MSUFCU Welcomes You to Lansing
May 15, 2025
What We Love About Lansing
A guide to experiencing the best of the Capital City region.
Welcome to Greater Lansing from Michigan State University Federal Credit Union (MSUFCU)!
Whether you're a first-time visitor, a frequent guest, or a lifelong local, we’re excited to share what makes Greater Lansing so special. From vibrant arts and culture to delicious local eats and scenic trails, there’s something here for everyone to enjoy.
At MSUFCU, we've been part of this community since 1937, and we offer a wide range of branch locations and ATMs to conveniently meet your financial needs. We are proud to showcase the community we call home and have put together this guide to share some of the places and experiences we love most about Lansing.
Use this list as your inspiration to explore, rediscover, and celebrate everything Lansing has to offer.
ARTS
Broad Art Museum
Designed by the internationally renowned, award-winning architect Zaha Hadid, the futuristic design of the Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum is a work of art in its own right. Opened in 2012 on the Michigan State University campus at 547 E. Circle Drive, the museum is a landmark in downtown East Lansing and a showcase for modern art as well as community-centered programming that encourages visitors to connect, learn, and engage.
LCC Sculpture Walk
Visitors can journey through downtown Lansing and explore an inspired collection of art and sculptures on the campus of Lansing Community College and the surrounding area. All the sculptures along the tour — from the 30-foot-tall “Red Ribbon in the Sky” to the towering “Elementary” display — were designed, fabricated, or engineered in diverse ways by LCC faculty, alumni, or students.
MSU Museum
The MSU Museum has been collecting objects and specimens and creating exhibitions since 1857 that reflect our shared histories and experiences. The museum is also Michigan’s first Smithsonian Institute affiliate. While its Michigan State University campus location at 409 W. Circle Drive is undergoing renovation through 2025, exhibits are being hosted at MSUFCU’s 311 Abbot Road building in East Lansing.
REACH Studio
Based at 1804 S. Washington Ave., in Lansing, REACH Studio Art Center is a nonprofit community art center offering creative engagement in the arts for all ages and abilities with classes and workshops taught by local teaching artists. Free and sliding-scale fee programs in a variety of arts media and disciplines happen at REACH, a campus of seven studios in the REO Town district, or around town through the REACH Art Truck program.
Saper Galleries
Saper Galleries is a world-renowned, award-winning art gallery located in a landmark building at 433 Albert St. in downtown East Lansing. Saper Galleries owns and inventories more than 1,500 original works of art by 150 artists from 15 countries, which can be viewed at and acquired from the museum-like gallery. Since opening the present gallery building in 1986, Saper Galleries has created more than 30 major exhibitions.
DINING
Bowdie’s Chophouse
An upscale dining experience, Bowdie’s Chophouse has become a longstanding Lansing tradition in the shadow of the state Capitol at 320 E. Michigan Ave. Serving up the high-class quality one might find in Lower Manhattan, Bowdie’s features rustic elegance in the woodgrain and leather interior that is contrasted and complemented by the elegant tableware, black linens, and culinary perfection.
Meat BBQ
What started as a need to fill a void has turned into one of Lansing’s most popular dining destinations. Pitmaster Sean Johnson liked to make delicious barbeque on the weekends for his family and friends and decided he needed to share his marvelous eats with the people of Lansing. Enter Meat BBQ at 1224 Turner St. in Lansing’s historic Old Town district. The award-winning menu is packed full of Instagram-worthy offerings.
One North
With locations in Lansing, East Lansing, and Jackson, One North Kitchen and Bar was built upon the values rooted deep within the mid-Michigan communities where its founders were raised. The menu is carefully crafted in a scratch kitchen to cater to all tastes, with each location also featuring signature hometown favorites. One North’s bar serves up craft cocktails made with top-shelf spirits and house-made juices and syrups.
Saddleback
With locations in Lansing and Okemos, Saddleback BBQ is a can’t-miss stop that was named Best BBQ in Michigan by Mental Floss. The Southern barbecue with a Midwestern flair puts a unique twist on all the smoked and savory favorites. The restaurant’s sister establishment, Slice by Saddleback, puts another spin on dining as a pizzeria with two Lansing locations. The green-and-white pizza by MSUFCU offers a local Spartan taste with dill pickles, garlic sauce, mozzarella, and dill weed.
Soup Spoon Café
Nestled halfway between Michigan State University and the Michigan Capitol at 1419 E. Michigan Ave. in Lansing, Soup Spoon Cafe is a local favorite for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Known for its scratch kitchen and craft cocktails, Soup Spoon stands out for its local flavors, top-quality ingredients, and welcoming atmosphere that is both sophisticated and comfortable.
Weston’s Kewpee
No trip to mid-Michigan is complete without an olive burger. Anyone in Greater Lansing knows that the famed olive burgers fuel the region, and the best place to get an olive burger is Weston’s Kewpee Sandwich Shop, 118 S. Washington Square in Lansing. Often cited as the best olive burger in the area — if not the world — the family-owned and -operated Weston’s Kewpee has built its reputation on service, freshness, and quality.
ENTERTAINMENT
Abrams Planetarium
The Talbert and Leota Abrams Planetarium, 755 Science Road in East Lansing on the Michigan State University campus, serves as an astronomy and space science education resource facility for central Michigan. The planetarium is an outreach unit of the MSU Department of Physics and Astronomy. As such, it supports astronomy teaching on campus as well as offers a variety of planetarium shows to the public.
High Caliber Karting
If you have the need for speed and adrenaline, High Caliber Karting and Entertainment has what you seek. Located in the Meridian Mall at 1982 W. Grand River Ave. in Okemos, Michigan’s top action and entertainment facility features high-speed karting, ax throwing, rage rooms, arcade games, food, beverages, and more. It’s the best bet in Greater Lansing to cancel boredom.
Impression 5
For more than 50 years, Impression 5 Science Center at 200 Museum Drive in downtown Lansing, has been boosting knowledge by feeding the inquisitiveness of children throughout mid-Michigan with a deeper understanding of the world. Nestled on the banks of the Grand River, the center is a place where youth can use their exploration experiences to build their connection to science.
Lansing Symphony Orchestra
Formed in 1929, the Lansing Symphony Orchestra is widely recognized as a mid-Michigan cultural gem. Now nearing its 100th season, the LSO continues to strive to reach audiences on a personal level, letting the power of live music do the talking through both performances and music education programming. Orchestral performances take place at locations throughout Lansing and East Lansing.
GOLF
Eagle Eye
In 2017, Golf Advisor ranked Eagle Eye Championship Golf Course, 15500 Chandler Road in Bath Township, No. 5 in the nation. In 2016, Eagle Eye hosted the 105th Michigan Amateur. In 2014, Golf Digest rated Eagle Eye’s 18 holes as the fifth-best public golf course in Michigan, and the facility was ranked the fourth-best championship golf course in Michigan in 2006 by Michigan Golf magazine.
Forest Akers
Michigan State University’s Forest Akers Golf Courses in East Lansing offer two 18-hole championship layouts, a state-of-the-art practice facility, and a full complement of services. Forest Akers West Golf Course ranks as one of the best collegiate facilities in the country. The East Course was last redesigned in 1997, going from a par 71 to par 72. Numerous trees and bunkers were also added.
Groesbeck Golf Course
Groesbeck Golf Course, 1523 E. Cesar E. Chavez Ave. in Lansing, is an 18-hole, regulation-length course designed by Jerry Matthews that challenges all skill levels. When it opened in 1926, Gov. Alex Groesbeck hit the first ball on the course during the formal opening that included a balloon ascension. Groesbeck has been a treasured gem for decades.
Hawk Hollow
With 27 holes of championship golf, Hawk Hollow Championship Golf Course, 15101 Chandler Road in Bath Township, earned 4.5 out of 5 stars from Golf Digest and was listed among the top 200 “Places to Play.” This 500-acre track provides the opportunity to use every club in your bag. It includes a classic Jerry Matthews layout, two full-service driving ranges, a short-game practice area, and a full pro shop.
Royal Scot
A Lansing landmark and family-owned business committed to creating memorable experiences for all customers, Royal Scot Golf & Bowl has something for everyone. At 4722 W. Grand River Ave. in Lansing, Royal Scot offers one of the region’s premier golf experiences, with a 27-hole championship course to challenge players of all skill levels and one of only two footgolf courses in the United States.
HISTORY
Michigan Capitol
Sitting on 11 acres at 100 N. Capitol Ave. in Lansing, the dome of the historic Michigan Capitol is the signature of the city’s skyline. The cornerstone was laid in 1873, and the building was dedicated in 1879 as the home of the state’s legislative branch of government. The building welcomes more than 115,000 visitors annually on education tours. The Heritage Hall visitor and education space opened in 2022.
Michigan Library and Historical Center
The Michigan Library and Historical Center at 702 W. Kalamazoo St. in Lansing includes the Archives of Michigan and the Michigan History Museum, the flagship of the 12-site Michigan History Museum system. The five-story museum features more than 25 galleries of permanent exhibits covering the timeline of the state from the first people through the 20th century, special exhibits, and a three-story high topographical map of Michigan.
R.E. Olds Transportation Museum
Dedicated to the automotive history and legacy of Lansing native Ransom Eli Olds, the R.E. Olds Transportation Museum at 240 Museum Drive in Lansing houses an extensive collection of automobiles, engines, and other automotive materials significant to the transportation history of the region. Olds created the principle of the assembly line and founded Olds Motor Works and REO Motor Car Co.
Turner-Dodge House and Heritage Center
Built by James and Marion Turner at 100 E. North St. in Lansing in 1858, the Turner-Dodge House and Heritage Center has been fully restored to its Classic Revival 19th-century style. The mansion is a National Historic Registered Place and is maintained by the Lansing Parks and Recreation Department as a cultural heritage center. Guided tours are available during business hours and the facility is also available for rentals.
NATURE
Fenner Nature Center
Fenner Nature Center is an environmental education center encompassing 134 acres of publicly accessible green space at 2020 E. Mount Hope Ave. in Lansing. Now run by the nonprofit Fenner Conservancy, the property includes more than four miles of trails, rolling glacial eskers, towering maple groves, and more. Inside the visitor center, guests can find collections of live exhibits, viewing areas, and hands-on opportunities.
Lansing River Trail
With more than 20 miles of paved surfaces, the Lansing River Trail connects all corners of the region from west to east and north to south, passing through downtown Lansing, the Michigan State University campus, and local parks and natural areas. The trail cuts through numerous area attractions, including Potter Park Zoo, Adado Riverfront Park, the Brenke Fish Ladder, Old Town, and REO Town.
The Ledges
The all-season, 78-acre Fitzgerald Park at 100 Fitzgerald Park Drive in Grand Ledge, features numerous attractions and amenities, but the biggest draw is The Ledges. The 300-million-year-old sandstone formations line the shore of the Grand River for walkers and hikers to explore along the five miles of trails at the park. Fitzgerald Park also features frisbee golf, picnicking, fishing, and pavilion rentals.
Potter Park Zoo
With a mission to inspire the conservation of animals and the natural world, Potter Park Zoo has been accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums since 1986. A wide range of more than 160 species of animals — including mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians — are featured at the 102-acre zoo at 1301 S. Pennsylvania Ave. in Lansing. A variety of special events are held at Potter Park Zoo annually.
Woldumar Nature Center
Explore the outdoors at Woldumar Nature Center, 5739 Old Lansing Road in Lansing. The center offers numerous outreach and on-site environmental education programs for children as well as adults. More than five miles of trails await guests on 180-plus acres of woodland, prairie, riverside, and pine forest. Hike or cross-country ski anytime between dawn and dusk at the nature center.
NIGHTLIFE
Green Door
Featuring local, regional, and national acts across a variety of genres, the Green Door Bar and Grill has been a longtime local hot spot for live entertainment. The establishment at 2005 E. Michigan Ave. in Lansing offers outdoor patio seating, dart boards, a pool table, and seven plasma TVs to catch the game. A private meeting space is also available with advanced reservations.
Grewal Hall at 224
Hosting a wide-ranging and varied mix of live performances, Grewal Hall at 224 has brought an eclectic twist to downtown Lansing since opening at 224 S. Washington Square in October 2023. The 6,000-square-foot cashless space has an event capacity of up to 999 and has served as a vibrant downtown venue for everything from concerts and comedy to conferences and book signings.
Lansing Lugnuts
Take in America’s national pastime as the Lansing Lugnuts swing for the fences at Jackson Field in the heart of downtown Lansing and the shadow of the Capitol at 505 E. Michigan Ave. The Minor League Baseball team plays in the Midwest League as the Class High-A affiliate of the Oakland Athletics. Lansing has been cheering on the Lugnuts since the franchise arrived in 1996.
Lansing Shuffle
Located on the Lansing riverfront, steps from other local attractions, the 11,000-square-foot Lansing Shuffle food hall and social club was once the Lansing City Market. The site now features several restaurants, two full-service bars, a large outdoor patio, and — of course — shuffleboard courts. The exterior patio overlooking the river serves as an event space for entertainment programming.
Ovation Center for Music and Arts — COMING SOON
Presented by MSUFCU, The Ovation Center for Music and Arts is Greater Lansing’s state-of-the-art transformative space to enjoy and create art. The two-story main stage has a large-scale capacity for more than 2,000 fans. A second performance area is an ideal spot for intimate performances, like acoustic sets, comedy shows, and film screenings. The venue at 500 S. Washington Ave. in downtown Lansing is slated to open in 2026.
SHOPPING
Horrocks Farm Market
You may want to set aside an entire afternoon to fully explore the offerings at Horrocks Farm Market, 7420 W. Saginaw Highway, on the west side of Lansing. A mid-Michigan staple since 1959, Horrocks boasts locally grown produce, specialty coffee, gourmet popcorn, an oil and vinegar bar, a beer garden, a full-service deli, a greenhouse and floral department, and gift baskets and local goods.
Lansing Mall
Located just west of Lansing at 5330 W. Saginaw Highway in Waverly, the Lansing Mall and surrounding properties offer a wide range of shopping, dining, and entertainment options such as Zap Zone XL. The enclosed mall was built in 1969 and includes more than 800,000 square feet of leasable space with approximately 60 retail businesses and restaurants.
Meridian Mall
Just east of East Lansing at 1982 W. Grand River Ave. in Okemos, the Meridian Mall is an enclosed shopping center that features approximately 100 retail, dining, and entertainment offerings, including the popular large independent bookstore Schuler Books. The mall opened in 1969 at the northwest corner of Grand River Avenue and Marsh Road and has gone through numerous expansions over the years.
Old Town
The boutique bohemian and arts center on the north end of the city, Old Town offers visitors a wealth of unique experiences through eclectic shops and restaurants, special cultural events and festivals, and a rich history of beautiful architecture as the original downtown district of Lansing. Included as part of the National Register of Historic Places, Old Town was established in the mid-19th century.
REO Town
Named in honor of pioneering local automaker Ransom E. Olds, REO Town sits just south of downtown Lansing and is the birthplace of the REO Motor Car Co., which produced vehicles from 1905 to 1975. Today, the district features a diverse mix of shopping, dining, arts, and special event options along a beautiful and historic streetscape. Make sure to fit in like a local by pronouncing it “Rio Town,” not R-E-O Town.
THEATER
MSU Department of Theatre
Providing wide-ranging programming throughout the year, the Michigan State University Department of Theatre fosters a courageous, self-driven creative process working both within and outside of existing structures with the goal of using art to create a pathway to success. The department provides undergraduate and graduate programs of recognizable excellence to promote drama and theater as civilizing agents within society.
Peppermint Creek Theatre Co.
The classic and contemporary Peppermint Creek Theatre Co. at 2200 Lake Lansing Road in Lansing is named after the creek that runs near the Mason childhood home of company founder Chad Swan-Badgero. The theater strives to entertain while addressing societal issues that raise awareness and encourage dialogue.
Riverwalk Theatre
As the name indicates, Riverwalk Theatre sits on the banks of the Grand River at 228 Museum Drive in Lansing. The renovated warehouse hosts everything from children’s shows and musicals to adult dramas and comedies, and the site serves as the home for the nonprofit Community Circle Players.
Wharton Center
Bringing the best of Broadway and beyond to mid-Michigan, the Wharton Center for Performing Arts, 750 E. Shaw Lane in East Lansing, has drawn sold-out crowds to extraordinary shows and programs that integrate the arts, education, and engagement activities to the community since 1982. The purpose behind every stage at Wharton is to make life more meaningful through experiencing the performing arts.
Williamston Theatre
Nestled in the heart of its historic downtown at 122 S. Putnam St., the Williamston Theatre has offered intimate storytelling experiences to entertain and foster empathy for the human journey since 2005. A renovation of the theater building was wrapped up in 2020.
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