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Lansing

Lansing travel guide

Capital city of Michigan, United States

Best time to visitSeptember
Nearest airportLAN · 4 mi from centre
Time zoneUTC−4
Population112,644

About Lansing

Lansing is the capital city of the U.S. state of Michigan. It is the sixth-most populous city in Michigan with a population of 112,644 as of the 2020 census, and is the most populous city in Ingham County, though parts of the city extend into Eaton and Clinton counties. The Lansing–East Lansing metropolitan area has an estimated 473,000 residents and is the third largest in the state after metropolitan Detroit and Grand Rapids. Lansing benefits from its central location within Mid-Michigan and serves as a regional hub for government, education, insurance and commerce.

Places to visit in Lansing

  1. Michigan State Capitol

    Michigan State Capitol

    Landmark

    A restored Victorian capitol with a tall dome and richly painted interiors. Free guided tours show off the rotunda's glass floor, legislative chambers and elaborate decorative work.

  2. Michigan State University

    Landmark · 3 mi from centre

    In neighboring East Lansing, this large campus offers riverside walks, gardens, a dairy store with its own ice cream and several museums. Its leafy grounds are worth an unhurried visit.

  3. Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum

    Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum

    Museum

    A contemporary art museum at Michigan State University, housed in a dramatic angular steel-and-glass building by Zaha Hadid. It hosts changing exhibitions of modern and contemporary work.

  4. R.E. Olds Transportation Museum

    R.E. Olds Transportation Museum

    Museum

    A museum devoted to Lansing's automotive heritage, especially the Oldsmobile and REO brands founded by Ransom E. Olds. Its collection of historic cars, engines and memorabilia shows how the city grew around the auto industry.

  5. Potter Park Zoo

    Potter Park Zoo

    Zoo

    A compact zoo along the Red Cedar River with big cats, primates, penguins and a farmyard area. A relaxed outing for families, close to downtown.

  6. Lansing River Trail

    Lansing River Trail

    Park · 2 mi from centre

    A long paved path following the Grand and Red Cedar rivers, linking downtown, parks, the zoo and the university. Good for walking, running or cycling through the city's green corridors.

  7. Impression 5 Science Center

    Impression 5 Science Center

    Museum

    A hands-on science museum near the river, with interactive exhibits designed for children to experiment, build and explore. A good rainy day option for families.

Where to stay in Lansing

Popular hotels in Lansing, out of 53 properties you can book.

See all hotels in Lansing

Best time to visit Lansing

Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Lansing is September, when average daytime highs are around 76°F and rain falls on about 5 days a month.

MonthTemperature (°F)Rain days
Jan 17° – 29° 13
Feb 22° – 38° 7
Mar 31° – 51° 9
Apr 39° – 59° 12
May 50° – 69° 12
Jun 61° – 81° 13
Jul 64° – 83° 13
Aug 61° – 80° 8
Sep 56° – 76° 5
Oct 45° – 64° 7
Nov 36° – 48° 10
Dec 22° – 34° 13

Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.

Lansing weather forecast

  • Wed 21 Oct 65° 38° 0%
  • Thu 22 Oct 68° 46° 1%
  • Fri 23 Oct 69° 46° 0%
  • Sat 24 Oct 70° 47° 0%
  • Sun 25 Oct 73° 52° 3%
  • Mon 26 Oct 73° 52° 5%

Know before you go

Currency
United States dollar (USD)
Language
English
Calling code
+1
Driving
On the right
Time zone
America/DetroitUTC−4
Capital
Washington, D.C.

Upcoming public holidays in United States

  • Veterans Day
  • Thanksgiving Day
  • Christmas Day
  • New Year's Day
  • Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
  • Presidents DayWashington's Birthday

Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.

Getting to Lansing

These are the airports closest to central Lansing. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.

  • LAN Capital Region International Airport4 mi (6 km) from the city centre
Search flights to Lansing

Getting around Lansing

Lansing is served by a number of highways. Travel by car to any part of the city normally takes very little time. Traffic is generally light in the region. While there is some rush hour traffic, visitors driving in the region should not anticipate heavy congestion. The heaviest traffic is concentrated on the east and west sides of the city.

Lansing travel FAQ

When is the best time to visit Lansing?

Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Lansing is September, when average daytime highs are around 76°F and rain falls on about 5 days a month.

What is the weather like in Lansing?

July is usually the warmest month in Lansing, with average highs of 83°F (28°C). January is the coolest, with average lows of 17°F (-8°C). The wettest month is typically July, with about 96 mm of rain.

Which airport is closest to Lansing?

Capital Region International Airport (LAN) is the closest airport, about 4 miles (6 km) from the centre of Lansing.

What time zone is Lansing in?

Lansing uses the America/Detroit time zone (currently UTC−4). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.

How do I get around Lansing?

Lansing is served by a number of highways. Travel by car to any part of the city normally takes very little time. Traffic is generally light in the region. While there is some rush hour traffic, visitors driving in the region should not anticipate heavy congestion.

What are the best places to visit in Lansing?

Top sights in Lansing include Michigan State Capitol, Michigan State University, Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum and R.E. Olds Transportation Museum. A restored Victorian capitol with a tall dome and richly painted interiors. Free guided tours show off the rotunda's glass floor, legislative chambers and elaborate decorative work.

Where should I stay in Lansing?

Popular areas for hotels in Lansing include Lansing and Okemos Area. Well-reviewed options include Hampton Inn East Lansing and Springhill Suites By Marriott Lansing West.

How many hotels can I book in Lansing?

Destina Holidays currently lists 53 properties in and around Lansing, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.