Lansing, Michigan

Michigan State Capitol, Lansing
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Michigan_state_capitol.jpg
Author: Brian Charles Watson


Lansing is the state capital of Michigan. It covers 36.6 sq mi (94.8 sq km) and has a population of 114,000 people (2011 estimate), making it the 5th most populous city in Michigan. The city has a metropolitan population nof 464,000 people. It is within Ingham County, with some areas extending into Eaton County.

Lansing experiences a Midwestern humid continental climate bearing influence from the Great Lakes. Summers are warm and humid while winters are cold with heavy snowfalls. July is the warmest month, when the average high temperature rises to 82.1°F (27.8°C), while January is the coldest, with average low temperature of 13.9°F (-10.1°C). June is the wettest month, receiving 3.6 in (91.4 mm) of precipitation. Snow can be expected in Lansing between November and March.

Lansing is 890 ft (271 m) above sea level. The Grand River, the largest river in the state, flows through downtown Lansing while the Red Cedar River, a tributary of the Grand River, flows through the campus of the Michigan State University.

Michigan Hall of Justice, Lansing
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:712_michigan_hofj_edit.jpg
Author: Subterranean


Lansing was named after Lansing, New York. This was the hometown of two brothers who founded it in 1836. Although the settlement was underwater for much of the year, they nonetheless returned to Lansing, New York, and began selling plots of land for a town that has not yet been established. The newcomers arrived to discover that they have been scammed. Many decided to settle anyway, and they founded a village within is today within the Lansing metropolitan area.

When a choice was to be made for the location of the state capital of Michigan, three cities namely Ann Arbor, Marshall and Jackson lobbied vigorously for the title. Unable to select among the three, members of the Michigan House of Representatives decided on Lansing, a decision met with amusement when announced. Nonetheless the last laugh belonged to the folks of Lansing, for the designation transformed it from being a small village to the seat of the state government.

Lansing Train Station
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:LansingUnionDepot.jpg
Author: Jeff Shannon


Another boost to Lansing came in the late 19th century, when the Olds Motor Vehicle Company was established there, turning the city into a major automobile manufacturer. By the mid 20th century, the auto industry was in decline, and Lansing diversified into other industries inlcuding healthcare, insurance, banking and education.

Visiting Lansing

Lansing is served by Interstate 96, running east west between Grand Rapids and Detroit, and Interstate 69 connecting it with Flint and Marshall.

Places of Interest in Lansing

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