Lansing, Michigan is a hotbed of politics, culture, higher education, and the arts. No matter if you’re just looking to visit or hoping to settle down with a new apartment in Lansing, there’s a lot to explore and experience. Here are some of our favorite Lansing landmarks to check out on your next visit to Michigan’s capital city!
The Michigan State Capitol
As Michigan’s state capital, Lansing is home to the Michigan Capitol building. The present capitol building was erected in 1879 and underwent a three year renovation process that reopened the building in 1992. The Capitol’s rotunda features a cast-iron dome and murals of the eight muses that visitors can see from the rotunda’s floor or if they tour the higher levels; it’s both a feat of Neoclassical architecture and artistry. But the Capitol’s beauty doesn’t end there – the Capitol grounds are full of sculptures, foliage, and landscape design that reflect Michigan’s rich history. It’s a wonderful place to spend an afternoon and learn more about Michigan’s past.
Potter Park Zoo
Lansing’s Potter Park Zoo was founded in 1912 and has grown over the years to house over 160 species of animals across its 102-acre space. Potter Park Zoo is not just an attraction for many Lansing residents but also boasts one of the country’s premiere postdoctoral residency programs for veterinary students, which means that some of the USA’s brightest minds in veterinary sciences come to Potter Park Zoo to put their skills to use. As the zoo continues to grow, the zoo hopes to bring in new exhibitions that focus on the wildlife of the nearby Red Cedar River and larger Michigan ecosystems.
The Wharton Center for Performing Arts
In East Lansing on the Michigan State University campus, you’ll find the Wharton Center for Performing Arts. The Wharton Center houses the Lansing Symphony Orchestra in addition to hosting some of the city’s premiere performances, like the upcoming production of Kinky Boots. The Wharton Center for Performing Arts provides a little bit of Broadway right in the heart of Michigan.
We hope you enjoy your next visit to Lansing, whether it’s to find your next Lansing apartment or if you’re just catching up with friends or family. Think you know of a Lansing hotspot we missed? Let us know on Twitter!
