Lansing | Michigan, United States | Britannica.com Michigan, United States New York City Lansing, capital of Michigan , U.S. , located in Ingham county. The city site, on the Grand River at its junction with the Red Cedar River , was a wilderness when the state capital was moved there from Detroit (about 85 miles [140 km] southeast) in 1847. At first called Village of Michigan, in 1849 it assumed the name of the township in which it was located. (Lansing township was named for Lansing, N.Y.) The Michigan State Capitol (erected 1872–78) stands in a 10-acre (4-hectare) park in the centre of the city; the capitol underwent extensive restoration in 1989–92.

Connected by plank road to Detroit in 1852 and to out-of-state areas by railroad in the 1870s, the city grew industrially after 1887 with the establishment of several vehicle manufacturers, most notably the Olds Motor Works (in 1899) and the Reo Motor Car Company (in 1904) by Ransom Eli Olds ; it is now a major automobile production centre and also produces a wide range of other manufactures (including textiles, auto parts, metal products, and glass). State Capitol, Lansing, Mich. Milt and Joan Mann/CameraMann International Lansing Community College (1957) is located there, as are a number of museums dedicated to the history of Michigan and of the transportation industry. A riverfront greenbelt and system of trails along the Grand River offer recreational opportunities within the city; Lake Lansing (7 miles [11 km] northeast) and Fitzgerald Park (10 miles [16 km] west) are popular destinations in the surrounding area. Adjacent East Lansing is the home of Michigan State University (1855).

Lansing is the birthplace of journalist and essayist Ray Stannard Baker , botanist David Grandison Fairchild , basketball star Magic Johnson , and biologist A.D. Hershey ; it was also the boyhood home of Malcolm X . Inc. city, 1859. Pop. (2000) 119,128; Lansing–East Lansing Metro Area, 447,728; (2010) 114,297; Lansing–East Lansing Metro Area, 464,036. Learn More in these related articles: in Michigan Michigan State Capitol, Lansing - TripAdvisor Michigan State Capitol, Lansing Is this an outdoor attraction or activity? Yes Is this attraction pet friendly? Yes Would this be a good sunny day activity? Yes Would this be a good hot day activity? Yes Would this be a good cold day activity? Yes Is this attraction a "must-see" location? Yes Does this attraction provide visitors with a taste of the local culture? Yes No Unsure Does this attraction require above average amounts of physical activity (long walks, climbs, stairs or hikes)? Yes Is this attraction good for couples?

Yes Is this attraction suitable for adults only? Yes Map updates are paused. Zoom in to see updated info. Reset zoom Address: Capitol Avenue at Michigan Avenue, Lansing, MI 48906 Phone Number: +1 517-373-2353 Description: Designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1992, this building has... Designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1992, this building has served as Michigan's seat of state government since its completion in 1879. read more Terrible “Fun tour” Nice tour of the State Capital, learned a lot about our State Government. Beautiful building, would recommend visiting. Reviewed November 9, 2016 214 Reviews from our TripAdvisor Community Which Lansing hotels are on sale? mm/dd/yyyy mm/dd/yyyy Sponsored links * Read reviews that mention: All reviews beautiful building guided tour glass floor free tour house and senate chambers supreme court governor's office great architecture capital buildings call ahead great tour historical museum great place to visit dome legislature session state capitals government michigan Review tags are currently only available for English language reviews.

Start your review of Michigan State Capitol Click to rate “Fun tour” Reviewed November 9, 2016 Nice tour of the State Capital, learned a lot about our State Government. Beautiful building, would recommend visiting. Helpful? Reviewed November 3, 2016 via mobile The State Capitol was restored about 20 years ago. Many criticized the expenditure, but were not critical with the results. The original craftsmanship, now in full view, is breathtaking! The woodwork, is stunning. Using the State flag as the inspiration, the chandlers have detailed carved replicas of the White Tailed Deer, arranged in a beautiful profile. The walls have intricate... More Helpful? “Amazing!!” Reviewed November 2, 2016 Such a wonder Fall walk down town! There is so much to see and do in Lansing. We stopped at local shops and Restaurants. Tons of Fun!! Helpful? “Beautifully Restored” Reviewed October 21, 2016 This is one of the best restoration projects in the United States! I worked in the building before it was restored and can tell you how badly a building can be abused!!! Yeah restoration project in the 90s was a miracle!

Since that time, staff has treated this gem with great love and care. Visit the Michigan Historical Museum about... More Helpful? “Senator for a day” Reviewed October 20, 2016 We visited as my son was chosen as a senator for a day. Stand was very helpful. Our tour guide was friendly and easy to listen to. Overall a great day for a 3rd grade boy and his mom! Helpful? Reviewed October 20, 2016 via mobile I've been visiting state capitols for a hobby. This is a nice one to visit; my tour guide was quite knowledgeable. The Senate was in session, so we didn't get much info in the chamber, but it was interesting to sit in the gallery and observe for a little while. One downside--parking is not convenient. Street parking is metered, and... More Helpful? “Beautiful Capitol Interior” Reviewed October 18, 2016 This building isn't much to look at from the outside, just a box with a small dome on top. When you get inside it's a different story.

We joined a tour with a class of 3rd graders but our tour guide was excellent and very able to handle the kids. We learned a lot that we wouldn't have gotten just... More Helpful? 5 Facts About Michigan's Capital: How Well Do You Know Lansing? 5 Facts About Michigan's Capital: How Well Do You Know Lansing? Michigan State Capitol Building. Lansing, Michigan. (Bryndin/Dreamstime.com) By Josh Katzowitz | Friday, 10 Apr 2015 04:34 AM Close A A Michigan’s state capital is not one of the state’s biggest cities, but there are plenty of facts about Lansing that you might not know. Here are five of them regarding the state’s political seat: VOTE NOW: Is Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder Doing a Good Job? 1. The city was founded on a scam, when two brothers from Lansing, New York, discovered the area that lay in a floodplain and was underwater, returned home, sold plots to the town they had named Biddle City, and convinced 16 men to buy them by falsely describing a city that had an area of 65 blocks and a church.

Only when those 16 men traveled to Michigan did they discover that they had been scammed. But they stayed anyway and renamed the city after their hometown in New York. 2. The city is home to Michigan State University, and the first set of graduates received their diplomas in 1861 . Actually, the entire graduating class of seven was dismissed two months early so that they could join the Union Army to fight in the Civil War. As MSU describes, “Two of the graduates died in service: Gilbert A. Dickey was killed on the first day of the Battle of Gettysburg in 1863 and Henry D. Benham died at Beaufort, South Carolina, in the summer of 1864.” VOTE NOW: Should the Government Be Doing More to Promote Tourism in America? 3. The state capital was not originally located in Lansing. For the first decade of the state’s life, the capital was in Detroit. But in 1847, the state constitution mandated that it be moved to Lansing so it could be more centralized in the state’s geography and further away from the border with Canada.

Britannica described the area at the time as a “wilderness” , and reportedly, only about 20 residents lived in the area at the time. 4. Lansing is the only state capital in the United States that also hasn’t been designated as the county seat in the county in which it resides. Instead, the county seat of Ingham County is Mason. 5. It took six years to build the state capitol, and by the time it opened in 1879, it had cost $1.5 million to erect. Today, it’s one of only 13 capitol buildings across the country that is officially designated as a national historical landmark . Impressively, the 20 chandeliers that were built specifically for the capitol building, weighing nearly 900 pounds apiece, are original. Lansing – Travel guide at Wikivoyage By train[ edit ] Amtrak provides one daily train service via the Blue Water Service, which connects to Flint and Port Huron to the east and Battle Creek , Kalamazoo , and Chicago to the west.

There's also Amtrak Thruway Buses to the Wolverine line between Chicago and Detroit as well as the Capitol and Lake Shore Limited services via Toledo . All trains depart from 42.718986 -84.495196 1 East Lansing Station (+1 800-872-7245), located on 1240 S Harrison Rd next to the Michigan State University in East Lansing. Public transport to downtown Lansing is available, but quite limited in scope. By plane[ edit ] 42.775102 -84.589375 2 Capitol Region International Airport ( IATA : LAN) is located in DeWitt Township, 3 miles (5 km) northwest of downtown Lansing on Grand River Avenue (Business Route 96). Capital Region International Airport offers non-stop domestic flights to Detroit, Chicago, Minneapolis , Atlanta , Washington D.C. , and Orlando . Non-stop international flights are available seasonally to Cancún and Puerto Vallarta , Mexico ; and Punta Cana , Dominican Republic .

A concierge travel center in the airport terminal offers the ability to book airline tickets, cruises, tours, car rentals, and hotel rooms. The airport is serviced by Capital Area Transit Authority (CATA) bus line 14, which provides direct service to downtown Lansing. Detroit Metropolitan Airport , Flint Bishop International Airport, and Grand Rapids Gerald R. Ford International Airport are other nearby airports which service the region. By taxi[ edit ] A large number of taxi companies provide around the clock service to the Lansing-area. It is not necessary to call ahead for evening taxi service near downtown East Lansing, but riders should allow at least 30 minutes for taxi service to arrive elsewhere. This is especially true on weekends. One new service in the Meridian Township area is Meridian Transportation LLC. They can be reached at 517-339-TAXI (8294) Get around[ edit ] Lansing is serviced 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.

The Lansing-area is serviced by the Capital Area Transportation Authority (CATA) bus system. Visitors should find bus service to downtown Lansing, downtown East Lansing, and Michigan State University a convenient and affordable alternative to driving. Many companies provide taxi service throughout the area. Taxi service is heavily concentrated in the downtown East Lansing-area, especially during evenings and weekends. There is no need to call ahead for taxis in downtown East Lansing, as an available taxi can always be found on Albert Street behind downtown East Lansing. In downtown Lansing, taxi service is not as frequent. Taxi service usually arrives in under 30 minutes. Visitors should expect longer delays on the weekends and during Michigan State University football games. The City of Lansing provides an extensive river walk trail along the Red Cedar River and Grand River.

Visitors will enjoy strolling along the Red Cedar as it meanders through the beautiful Michigan State University campus, through dense forest, past the City of Lansing's Potter Park Zoo, where the Red Cedar joins the Grand River (Michigan's largest river) and continues through downtown Lansing, Cooley Law School Stadium (formerly Oldsmobile Park), home of the Lansing Lugnuts minor league baseball team, the downtown Farmer's Market, and to the River Walk terminus near the historic Old Town on Lansing's north side. The area offers many bike lanes, especially in East Lansing near the Michigan State University. Whether on foot or by bike, the area offers plenty of sidewalks, bike lanes, and trails to connect pedestrians to all the local attractions. For visitors arriving or leaving, Lansing is well-connected to the major regional transportation hubs of Chicago and Detroit. The Capital Region International Airport, Amtrak, CATA, Greyhound Bus Lines, Indian Trails, and Michigan Flyer provide transportation services to and from Lansing. Freeways I-96, I-496, I-69, and US-127 provide fast and convenient connections throughout the Lansing area. See[ edit ] Lansing is the state capital of Michigan and the regional center of Mid-Michigan.

The city's population is under 115,000 and the metropolitan is under 500,000. Do not expect the big city lights and action of a metropolitan of millions. But there are still many great things to do in and around Lansing. Yes, it snows in Michigan. So embrace the beauty of the seasons, and plan your activities accordingly. Museums[ edit ] The Michigan Historic Center and Library. This building houses the State Library in one wing and museum in the other. In the center is a live White Pine, the state tree. The museum is appropriate for all ages. (updated Aug 2016) 42.731518 -84.481695 1 Michigan State University Museum , 409 W Circle Dr, ☎ +1 517-355-2370 . The Museum, located on the campus of MSU in the old library, houses a large collection of dinosaur bones and other artifacts. Cost of admission for students is waived.

(updated Aug 2016) 42.732262 -84.548179 2 Impression 5 Science Center , 200 Museum Dr, ☎ +1 517-485-8116 . A great museum geared toward exposing younger children to the world of science. (updated Aug 2016) 42.732752 -84.476737 3 MSU-Broad Art Museum , 547 E Circle Dr, ☎ +1 517-884-4800 . The Museum houses a moderately large and constantly changing collection of cutting-edge postmodern art, including Damien Hirst, Joseph Beuys, Andy Warhol, and Nam June Paik. The architecture (by Zaha Hadid) is controversial, but undeniably spectacular. (updated Aug 2016) 42.731317 -84.547968 4 R.E.

Olds Transportation Museum , 240 Museum Dr, ☎ +1 517-372-0529 . A museum dedicated to the founder of Oldsmobile, which was later bought by GM and was for years a popular US auto brand. Many traces of R.E. Olds still remain in Lansing. The tallest building in the city, the Boji Tower (noted for its large red clock), was originally built as the Olds Tower, after its major financier, R.E. Olds. The area near the location of an old Olds factory is now called REO Town, after R.E. Olds. The Lansing Lugnuts, a minor league baseball team plays in a stadium formerly known as Oldsmobile park near downtown Lansing. (updated Aug 2016) Michigan Museum of Surveying. Located in the Museum District just outside downtown Lansing off Michigan Ave. (updated Aug 2016) 42.725096 -84.554776 5 The Michigan Women's Historical Center & Hall of Fame , 213 W Malcolm X St.

The museum details the accomplishments of women in Michigan and is in the historic 1903 Cooley-Haze House. The museum is surrounded by the Cooley Gardens, which are an oasis in its otherwise industrial surroundings. (updated Aug 2016) Historic Buildings[ edit ] 42.733597 -84.555435 6 Michigan State Capital , 100 N Capitol Ave, ☎ +1 517-373-2348 . The Capital has been beautifully restored and sits in the heart of downtown Lansing surrounded by beautiful mid-rise buildings of Michigan's golden auto years. The building was dedicated in 1873; today it is a National Historic Landmark, and still the working seat of the Michigan House of Representatives and Michigan Senate. Self-guided and guided tours of the capital are available. A visit to the capital is perfect for any season.

(updated Aug 2016) 42.750984 -84.552066 7 Turner-Dodge House & Heritage Center, 100 E North St, ☎ +1 517-483-4220 . Built in 1858, this beautiful and meticulously maintained home is available for tours. Cost of admission is $5.00 for non-residents and $3.50 for residents. (updated Aug 2016) Michigan State University Campus. The MSU campus is home to many historic buildings north of the Red Cedar River. Government[ edit ] Michigan Hall of Justice. Home to the Michigan Court of Appeals and Michigan Supreme Court, this relatively new structure is situated at the opposite end of a mall from the Capitol. Ingham County Court House. Lansing is the only state capital to not also be the county seat. The county seat is in the small town of Mason. The historic courthouse in the center of town is the crown gem of this sleepy village. Parks[ edit ] River Trail. The Lansing River Trail extends over 13 miles (21 km) along the Red Cedar and Grand Rivers.

Users of the paved and board walk trail can enjoy the natural beauty of the rivers all the way from the campus of MSU to Dietrich Park near Old Town on the north side of Lansing. The attractions along the way include the Potter Park Zoo, multiple access points for canoes and kayaks, downtown Lansing, the Museum District, Oldsmobile Park, the historic farmers market, and Old Town. The trail is currently being expanded to provide access to the south side of Lansing. Spring, Summer, and Fall, this is a great way to see many of the Lansing attractions. Lake Lansing. Located near Haslett, the lake is surrounded by beautiful homes and a number of parks. The MSU sailing club provides sailing lessons for a nominal fee. It is an ideal location to spend a summer afternoon and melt away. Potter Park Zoo. Situated in a park integrated into the city's excellent river trail, the Potter Park Zoo is a terrific way to spend an afternoon. The park is very children-friendly and features a petting park where the children can pet some of the animals. There are peacocks walking about the park along with pony and camel rides.

The Zoo, located along Pennsylvania Avenue, can be accessed by car, foot, and bike using the river trail, which extends from Old Town to Michigan State University. Hawk Island Park, 1601 E. Cavanaugh (Between Pennsylvania and Aurelius), ☎ +1 676-2233 . Located in the south end of Lansing, this 100 acre park is a green oasis in a busy city. The beach, playground, Splash Pad, walking and biking trails, picnic shelters and volleyball make it the perfect spot for a summer outing. In winter, opening December 2011 come tube and snow board at the NEW Hawk Island Snow Park. Patriarche Park. This excellent park has a busy, incredibly elaborate playground, but also quiet, relaxing areas. This is one of the few playgrounds that will delight all ages. It is located on Alton St. Reutter Park. Beautiful and historic fountain in the center of the park in downtown Lansing Durant Park. Gift to the people of Lansing by General Motors founder William Durant. The park features a historic arch Francis Park. Beautiful rose garden and Grand River views Fenner Nature Center.

Arboretum with small lakes Woldumar Nature Center (near the Grand River in Lansing). Gardens[ edit ] Cooley Gardens: The gardens surround The Michigan Women's Historical Center and Hall of Fame a few blocks away from the Capital. The garden is typical of an early 20th Century garden and features a rose garden. Michigan State University Horticultural Landscape Demonstration Gardens: The gardens are open all year, but are best viewed spring to fall. The garden's beauty changes with each season, and is surprisingly colorful all through the fall months. The roses are especially beautiful in the summer months. The garden is on the south side of campus away from most of the University lecture halls. Michigan State University W.J. Beal Botanical Garden: The Beal Botanical garden owes its beginnings to W.J. Beal, a former president of MSU that established a plot along the Red Cedar River in 1872 with 140 species of plants. The garden is situated along the north side of the Red Cedar near the center of campus amid the park-like surrounding of the MSU campus and is enjoyed by thousands of students each year as they pass between classes.

Michigan 4-H Children's Garden at MSU: The 4-H garden is located near the MSU Horticultural gardens and is fun for children and adults alike. The garden features exhibits such as the "pizza garden," which includes oregano and basil, which children can taste and smell. Many of the plants are familiar tastes and smells that children will instantly realize as the source of enjoyment in many of their favorite treats. Michigan State University Hidden Lake Gardens: Hidden Lake Gardens is owned and operated by Michigan State University under the division of Land Management, but supported through private endowments and gifts, along with a small amount of money from MSU. The Gardens are open 362 days of the year with an admission fee of $3 per person. Guided tours, requested at least two weeks in advance, are available at no additional charge. In addition to more than 6 miles of one-way paved drives, there are 5 miles of hiking trails to allow the visitor a closer look at the beauty that the Gardens provide. Theaters[ edit ] The Riverwalk Theater, the Lansing Civic Players, and the Boars Head Theater are all located in downtown Lansing. Peppermint Creek Theater Company: It is a relatively new and award winning theater group.

The Creole Gallery brings various musicians and hosts the Icarus Falling Theater Group. The Wharton Center for Performing Arts at Michigan State University: The Center is on the campus of MSU and is home of the Lansing Symphony Orchestra, which performs 17 concerts a year for free. The Center hosts many of the best Broadway shows, finest classical musicians, and unrivaled dance companies. The theater is currently undergoing an extensive upgrade and expansion, bringing the theater, both exterior and interior, into the 21st century. Libraries[ edit ] The Library of Michigan and historical Center is a well-regarded state library and research enter. The library is a top five genealogical research center in the United States. The City of Lansing Capital Area District Library has three branches in the city: the Main Library downtown, the Foster Library on the east side, and the South Library on the south side of the city. Michigan State University Libraries includes a large collection located within the Main Library and also a number of smaller libraries outside the Main Library. These libraries include the Biomedical & Physical Sciences Library, the William C.

Gast Libray, the Law Library, the Dubai Library, the Engineering Library, the Gull Lake Library, the Mathematics Library, and the Veterinary Medical Center Library. The East Public Lansing Library is on Abbot Road just south of Saginaw. Learn[ edit ] Michigan State University: Michigan State University (MSU) is a member of the Big Ten athletic conference, and is among the largest universities in the United States, with over 45,000 students. MSU is known for its academics and athletics. US News & World Report ranks MSU as a Tier 1 university. MSU is home to 3 medical schools, 1 law school, and the National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory (NSCL). The NSCL is the largest nuclear science facility on a university campus, and the nuclear physics graduate program is ranked 2nd to MIT. The campus park, the largest single university campus in the United States, is noted for its collegiate Gothic architecture and campus gardens. MSU is located in East Lansing. The Thomas M. Cooley Law School located in downtown Lansing is among the nation's largest law schools. The MSU College of Law is located on the Michigan State University campus.

Lansing Community College, with an enrollment of over 20,000 students, is located in downtown Lansing. Great Lakes Christian College is located in Delta Township, west of Lansing. Davenport University, Central Michigan University, and Western Michigan University have satellite campuses in and around Lansing. Buy[ edit ] Greater Lansing offers a full array of shopping options, from malls to farmers markets. All the major shopping destinations are located within minutes of the city center. Lansing Mall is a large indoor shopping mall located in Delta Township, west of Lansing. Meridian Mall is a large indoor shopping mall in Meridian Township. There are many large stores around Meridian Mall on Grand River Avenue, east of Lansing near Okemos. Eastwood Town Center, on the north side of town, is a modern outdoor shopping center with restaurants, retail, and a movie theater. The Historic Lansing City Market is located near downtown on the Grand River. In the summer, many flowers are available for purchase. Vendors sell everything from cheese to home beer making kits inside the market. Frandor Shopping Center is located between Grand River and Michigan Ave on the east side of Lansing. It is one block east of freeways US-127 and I-496.

There are major retail stores and many smaller stores. Washington Avenue is the main strip in downtown Lansing with numerous small retailers and restaurants. Michigan Avenue runs from the foot of the Michigan State Capital to downtown East Lansing. That stretch offers many small shops, restaurants, and bars. Grand River Avenue runs from the heart of downtown Detroit, through Lansing, East Lansing, and ends in Grand Rapids. In Lansing, Old Town has many shops, restaurants, bars, and numerous art galleries, densely packed on Grand River Avenue. In East Lansing, downtown is on the north side of Grand River Avenue and the MSU Campus is on the south side. Meijer is the major Michigan grocery retailer. Multiple Meijer stores can be found throughout the Lansing-area. Eat[ edit ] The Lansing-area lacks the dining options the State's other major college town, Ann Arbor. But there are a number of excellent hidden gems. But no matter the appetite, the Lansing-area offers at least one gem for everyone. Michigan State University has a large number of South Korean students, and also many Korean dining options. Lansing[ edit ] Pablo's Panaderia: Great Mexican food at reasonable prices. It is in the historic Old Town off Grand River on the north side of Lansing.

The homemade chips and salsa are complimentary. Check out the three varieties of tortas. The restaurant is popular with locals who know where to find a good meal. This is a hidden gem in one of the trendiest area of the city. The Knight Cap: Located at 320 East Michigan Avenue, near the capital, is upscale for Lansing. The food is expensive. It is noted for its steaks and service. Reservations are suggested, as it is relatively small. Troppo: Located in downtown Lansing, Troppo offers upscale alfresco dining looking down the street to the State Capitol building. The restaurant caters mainly to government-related employees in the downtown Lansing-area. 42.748792 -84.578686 1 DeLuca's Restaurant , 2006 W Willow St, ☎ +1 517-487-6087 . Ac lassic establishment, with ,ocals argue it's one of the the best pizzeria's in Michigan. The House Special is the most popular.

(updated Aug 2016) Altu's Ethiopian Cuisine: Located at 1312 East Michigan Ave, it offers great food in a traditional atmosphere. The restaurant is vegetarian and vegan friendly. 42.733351 -84.528732 2 Jerusalem Bakery, 1456 E Michigan Ave, ☎ +1 517-485-9975 . Offers traditional Mediterranean food, and is home to one of the best Falafel sandwiches you'll find in the greater Lansing area. (updated Aug 2016) Emil's Restaurant: Lansing's oldest family-owned restaurant. It located in the "East Side Neighborhood" off Michigan Avenue between East Lansing and downtown Lansing. The restaurant offers decent red-sauce Italian food at great prices. Kelly's Downtown Pub: Located in the heart of downtown Lansing on Washington, this Irish pub offers decent food and a lively atmosphere. A Lansing downtown fixture since 1985, with a fish and mac special on Friday and Saturday. Mitchell's Fish Market: Located at 2975 Preyde Blvd.

in Eastwood Towne Centre on the north end of town, Mitchell's is the best fish restaurant in town. The Sharkfin Pie dessert is huge and feeds several people. In the summer, enjoy alfresco and oysters on the half shell with your drink. Bravo: An Italian restaurant in Eastwood Towne Center across from Mitchell's Fish Market. It is an upscale chain, like Mitchell's Fish Market. Claddagh Irish Pub . An upscale chain located at 2900 Town Centre near Bravo and Mitchell's Fish Market. With creaky floors and a dark wood interior, it is themed as a traditional Irish pub. It is known for its huge portions of fish and chips, but serves American food as well as Irish meals. Also, it has an entire menu of whiskeys. Champps: Located at 2800 Preyde Blvd, it is an upscale sports bar. There is not a seat in the place where you cannot see one of the many large televisions. The food is better than most bars. It is often packed for Michigan State University basketball games. Fleetwood Diner: The diner is on the corner of Riley street and Cedar Street in Lansing. It looks like a train car.

It has a great breakfast menu and is open 24 hours. The restaurant sports a large vegetarian menu. 42.735700 -84.547882 3 Waterfront Bar & Grill , 325 City Market Drive, ☎ +1 517 267-3800 . 10AM to 11PM. Get a craft brew from you favorite brewery, and enjoy the view from the patio with live music. (updated Aug 2016) Okemos, Haslett, and Meridian Township[ edit ] The Travelers Club and Tuba Museum: Truly a unique experience. Located in Okemos, it offers an eclectic menu of global cuisine and beers. Weekly specials focus on a specific country with a prix fixe menu. Decor is a quirky combination of artifacts from the owners' world travels, along with a sizable collection of rare tubas and euphoniums. The restaurant offers many vegetarian options. It is a bizarre, yet fun fixture. Unfortunately, they have closed have reopened as a microbrewery. Dusty's Cellar: Located 1857 West Grand River in Okemos, it offers upscale dining just east of East Lansing.

It has great food and an excellent wine list. A good place for a special occasion (birthday, Valentine's Day) dinner. Restaurant Villagas: Located at 1735 W. Grand River in Okemos, it offers an upscale option in suburban Okemos. Head Chef Eric Villegas won an Emmy for his cooking program on public television. Don't be put-off by the strip mall location, the restaurant has top-notch service and superior Michigan-inspired cuisine, which make this eatery perhaps the finest in the Lansing area. Restaurant Villegas closed January 8, 2008. (This is now T & D's Coney Island - they offer items such as coneys, sandwiches, salads, fries, and Gyros.) Buddies: Located at 1937 West Grand River in Okemos, it offers the best nachos in town. But be warned, the portion size is large. Mark's Watershed: A good restaurant located near the beach of Lake Lansing. The Blue Gill Grill: Located near Lake Lansing near the park at the foot of Lake Lansing Road. Try the pan fried bluegill or walleye for a Michigan treat.

Cancun Grill: An inexpensive Mexican restaurant with festive decor, a full bar, and outdoor seating; it's across from the MSU Federal Credit Union on Central Park Drive. Guidos Pizza of Okemos , 1754 Central Park Dr G-3, ☎ +1 517 347-3030 . 10am-10pm. Guidos Pizza is a Metro Detroit Pizza Company. The owner is from East Lansing and owned a Guidos in Waterford, Michigan. He opened up this store knowing that it is the best pizza in Michigan. He also added gluten free pizza pasta and subs to his menu. Steve is rated #1 in the United States according to glutenfreeregistry.com for his gluten free pizza. He is also the only certified gluten free pizza maker in Michigan. $10.00. Drink[ edit ] Lansing: Lansing is full of working class bars. But there are also bars catering to Cooley Law students and young professionals downtown and in Old Town. Michigan Brewing Company. Located downtown on Washington Ave. Great local Michigan brews in a comfortable atmosphere. Best place to get a quality beer in Lansing.

Kelly's: Located in downtown Lansing on Washington, the bar is small and popular among Cooley Law students. The Firm: A cross between a night club and a bar, it is in downtown Lansing on Washington. Brannigan: A fun bar with darts and plenty of graduate students, and young people, it is the only place in downtown Lansing on Washington that is consistently busy. Rum Runners: A fun piano bar located next to Cooley Law School Stadium (Oldsmobile Park), it is popular after a Lansing Lugnuts baseball game. Skip the first floor and go to the upstairs. Nut House: Sports bar on Michigan Ave. opposite Cooley Law School Stadium, it is perfect for a day at the game. The Exchange: A nightclub located in downtown Lansing on Michigan Ave. The Green Door: A local favorite located outside downtown Lansing, in the Eastside neighborhood on East Michigan Ave at the intersection with Clemens Avenue (more or less directly across from Emil's). With live music most nights, it is popular with a wide age group from mid twenties and up. Moriarty's Pub: Located on Michigan Ave. outside downtown. A local pub.

The Rendezvous on the Grand: An Old Town bar on the north side of Lansing, which features local acts and open mic sessions. South Town: It is located just south of downtown on Washington Ave. It is geared towards the young hip-hop/urban genre. Don't go. Dagwood's Tavern & Grill: Located at 2803 East Kalamazoo in Lansing. It is an institution in its own right. A cozy neighborhood sports bar with great burgers and lively open-mic sessions every Tuesday. Izzo's Bar: Located in trendy REO Town. East Lansing: East Lansing offers plenty of nightlife. If you're a student, or visiting a student at Michigan State University, there is no shortage of bars packed full of young people and loud music. Most bars cater to the younger crowd. Beggar's Banquet: Located on Abbot near Grand River, Beggar's is an East Lansing institution. With good food, and reasonable drinks, it is highly recommended, especially among graduate students. Wine Wednesday (half-off wine) is the busy night. The Peanut Barrel: Located off Grand River, it is another East Lansing institution.

Good beer, strong Long Island Iced Teas, and peanut casings on the floor define the place. It is extremely popular in the summer, with outdoor dining in the heart of downtown East Lansing. You'll need a little luck on a sunny day to snag a table outside. It is the best place to people watch. Crunchy's: Rounding out the East Lansing institutions, this dive bar located on Grand River west of downtown East Lansing is great fun. The bar sports the best beer menu in town and is constantly rotating. Karaoke night is a blast! The Riv, Land Shark, and Rick's American Cafe: These three are all located in downtown East Lansing. They are the quintessential undergraduate bars. There is loud music, long lines, cheap beer, and plenty of young people. If you already have your college diploma, you best pass. But if you just turned 21, this is probably what you're looking for! Roadhouse Pub: Located behind the Harrison Roadhouse on Harrison just north of Michigan Ave., it is a tiny sports bar with decent beer selection, but at high prices. It is an older crowd. Would be a decent place if it has decent prices.

Jimmy's: Located out by Chandler's Crossing, it has decent food, and tons of TVs. In the summer there is plenty of outdoor seating. It is basically the only option north of Lake Lansing Road in East Lansing. Reno's: Located on Abbott just north of Saginaw, is a bar and restaurant. The food is so terrible that it has no place in the dining options. It has a decent beer selection and is a good place to watch a game. Just don't eat the food. The patio is gigantic and perfect for a drink on a nice day. Uli's Haus Of Rock (Uli's), 4519 S. Martin Luther King Blive (Corner of MLK and Reo), ☎ +1 517 882-5900 . Uli's is a Rock and Roll bar, with live music Thursday - Sunday, National tourning acts, Local bands, Original music and covers.

Try their signature shots, the Shovelhead, Knucklehead, and Captain Charlie Sleep[ edit ] Bed and Breakfast[ edit ] The Wild Goose Inn , 512 Albert Avenue, East Lansing, ☎ +1 517 333-3334 . Located in the heart of downtown East Lansing, just 1 block from the beautiful campus of Michigan State University. Each room has a private bath, gas fireplace, cable TV with DVD/CD player, clock radio with iPod dock, and Internet access. All rooms, but one, also have Jacuzzis and sumptuous shower facilities. Go next[ edit ] Located in Mid-Michigan, Lansing provides convenient access to all of Michigan's Lower Peninsula. Michigan is a wonderful state to explore in all seasons. In the summer, get out and kayak the many rivers, take a sailboat out on the thousands of lakes, or enjoy a day at the beach along the thousands of miles of sandy beaches along the Great Lakes. The fall is perfect for hiking through the woods and taking a camera to document the leaves as they change from vibrant green to golden yellow. Fall is also a time for enjoying Michigan's abundant crop of Michigan apples and Michigan sweet corn.

Michigan is one of the country's largest wine growing regions. Get out and explore! Detroit : Visit Michigan's first state capital! Only 1.5 hours away from Lansing is Michigan's largest city. The city is home to a metropolitan of combined statistical area of nearly 5.5 million people. Founded in 1701 as a French outpost, the city boats North America's tallest hotel, the busiest international crossing in the country, world-class museums, and all the major sports. In recent years, Detroit has become a gaming center, with three major casinos and one major casino across the river in Windsor, Canada. Visitors will enjoy the sights and tastes of Greek Town and Mexican Town, which have long been staples of the Detroit restaurant scene. The city is also home to many of the best examples of art deco architecture in the world. A visit to the Detroit-area would not be complete without checking out a number of the suburban cities. Dearborn is home to the world headquarters of Ford Motor Company and the Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village.

The Collection includes the chair President Lincoln was assassinated, the car Present Kennedy was assassinated, a replica of Liberty Hall, Thomas Edison's last breath, Thomas Edison's childhood home, and the Wright Brothers bicycle shop. Grand Rapids : The city is Michigan's second largest and located on the west side of the state, or as it is known locally, "the other West Coast." The city has not suffered as greatly from the decline of the auto industry as other Midwest cities, and has a modern class skyline. The City is home to the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum and Library. The city has an impressive art collection and located nearby is the Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park, which includes a replica of Leonardo Da Vinci's massive sculpture, Horse. The gardens receives over 600,000 visitors annually. Ann Arbor : The city is Michigan's academic and cultural center. The city is home to the University of Michigan, many of the State's high-tech jobs, museums, and many fine restaurants. The high population density, lively downtown, and good public transportation system, make the city one of the best in Michigan. It is also close to Detroit, providing easy access to major events in downtown Detroit.

Traverse City : Traverse City is the largest city in upper Michigan. Situated on the Grand Traverse Bay, the setting is idyllic and popular tourist and vacation destination for people in the Chicago and Detroit-areas. The area is the largest cherry producing area in the world, and one of the largest wine-producing regions in the country. Recently, the area has also begun growing hops to provide the growing number of local breweries. The city is comparable to smaller version of Ann Arbor. Mackinaw City : Mackinaw City is the northern most point of the Lower Peninsula and gateway to Michigan's rugged wilderness in the Upper Peninsula. To the west is Lake Michigan and to the east is lake Huron. In the middle are the Straits of Mackinaw. In the center is the Mackinaw Bridge, or Mighty Mac. The bridge is one of the largest in the country and links Michigan together by a thread of steel and concrete. Mackinac Island : This small paradise is in Lake Huron, just offshore from Mackinaw City. The historic island is protected by a stone fort built by the British to control the trade routes of the Great Lakes. Historic homes, including the governor's mansion, dot this island.

No motorized vehicles are allowed on the island, so tourists must get around by horse, on bike, or by foot. The island is noted for its beauty, fudge, and the Grand Hotel. The Grand Hotel, built in 1887, still maintains the record for the largest porch in the world. Routes through Lansing Why was the capital of Michigan changed from Detroit to Lansing? - Quora Quora Also here: Michigan State Capitol Contenders seeking designation as the new capitol included Ann Arbor , Jackson , Grand Rapids , and Shiawassee Township in Shiawassee County . At one point during the debate, Marshall officials were so certain of its selection that they built a governor's mansion. After extensive debate, State Senator Joseph H. Kilbourne of Ingham County proposed that the nearly-uninhabited Lansing Township be made the seat of government. The legislature agreed, with the location north of Ann Arbor, west of Detroit, and east of Grand Rapids being deemed a suitable compromise.

The legislature renamed it as the Town of Michigan, though by 1848 the original name of Lansing was restored Written Aug 31, 2014 In the winter of 1847 when the Michigan state constitution required that the capital be moved from Detroit to a more central and safer location in the interior of the state; many were concerned about Detroit's proximity to British-controlled Canada, which had captured Detroit in the War of 1812. The United States had recaptured the city in 1813, but these events led to the dire need to have the center of government relocated away from hostile British territory. In addition, there was also concern with Detroit's strong influence over Michigan politics, being the largest city in the state as well as the capital city. Google Map of Lansing, Michigan, USA - Nations Online Project United States . The city is located in the south central part of the Lower Peninsula of Michigan at the confluence of the Grand River and the Red Cedar River, 90 mi (145 km) north west of Detroit and 220 mi (355 km) north east of Chicago . Michigan State Capitol in Lansing. Photo: Brian Charles Watson Like many U.S.

state capitals, Lansing plays a minor part in Americas cultural and military impact on the rest of the world. Lansing came into existence as a scam. In early 1836, two brothers from New York (state) plotted the area and sold plots of "Biddle City" to people from Lansing, NY. The group of settlers arrived to Mid-Michigan only to find their plots submerged under several feet of water, but the then not so proud owners of a lot of useless land in a nonexistent city stayed and renamed the settlement "Lansing Township". About ten years later the 20 people strong population of the township were much surprised by the decision of the Michigan House of Representatives to repositioning Michigan's state capital from Detroit to their village. Otto Eckert Power Station along the Grand River in Lansing. Photo: David Shane Today Lansing has a population of about 115,000 inhabitants (in 2015), it is situated in the center of a peninsula between Lake Michigan and Lake Huron. GM's Oldsmobile brand, which was produced in Lansing, phased out and poor Lansing is still heckled by the influential, metropolitan cities of Chicago and Detroit, but you never know.

The capital's economy is based on government, education, insurance, healthcare, and automobile manufacturing. Largest employers are the State of Michigan, Michigan State University (MSU), Sparrow Health System, and General Motors. Some capital highlights: Historical places: Michigan State Capitol (the Neoclassical/Italianate/Renaissance revival style state capitol houses the chambers and offices of the Michigan Legislature). Dodge Mansion (historic house and now a museum dedicated to Lansing's early pioneers) Museums: Michigan History Center (comes with the Library of Michigan and its flagship the Michigan Historical Museum, which showcases Michigan's history). R. E. Olds Transportation Museum (automotive museum named for the founder of Oldsmobile, a former brand of American automobiles with the headquarters in Lansing). Impression 5 Science Center (science museum) Churches: St.

Mary Cathedral (1937 built cathedral, seat of the bishop of the Diocese of Lansing) Convention center: Lansing Center (Lansing's convention center) Shopping: Lansing City Market (urban city market) Parks: Potter Park Zoo (oldest public zoo in Michigan) Cooley Gardens (horticultural adventure between flower-beds and shrubberies in the midst of the concrete and glass of the central business district and GM Grand River Assembly Plant) Outdoors: Lansing River Trail (non-motorized 13 mi trail along the Grand River and the Red Cedar River) Just zoom in (+) to see Michigan State Capitol building, which houses the legislative and executive branches of the government of the U.S. state of Michigan. The page shows a city map of Lansing with expressways, main roads and streets, and the location of Capital Region International Airport , 4.5 mi (7 km) by road northwest of downtown Lansing. To find a location use the form below. To view just the map, click on the "Map" button. To find a location type: street or place, city, optional: state, country.

Local Time Lansing: Thursday-January-19 2017 06:09 Standard time zone Eastern (EST): UTC / GMT -5 hours Daylight Saving Time (EDT) in use from the second Sunday in March, ends on the first Sunday in November; time zone offset: UTC/GMT -4 hours φ Latitude, λ Longitude (of Map center; move the map to see coordinates): , Google Map: Searchable Map of the City of Lansing, Michigan, USA. City Coordinates: 42°44′ N 84°32′ W Michigan Senate: Capitol History Leadership The First Capitol The first State Capitol, completed in 1828, was known as the Territorial Courthouse until Michigan became a state in 1837. Designed by Obed Wait and constructed of red brick, the Courthouse/Capitol was one of the earliest Greek Revival buildings in Michigan with a fine Ionic portico and a tower which rose to a height of 140 feet.

Built at a cost of $24,500, this building served the State Territorial Government and the State legislature from May 5, 1828 to March 17, 1847, when the capital was moved from Detroit to its permanent location in Lansing. The building then became a public school and library until it burned in 1893. Known as Union School, it was, at one time, Detroit's only high school. The State Constitution of 1835 contained the provision that, 'The seat of government for this state shall be at Detroit, or at such other place or places as may be prescribed by law until the year eighteen hundred and forty-seven, when it shall be permanently located by the legislature". As 1847 approached, Detroit pressed to keep its position, but interior villages were jealous of the power and influence of Detroit and the majority of legislative votes were outside of Wayne county.

Four primary arguments were given for moving the capital inland: To increase the defensibility of the capital by moving it away from the Canadian border, To promote settlement in the inner regions of the state, To make the capital more accessible to the people of the entire state, and To boost the economy of the interior A heated and lengthy debate ensued in the legislature and the names of many interior cites and villages were presented, although the primary contenders were Ann Arbor, Jackson, Detroit and Grand Rapids. At one point the people of Marshall were so sure of their town's selection that they built a governor's mansion. Debate turned into bickering and, eventually, into deadlock. Many names were presented as a joke, including that of Copper Harbor at the northern-most tip of the Upper Peninsula. One morning after a fall of snow, a member arose and moved to take up the bill, offering as reason that, "it would undoubtedly slide easily that morning." Finally, Joseph H. Kilbourne of Meridian Township in Ingham County proposed the Township of Lansing which was, at the time, little more than a "hole in the woods" and unknown to most legislators.

Accepting the site as a compromise, the House and then the Senate approved the location which the legislature named the Town of Michigan. In 1848 the town of Michigan was renamed. After considering a variety of possibilities such as Huron, Pewanogowink, Kinderhook, El Dorado, Marcellus, Thorbush, Houghton, Harrison, Washington, Cass, Swedenborg and Okeema, they agreed on Lansing. The Second Capitol Michigan's second Capitol building was erected in 1847 on the block now bordered by Washington and Capitol avenues and Allegan and Washtenaw streets in Lansing. Designed by Israel Gillett, it was of simple and graceful design -- a two story frame structure, painted white with green wooden shutters and topped by a tin cupola. Including a sixteen-foot addition built in 1865, the total cost was $22,952.01. It was intended as a temporary home for Michigan legislators, as the original designers of Lansing had set aside the highest site in the town for a permanent Capitol.

Sold, when the third Capitol was occupied in 1879, the building was then used in the manufacture of wooden handles and bent work until it was destroyed by fire in 1882. On January 1, 1871, Governor Henry P. Baldwin, in a message to the legislature, pointed out the necessity for a new Capitol building. The legislators agreed, and on March 31, 1871, the Governor signed a bill "for the erection of a new state capitol, and a building for the temporary use of the state officers." The act also empowered the Governor to appoint a Board of Building Commissioners to be charged with the design and construction of both buildings. Appropriated for the new capitol was $1,200,000, to be raised by a 16 7/8 cent, per year, tax on Michigan residents for six years. The ultimate cost, including furniture, fittings and improvement of the grounds, was $1,427,743.78. The Third Capitol Commissioners Ebenezer O.

Grosvenor of Jonesville, James Sherer of Bay City and Alexander Chapoton of Detroit were confirmed by the legislature and Allen J. Bours of Lansing was appointed Secretary. Governors Baldwin (1869-72), Bagley (1873-76), and Croswell (1877-80) served as ex-officio members. The Commission announced a design competition and, according to Mr. O. L. Jenison, "Originally the designs were required to be submitted by 1 December, 1871, but because of the Chicago fire of October 1871 which destroyed or damaged some of the entries, the deadline was extended to 28 December. Altogether there were twenty entries from which the winner was announced on 25 January, 1872, and the architect was Elijah E. Myers, Esq . of Springfield, Ill." Preparations were underway by late August of 1872 and construction began a month later.

By September of 1873, Lansing, a town of 7,000 was readying for the Cornerstone Laying Day with an expected crowd of 30,000 to 50,000 visitors. On October 2, 1873, following a parade and speakers, the five-ton granite cornerstone with its historic documents and memorials was lowered into place and sealed. It was a great occasion. The editor of the Isabella County Enterprise voiced his opinion, "Gone -- Our wealthy citizens have again gone to see the cornerstone of the new capitol laid. They ought to put some potato bugs under that stone, to let the rising generation see 'what their fathers fit'." It was a day with few problems. According to The Detroit Post, there was "Nothing to do -- Detectives Bishop and O'Neil who went to Lansing to look out for the light-fingered gentry who were expected to be present at the laying of the cornerstone, returned home yesterday morning thoroughly disgusted, having found nothing to do.

For some reason the 'mob' failed to put in an appearance and no case of pocket-picking was reported." The Portland Observer provided this sidelight, "If any of the bricks from the State Capitol are missing, we know where they are. A few were emptied into this town Thursday night, judging by the shape of their hats that's where they carried them." On September 23, 1878 with construction and finishing completed, the new Capitol with its 139 rooms, was "ready for delivery." Official dedications followed the inauguration of Governor Croswell on January 1, 1879. Visitors came from all over to see the new State House. For many it was a new and strange experience which was evident in their questions and comments. One lady after viewing both Legislative Halls remarked, "I s'pose one these is for the Republicans and the other for the Dimmicrats [sic]." Another asked whose initials "A.D.", were on the cornerstone. On one occasion the building superintendent was escorting a group through the Supreme Court Chamber. He reached the door and said, "Here is the egress." One lady questioned her companion, "What did the gentlemen call it?

I've come a good ways and I want to see all there is." After touring the building and riding in the elevator, a visitor asked if he could go into the "tunnel", but was satisfied when told "the tunnel isn't running today." Another gentleman asked to see the "libratory." When asked if he meant the State Library, he said he guessed that was it. A visitor viewing the empty shelves in the newly completed library, was told it would be many years before all the shelves were filled with books. Upon reaching Representative Hall with a hundred empty desks, he commented, "It will be a long time before those desks are occupied." Source: Excerpts taken from Michigan's State Capitol, History Art & Architecture, published by the Michigan Department of Management and Budget, circa 1988. Lansing among poorest capital regions in U.S. Lansing among poorest capital regions in U.S. On income, poverty and unemployment, Lansing ranks low among capitals. Post to Facebook Lansing among poorest capital regions in U.S. On income, poverty and unemployment, Lansing ranks low among capitals. Check out this story on lansingstatejournal.com: CancelSend A link has been sent to your friend's email address. Posted!

A link has been posted to your Facebook feed. 9 Lansing among poorest capital regions in U.S. jhinkley@lsj.com Published 8:25 p.m. ET Sept. 13, 2014 | Updated 10:57 a.m. ET Sept. 15, 2014 While Lansing’s economy has greatly improved in recent years, it continues to fare less well than other capital cities. (Photo: Rod Sanford/lSJ) Story Highlights Compared to other capitals, Lansing ranks 46th on poverty. With a median age of about 34, Lansing is one of the youngest capitals in the country. The decline in manufacturing had a big impact on Lansing. Lansing ranks in the middle on factors such as population, education, crime and economic output Ross Feldpausch liked his job at a local heating and cooling company, but after chatting with a neighbor who works for the state, he saw an opportunity. In early July, Feldpausch joined the more than 14,000 people in the tri-county area who earn their pay from state government.

The 37-year-old Fowler man now is a maintenance mechanic for the Department of Technology, Management and Budget, where his benefits — Michigan offers its employees among the most generous health plans in the nation — are a big boon to his big family. "It helps because now I can have them all on the health insurance," Feldpausch said of his wife and four kids. "It's a little better pay, which makes everything a little easier." Greater Lansing reaps rewards as the seat of state government, local officials said, but as the capital of one of the poorest and least-employed states in the nation, the area lags behind other statehouse metropolises in the U.S. Compared to its 49 fellow capitals, the Lansing metropolitan statistical area had one of the lowest median household incomes in 2012, the most recent year for which complete data were available, and among the highest unemployment and poverty rates that year, according to a State Journal analysis of Census and other data. Lansingites slow to return to city Though the Lansing area's unemployment rate improved greatly between 2012 and July 2014, it still remained among the lowest among the nation's capitals.

Compared to fellow Great Lakes capitals in Illinois, Indiana, Ohio and Wisconsin, the Lansing area ranks dead last on those measures. That's because all the activity surrounding the Capitol isn't enough to counter the economic headwinds that dragged on Michigan as a whole, said Charles Ballard, an economist with Michigan State University. Namely, that means the decline in manufacturing. "The sector that was the bulwark of our economy back 30, 40, 50 years ago has declined very substantially," Ballard said, "and it's been a very tough transition for Michigan and for the Lansing region." Database: See how Lansing compares to other U.S. capital cities Statistically, Lansing could be a contender among capitals. While income, poverty and unemployment pulls Lansing down, on other factors such as population, education, crime, ethnic diversity, and economic output, Lansing is decidedly middle-of-the-road among the nation's capitals. It's not high-performing, but not down-and-out, either. With a median age of about 34, Lansing is one of the youngest capitals in the country.

"We have a great opportunity, I think, but it really takes jobs," said Karl Dorshimer, director of economic development for the Lansing Economic Area Partner ship. "It takes a strong economy and once you get it going, it continues to grow and it continues to hire, and I think we're right on the threshold of that." 'A pillar of our economy' Housing a statehouse doesn't necessarily equal wealth. It's true that the wealthiest capital region — Juneau, Alaska — also reported the highest share of its workforce in public administration, a category that includes state workers. But Tallahassee, Fla. is the nation's poorest capital, and it had the seventh-highest share of its workforce in that category. Rather, capitals are subject to statewide economic trends like any other city, Ballard said. In Lansing, that meant the loss of General Motors Co. jobs. The Lansing area lost more than 7,000 manufacturing jobs between 2000 and 2012, Census data show, more than any other industry. Michigan lost about 323,000 manufacturing jobs in that time. But Ballard said that hit was softened by the thousands of state government jobs here.

The Lansing area lost public administration jobs, too, though the losses were not as steep as in manufacturing "It's a pillar of our economy," Ballard said. "Without the state capital and all the offices and organizations associated with it, the Lansing-area economy would be greatly diminished." Add in Michigan State University — education and healthcare jobs made up more than a quarter of the local workforce, and nearly 2,300 such jobs were added between 2000 and 2012 — and Lansing ranks well against Michigan metro areas. All the unions, lobbyists, and trade groups who come to be near the statehouse bring lots of outside money to spend on local hotels, meeting spaces, restaurants and more, said Jack Schripsema, president of the Greater Lansing Convention & Visitors Bureau . He said statewide associations made up about 60 percent of the groups with whom CVB worked with last year. "That's our bread and butter," he said. The Lansing area gained the most jobs in the arts, entertainment, and hospitality sector that supports tourism. More than 3,000 jobs were added there between 2000 and 2012, the Census data show. But those jobs typically are lower-paying.

'Highly educated people' Among the Great Lakes states, Madison, Wis. is the wealthiest capital, with an unemployment rate nearly half that of Lansing's — both in 2012 and in July — and a median household income nearly $11,000 higher. Statistically, the biggest difference between Lansing and Madison is education. About 32 percent of Lansing's 25-and-older population have at least a bachelor's degree, ranking 22nd among all U.S. capitals. Meanwhile, 42 percent in Madison have a bachelor's, making it the second-most educated capital in the U.S. If Lansing wants to see Madison's wealth, it should "do things that draw in energetic and highly educated people," Ballard said, because higher skilled equals better paid. "In the last couple years there's been a strong recognition of that," said Dorshimer. Greater partnership He said local economic developers have encouraged more partnership between employers and educators such as MSU and Lansing Community College. They've put a premium on trying to encourage grads from those institutions to stay in the area and making sure university employees want to live in the Lansing area.

Tim Daman, president and CEO of the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce, said the financial, health care and advanced manufacturing sectors, plus a burgeoning technology sector, are becoming increasingly important locally, and officials should "continue to diversify this economy" beyond state government. The Capitol is important, Daman said, "but it can't be the only driver of our economic development efforts." Ballard said he's also seen improvements in the local parks, arts and nightlife that attract young professionals. How Lansing stacks up Among the 50 U.S. state capitals, Lansing was one of the poorest and least-employed in 2012, the most recent year for which data were available. Unless otherwise noted, ranking is among all 50 state capitals. Compare all the capital cities with this database . Lansing metro Source: U.S. Census, Bureau of Labor Statistics, FBI data A capital economy, by the numbers 18,756 Number of public administration workers in the Lansing area in 2012, a category that includes state workers. That number is down 2,728 from 2000, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

By comparison, the area lost 7,018 manufacturing jobs during that same period. $4.4 billion Amount of gross domestic product in the Lansing area that came from government activities, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. 4.7 million Number of tourists who came to Greater Lansing in 2012, according to an outside study conducted for the Greater Lansing Convention & Visitors Bureau. They spent a combined $470 million in the area. 727 CONNECT TWEET 21 LINKEDIN 9 COMMENTEMAILMORE Read or Share this story: TOP VIDEOS Lansing: Capital Tour Lansing is an excellent field trip choice for Michigan students. Your students will benefit from a guided tour of the State Capitol building. We can also include stops at Abrams Planetarium located on the campus of Michigan State University and Impression 5 Science Center, a hands-on learning environment that kids just love!

Question: Lansing is the capital of which US state?
Answer: MICHIGAN