Choose This Michigan Destination for the Perfect Fall Getaway

Located in the southern part of Michigan, the capital city of Lansing is a great choice for a fall getaway. Lansing and its neighbor East Lansing have all the amenities of a bigger city, but with far less traffic and a lot more hospitality.

Go Here

Wharton Center for Performing Arts - Check out their schedule to see what touring Broadway Shows are coming to this venue on Michigan State University’s campus. Le Miserables is coming in October, as well as Shucked in January, MJ in February and Life of Pi in March. October at Wharton also brings Barry Bostwick in Rocky Horror Picture Show and Mandy Patinkin in concert among others. Enjoy!

Stay Here

Graduate Hotel – This newer hotel is right across the street from Michigan State University with a rooftop bar overlooking the gorgeous campus. The hotel also boasts totally unique décor with nods to MSU mixed with northern Michigan vibes.

Wild Goose Inn – This darling Bed & Breakfast is located in the heart of East Lansing with private baths and themed rooms.

AC Hotel/Hyatt House – This co-branded hotel duo is on Michigan Avenue about halfway between East Lansing and Lansing’s State Capitol Building. It has a modern feel and a fabulous Tuscan-style restaurant called Toscana.

**Tip: Book early, especially if you’re coming to town during an MSU football game weekend. 

Find even more hotels https://www.lansing.org/hotels/

View Art Here

Eli & Edythe Broad Art Museum – This contemporary art museum is housed in a stunning Zaha Hadid building with educational and thought-provoking exhibits.

Saper Galleries – This East Lansing gallery and framing center houses art from around the world, carefully curated by owner Roy Saper.

Nelson Art Gallery – Head to downtown Lansing to view some of Lansing’s finest artists’ works in one of mid-century modern architect George Nelson designed building, one of the last left in the world.

Lansing Art Gallery – This downtown Lansing gallery showcases Michigan artists and is located in the Knapp’s Centre, formerly a downtown department store but also one of the most beautiful examples of an Art Moderne building.

See Autumn Colors Here

Bike the Lansing River Trail, a 20+ mile paved trail that traces the banks of the Red Cedar and Grand Rivers, taking you through urban locations, past local attractions and museums and over wetlands and through wooded forests. Leaf peepers rejoice!

Rent a kayak at River Town Adventures and paddle the Grand River to see the area in a whole new way along with beautiful leaves. ‘Tis the season for viewing vibrant fall foliage.

Visit the ledges at Fitzgerald Park. Both walkers and hikers will enjoy being both a leaf peeper while exploring the 300-million-year-old rock formations that jut from the shore along the banks of the Grand River in neighboring Grand Ledge.

Eat Here

People’s Kitchen – Located on the border of East Lansing and Lansing, this hip eatery serves inventive food with locally sourced ingredients and hand-crafted cocktails.

Salt Rock Brewery – Lansing’s newest restaurant can be found tucked away from the hustle and bustle and serving quality craft beers and cocktails, diverse food menu including high-quality steaks and pasta dishes and exceptional customer service.

Envie – This downtown Lansing restaurant is the perfect destination for a quiet meal. It specializes in French-American cuisine with a strong emphasis on fresh, quality ingredients and top notch customer service.

Check out These Festivals

Michigan BluesFest – September 18-21A weekend filled with regional and national blues artists. Enjoy the energy, excitement and music in the streets of Old Town Lansing.

517 Hispanic Heritage Festival – September 19-22This is a vibrant celebration of Hispanic culture and heritage, honoring the rich traditions and contributions of the Hispanic community. Food, music, dancing and a dynamic cultural experience.

Olive Burger Festival – October 5, 2024Celebrate the quintessential Lansing food item – the Olive Burger. For over 100 years this burger with the secret olive sauce on top has been a staple throughout the region.

Check out the Lansing Experience Pass for a curated list of attractions, recreational options and more. Or if you’re looking to quench your thirst, the Lansing Craft Beverage Pass lists over 20 craft breweries, artisan distilleries and boutique wineries in the area. When you choose Lansing, plan on something Greater! More information can be found at Choose Lansing. (https://www.lansing.org/)

Photos by Choose Lansing