Lansing, MI Tourist Attractions

Lansing became the permanent state capital in 1847, even though at the time the site consisted of a log cabin and sawmill. Once it was decided, the town began to grow with a total of 4,000 residents by 1859.

R.E. Olds Transportation Museum

Artifacts and documents at R.E. Olds Transportation Museum trace the history of area transportation from 1883 to the present. Antique vehicles, automotive memorabilia as well as aircraft, bicycles and carriages are displayed. The range of automobiles includes the first Oldsmobile, built in 1897 to the first 1966 Toronado off the assembly line.

Michigan Historical Museum

The Michigan Historical Museum tells Michigan's story from prehistoric times to the 1900's on the second floor, exhibits about "Michigan in the 20th Century" are located on the third floor, and changing exhibits with themes ranging from underwater archaeology to Civil War flags are on the first floor.

Michigan Museum of Surveying

The Museum of Surveying is dedicated to the profession of surveying and mapping. The collection features survey artifacts, early instruments, and historical literature. Exhibits trace the development of surveying from its ancient origins in Mesopotamia to modern equipment and techniques.

Michigan Women's Historical Center & Hall of Fame

The goal of the Michigan Women's Historical Center and Hall of Fame is to give visibility to Michigan women artists, photographers, and sculptors. Collections include paintings, portraits and a collection of women's suffrage postcards. The photographic collection features portraits of Michigan women.

Minibeast Zooseum and Education Center

Minibeast Zooseum is an insect, spider and macroinvertebrate zoo and museum. The Zooseum features a minibeast zoo, hands-on exhibits, resource center and library, as well as outdoor gardens and trails. Visitors can meet bugs eye to eye and learn from a professional entomologist!

Carl G. Fenner Nature Center

The Carl G. Fenner Nature Center has 4 miles of nature trails, an herb garden, a butterfly garden and a visitor center with reptiles, amphibians, native birds and environmental displays.

Impression 5 Science Center

Housed in a renovated century-old building, Impression 5 Science Center is a hands-on museum with a computer and chemistry lab, as well as energy, biology, medicine and physics displays.

Potter Park Zoo

The Potter Park Zoo houses over 100 species including primates, lions, penguins, snow leopards, rhinoceroses, reptiles, and birds. Light shows are presented from late November through December.

State Capitol

Originally opened in 1879, it was modeled after the United States Capitol in Washington D.C.