Lansing, Michigan is full of fun and educational activities for travelers of all ages. Young visitors get pleasure from checking out the state capitol building, visiting the Michigan Historical Museum, and obtaining a hands-on science education at the Impression five Science Center. For adults, Lansing offers an array of art galleries, theaters, restaurants, museums, historical sites, looking centers, and sporting events.
Renowned designer Elijah E. Myers designed the Michigan State Capitol building. Erected in 1879, it holds a novel spot in history as one of the first capitol buildings in America to feature a cast iron dome. The building underwent an intensive renovation method in 1992 and received its designation as a National Historic Landmark within the same year. The outside of the Capitol Building received a makeover in 2015. Upwards of 115,000 individuals tour Michigan’ capitol building each year. Guests will walk through the building on their own or be part of an informative target-hunting tour.
The Michigan History Center is full of distinctive exhibits that detail Michigan’ past. The museum includes a gallery dedicated to the early European explorers who explored and founded Michigan, and there’s a civil war exhibit that contains all kinds of mementos from the nineteenth century conflict. Michigan’ role within the Underground Railway and also the anti-slavery movement is additionally displayed through artifacts, written works, and paintings. Within the 1950s gallery, guests will learn all regarding Michigan’ claim to fame because the nation’ hub for automobile manufacturing. Lastly, guests can stop by the atrium to check a three-story tall topographical map of Michigan. In some elements of the Michigan History Center there are clad interpreters out there to show young visitors about Michigan’ fascinating past.
Over one hundred sixty species of animals live at The Potter Park zoo in downtown Lansing. The 20-acre zoo is split up into exhibits with mammals, reptiles, and birds. The zoo is understood for its dedication to conserving vulnerable species. Amur Tigers, Red Pandas, Snow Leopards, and leoncita Monkeys are a number of the distinctive animals that the Potter Park zoo protects. The zoo conjointly runs a sturdy life education program that helps guests study wildlife through fun events and classes. The zoo also hosts summer camps, nightlong campouts, and expedition programs for young people. Potter Park zoo is open daily year round.
Impression 5 Science Center is an interactive science education facility for families. Opened in 1972, the center receives over 120,000 guests every year. Exhibits at Impression 5 are meant to have interaction each of the 5 senses. The 25,000-square-foot exhibit space contains more than a dozen stations wherever guests will get pleasure from active science experiences. There’s conjointly a research laboratory where trained workers gift fun workshops. Employees and members at Impression 5 frequently work with faculty teams through tours, summer camps, and nightlong programs. Elements of the science center will be rented out for birthday parties and different varieties of special events.
The R.E. Olds Transportation Museum is full of distinctive exhibits concerning the Oldsmobile, an iconic American car that began because the Oldsmobile Steam Carriage. The depository contains thousands of authentic things from 1886 on, as well as over sixty Oldsmobile vehicles. R.E. Olds, an accomplished creator and designer, conjointly came up with plans for an engine that was eventually employed in lawnmowers. Guests can study his engine design by looking for the Lansing and Lawnmowers exhibit at the transportation museum. At the on-the-scene store, guests should buy all kinds of Oldsmobile memorabilia, including books, apparel, DVDs, and posters.
The Lansing river Trail winds its well beyond 19 city and county parks, 3 museums, 2 rivers, a creek, a farmer’ market, and a zoo. The 13-mile trail is ideal for walkers, joggers, bikers, and rollerblades. The trail surfaces are varied, with some paved parts still as picket boardwalks and bridges. The Lansing river trail is split into three major sections. The first two sections supply an abundance of museums, shops, restaurants, and art galleries, whereas the last and newest section of the trail passes through primarily wetlands and woodlands. Close to its end, the Lansing watercourse path connects with the Lansing Pathway as well because the Sycamore Trail.
The Woldumar Nature Center is an environmental education and conservation facility managed by the Woldumar Nature Association. The 178-acre nature center features Moon Log Cabin, a well-preserved wooden structure identified to be one among the oldest homes in Eaton County. The park contains 5 miles of trail, as well as a 1.25-mile stretch that bumps up against the scenic Grand River. Open year-round, the paths are excellent for hikes within the time of year and ideal for skiing and snowshoeing journeys in the winter. There’s no fee for the Woldumar Nature Center, but management appreciates a donation of $2 from every guest.
The Michigan princess Company operates three classic steamboats with ample area for parties, meetings, and different special events. The corporate frequently hosts fun concerts and luncheons on the Grand River, and anyone will attend for a small low fee. Additionally, the Michigan blue blood Company rents out its three watercraft (the Riverboat, Detroit Princess, and Grand Princess) for special programs and events, as well as class reunions, lodge and fraternity parties, proms, and weddings. The corporate caters the events and provides enough space on the boats for up to 450 guests. All of the steamboat cruises depart from the dock at Grand River Park.