Discover Michigan's capital, featuring a historic State Capitol, rich automotive heritage, world-class museums, and vibrant cultural attractions
112,644
Population (2020)
1847
Year Designated Capital
1879
State Capitol Completed
30+ km
River Trail System
Overview
Lansing is the capital of Michigan and the county seat of Ingham County, located in the heart of the state. With a 2020 population of 112,644, Lansing is the sixth-most populous city in Michigan. The Lansing–East Lansing metropolitan area has approximately 473,000 residents, making it the third-largest metropolitan area in Michigan after Detroit and Grand Rapids.
Founded in 1835 and designated as Michigan's state capital in 1847, Lansing was chosen for its more central location within the state. The city became a prominent manufacturing center in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly as the home of Oldsmobile and REO Motor Car Company. Today, Lansing blends its historic automotive heritage with modern industries including government, education, healthcare, insurance, and technology.
History
Founding (1835): Lansing was founded in 1835 on the Grand River in the heart of Michigan's lower peninsula. The settlement grew slowly at first, remaining a small and relatively insignificant town.
Capital Designation (1847): On March 16, 1847, after months of debate in the legislature, Michigan's governor signed into law a bill naming Lansing Township as the new state capital. This selection was made in response to frustrations with Detroit and was chosen for its central location within Michigan and better defensibility. When the designation was announced, many legislators openly laughed at the idea that such an insignificant settlement was now the capital city.
City Incorporation (1859): The settlement grew to nearly 3,000 residents and was incorporated as a city in 1859, encompassing about seven square miles in area.
Automotive Era (Late 1800s-1900s): In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Lansing became a prominent center in the automobile industry. Ransom E. Olds founded two major automotive companies in Lansing: Oldsmobile (1897), which became the first high-volume gasoline-powered automobile manufacturer producing 635 cars in 1901, and REO Motor Car Company. Oldsmobile became the top-selling car company in the United States from 1903 to 1904.
Modern Era: While manufacturing remains important, Lansing has diversified its economy to include government operations, higher education, healthcare, and technology sectors.
Government & Michigan State Capitol
State Government Hub: Lansing serves as the capital city of Michigan, housing the chambers and offices of the Michigan Legislature as well as the ceremonial offices of the Governor and Lieutenant Governor.
Michigan State Capitol - A National Historic Landmark
The current Michigan State Capitol, located at the intersection of Capitol and Michigan Avenues, is a National Historic Landmark with 139 rooms. The cornerstone was laid on October 2, 1873, with approximately 7,000 Lansing residents and between 30,000 to 50,000 visitors attending the ceremony. Construction was completed by late 1878, and the building was officially dedicated on January 1, 1879, coinciding with the inauguration of Governor Charles Croswell.
Capitol Construction & Materials
The final construction cost totaled $1,427,738.78, considered modest for a state capitol during this period. Materials came from across the nation and abroad: locally-made Lansing bricks formed the walls and ceilings, stone facade came from Ohio, cast iron for the dome and floor beams from Pennsylvania, and marble and limestone floors from Vermont.
Restoration Project (1989-1992)
A highly successful, award-winning restoration began in 1989 and was completed in 1992. The restoration reversed years of aging and unfortunate alterations, rediscovering the building's hidden architectural beauty while modernizing mechanical systems, improving accessibility, and restoring original design elements. The dome was returned to its creamy-white shade, and the Capitol emerged revitalized to serve Michigan for generations to come.
Demographics & Economy
Population Statistics (2023)
City Population: 112,644
Metro Area Population: 473,000
Median Age: 33 years
Gender Distribution: 49.3% male, 50.7% female
International Born: 9.95% (11,200 residents)
Racial & Ethnic Composition
White (Non-Hispanic): 57.7%
Black/African American: 22.6%
Two or More Races: 6.14%
Asian: 3.24%
Hispanic/Latino: 6.52%
Other: 3.88%
Income & Household Data (2023)
Average Household Income: $64,509
Median Household Income: $52,170
Self-Employed: 5.3%
Private Sector: 62.6%
Public Sector: 19.4%
Employment & Workforce
Total Employment: 56,200 people
Labor Force Growth: +2.8% annually
Major Employers: Government, education, healthcare, insurance
Economy Overview
Lansing's economy is diverse and resilient, driven by state government operations, higher education, health care, and insurance sectors. The public sector remains one of the city's largest employers, with thousands of jobs in local, state, and federal agencies. Major employers include Lansing's public school system, Lansing Community College, and Michigan State University in nearby East Lansing.
Growing Industries
While Lansing remains an automotive hub historically, healthcare, insurance, professional services, and information technology have become increasingly important economic sectors. Early availability of high-speed Internet in 1996 combined with a large student population from Michigan State University, Lansing Community College, and Cooley Law School created an intellectual environment fostering biotechnology and information technology company incubation. Lansing hosts a growing number of technology companies specializing in information technology and biotechnology.
Attractions & Museums
Major Museums
Michigan History Museum: Features three floors of exhibits depicting Michigan's history from the end of the Ice Age through the late 20th century. Visitors can walk through replicas of an Upper Peninsula copper mine, a lumbering exhibit, a one-room schoolhouse, and stroll a 1920s-era street complete with a car showroom.
Impression 5 Science Center: A dynamic, interactive space where families can play, create, and challenge their understanding of science and technology.
R.E. Olds Transportation Museum: Located in REO Town, showcasing priceless and exquisitely restored vehicles, including the curved-dash Olds that predates the Ford Model T.
MSU Museum: Exhibits art, science, and cultural artifacts (temporarily closed for renovations with estimated reopening January 2026).
Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum: Contemporary and classical art collections.
Abrams Planetarium: Space shows and astronomy education programs.
Downtown Attractions
Within a five-block radius in the city center are five must-see attractions: the neoclassical Michigan State Capitol Building (a National Historic Landmark), Impression 5 Science Center, Cooley Law School Stadium (home of the minor league Lansing Lugnuts baseball team), the R.E. Olds Transportation Museum, and the Michigan History Museum.
Zoo & Parks
Potter Park Zoo: A 102-acre zoo home to over 160 species of animals, located in Lansing's Potter Park. Michigan's oldest public zoo with engaging educational programs.
Hawk Island Park: A 100-acre park offering year-round outdoor activities including kayaking, swimming, water parks, and nature trails.
Lake Lansing Park-South: The largest body of water within 30 miles, perfect for water recreation.
Arts & Entertainment
Wharton Center for Performing Arts: The largest performing arts venue in Michigan, hosting more than 100 events each season including Broadway musicals, dances, plays, and family programming.
Lansing Symphony Orchestra: Professional orchestra entertaining the region since 1929.
Brewery & Distillery Scene: Greater Lansing hosts over a dozen wineries, breweries, and distilleries with tasting rooms, including American Fifth Spirits, an award-winning bourbon and spirits producer using Michigan-sourced ingredients.
Neighborhoods to Explore
Old Town District: Dating to the city's founding days of the mid-1800s, featuring colorful storefronts in century-old buildings housing tattoo artists, art galleries, pubs, and restaurants.
REO Town: An up-and-coming neighborhood once home to the R.E. Olds Motor Company, attracting a young crowd with eclectic art, vibrant cafes, and diverse restaurants.
Education & Institutions
Major Universities & Colleges
Michigan State University: The flagship university of the region, located in nearby East Lansing, offering comprehensive research and academic programs.
Lansing Community College: Community college with downtown campus offering associate and workforce development programs.
Cooley Law School: Law school located in Lansing offering legal education programs.
Davenport University - Lansing Campus: Founded in the 1950s as Davenport's first campus outside Grand Rapids. The Lansing campus was renovated in 2013 and offers more than 20 program options for associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees.
Western Michigan University - Lansing Campus: WMU's regional campus serving greater Lansing students.
Central Michigan University: Regional presence in the Lansing area for upper-level and graduate programs.
Northwood University: Accredited private university offering business degrees through the University Center Building.
Siena Heights University: Regional education provider serving the Lansing area.
Greater Lansing is home to approximately 10,783 undergraduate students at four-year institutions and multiple options for community college, graduate, and specialty education.
Outdoor Recreation & Parks
Trail Systems
Lansing River Trail: A comprehensive trail system exceeding 20 miles of paved paths following the Grand River, Red Cedar River, and Sycamore Creek through downtown and surrounding areas.
Regional Trail Network: Over 30 kilometers of diverse trails where users can walk, run, bike, or paddle through scenery ranging from forest to downtown waterfront.
Water Recreation
Kayaking the Grand River and Red Cedar River
Kayak and canoe rentals from multiple locations
Beach activities at Lake Lansing
Splash pad at Hawk Island Park
Fishing opportunities in lakes, rivers, and streams
Nature Centers & Parks
Fenner Nature Center: Walking trails through natural habitats and wetlands.
Woldumar Nature Center: Interpretive trails and nature programs.
Harris Nature Center: Educational nature center with trails and outdoor programming.
MSU Horticulture Gardens: 14 acres of diverse gardens including the MSU Michigan 4-H Children's Garden.
Lansing Community College Shigematsu Memorial Garden: Japanese-inspired garden space.
Other Activities
Golf courses and adventure golf
Cross-country skiing (seasonal)
Nature watching and wildlife observation
Dining & Restaurants
Lansing features a diverse dining scene with everything from casual neighborhood spots to upscale restaurants. The downtown area, particularly along Michigan Avenue and in the Old Town and REO Town neighborhoods, offers an eclectic mix of cuisine options from contemporary American to international fare.
Notable Restaurants
Bowdie's Chophouse: Fine dining steakhouse in downtown Lansing.
Lansing Shuffle: Popular gathering place with American cuisine.
Batter Up Bistro: Contemporary dining experience.
Toads: Casual restaurant and bar venue.
EnVie – A Contemporary Open Format Inspired Bistro: Modern cuisine and ambiance.
The English Inn's Restaurant and Pub: Located 30 minutes from Lansing on a 15-acre property with views of grounds including pergola, swimming pool, and gazebo.
Festival & Event Dining
Lansing is known as the festival capital of Michigan, with 60 annual events throughout the year. These include arts and crafts shows in spring, beer and food festivals in summer, and heritage and holiday-themed celebrations in fall and winter—many featuring local food vendors and dining experiences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Lansing was selected as Michigan's capital for its more central location within the state and for better defense considerations. After months of legislature debate, the choice was made partly in response to frustrations with Detroit. When the decision was announced, many legislators openly laughed at designating such an insignificant settlement as the capital city.
Lansing became a prominent automobile manufacturing hub in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Ransom E. Olds founded Oldsmobile in 1897, which produced 635 cars in 1901, making it the first high-volume gasoline-powered automobile manufacturer. Oldsmobile became the top-selling car company in America from 1903-1904. Olds also founded REO Motor Car Company. The Lansing Car Assembly plant was the longest-operating automobile factory in the United States when it closed in 2005, having built the very last Oldsmobile, a 2004 Alero.
Yes, the Michigan State Capitol is a National Historic Landmark and is open to visitors. The neoclassical building with its distinctive cream-colored dome houses the chambers and offices of the Michigan Legislature, as well as ceremonial offices of the Governor and Lieutenant Governor. The Capitol underwent extensive restoration from 1989-1992, returning it to its original architectural beauty while modernizing mechanical systems.
Lansing offers extensive outdoor recreation with over 30 kilometers of trails along the Grand and Red Cedar rivers. The Lansing River Trail provides 20+ miles of paved paths for biking, running, and walking. Water activities include kayaking, canoeing, and fishing on area rivers and lakes. Other options include golf courses, three nature centers (Fenner, Woldumar, and Harris), seasonal cross-country skiing, and nature observation opportunities.
Potter Park Zoo is a 102-acre zoo located in Lansing and is Michigan's oldest public zoo. It is home to over 160 species of animals and offers engaging educational programs for visitors of all ages. The zoo is situated in Lansing's Potter Park and provides an excellent opportunity to see diverse wildlife in a well-maintained facility.
Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) offer pleasant weather for exploring Lansing's attractions and outdoor activities. Summer provides warm temperatures ideal for kayaking, trail activities, and parks. Winter is quieter but offers cross-country skiing opportunities. Lansing is known as the festival capital of Michigan with 60 annual events throughout the year, so checking the event calendar can help plan your visit.
The Lansing area is home to Michigan State University in nearby East Lansing, Lansing Community College, Cooley Law School, Davenport University, Western Michigan University's Lansing campus, Central Michigan University, Northwood University, and Siena Heights University. These institutions serve approximately 10,783 undergraduate students and offer comprehensive educational opportunities at all levels.
REO Town is an up-and-coming neighborhood in Lansing that was historically home to the R.E. Olds Motor Company. Today, it attracts a young and diverse crowd with its eclectic art scene, vibrant cafes, diverse restaurants, and cultural attractions. The R.E. Olds Transportation Museum in the neighborhood showcases restored vintage vehicles, including the curved-dash Olds that predates the Ford Model T.