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Places to Explore in Lansing Where the College Kids Aren't!
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items Looking to enjoy Lansing without the crowds of college students? This list is packed with hidden gems, cozy spots, and local favorites where you can soak up the city’s charm in peace. From quiet coffee shops and nature trails to unique shops and rest...
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Sections
5
Outdoor Activities
Restaurants
Other Food & Drinks
Arts & Entertainment
Boutiques
Outdoor Activities
A hidden gem right on MSU’s campus! 🌿 The Beal Botanical Garden is the perfect place to stroll, unwind, and connect with nature. With its gorgeous variety of plants, peaceful atmosphere, and educational signage, it’s great for everyone — from casual...
It’s also one of the oldest continuously operated botanical gardens in the U.S., which makes it even more special. Whether you’re looking for a quiet moment between classes or a scenic spot for a walk, this garden is a must-visit!
It’s also one of the oldest continuously operated botanical gardens in the U.S., which makes it even more special. Whether you’re looking for a quiet moment between classes or a scenic spot for a walk, this garden is a must-visit!
Beal Botanical Garden | Michigan State University
Restaurants
The Cosmos is a must-visit in Lansing for craft pizza lovers and cocktail enthusiasts alike. Known for its wood-fired pizzas, creative toppings, and stylish atmosphere, this hotspot delivers on flavor and fun.
Whether you’re grabbing dinner with friends, enjoying a date night, or just stopping in for a drink, The Cosmos offers an unforgettable experience with great food, local beers, and inventive cocktails. Don’t skip the garlic knots — they’re legendary!...
Whether you’re grabbing dinner with friends, enjoying a date night, or just stopping in for a drink, The Cosmos offers an unforgettable experience with great food, local beers, and inventive cocktails. Don’t skip the garlic knots — they’re legendary!...
The Cosmos | Lansing’s Go-To Spot for Craft Pizza, Cocktails & Vibes
Cugino’s is a beloved spot in Grand Ledge for authentic Italian dishes served in a warm, welcoming atmosphere. From hearty pastas and hand-tossed pizzas to fresh salads and indulgent desserts, Cugino’s delivers classic flavors that keep locals coming...
Perfect for family dinners, date nights, or celebrations, this neighborhood favorite pairs great food with friendly service. Be sure to check out their daily specials and don’t miss the cannoli! 🍝🍷🍕
Perfect for family dinners, date nights, or celebrations, this neighborhood favorite pairs great food with friendly service. Be sure to check out their daily specials and don’t miss the cannoli! 🍝🍷🍕
Cugino’s Italian Restaurant | Classic Italian Fare & Cozy Vibes in Grand Ledge, MI
Pizza House is a go-to East Lansing favorite for delicious pizza, pasta, wings, and more — open late to satisfy all your cravings. Known for its deep-dish and thin-crust pizzas, massive menu, and friendly vibe, it’s the perfect spot for everything fr...
Whether you’re dining in, carrying out, or ordering delivery, Pizza House delivers crowd-pleasing comfort food that never disappoints. 🍕🍗🍝
Whether you’re dining in, carrying out, or ordering delivery, Pizza House delivers crowd-pleasing comfort food that never disappoints. 🍕🍗🍝
Pizza House | Late-Night Pizza, Pasta & More Near MSU in East Lansing, MI
Zoobie’s Old Town Tavern is a Lansing gem with a laid-back vibe, perfect for craft beer lovers and cocktail fans alike. Nestled in Old Town, Zoobie’s pairs its impressive drink menu with shareable snacks and wood-fired pizza in a cozy, retro atmosphe...
Whether you’re catching up with friends, going on a date, or just looking for a relaxed night out, Zoobie’s delivers on charm, drinks, and good times. 🍺🍕🍸
Whether you’re catching up with friends, going on a date, or just looking for a relaxed night out, Zoobie’s delivers on charm, drinks, and good times. 🍺🍕🍸
Zoobie’s Old Town Tavern | Craft Beer, Cocktails & Cozy Vibes in Lansing, MI
Georgio’s Gourmet Pizza is a Lansing staple, famous for its giant pizza slices, unique gourmet toppings, and late-night hours. Whether you’re craving classic pepperoni or adventurous flavors like gyro or mac & cheese pizza, Georgio’s has somethin...
It’s the perfect stop after a night out or for a quick, satisfying lunch. Fast, fun, and always delicious — Georgio’s keeps Lansing fueled and happy. 🍕🎉✨
It’s the perfect stop after a night out or for a quick, satisfying lunch. Fast, fun, and always delicious — Georgio’s keeps Lansing fueled and happy. 🍕🎉✨
Georgio’s Gourmet Pizza | Lansing, MIs Famous Late-Night Pizza by the Slice
Spagnuolo’s is a longtime Okemos favorite serving up classic Italian comfort food in a warm, family-friendly setting. From house-made pastas and hearty pizzas to fresh salads and decadent desserts, every dish is made with love and tradition.
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just craving a cozy Italian meal, Spagnuolo’s delivers big flavors and welcoming vibes. Don’t miss their famous breadsticks — they’re a local legend! 🍝🍷🍕
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just craving a cozy Italian meal, Spagnuolo’s delivers big flavors and welcoming vibes. Don’t miss their famous breadsticks — they’re a local legend! 🍝🍷🍕
Spagnuolo’s Italian Restaurant | Family-Owned Italian Comfort in Okemos, MI
Fat Boy’s Bar & Grill is a local favorite in Holt, MI serving up hearty burgers, crispy wings, and ice-cold drinks in a fun, laid-back atmosphere. It’s the perfect spot for watching the game, grabbing dinner with friends, or enjoying a casual nig...
With daily specials, friendly service, and plenty of TVs, Fat Boy’s brings great food and good times together under one roof. 🍔🍗🍺
With daily specials, friendly service, and plenty of TVs, Fat Boy’s brings great food and good times together under one roof. 🍔🍗🍺
Fat Boy’s Bar & Grill | Classic Burgers, Wings & Brews in Holt, MI
EagleMonk Pub and Brewery is a laid-back Lansing hangout known for its house-brewed beers, ciders, and hand-tossed pizzas.
With a cozy, family-friendly atmosphere and a rotating selection of craft brews, it’s the perfect spot to relax with friends, enjoy live music, or sip a pint on the patio.
Pair your drink with one of their famous pizzas or sandwiches, and you’ve got yourself a local gem worth revisiting. 🍺🍕🎶
With a cozy, family-friendly atmosphere and a rotating selection of craft brews, it’s the perfect spot to relax with friends, enjoy live music, or sip a pint on the patio.
Pair your drink with one of their famous pizzas or sandwiches, and you’ve got yourself a local gem worth revisiting. 🍺🍕🎶
EagleMonk Pub and Brewery | Local Brews, Pizza & Chill Vibes in Lansing, MI
Sir Pizza has been a Lansing classic for decades, famous for its square-cut, thin-crust pizza piled high with toppings. Beloved by locals for its no-frills charm, tasty subs, and old-school vibe, Sir Pizza is the perfect spot for a casual meal with f...
Whether you’re dining in or grabbing carryout, you can’t go wrong with this hometown favorite. 🍕👑❤️
Whether you’re dining in or grabbing carryout, you can’t go wrong with this hometown favorite. 🍕👑❤️
Sir Pizza | Lansing MI's Legendary Square-Cut Pizza & Local Favorite
Art’s Pub is a lively Lansing hotspot known for its creative pizzas, playful atmosphere, and colorful local art covering the walls.
Whether you’re there for brunch, lunch, or late-night drinks, Art’s delivers great food, a full bar, and a fun, welcoming vibe.
With rotating pizza specials, local beers on tap, and plenty of TV screens, it’s a go-to spot for casual hangouts, date nights, or game-day gatherings. 🍕🍻🎨
Whether you’re there for brunch, lunch, or late-night drinks, Art’s delivers great food, a full bar, and a fun, welcoming vibe.
With rotating pizza specials, local beers on tap, and plenty of TV screens, it’s a go-to spot for casual hangouts, date nights, or game-day gatherings. 🍕🍻🎨
Art’s Pub | Creative Pizza, Cold Drinks & Local Vibes in Lansing, MI
Bowdie’s Chophouse offers an exceptional fine dining experience, known for premium cuts of steak, fresh seafood, and handcrafted cocktails in an intimate, upscale setting.
Perfect for special occasions, date nights, or celebrating life’s big moments, Bowdie’s delivers top-notch service and unforgettable flavors.
Treat yourself to a night of indulgence at one of Lansing’s premier steakhouses. 🥩🍷✨
Perfect for special occasions, date nights, or celebrating life’s big moments, Bowdie’s delivers top-notch service and unforgettable flavors.
Treat yourself to a night of indulgence at one of Lansing’s premier steakhouses. 🥩🍷✨
Bowdie’s Chophouse | Upscale Steakhouse Dining in Lansing, MI
People’s Kitchen is a Lansing favorite known for its creative comfort food, handcrafted cocktails, and warm, inviting vibe.
With a menu full of inventive twists on classics — from brunch to dinner — and a focus on local ingredients, it’s the perfect spot for foodies, date nights, and weekend brunch plans.
Expect bold flavors, great service, and a fun, laid-back atmosphere every time you visit. 🍳🍔🍹
With a menu full of inventive twists on classics — from brunch to dinner — and a focus on local ingredients, it’s the perfect spot for foodies, date nights, and weekend brunch plans.
Expect bold flavors, great service, and a fun, laid-back atmosphere every time you visit. 🍳🍔🍹
People’s Kitchen | Inventive Comfort Food & Craft Cocktails in Lansing, MI
Leo’s Lodge is a beloved Lansing spot where rustic cabin charm meets classic pub food and drinks.
Known for hearty burgers, wings, and ice-cold beers, it’s the perfect place to catch the game, hang with friends, or unwind after a long day.
With its cozy log cabin atmosphere and friendly service, Leo’s Lodge delivers comfort, fun, and great food all in one spot. 🍔🍺🏕️
Known for hearty burgers, wings, and ice-cold beers, it’s the perfect place to catch the game, hang with friends, or unwind after a long day.
With its cozy log cabin atmosphere and friendly service, Leo’s Lodge delivers comfort, fun, and great food all in one spot. 🍔🍺🏕️
Leo’s Lodge | Rustic Pub Grub & Cozy Cabin Vibes in Lansing, MI
Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen in Lansing is your go-to spot for classic comfort food made from scratch. From buttery croissants and chicken tenders to slow-cooked pot roast and hearty pastas, every dish is packed with flavor and served with a smile.
Whether you’re dining with family, meeting friends, or just craving a satisfying meal, Cheddar’s delivers big portions, affordable prices, and down-home goodness. 🍗🥗🍹
Whether you’re dining with family, meeting friends, or just craving a satisfying meal, Cheddar’s delivers big portions, affordable prices, and down-home goodness. 🍗🥗🍹
Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen | Comfort Food Made Fresh in Lansing, MI
Dimitri’s is a longtime Lansing favorite serving up delicious Greek and American comfort food in a warm, welcoming setting.
From gyros, souvlaki, and spanakopita to burgers, breakfast, and hearty platters, Dimitri’s offers something for everyone.
Whether you’re stopping in for a quick lunch or a relaxed family dinner, you can count on generous portions, friendly service, and timeless flavors. 🥙🍳🍔
From gyros, souvlaki, and spanakopita to burgers, breakfast, and hearty platters, Dimitri’s offers something for everyone.
Whether you’re stopping in for a quick lunch or a relaxed family dinner, you can count on generous portions, friendly service, and timeless flavors. 🥙🍳🍔
Dimitri’s Restaurant | Classic Greek & American Eats in Lansing, MI
Olga’s Kitchen is a go-to spot in Lansing for crave-worthy wraps, fresh salads, and Greek-inspired comfort food.
Famous for its soft, grilled Olga Bread, this fast-casual favorite serves up everything from the iconic Olga sandwich to spinach pies, soups, and snackers.
Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite or feeding the whole crew, Olga’s delivers bold flavors and satisfying meals every time. 🥙🍟🥗
Famous for its soft, grilled Olga Bread, this fast-casual favorite serves up everything from the iconic Olga sandwich to spinach pies, soups, and snackers.
Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite or feeding the whole crew, Olga’s delivers bold flavors and satisfying meals every time. 🥙🍟🥗
Olga’s Kitchen | Signature Wraps & Greek-Inspired Eats in Lansing, MI
Other Food & Drinks
Foster Coffee Company is a beloved Lansing coffee spot known for its expertly crafted brews, cozy atmosphere, and commitment to community.
Whether you’re craving a perfect pour-over, a creamy latte, or a seasonal specialty, Foster delivers quality and care in every cup.
It’s the ideal place to work, catch up with friends, or simply enjoy a moment of calm with great coffee. ☕✨💛
Whether you’re craving a perfect pour-over, a creamy latte, or a seasonal specialty, Foster delivers quality and care in every cup.
It’s the ideal place to work, catch up with friends, or simply enjoy a moment of calm with great coffee. ☕✨💛
Foster Coffee Company | Craft Coffee & Community Vibes in Lansing, MI
Hooked is a vibrant East Lansing hangout where craft coffee, creative cocktails, and community come together.
By day, it’s a cozy café serving up expertly brewed coffee, pastries, and light bites; by night, it transforms into a lively bar with inventive drinks and a fun atmosphere.
Whether you’re meeting friends, working remotely, or unwinding after hours, Hooked offers a one-of-a-kind experience you won’t want to miss. ☕🍸✨
By day, it’s a cozy café serving up expertly brewed coffee, pastries, and light bites; by night, it transforms into a lively bar with inventive drinks and a fun atmosphere.
Whether you’re meeting friends, working remotely, or unwinding after hours, Hooked offers a one-of-a-kind experience you won’t want to miss. ☕🍸✨
Hooked | Coffee, Cocktails & Community in East Lansing, MI
Social Sloth Café & Bakery is a charming Lansing spot offering cozy vibes, delicious coffee, and fresh-baked pastries with a Mediterranean twist.
From sweet treats and savory bites to specialty drinks and brunch favorites, this café is perfect for relaxing, studying, or catching up with friends.
Expect friendly service, global flavors, and an atmosphere that invites you to slow down and savor every moment. ☕🥐🌿
From sweet treats and savory bites to specialty drinks and brunch favorites, this café is perfect for relaxing, studying, or catching up with friends.
Expect friendly service, global flavors, and an atmosphere that invites you to slow down and savor every moment. ☕🥐🌿
Social Sloth Café & Bakery | Cozy Coffee, Fresh Pastries & Global Flavors in Lansing, MI
Sweet Encounter Bakery & Café is a downtown Lansing gem serving up mouthwatering gluten-free baked goods, brunch favorites, and specialty drinks.
With a warm, welcoming vibe and a menu full of fresh, flavorful options, it’s the perfect spot for breakfast, lunch, or an afternoon treat.
Whether you have dietary needs or just love good food, Sweet Encounter delivers joy in every bite. 🧁☕✨
With a warm, welcoming vibe and a menu full of fresh, flavorful options, it’s the perfect spot for breakfast, lunch, or an afternoon treat.
Whether you have dietary needs or just love good food, Sweet Encounter delivers joy in every bite. 🧁☕✨
Sweet Encounter Bakery & Café | Gluten-Free Treats & Brunch in Downtown Lansing, MI
I just got done grabbing dinner here with a few of my girlfriends and it was a really fun place. I got the Pallard Salad with a mustard, lemon vinaigrette, and it was so tasty, I got scallops on top as my protein, which was a really fun pairing. And ...
Batter Up Bistro
Arts & Entertainment
The Michigan History Museum in Lansing offers an engaging journey through the state’s past, from Native American heritage and early settlers to the rise of the auto industry and beyond.
With fascinating exhibits, interactive displays, and family-friendly activities, it’s a must-visit for history lovers of all ages. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, this museum brings Michigan’s story to life. 🏛️📜✨
With fascinating exhibits, interactive displays, and family-friendly activities, it’s a must-visit for history lovers of all ages. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, this museum brings Michigan’s story to life. 🏛️📜✨
Michigan History Museum | Explore Michigan’s Rich Past in Lansing
Okay, if you haven’t been to The Craft Bar in Old Town Lansing yet, you’re seriously missing out. It’s this super cute DIY studio where you can make everything from candles to painted wine glasses — and it’s all in a laid-back, welcoming space that j...
The Craft Bar in Old Town Lansing — Your New Favorite Spot for Creative Vibes and DIY Fun
Boutiques
Okay, if you haven’t wandered into October Moon in Old Town Lansing yet, you’re seriously missing out. This place is pure magic — think cozy, whimsical, and full of charm. It’s the kind of boutique where you walk in “just to browse” and end up leavin...
October Moon: The Cozy, Quirky Boutique You’ll Want to Get Lost In (Old Town Lansing Must-Visit)
This place is a total vibe — think ethically sourced clothing, unique accessories, and thoughtful gifts that make you feel good about shopping.
What I love: everything here is curated with care. From cozy sweaters and statement jewelry to fun home g...
Polka Dots Boutique: Ethically Sourced Fashion & Gifts in Old Town Lansing