a

Lansing:The Capital of History and Beautiful Nature in the City~

B! LINE

What could be better for a travel destination than a diverse capital city in the United States? The city of Lansing is the proud capital of the state of Michigan, and although it is a capital of a big state, it is not the most populated city in Michigan. Lansing became the capital of Michigan in 1847, exactly ten years after Michigan even became one of the states. The city is hometown for a good number of universities and schools keeping the city fresh and young with plenty of places to visit. But what are the most popular places to visit in Lansing? Let's find out!

1. Michigan State University Museum

As previously mentioned above, Lansing has a lot of schools in the city which means endless visits to the most interesting university affiliated museums. The museum is also a Smithsonian affiliated museum which brings it's visitors the most exclusive and interesting exhibitions leaving people in awe. The museum focuses on showcasing scientific and cultural artifacts, aims to present fossils and present researches to the visitors while teaching them something new. Visitors will have the chance to experience something that they never did before.

2. Potter Park Zoo

Photo byJoe Ross

If you had enough of fossils and bones and would see something living for a change then the Potter Park Zoo is just the right place for you. The one hundred and two acre zoo is located in one of Lansing's parks. The Potter Park zoo aim to educate people and to inspire them to pay attention to their surroundings and the animals in the natural world. The zoo is stocked up with about five hundred animals from four continents bringing a broad variety of endangered species to Lansing. Visitors can enjoy some snacks on the ground of the zoo after a big tour in the animal kingdom.

3. Impression 5 Science Center

Photo bycommons.wikimedia.org

Ready to be pressed or would you rather be impressed? The Impression 5 Science Center is one of a kind and a must see and experience center in Lansing. Located in downtown Lansing the Impression 5 Science Center is a science museum on the Grand River. You will find the outside architecture quite unusual, the center lays in a historic wagon works factory. This place is not only a museum but people can see and try out hands-on activities and exhibitions. The center aims to teach people through the more than one hundred and fifty games and activities.

4. R.E.Olds Transportation Museum

Photo byJOHN LLOYD

Beep beep! Let's take a ride to the R. E. Olds Transportation Museum. The transportation museum is named after none other than Ransom E. Olds the founder of Oldsmobile and REO. The spectacular museum presents a long timeline, possessing vehicles from as early as 1886 . Visitors will catch a glimpse into the good old days of the generations before them and their transportation related habits. People can admire interesting bicycles or even see some tractors or other different vehicles.

5. Michigan History Center

Photo bycommons.wikimedia.org

Continuing our walk in the past the Michigan History Center is a great place to get to know and experience the old times in the state and why are things the way they are today. The five level museum will answer all the questions you have and the ones that will arise in time. The museum has permanent as well as special and interactive exhibitions along with educational programs or some artifacts. The museum aims to teach and preserve the history of the state so they can share with everyone interested in cultural values and history.

6. Michigan Women's Hall of Fame

A special part of Michigan's history and any states history are the strong women. The Michigan Women's Historical Center & Hall of Fame aims to recognize outstanding women and to create awareness in other women of the many potential they have and what great things they could accomplish, nevertheless about their own rights. This little facility holds exhibitions honoring the achievements of women throughout the history. The center focuses on the women of Michigan but any other person can find inspiration at the museum.

7. Hawk Island Park

It is very interesting to look back in time but it is also good to be back in the present. The park of Hawk Island Park is a modern place to practice outside activities with friends and family or just run or jog alone in peace. The park has a hundred acres where everyone can find secluded or public areas. People can enjoy swimming or soaking up the sun. If you don't like to go into water you can enjoy your day on the walking trails while exploring the park. In the winter snowboarders are more than welcome to use the park as their winter adventure platform.

8. Lansing River Trail

Photo bycommons.wikimedia.org

For a terrific walk in the calming nature of Lansing every visitor should go and try out the popular sporting attraction in the city. The Lansing River Trail is a great way to get introduced to the city a little bit better and to have an unforgettable adventure. The trail stretches from Waverly Road all the way to Old Town which makes sightseeing even better. Travelers and adventurous souls will have the chance to walk or jog on the twenty mile paved trail meanwhile going through many natural areas and parks where they can catch a glimpse of wild life and examine plants on the way.

9. Michigan State Capitol

The beautiful and unique State Capitol is eager to receive visitors from all over the place to show them something new and make them experience something extraordinary. The majestic building houses the legislative branch of the well known US government. The unique architecture of the place attracts thousands of people to visit with the purpose to learn about the government and to grow closer to the country. Visitors will learn a lot about The United States and will return with a better understanding.

10. W. J. Beal Botanical Garden

Photo bycommons.wikimedia.org

Another great place on campus of the Michigan State University is the W. J. Beal Botanical Garden. The garden lays on five acres and represents many different plants. The botanical garden was first founded in 1873 and since then it has developed into one of the most beautiful places in Lansing. Visitors who would like to have a little piece and take a break from the everyday life can go to the garden and take a stroll among thousands of plants. People can enjoy their quiet reading time there or just sit on the bench admiring the nature.

◎Closing

Michigan is a very blessed state among the other states which makes it a great get-away place. The capital city, Lansing is full of not mentioned natural beauty and other interesting historical places through which everyone will have the chance to grow and experience during the trip. Lansing will be an intellectually fun place for anyone looking for something new and educative. The experiences will be everlasting and the memories will be held tight in every heart that ever visited the city.