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East Lansing is a college city just east of Michigan's capital, Lansing, and home to Michigan State University, founded in 1855 as one of the country's first agricultural colleges and a model for the land-grant universities that followed. The leafy campus along the Red Cedar River is the heart of the city.
MSU's attractions are open to all. The Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum, a striking steel-and-glass building by architect Zaha Hadid, shows contemporary art for free, while the MSU Museum, Abrams Planetarium and the historic W.J. Beal Botanical Garden reward curious visitors. Beaumont Tower, a carillon tower, marks the site of the college's first building.
Game days at Spartan Stadium and the Breslin Center fill the town with green and white, and the Wharton Center brings Broadway tours. Downtown along Grand River Avenue has cafes, bars and shops facing the campus, and no visit is complete without a scoop of ice cream from the MSU Dairy Store.
The bronze Spartan warrior statue known to everyone as Sparty, a beloved campus symbol and the most popular photo stop at Michigan State. The bronze version replaced the original terracotta statue, which is preserved inside Spartan Stadium. Visit on a game day to see fans gather around it.
A brick Gothic-style carillon tower completed in 1928 on the site of College Hall, the first building of the college that became MSU. Its bells ring out over the campus, and carillon concerts are held at times during the year. It is one of the most photographed spots on campus, especially in fall.
The university's natural and cultural history museum, near Beaumont Tower, with fossils and dinosaur skeletons, wildlife displays, folk arts and changing exhibitions. It is a good stop for families, and admission is by donation. Combine it with a walk across the historic north campus.
The university's planetarium, with a large dome theater presenting sky shows, full-dome films and astronomy talks, plus exhibits on space in the lobby. Public shows are held mostly on weekends, so check the schedule and buy tickets ahead. It is a fun rainy-day option for families.
Founded in 1873, this is one of the oldest continuously operated university botanical gardens in the country, with thousands of plant species arranged by family, use and habitat along paths beside the Red Cedar River. It is free and open daily; late spring and summer are the best times for a visit.
Display gardens on the south side of campus with perennial and annual beds, rose and trial gardens, and the delightful 4-H Children's Garden full of playful themed spaces for kids. It is free to visit and best from June through September. Paths are flat and stroller friendly.
The home of Michigan State football, a big stadium on campus where crowds of around 75,000 fans in green and white cheer the Spartans on fall Saturdays. Game days bring tailgating across campus and a lively downtown. Book lodging well ahead, and see the Sparty statue nearby.
The arena where Michigan State's men's and women's basketball teams play, known for its loud student section, the Izzone, during men's games. It also hosts concerts and events. Tickets for big conference games are hard to find, so try a women's game or an early season matchup.
MSU's performing arts center, presenting touring Broadway musicals, concerts, dance, comedy and family shows in its main hall and a smaller studio theater. It is one of the busiest venues in the state. Book popular musicals early and allow time for parking in the nearby ramp.
A campus favorite selling ice cream and cheese made by the university's own dairy plant, with classic and seasonal flavors served in generous scoops. Expect a line on warm evenings and game days. Try a Spartan-themed flavor and take some MSU cheese home as a souvenir.
The small downtown along Grand River Avenue across from the MSU campus, packed with cafes, bars, restaurants, bookstores and Spartan gear shops, plus a lively alley of murals. It is busiest during the school year and on game days. Walk from campus and stay for dinner.
The Red Cedar River winds through the MSU campus, lined with shady lawns, footbridges and paths popular for walks and runs. Look for ducks, geese and kayakers, and enjoy the views of the campus buildings and gardens along the banks. It is especially pretty in fall and in spring blossom.
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