACK RHINOS, A GIANT ANTEATER AND RED PANDAS AT POTTER PARK ZOO — OPEN YEAR ROUND!

21 INDULGE IN THE ALL

NEW, BIGGER, BETTER ZAP ZONE XL LANSING Zap Zone XL’s new home at the Lansing Mall is four times larger than its former location on Mall Drive East. Families can enjoy laser tag, go-karts, bowling, trampolines, mini-golf, ninja course, restaurant and sports bar, rage room—and more than double the number of arcade games.

@biegeplanetphotography

22 GO NUTS! WITH THE LANSING LUGNUTS

23 EXPLORE FOUR

FLOORS OF EXHIBITS AT THE MICHIGAN HISTORY MUSEUM

MORE NEW HAPPENINGS

Located just west AC Hotel by Marriott © Andrew Schmidt of Michigan State University, the Red Cedar Development has changed the landscape of Michigan Avenue. Find co-joined AC Hotel by Marriott and Hyatt House along with upscale Toscana Kitchen & Wine Market, where you can indulge in an enticing blend of premium steaks and authentic Italian dishes. In the same complex find The Old Bag of Nails Pub, well known for their fish and chips and Hooked, which combines everything you love about books, wine and coffee.

24 PLAY AT IMPRESSION 5 SCIENCE CENTER

Hooked © Choose Lansing

#LOVELANSING | 15

PICTURESQUE Autumn brings harvest season, and the best place to experience that abundance is at Uncle John’s Cider Mill in St. Johns. You’ll find fresh apples, donuts, cider and baked goods along with a pumpkin patch, corn maze and activities for the kids. Be sure to sample their award-winning hard cider and fruit based wines in their taproom or play a game of corn hole in the outdoor cider yard. Check out their calendar for weekends full of live music and special events. While in St. Johns, be sure to visit the quaint Main Street downtown full of specialty boutiques, grab dinner at St. Johns Brewing Co., take in a round of golf at The Emerald Golf Club or enjoy a murder mystery weekend at the Nordic Pineapple B&B. Don’t miss the annual Fall Feastival in September.

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Uncle John’s Cider Mill © Andrew Schmidt

#LOVELANSING | 17

CHOOSE TO ALL YEAR LONG One of the things we love best about Greater Lansing is the abundance of festivals that happen throughout the year. It’s clear to see why Lansing is called the Festival Capital of Michigan!

Scan the QR Code for a comprehensive calendar and event details.

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FEBRUARY

APRIL

Michigan Nordic Fire Festival Charlotte Be a weekend Viking! This threeday Viking/Norse/Celtic-themed festival includes demonstrations and reenactments, competitions, live music, a huge feast, meadery and ship burning.

Beerfest at the Ballpark Lansing An outdoor beer, cider, hard seltzer, mead, spirits and wine festival with live music at Jackson® Field™—home of the Lansing Lugnuts.

Lansing Winterfest Lansing Beat cabin fever and enjoy a monthlong celebration of winter with different themes occurring every Saturday. 26th Lake Michigan Film Festival East Lansing This film fest is a part of the East Lansing Film Festival and showcases films from the Great Lakes region. Old Town Chocolate Walk Lansing Purchase a ticket and receive a chocolate box to fill from participating businesses to acquire roughly two pounds of varied gourmet chocolates to take home!

MARCH St. Patrick’s Day Celebration Grand Ledge A celebratory parade, pub crawl, Irish dancing, musical performances and a day full of fun. Lansing Bourbon Fest Lansing Indoor festival featuring 100+ whiskeys and bourbons, classic cocktails and high-end bottle section plus food trucks, live music, vendors and more!

MSU Science Festival MSU Campus & Statewide A free annual celebration of science, fueled by some of the basic elements essential to scientific inquiry: curiosity, wonder, and discovery. Vermontville Maple Syrup Festival Vermontville Michigan’s original maple syrup festival since 1940! Capital City Film Festival Lansing Celebrating artists from around the world by curating outstanding multimedia experiences for the community and showcasing an eclectic mix of independent films, live music, interactive media and more. Lansing Lugnuts Opening Day Lansing Help kickoff the Lansing Lugnuts minor league baseball home season. #LOVELANSING | 19

MAY East Lansing Art Festival East Lansing This juried fine art and fine craft annual outdoor festival takes place in the streets of downtown East Lansing and includes roughly 185 artist vendors, a music stage, food court, child art activities and an artist demonstration area. MSU Spring Arts & Crafts Show East Lansing Located outside around the MSU Student Union, the Spring Arts and Crafts Show generally supports 330+ artists and crafters. Rock Lansing Lansing Lansing’s newest music festival, happening at Adado Riverfront Park.

O U R FAVOR I T E

FAMILY FUN FE STIVA LS

MSU Science Festival

Old Town Chalk of the Town

Yankee Doodle Day

DeWitt Ox Roast

Ingham County Fair

Charlotte Frontier Days

Potter Park’s Boo at the Zoo

Silver Bells in the City

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Cristo Rey Fiesta Lansing The largest Latino event in midMichigan featuring authentic Mexican cuisine, the best traditional music and dazzling dance performances plus the MERCADO offering traditional costumes, arts and crafts. Mighty Uke Day 14 East Lansing The best ukulele festival in the Midwest with performances, demonstrations, classes and workshops. A big festival for a diminutive instrument.

JUNE

Lansing Pride Lansing Lansing Pride is a free event celebrating the LGBTQ+ community. Find a full line-up of entertainment, a children’s area and over 100 vendors. Lansing Beerfest Lansing The 10th annual Beerfest features 20+ Michigan breweries and 100 craft beers and ciders in REO Town Lansing. Old Town Chalk of the Town Lansing A free and family-friendly event that showcases incredible artists from around Michigan as they create stunning chalk drawings on the wide sidewalks of Old Town.

Lansing Juneteenth Celebration AND 517 Juneteenth Weekend Lansing Two separate festivals celebrating this national historic event. Find vendors, music, baseball leagues and parties along with socially conscious performances and other cultural offerings.

Lansing Taco & Tequila Fest Lansing This festival will feature 100+ tequilas along with food trucks, live music, vendors and other beverage options.

Summer Solstice Jazz Festival East Lansing A celebration of jazz music featuring nationally recognized and regional jazz artists. Car Capital Auto Show Lansing Benefitting and held at the R.E. Olds Transportation Museum, the show features a DJ, food trucks, awards and lots of amazing classic automobiles. Yankee Doodle Day Grand Ledge Kick off summer with a parade, arts and crafts vendors, entertainment, kids activities, food, beer and a fireworks extravaganza.

JULY

Old Town Scrapfest Lansing A repurpose-focused art festival, with a scrap metal sculpture competition, eco-art booth vendors, family activities, live music and food! Eaton County Fair Charlotte Five days of family fun including carnival rides, live entertainment, tractor pulls, horse racing, plenty of good food and let’s not forget all of the competitions and agricultural exhibits.

AUGUST

@tommykaz68

5:01 Dam Jam Music Festival Lansing An annual multi-day event featuring the best Michigan-based artists and musicians at the historic Brenke Fish Ladder in Old Town Lansing.

Island Art Fair Grand Ledge A one-day festival where Grand Ledge’s second island is filled with arts and crafts curated through Ledge Craft Lane. DeWitt Ox Roast DeWitt A three-day festival with a parade, carnival rides, food trucks, duck race, live music and great food. #LOVELANSING | 21

Old Town ArtFeast Lansing Find over 100 artists and an eclectic assortment of food trucks from around the state for a one-day art festival on Turner Street. JazzFest Michigan Lansing Old Town is home to one of the largest, most diverse, and longest running jazz festivals in Michigan. Ingham County Fair Mason Enjoy rides and games, and the amazing fair food will keep you licking your fingers all day! Competitions include multiple 4-H exhibitors as well as top chefs in pies and pastries. St. Johns Mint Festival St. Johns The rich heritage of the Mint City is rooted deep in the soil of the St. Johns community. Don’t miss the Mint Festival parade, classic car show, craft vendors, live entertainment, food trucks and more. A Festival of Oddities Charlotte Mid-Michigan’s original oddities festival with a macabre marketplace, a library with the best paranormal, true crime, and horror authors in the state and perhaps ghouls and goblins strolling the historic square.

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SEPTEMBER Michigan Chicken Wing Festival Lansing Held annually over Labor Day weekend, this festival includes live bands, performers, a kids’ zone and of course a plethora of different flavored wings! Charlotte Frontier Days Charlotte A 50-year tradition featuring a parade, queens contest, outdoor club rodeo, and an arts and crafts show.

Michigan BluesFest Lansing A weekend filled with regional and national blues artists where each artist has agreed to premiere a song, composition or arrangement that they’ve never performed publicly before. 517 Hispanic Heritage Festival Lansing Mid-Michigan’s most diverse display of Hispanic culture featuring educational opportunities, art, entertainment, cultural cuisines and much more.

OCTOBER Olive Burger Festival Lansing Celebrate the quintessential Lansing food item—the Olive Burger. For over 100 years this burger with the secret olive sauce on top has been a staple throughout the region.

@vgill517

Potter Park Zoo’s Boo at the Zoo Lansing Gather your little goblins, don your most enchanting costumes, and step into a world where the animal kingdom meets the spooky season. Fall Festival Grand Ledge Celebrating the season with fall color, great food and beer, arts, crafts and entertainment.

NOVEMBER

Silver Bells in the City Lansing Celebrate the magic of the holidays at Silver Bells in the City. This tradition features an electric light parade, lighting of the state of Michigan Christmas tree, musical performances, a drone light show and fireworks over the Capitol.

East Lansing Film Festival East Lansing This film festival showcases dramas, comedies, documentaries and short films and is the longest-running nonexperimental film festival in Michigan.

DECEMBER Potter Park Zoo’s Wonderland of Lights Lansing Step into a winter wonderland as thousands of glistening lights adorn the park, turning it into a magical holiday paradise. Take a leisurely stroll through the zoo’s festively illuminated pathways, where you’ll be surrounded by the warm, inviting glow of twinkling lights. MSU Winter Arts & Crafts Show East Lansing With over 125 artists and crafters, this indoor show at the MSU Student Union focuses on high quality “handmade” arts and crafts. Night Lights Christmas Parade and Festivities Grand Ledge Don’t miss this spectacular nighttime parade packed full of lots of lights and music with a Christmas tree lighting, caroling, chili cookoff and gingerbread house contest. Holiday Hullabaloo Lansing Merchants throughout Old Town will be celebrating with sales, baked goods, hot chocolate stations, live music and more!

#LOVELANSING | 23

TOP 5

DOWNTOWN LANSING ATTRACTIONS

1 MICHIGAN HISTORY MUSEUM

This museum has been featured twice on the Travel Channel’s “Mysteries at the Museum.”

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2 MICHIGAN STATE

CAPITOL BUILDING

The Capitol is open for free tours Monday through Friday! Michigan’s founding fathers believed the building should be open to all.

LUGNUTS 3 ©LANSING Alfred Laurence The Michigan Baseball Hall of Fame is located behind the outfield wall of Jackson® Field™.

4 R.E. OLDS

TRANSPORTATION MUSEUM @chooselansing

The museum celebrates Lansing’s automotive history and is home to an extensive collection of vehicles.

5 IMPRESSION 5

SCIENCE CENTER

Impression 5’s innovative engineers and carpenters fabricate the majority of their own exhibits right on-site. #LOVELANSING | 25

Downtown MAP

OLD TOWN LANSING

SAGINAW ST.

PLAY MICHIGAN!

SHIAWASSEE ST.

ROTARY PARK

STATE CAPITOL

ALLEGAN ST.

MICHIGAN HISTORY MUSEUM

CEDAR ST.

RIVERFRONT DR.

GRAND AVE. MICHIGAN AVE.

GREWAL HALL AT 224

WASHTENAW ST.

WASHINGTON SQUARE

CAPITOL AVE.

OTTAWA ST.

MAP KEY (map not to scale)

CHOOSE LANSING™

RIVERWALK THEATRE

IMPRESSION 5 SCIENCE CENTER

R.E. OLDS TRANSPORTATION MUSEUM

KALAMAZOO ST.

Dining Shopping

LENAWEE ST.

Lansing River Trail

RIVER TOWN ADVENTURES

Lansing Center Courtyard by Marriott—Lansing Downtown DoubleTree by Hilton Lansing

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REO TOWN LANSING

RIVER ST.

Nightlife

LANSING LUGNUTS

LARCH ST.

LANSING SHUFFLE

IONIA ST.

Rotary Park © James Lenon

STOP BY OUR VISITOR CENTER Plan your visit with our expert staff at the Choose Lansing Visitor Center, open Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. 500 E. Michigan Ave., Ste. 180, Lansing, MI, 48912. 517-487-6800 Lansing.org

WHERE TO PARK IN DOWNTOWN Find parking maps and more on page 83 or scan the QR Code.

WHERE TO EAT IN DOWNTOWN Scan the QR Code to find locations that literally run the gamut from soup (Zoup!) to nuts (The Peanut Shop) and everything in between. #LOVELANSING | 27

State UNIVERSITY MICHIGAN

Go Green! and welcome first-timers, new students, alumni, parents and all visitors to Michigan State University. The campus is one of the largest, greenest and most beautiful in the country. Because of roots deep in the scientific study of agriculture, MSU’s footprint covers over 5,000 acres; however, the main teaching campus and majority of attractions are clustered on the northern side, bordered by Grand River Avenue and adjacent to the Red Cedar River.

Scan this QR Code to plan your visit to MSU.

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Sparty Statue © Choose Lansing #LOVELANSING | 29

DO THIS 1

Get a photo in front of the Spartan Statue

Visit The Rock for today’s student message

Enjoy a show at Abrams Planetarium

Kiss your sweetheart by Beaumont Tower (it’s good luck)

Attend a Spartan sporting event at Breslin Center or Spartan Stadium

EAT HERE 1

In a booth at Crunchy’s

On the patio at The Peanut Barrel

In a quiet table in the back of Pizza House

At a tatami table at SanSu Sushi & Cocktails

In the mezzanine space at Jolly Pumpkin Café & Brewery

DON’T MISS 1

Going to The Rock Bar at the Graduate Hotel for the scenic view

Eating yummy ice cream from the MSU Dairy Store

Checking out the exhibits at the Eli & Edythe Broad Art Museum

Visiting dinosaur skeletons at the MSU Museum

A Broadway performance at Wharton Center for Performing Arts

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Beaumont Tower © Adam Suiter

FAMILY FUN AT MS U

Go Green!

Cheer on the Spartan Football team at Spartan Stadium or the Spartan Basketball teams at Breslin Student Events Center. 2

Get Creative

The Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum is a must for the creative kid. Visit the first Saturday of the month for free Family Day activities from 11 a.m.–3 p.m. 3

Reach for the Stars

Get a front row seat at Abrams Planetarium— projecting a spectacular star show in their giant sky theater. Family-friendly shows are on Sundays at 2:30 p.m. #LOVELANSING | 31

TIPS FOR ATTENDING A MSU FOOTBALL GAME 1

Spartan Stadium @brady_mcdonough

PARKING

All parking locations are open at 7 a.m. for noon and 1 p.m. kickoffs, 9 a.m. for 3:30 p.m. kickoffs, 1 p.m. for Saturday evening kickoffs and 3:30 p.m. for Friday evening kickoffs. All fans are encouraged not to arrive before these times as traffic lineups will not be permitted.

TICKETS & TAILGATING

Scan the QR code to unlock the latest information on tickets, tailgating and stadium policies, parking maps and other game day experiences. Michigan State University © Choose Lansing

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Graduate East Lansing © Thomas Gennara

ACCOMMODATIONS

Make your reservations as early as possible. Rooms for home game weekends fill up fast and may require a minimum two night stay. AC & Hyatt University Area Hotel Complex, SpringHill Suites by Marriott, Graduate East Lansing, Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center and the Marriott East Lansing at University Place are within walking distance to Spartan Stadium. But there are others in close proximity—see the map on page 34!

ENJOY YOUR STAY

Make it a weekend and explore beyond campus! The region boasts dozens of attractions, shopping and other recreation options. Hungry? Try local favorites like Beggar’s Banquet, Harrison Roadhouse or the State Room. Or enjoy Greater Lansing’s craft beverage scene with 20+ craft breweries, distilleries and wineries.

Harrison Roadhouse © Choose Lansing

MSU Dairy Store © James Lenon

DON’T MISS

Remember that a visit to Michigan State University’s campus is never complete without stopping to get Dairy Store ice cream. No matter what flavor you prefer, (we’re partial to Izzo’s Malted Madness and Buckeye Blitz) this is the best ice cream you’ll ever taste. The MSU Dairy Store is located at Anthony Hall on Farm Lane just south of Shaw. #LOVELANSING | 33

Michigan State University R AV E.

ANN ST. 5

ALB

ERT

ST.

BAILEY ST.

RIVE

DIVISION ST.

M.A.C.

GRA

ABBOT RD.

MAP

10 E. AV

W. CIRCLE DR.

SPARTY STATUE

BRESLIN

W. SHAW LN.

MUNN ICE ARENA

CHESTNUT RD.

HARRISON RD.

MSU

USE W. UM CIR CLE D R.

SPARTAN STADIUM

E. CIRC LE DR.

BEAL BOTANICAL GARDENS

N. SHAW LN.

S. SHAW LN.

MSU DAIRY STORE

WILSON RD.

TROWBRIDGE RD. SERVICE RD.

MT. HOPE RD.

FOREST RD.

BENNETT RD. 6

JOLLY RD.

L VI PA

D R.

ABRAMS PLANETARIUM WHARTON CENTER

MSU 4-H CHILDREN’S & HORTICULTURAL GARDENS

MSU PAVILION MAP KEY (map not to scale)

COLLEGE RD.

R FA

BOGUE ST.

LN .

MIC

FARM LN.

N IGA

ELI & EDYTHE BROAD ART MUSEUM

Dining Nightlife Shopping Lansing River Trail Accommodations

WHERE TO PARK Scan the QR Code to get real-time parking availability in East Lansing—perfect for those busy football Saturdays!

WHERE TO EAT East Lansing is a vibrant, eclectic college town full of great dining options. From the fan-inspired FieldHouse, to fool-proof options like Noodles and Company, East Lansing has options to suit not just every taste, but every budget. Scan the QR Code for a full list of nearby dining options

HAGADORN RD.

WHERE TO STAY

BIGGBY COFFEE ICE CUBE EAST LANSING

There are plenty of hotels located in the east side of the region, making it convenient to get to campus and downtown East Lansing amenities. Scan the QR Code for a full list of accommodations near MSU. 7

ACCOMMODATIONS 1 AC & Hyatt University Area

Hotel Complex

2 Candlewood Suites

Hotel—Lansing

3 Graduate East Lansing

6 Red Roof Inn—East 7 Residence Inn by Marriott—

East Lansing

8 SpringHill Suites by Marriott—

East Lansing

4 Kellogg Hotel &

9 TownePlace Suites

5 Marriott East Lansing at

10 Wild Goose Inn

Conference Center University Place

by Marriott

#LOVELANSING | 35

Scan this QR Code for cultural and creative things to do

Love music? Take in a performance at the new Grewal Hall at 224 where they bring in touring acts from around the country. The venue features two floors of entertaining space. Classical music enthusiasts will enjoy Lansing Symphony Orchestra, the premier source for professional orchestral music in mid-Michigan. Grewal Hall at 224 @ryanvdillon

Plan a weekend to discover the region’s robust art scene. Whether it’s a gallery crawl or viewing murals and sculptures, you’ll be amazed at the creativity of local, regional and international artists on display. When summer comes, don’t miss the 20+ ArtPath installations along the Lansing River Trail.

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Lansing Community College, Sculpture Walk © Kevin Fowler

Six, Wharton Center for Performing Arts © Joan Marcus

FAMILY FUN A RT O N T H E G O

Head outdoors and enjoy the view with over 600 pieces of public art.

Wharton Center for Performing Arts © James Lenon

Wharton Center for Performing Arts showcases the best of Broadway, comedy, concerts, dance, plays, opera, family shows and neuro-diverse offerings. Located at Michigan State University, Wharton Center is alive with vibrant activity nearly every week of the year. Visitors and residents alike can look forward to touring Broadway shows like Six, Moulin Rouge and so much more.

Lansing Community College’s Sculpture Walk

ArtPath

Highlighting 20+ temporary art works along the 3.5 mile stretch of the Lansing River Trail— starting in Old Town Lansing and beyond. 3

Arts Night Out

Hosted monthly on first Fridays from May to October this FREE event offers live music, curated exhibits and art demos in Old Town Lansing. #LOVELANSING | 37

TOP KIDS Whether you have a toddler or teen, discover dozens of kid-friendly activities. Here are our favorite go-tos!

IMPRESSION 5 SCIENCE CENTER © Andrew Schmidt

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PREUSS PETS © Thomas Gennara

POTTER PARK ZOO © Andrew Schmidt

ZAP ZONE XL © Choose Lansing

LAUNCH LANSING @launchlansing

FREE THINGS TO DO

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Heritage Hall © Thomas Gennara

HISTORY & CULTURE 1

Michigan History Museum

Visit on Sundays from 1–5 p.m. for free admission. 2

State Capitol & Heritage Hall

Free tours available Mon.–Fri., 9 a.m.–4 p.m. 3

Meridian Historical Village

Historical buildings are open to the public for free every Saturday from 10 a.m.–2 p.m., April–October.

Meridian Historical Village © Valeri Gill

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES 4

MSU 4-H Children’s Garden

Discover colorful themed gardens. *May be fees for parking and events.

Planet Walk

Experience a scaled representation of the solar system. Each footstep demonstrates one million miles.

Beacon Soccer Fields

No reservations or leagues, join in and play pickup soccer, anytime.

Beacon Soccer Field © Thomas Gennara

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT 7

Eli & Edythe Broad Art Museum Presenting groundbreaking, international contemporary art across all media.

8 Eli & Edythe Broad Art Museum © Choose Lansing

Lansing Art Gallery

The gallery provides a permanent facility open to the public at no charge. #LOVELANSING | 41

Area Map

EXIT 87

EXIT 85

CLARK RD.

S. DEWITT RD.

EXIT 84

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AIRPORT RD.

STOLL RD.

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STATE RD.

SHERIDAN RD. BUS.

LANSING MALL LANSING CITY ARENA

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CREYTS RD.

CANAL RD.

SAGINAW HWY. MICHIGAN AVE.

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LANSING CENTER

SAGINAW ST.

DOWNTOWN LANSING

(see detailed map on pg. 26)

EXIT 3 GRAND

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ST. JOSEPH HWY. EXIT 95

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WILLOW ST.

WAVERLY RD.

DELTA TOWNSHIP

KE LA

BUS.

WILLOW HWY.

RIVER

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EXIT 5

REO TOWN LANSING

96 TO THE CITY OF

CHARLOTTE

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JOLLY RD.

EATON RAPIDS

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MILLER RD.

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EDGEW OOD B LV

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MAP KEY

Nightlife

Lansing River Trail Michigan State Capitol

Event Venues

CLARK RD.

Hospitals

EXIT 90

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PARK LAKE

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CHANDLER RD.

COOLIDGE RD.

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69 COLEMAN RD. BUS.

EXIT 8

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RED CEDA

MSU CAMPUS

(see detailed map on pg. 34)

GREYHOUND/ AMTRAK

THE JAMES B. HENRY CENTER FOR EXECUTIVE DEVELOPMENT FOREST RD.

OKEMOS RD.

GRAN D RIV ER AV E.

HANNAH BLVD. MT. HOPE AVE.

EXIT 104

HAGADORN RD.

COLLEGE RD. EXIT 106A

HOPE SPORTS COMPLEX

RIV

JOLLY RD.

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TO THE CITY OF

WILLIAMSTON AR

OKEMOS

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MERIDIAN MALL

BIGGBY COFFEE ICE CUBE EAST LANSING

MCLAREN GREATER LANSING

MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP MAR SH R D.

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OKEMOS RD.

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EAST LANSING HANNAH COMMUNITY CENTER

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127

. ST

HASLETT

HAGADORN RD.

MICHIGAN AVE.

HARRISON RD.

SPARROW HEALTH SYSTEM E. W. SPARROW HOSPITAL CAMPUS

COLLINS RD.

EAST LANSING

S AG INA W

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AURELIUS RD.

Choose Lansing™

Shopping

(map not to scale)

Dining

TO THE CITY OF

MASON

EXIT 110

Accessible TRAVEL Greater Lansing prides itself on being a welcoming community and strives to provide the best experience to all guests who visit. We are always working to accommodate visitors and make our services more accessible for all travelers with all needs.

ATTRACTIONS From the Handicapable go-karts at High Caliber Karting & Entertainment to 20+ miles of paved, beautiful Lansing River Trail, Greater Lansing attractions offer many amenities to make everyone’s experience enjoyable. Attend a sensory inclusive show at Wharton Center for Performing Arts or take a tour of Michigan’s State Capitol building with a licensed American Sign Language interpreter.

Heritage Hall, Michigan State Capitol © Thomas Gennara

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Don’t miss Play Michigan! It is the first universally accessible playground in the region. Designed to meet the needs of children with physical, sensory, and development disabilities.

Old Town Lansing © Choose Lansing

SENSORY INCLUSIVE ACTIVITIES

Impression 5 Science Center © Impression 5 Science Center

It is our goal to be the most sensory inclusive city in Michigan! Choose Lansing™ is collaborating with regional attractions to provide a supportive and welcoming environment for those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), developmental disabilities, sensory processing disorders, and other neurodiverse individuals and their families. Many attractions and hotels have undergone training to better meet the needs of our neurodiverse guests.

LANSING IS ACCESSIBLE Scan the QR Code for sensory inclusive activities and attractions, including restaurants and virtual tours of over 50 area locations.

Lansing is the first city in the nation to be certified in the AbleVu Accessible Cities program. Experience the city virtually before you visit. Explore the site ahead of time to relieve the stress and anxiety of traveling.

HIKING & BIKING TRAILS

ANDERSON PARK

LANSING RIVER TRAIL

FENNER NATURE CENTER

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VALHALLA TRAILS

Woldumar Nature Center © Choose Lansing

Scan this QR Code for a full list of outdoor activities.

DISC GOLF COURSES Burchfield Park

Two 18-hole courses

Grand Woods 21-hole course

Granger Meadows

9-hole course

Fitzgerald Park 18-hole course

Lincoln Park

24-hole course

Sleepy Hollow State Park 18-hole course

Tadpole Beach Disc Golf Course Burchfield Park © Choose Lansing

18-hole course

#LOVELANSING | 47

LANSING RIVER TRAIL Whether you bike it, run it, walk it, or paddle by it, the Lansing River Trail is one of Lansing’s most treasured assets. This 20+ mile trail traces the banks of the Grand and Red Cedar Rivers and winds through artsy neighborhoods, historic sites and familyfriendly attractions.

Rotary Park © James Lenon

Downtown Lansing @puremichiganguy

Impression 5 Science Center © Adrienne Cooley

Potter Park Zoo @potterparkzoo

Scan the QR Code for more nearby attractions and activities on the Lansing River Trail.

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REO Town Lansing @neff.adam

Old Town Lansing © Choose Lansing

Play Michigan! All Inclusive Playground © Choose Lansing

Lansing Shuffle © Choose Lansing

River Town Adventures © James Lenon

Michigan State University @coltons_captures

#LOVELANSING | 49

Beaches & SWIMMING Ready, Set, Get Wet!

Greater Lansing offers lots of ways to cool off while enjoying the summer sun.

POOLS & PARKS

If a swimming pool is your style, at East Lansing Family Aquatic Center you can find great family fun with a zero-depth-entrance, multiple pool slides, a splash pad and concession stand. Ingham County’s Hawk Island Park offers a great splash pad area as well, plus a grassy and sandy beach at the nearby lake so you can enjoy the best of both.

LAKES

Head to Lake Lansing for a great beach experience or travel just a bit farther north to Sleepy Hollow State Park for an expansive swimming beach at Lake Ovid. Plus, your fourlegged friend will appreciate their own dedicated beach exclusively for dogs.

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URBAN BEACH

Don’t want to swim? Head to downtown Lansing for fun and games at the urban beach at Rotary Park. Just sit back, dig your toes into the sand and watch the river flow by.

East Lansing Family Aquatic Center © East Lansing Family Aquatic Center

MEETING TO REMEMBER?

LANSING’S MY CHOICE The expert team of Certified Meeting Professionals at Choose Lansing™ will ensure you have everything you need for a memorable event. They will help you shine, make your job easier and help you host your best event yet. Choose Lansing and plan on something Greater.

Scan this QR Code to unlock the keys to your meeting’s success!

Lansing.org

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Hawk Hollow © Thomas Gennara

Greater Lansing’s golf courses offer challenging holes with scenic views for players of all abilities. Serious golfers will want to test their game and play the 17th hole island green at Eagle Eye Golf Course, while beginners may find Groesbeck Golf Course more to their liking. The region offers Big Ten sporting action, diverse dining, comfortable lodging and over 20 craft breweries, wineries and distilleries. Book your tee time and make it a weekend getaway!

FAMILY FUN COU RS E S

Little Hawk Putting Course

One of only a handful in the state that offers real grass, actual sand traps and water features. No spinning windmills on this course! Located behind Hawk Hollow Golf Course. 2

Royal Scot Foot Golf

Be sure to try out the latest sport—FootGolf! Combining soccer skills with a golf course lay out, FootGolf is fun for all ages! Scan this QR Code for a full list of golf courses.

#LOVELANSING | 53

LANSING LUGNUTS

The Lansing Lugnuts have been hitting home runs in downtown Lansing for over 25 years. Fans can score delicious food and beverage experiences while enjoying popular theme nights like Harry Potter, Marvel Super Heroes, Dog Days of Summer (dogs allowed!) and Thirsty Thursdays. And the fun doesn’t stop when the game is over. End the evening with a laser light or fireworks show after the game.

Scan this QR Code for other sports and leisure opportunities.

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SPORTING EVENT?

LANSING’S MY CHOICE The Lansing Sports Commission is dedicated to helping you host your next athletic event in Greater Lansing. Our free services include everything from tournament planning to volunteer recruitment. Choose Lansing and plan on something Greater.

Scan this QR Code to unlock the keys to planning a winning event.

LansingSports.org

Overnight STAY

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GREATER LANSING STAYS When you’re planning your getaway, finding the perfect lodging should be a number one priority. Check out, then check in, to some great places to stay to rest up and rejuvenate for the next day’s adventures.

MAKE A SPLASH! Want to be a superstar? If you’re traveling with kids, booking a hotel with a pool will earn you extra points! The English Inn © The English Inn

BED & BREAKFAST

A beautiful room at one of Lansing’s local bed-and-breakfasts can ensure the perfect romantic getaway. With a delicious sit down breakfast to start your day, you can be fueled up and ready to spend some quality time together exploring Greater Lansing.

#LOVELANSING | 57

PET-FRIENDLY

GETAWAY Love to travel but hate leaving your pet at home? Treat your furry friend to the ultimate vacation in Greater Lansing. Discover our top picks for a pet-friendly adventure. Pack your leash and travel bowls—Fido is welcome on this road trip!

LANSING LUGNUTS @siren_says_so

Enjoy baseball and canine companionship on “Dog Days of Summer” at Jackson® Field™.

MSU CAMPUS @krispykoda

With one of the biggest and greenest campuses in the nation, Michigan State University offers lots of spaces to explore with your pup.

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PATIOS

Scan the QR Code to watch and discover our favorite dog friendly patios.

Scan this QR Code for more doggy getaways ideas.

FESTIVALS

Many outdoor gatherings warmly welcome dogs.

Scan the QR Code to find hotels that welcome your four-legged friend.

Whether you’re planning a first date or a special evening with your longtime partner, you’ll find a wide variety of options for food, fun, and romance in Greater Lansing. Here are a few of our favorite ideas!

WATCH AND DISCOVER The Perfect Date Night Out!

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ROMANTIC DINING

Whether it’s an anniversary, birthday or other special occasion, Capital Prime provides the perfect candlelit backdrop for any intimate celebration. Or try Lansing’s newest elevated date night spot, Toscana Kitchen & Wine Market. Soak in the romantic atmosphere and enjoy an authentic Italian market, a self-serve wine oasis, plus a heated patio.

SEE A SHOW Make it an evening for the arts by seeing a Broadway show or the Lansing Symphony Orchestra at the Wharton Center for Performing Arts. Or browse the latest exhibit at the Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum at Michigan State University.

FUN & GAMES

High Caliber Karting & Entertainment @highcaliberkarting

Choose from tons of fun activities at High Caliber Karting and Entertainment. Try high-speed go-cart racing, throw bowling, rage rooms, axe throwing, an arcade, grab a bite to eat, and much more. Or check out Zap Zone XL’s new expansion, complete with a new and improved laser tag arena, bowling, a restaurant, ninja course, and more. #LOVELANSING | 61

WATCH AND DISCOVER Our Favorite Patio Spots

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SPRING & SUMMER

Lansing Shuffle @evelknieper

For stunning views of downtown Lansing, head to Lansing Shuffle and enjoy drinks and food from seven different restaurants on the riverfront patio. One North Kitchen & Bar has a spacious outdoor patio, a bright and comfy spot perfect for enjoying scratch cooking and craft beverages. And don’t miss Albert El Fresco in downtown East Lansing, an outdoor dining hub in the middle of the city’s best local restaurants.

FALL

Take in the full fall experience at Uncle John’s Cider Mill! Visit the pumpkin patch, go on a wagon ride, and then sip on a hard cider flight or play lawn games in the outdoor seating area. Explore not one, but two, patios at Joe’s on Jolly, a newer spot for upscale American food in Okemos. Their back patio, “Joe’s Backyard,” has fire pits, lawn games, live music, and good vibes.

WINTER The English Inn in Eaton Rapids has a beautiful patio that overlooks the river. The patio’s glass conservatories make for a cozy fine dining experience in the winter. Or stay toasty in one of the heated igloos or by a firepit at BAD Brewing Company in Mason, one of the region’s most popular patios. BAD Brewing Company @themittenadventures #LOVELANSING | 63

Brunch

ALWAYS UP FOR Leisurely weekends are made for a relaxing brunch with mimosas, marys and more! Check out these popular and delicious dining spots. Toscana Kitchen & Wine Market Indulge in the rich flavors of their lobster benedict with a craft cocktail. People’s Kitchen Savor the chicken and waffles with an Irish coffee. Beggar’s Banquet Pair an espresso martini or one of over a dozen brunch cocktails with their breakfast “benes.”

Creole Burger Bar & Southern Kitchen Sip a bloody Mary while nibbling on the “Biscuit & Bacon.” Midtown Brewing Company Try the mimosa flight alongside the breakfast nachos.

Lansing Shuffle @lansingshuffle

Scan the QR Code for a full list of breakfast and brunch spots.

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Lansing Shuffle Enjoy brunchy goodness while sipping a classic bloody Mary, mimosa or a boozy shake from Browndog.

Many local restaurants are top notch at offering gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan options. A FEW FAVORITES: Osteria Vegana Michigan’s first Italian and gourmet, vegan fusion restaurant. Located inside the Lansing Shuffle food hall. Fuel’d Stir Fry & Salad A destination for simple, convenient, healthy food. Veg Head The fresh menu offers entirely plant-based selections that reimagine American comfort food dishes. Sweet Encounter Bakery & Café A gourmet bakery and café specializing in made-from-scratch glutenfree, soy-free, peanut-free and vegan desserts.

#LOVELANSING | 65

Scene

NEW ON THE

Scan this QR Code for a full list of new dining options.

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The choice of dining options in Lansing has gotten even greater. You’ll find mouthwatering fare at whichever new restaurant you choose.

The Comfort Zone Cigar Lounge & Bistro features a robust menu of dinner entrées, spirits and cigars. Toscana Kitchen + Wine Market is an elevated Tuscan steakhouse with an expansive wine list. The Old Bag of Nails Pub offers pub fare featuring its popular fish & chips. Pablo’s Eastside serves the same authentic Mexican dishes locals have come to love at their original Old Town location.

Joe’s on Jolly has upgraded the classic bar menu with local ingredients. Niko’s Taverna serves classic Greek dishes in a fun familyfriendly atmosphere. Lansing Shuffle—Takitos AF and Beirut Kitchen are scheduled to make their debut in 2024 giving this food hall a total of seven dining options. The Tangy Crab prepares mouthwatering seafood boils featuring Cajun-inspired cuisine.

ESTABLISHED

Favorites Experience the region’s beloved go-to restaurants and discover why locals have kept them in business for decades.

Scan this QR Code for a full list of local favorite restaurants.

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Harry’s Place is a neighborhood bar and grill with a Lansing history that goes back over 100 years. MEAT. Southern BBQ and Carnivore Cuisine is known for their slow-smoked meats, tasty sides and Old Town location. Soup Spoon Café serves a seasonal, locally-sourced menu. Crunchy’s is the go-to bar near campus and loved for their buckets of beer and pizza nugs. Falsetta’s Casa Nova has been a Lansing tradition for 60 years, serving Lansing’s first pizza in 1951 and home to classic homestyle Italian dishes. The Peanut Barrel has served up crazy good burgers, beer and fun for over 40 years.

MAP KEY (map not to scale) Breweries Distilleries Wineries ST. JOHNS

DEWITT 8

HASLETT GRAND LEDGE

OKEMOS

LANSING

12 10

7 16 15 18

EAST LANSING 5 6 13

WILLIAMSTON

DIMONDALE 3

MASON 1

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Pass

CRAFT BEVERAGE Take your taste buds on a tour with the Greater Lansing Craft Beverage Pass. Sip, sip, hooray! Find onestop access to deals and discounts as you visit, check in, and win fun prizes.

BREWERIES 1 BAD Brewing Company 2 BrickHaven Brewing Company 3 Dimes Brewhouse 4 EagleMonk Pub and Brewery 5 Harper’s Restaurant &

Brew Pub

6 Jolly Pumpkin Café & Brewery 7 Lansing Brewing Company 8 Looking Glass Brewing Company 9 Michigan Brewing Works &

Garlic Farm

10 Midtown Brewing Company 11

Old Nation Brewing Company

5 REASONS WHY YOU NEED A PASS

13 Phillips Cider Bar & Market 14 St. Johns Brewing Company

DISTILLERIES 15 American Fifth Spirits

Access to deals and discounts.

16 MichiGrain Distillery

Check in, accumulate points, win fun prizes.

17 Red Cedar Spirits

No apps to download.

Find a list of the region’s craft beverage makers all in one place.

Best reason of all—it’s free!

18 Sleepwalker Spirits and Ale

WINERIES 19 Burgdorf’s Winery 20 Uncle John’s Cider Mill #LOVELANSING | 71

Michigan

HEART OF

Lansing’s rich cultural heritage and pride in its diversity makes it a warm and welcoming community to all who live, work and visit Michigan’s Capital region. Lansing’s diversity score (according to bestneighborhood.org) is 97 out of 100, making it a standout in comparison to other US cities.

Scan the QR Code to learn more about the region’s African-American, Hispanic and Native American roots.

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AROUND THE WORLD CUISINE You can find all kinds of Americanstyle restaurants serving up burgers, steaks, fries and barbeque, but Greater Lansing is also home to food from around the world. Whether you crave great African, Asian, Japanese, Korean, Mexican, Italian, Middle Eastern, Greek, Persian or Turkish fare, you can dine internationally any day of the week. Scan the QR Code for a full list!

CULTURAL ATTRACTIONS Discover some of the area’s cultural attractions like Nokomis Cultural Heritage Center, All Around the African World Museum and Resource Center, exhibits at the Michigan History Museum and genealogy research at the State Archives. The Lansing Lugnuts celebrate cultural diversity annually with their Lansing Locos and The Nine Initiative.

WE HAVE PRIDE! Did You Know? East Lansing, Michigan earned a perfect score on the Human Rights Campaign’s Municipal Equality Index (MEI), which considers factors like LGBTQIA+ friendly policies, laws and services. Historically, East Lansing was the first municipality in the country to ban discrimination based on sexual orientation in hiring practices. East Lansing Pride @dlscinema

#LOVELANSING | 73

SHOP

Local

When you’re looking for that unique gift or hand-crafted item, it’s time to shop small and shop local. Stroll the three distinct and picturesque Lansing shopping districts filled with locally-owned galleries, unique boutiques, restaurants and entertainment options.

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DOWNTOWN LANSING 1

Find an original Planters Peanut store—The Peanut Shop, a Lansing icon—Kositchek’s Menswear, the incubator shops of The Shops at Middle Village and the one-of-a-kind designs at Linn and Owen Jewelers.

OLD TOWN LANSING 2

Discover Grace Boutique, Old Town General Store, Bad Annie’s, Cravings Gourmet Popcorn and Metro Melik 517. Plus, find destination retailers like Preuss Pets and Elderly Instruments. Elderly Instruments © Elderly Instruments

REO TOWN

Explore the REO Town Marketplace and The Robin Books inside the Robin Theatre. Hungry? Don’t miss Sleepwalker Spirits and Ale, Saddleback BBQ and Blue Owl Coffee.

Scan this QR Code for additional shopping info.

Elderly Instruments has been named America’s Top Small Business for 2023 by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. This prestigious award was granted to them from a vast pool of over 15,000 applicants across the nation.

Shop,

PLAY & STAY If you’re looking for a convenient location that offers great dining, lodging, shopping and entertainment—look no further than the three destinations outlined here.

EASTWOOD TOWNE CENTER NCG Cinemas is an 18-screen movie theater offering full concessions and a bar/café.

RETAIL

NEARBY

Dick's Sporting Goods, Talbots, DSW Shoe Warehouse, Old Navy, The Apple Store and Pottery Barn.

Over a dozen restaurants and six hotels. Minutes away from MSU, Spare Time Entertainment Center, Eagle Eye Golf Course and downtown Lansing.

LANSING MALL Zap Zone XL features a restaurant, expansive arcade, laser tag, gokart track, bowling, trampolines, glow golf, toy store and more! Regal Lansing Mall Multiplex movie theatre The Venue by Eleven 11 Events Private event space for live music, corporate events and more!

RETAIL Barnes & Noble Booksellers, JCPenney and Best Buy.

NEARBY Lansing City Arena, numerous restaurants and hotels.

Launch Lansing @launchlansing

MERIDIAN MALL Launch Trampoline Park provides trampolines, laser tag, escape room and arcade. High Caliber Karting & Entertainment offers a bar and bistro, axe throwing, throw bowling, high speed gokarting, rage room, live music and pocket soccer.

RETAIL Macy’s, H&M, JCPenney and Dick’s Sporting Goods.

NEARBY Meridian Farmers Market (yearround), Synthetic Ice Skating Rink (seasonal), Studio C! movie theatre, Meridian Historical Village, Nokomis Cultural Heritage Center and multiple restaurants and hotels.

#LOVELANSING | 77

Michigan DAY TRIPS

Greater Lansing’s central location makes it the perfect jumping off point to explore the state. Most surrounding destinations are within an easy drive and make great day trips. 1

Lake Michigan Beaches 119 miles, 2 hours

Don’t Miss: • White sand, an abundance of lighthouses, scenic drives and rolling dunes. 2 Grand Rapids 68 miles, 1 hour

Don’t Miss: • Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park • Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum • John Ball Zoo 3 Holland

79 miles, 1.3 hours

Don’t Miss: • Nellis Dutch Village • Windmill Island Gardens • Holland State Park Beach 78 |

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4 Mackinac Island

230 miles, 3.5 hours + Ferry

Don’t Miss: • Fort Mackinac • Grand Hotel • Horse-drawn carriage rides 5

Traverse City

182 miles, 3 hours

Don’t Miss: • Wineries and Vineyards 6

• Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

Frankenmuth

75 miles, 1.25 hours

Don’t Miss: • Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland

• Zehnder’s Bavarian Inn chicken dinners

1 2 3

7 Detroit

90 miles, 1.5 hours

Don’t Miss: • Detroit Institute of Arts

8 Ann Arbor

65 miles, 1 hour

• Motown Museum

Don’t Miss: • University of Michigan

• The Henry Ford Museum

• Matthaei Botanical Gardens

GETTING HERE & GETTING AROUND Not only is getting to Greater Lansing easy, so is getting around! From Uber to limo, and bus to scooters, there are a lot of ways to find your way around the area. Choose what works best for you and your group. Get out and explore!

RIDESHARING SCOOTERS

DIRECT TO CHICAGO Amtrak’s Blue Water passenger train travels from the Capital Area Multimodal Gateway in East Lansing to Union Station in the heart of Chicago in under four hours.

CHARGING STATIONS Scan the QR Code for every public charging station for electric vehicles.

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GETTING HERE... BY PLANE

GETTING AROUND... BY BUS

Capital Region International Airport is your connection to some of the nation’s largest hubs and easy connections to the rest of the world. Minutes from downtown Lansing, the Capitol and Michigan State University (MSU). (517) 321-6121 | FlyLansing.com

CATA (Capital Area Transportation Authority) provides the area with fixed route bus service, including service to MSU and Spec-Tran curbto-curb service for disabled persons. Late night service Thursday–Saturday. (517) 394-1000 | CATA.org

BY TRAIN

Dean Trailways of Michigan offers premium motor coaches that include amenities such as WiFi, 110 outlets and Satellite TV. (517) 319-3326 | DeanTrailways.com

Amtrak links the Lansing area with more than 20 Michigan cities and over 500 cities and towns nationwide. For fares/schedules call (800) USA-RAIL Amtrak.com

BY BUS

Greyhound Bus Lines offers yet another form of transportation to and from the Greater Lansing area. Lansing (517) 482-4246 East Lansing (517) 332-2595 Greyhound.com Michigan Flyer is a luxury motorcoach providing scheduled service to and from East Lansing, Ann Arbor, Brighton and Detroit Metro Airport. Discounted parking at departure locations. (517) 333-0400 | MichiganFlyer.com

Indian Trails offers daily service to over 200 destinations. Connecting service across America through Greyhound and other carriers. All coaches are ADA accessible, offer free WiFi and have electrical outlets. (989) 725-5105 | IndianTrails.com

BY CAR SERVICE

Dean Black Car Service is your resource for professional, chauffeured transportation in Greater Lansing. (517) 319-3326 | DeanTrailways.com Grand Limousine offers limousine and black car service for all occasions including: airport transportation, weddings, special events and more! (517) 882-5466 | GrandLimo.com Lighthouse Limousine offers quality group transportation including professional drivers and ability to service any event. (517) 798-5625 LighthouseLimos.com #LOVELANSING | 81

WHERE TO PARK IN GREATER LANSING

IN LANSING No more searching for loose change or rushing out to put more coins in the meter. Lansing’s multi-space pay stations and Passport app let you do it from your smart phone. Download the app at PassportParking.com. Lansing has also ramped up their game with an extreme makeover of parking ramps and lots. Enjoy lighting and security improvements, cool convenient wayfinding, new entry and exit equipment and effortless payment.

IN EAST LANSING You can now get real-time parking availability in East Lansing—perfect for those busy football Saturdays!

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LARCH ST.

CEDAR ST.

CÉSAR E. CHÀVEZ

WASHINGTON AVE.

DOWNTOWN LANSING PARKING MAP SAGINAW ST.

Lansing River Trail 99

CEDAR ST.

GRAND AVE.

LARCH ST.

MICHIGAN AVE. CEDAR S

RIVERFRO

NT DR.

. MUSEUM DR

CAPITOL AVE.

SEYMOUR ST.

WALNUT ST.

ST. JOSEPH HWY.

5 4

LENAWEE ST.

SHIAWASSEE ST.

KALAMAZOO ST.

GRAND AVE.

Lansing Community KALAMAZOO ST. College

SAGINAW ST.

WASHINGTON AVE.

Jackson® Field™

ALLEGAN ST. 6 WASHTENAW ST. CAPITOL AVE.

Choose Lansing™

TOWNSEND ST.

496

99 Center Parking Lansing Under and North of Lansing Center. Open 24 hours a day. Fees charged 24 hours a day. Cost: $2 per hour, $10 daily max. Cash, Visa, MC, Discover, AmEx. 1

North Capitol Ramp Capitol Ave. between Shiawassee St. and Ionia St. (enter from Capitol Ave.). Open weekdays, 6 a.m.-10:30 p.m. Fees charged 24 hours a day. Cost: $3 per hour, $15 daily max. Cash, Visa, MC, Discover, AmEx. 2

North Grand Parking Ramp Grand Ave. between Ionia St. and Ottawa St. Open 24 hours a day. Fees charged 24 hours a day. Cost: $3 per hour, $15 daily max. Cash, Visa, MC, Discover, AmEx. 3

South Capitol Ramp Kalamazoo St. between Townsend St. RE DC ED and Capitol Ave. Open 24 hours AR a day. RI VE Fees charged 24 hours a day. Cost: R $3 per hour, $15 daily max. Cash, Visa, MC, Discover, AmEx. 4

CEDAR ST.

City Parking Services Office (517) 483–4240

WASHINGTON AVE.

496 MAIN ST.

PENNSYLVANIA AVE.

MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. BLVD.

IONIA ST. Lansing Center 99 State Capitol OTTAWA ST. Building MICHIGAN AVE.

CHESTNUT ST.

DoubleTree by SHIAWASSEE ST. Hilton Lansing

PINE ST.

43 Courtyard by LAPEER Marriott—Lansing ST. Downtown GENESEE ST.

PENNSYLVANIA AVE.

map not to scale

OAKLAND AVE.

LARCH ST.

OAKLAND AVE. MAP KEY

Ellis Parking Company (517) 482–3659 Capitol and Washtenaw Lot 229 S. Capitol Ave., NE corner of Capitol Ave. and Washtenaw St. Open 24 hours. Fees charged: 24/7. Cost: $1.25 per ½ hour, $12 daily max. Visa, MC, Discover, AmEx. 5

Constitution Hall Lot 425 W. Allegan, between Allegan St. and Washtenaw St., West of Walnut St. Open 24 hours. Fees charged: when attendant is present during business hours. Cost: $1.25 per ½ hour, $10 daily max. Cash, Visa, MC, Discover, AmEx. 6

Choose Lansing™ 500 East Michigan Avenue, Suite 180 Lansing, MI 48912

2024 Choose Lansing Visitor Inspiration Guide

Articles inside

8 Free Things To Do

Shop, Play & Stay

Heart of Michigan

Always Up For Brunch

Lansing Lugnuts

Accessible Travel

5 Tips For Attending a MSU Football game

Michigan State University

Reasons to visit Lansing, Michigan