Lansing Landmarks and Monuments

(Lansing, Michigan - MI, USA)

There are several important, imposing and significant landmarks gracing the cityscape of this small state capital, with Lansing being home to a number of large government buildings, as well as some historic old residences which are now opened to members of the public.

Serving as a dramatic centerpiece of the Lansing cityscape, the Michigan State Capitol Building occupies an entire block in the city center, where it is bounded by North Capitol Avenue, South Walnut Street, West Allegan Street and West Ottawa Street. This striking building was built between the years of 1872 and 1878, becoming an official National Historic Landmark towards the end of 1992 and the seat of both the Michigan Senate and the House of Representatives.

Other important structures in Lansing include the Ingham County Court House, the Michigan Hall of Justice, the Turner Dodge House and Heritage Center, and various offerings spread around the campus of the Michigan State University, where a planetarium, a vast sports stadium and statues add interest to visitors.

Michigan State Capitol

Address: 115 West Allegan Street, Lansing, Michigan (MI), 48933, USA
Tel: +1 517 373 2348
The huge dome topping the Michigan State Capitol makes this Neoclassical-inspired building very hard to miss and takes the overall height to just over 81 meters / 267 feet. Those lucky enough to stand beneath the cast-iron dome and look upwards will be treated to views of murals and extremely ornate golden detailing, illuminated by a rotunda of multiple windows.
Open hours: guided tours, Monday to Friday - 09:00 to 16:00
Admission: free

Turner Dodge House and Heritage Center

Address: 100 East North Street, Lansing, Michigan (MI), 48906, USA
Tel: +1 517 483 4220
The Turner Dodge House and Heritage Center, or Dodge Mansion as it is often known, was built in the middle of the 1850s and is currently used as a museum-type attraction, commemorating the early pioneers of Lansing. Displaying many of the original family furnishings and antiques, the house now enjoys healthy visitor numbers and made its appearance on the National Register of Historic Places in 1972. The Classical Revival architecture is especially grand, with its twin balconies being supported by sizeable fluted columns painted white to match the wooden detailing on the red-brick building.
Open hours: Tuesday to Friday - 10:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge, discounts available for residents and children

Michigan State University (MSU)

Address: Between Grand River Avenue / Circle Drive, Abbott Road, East Lansing, Michigan (MI), 48824, USA
Tel: +1 517 355 8332
Situated within East Lansing is the spreading campus of the Michigan State University, which is often abbreviated as MSU and comprises a number of historical Gothic-inspired buildings based around the Red Cedar River. This public educational institution began its life in 1857, with just over 60 students and a staff of only five. Today, the MSU has grown to become the eighth-biggest of all the USA's universities and boasts a student base rapidly approaching 50,000 (undergraduates and postgraduates combined). Notable landmarks and attractions dotted around the North Campus include the Abrams Planetarium, the Beaumont Tower, the Cowles House, the John A. Hannah statue, the MSU Museum, the Spartan Stadium and the W. J. Beal Botanical Garden, while on the South Campus, both the 4-H Children's Garden and the MSU Horticulture Gardens are highlights. Visitors may like to make use of the Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center, which is conveniently sited on the northwestern side of the campus.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Ingham County Court House

Address: East Ash Street, Mason, Michigan (MI), 48854, USA
A rather beautiful and elegant historical structure situated roughly 20 minutes to the south of the state capital, the Ingham County Court House is a particularly interesting and important building. This is because Lansing is actually the only state capital in the United States that is not also the county seat. In Michigan, this status belongs to the neighboring suburb town of Mason, which is the reason that this government building is to be found here. Built between the years 1902 and 1904 and dominated by its tall clock tower, the Ingham County Court House fills an entire block and joined the Michigan Register of Historic Places in the early 1970s.
Open hours: view from exterior or by arrangement
Admission: free

Michigan Hall of Justice

Address: 925 West Ottawa Street, Lansing, Michigan (MI), 48915, USA
Tel: +1 517 373 7589
Also referred to as the Michigan Supreme Court Building, the Michigan Hall of Justice is a noteworthy modern landmark in downtown Lansing, being located in between West Ottawa Street and West Allegan Street. This six-floor building features symmetrical postmodern architecture, with two curving wings and a small central illuminated glass dome. The hall is a recent addition to the cityscape and was built between 1999 and 2002. It is used to house both the Michigan Supreme Court and the Michigan Court of Appeals.
Open hours: view from exterior or by arrangement
Admission: free