10 Things to Do This Weekend in East Lansing
Lansing, MI is home to lots of exciting attractions and treasures ready to be discovered! If you are looking for a fun place to visit this weekend, why not check out one of our favorite places mentioned below?
5 PLACES TO VISIT IN LANSING
Central Park is a 188-acre green space in Meridian Township that serves as a hub for all of your favorite outdoor activities. Visitors can explore nature trails, cast a line from the fishing dock on a regularly stocked pond, compete on one of the many sports fields, or unwind at one of the many picnic areas and playgrounds. The park also has historical significance for the towns of Haslett and Okemos, featuring the Meridian Historical Village, a collection of six restored 1800s buildings complete with gardens tended by the Meridian Garden Club. The park is also home to the Nokomis Cultural Heritage Center, the Township Municipal Building, and the Meridian Township Farmers Market.
At the heart of Central Park, the Meridian Historical Village stands as a testament to the area’s incredible history and the generations of Michiganders who lived there. The village is made up of historic buildings from the 19th century that have been carefully relocated from other sites and restored. This includes a one-room schoolhouse, a farmhouse and barn, a general store, an inn, and a log cabin. Each one tells a unique story of everyday life for the settlers of Lansing and the surrounding areas. The grounds are open year-round and serve as a fantastic destination for local history buffs wanting to explore Michigan’s heritage.
Set beside the banks of the Red Cedar River in Meridian Riverfront Park, the Harris Nature Center is focused on the mission of protecting and promoting the Red Cedar River ecosystem. Inside, the center features a range of exhibits on native reptiles, amphibians, and bird species, including live resident animals like Talon, a red-tailed hawk and a collection of eastern box turtles. The building itself showcases nature murals painted by local artists. Outside, visitors can check out the Nature Exploration Area and traverse through the surrounding 200 acres of forest and meadows. Michigan’s natural beauty is on full display at the Harris Nature Center.
The catchphrase that the team at High Caliber Karting & Entertainment likes to use is “#CancelBoredom.” That’s because this 80,000 square foot indoor action par is designed and optimized to be the Greater Lansing area’s destination for unforgettable fun. At the heart of the facility are two go-kart tracks that feature state-of-the-art European race karts that can reach speeds up to 50mph. Guests can also try their hand at axe throwing, relieve stress in one of two rage rooms, or explore their massive arcade with over 100 games and VR experiences. The fun is endless!
Situated just ten minutes from Hamilton Trace Apartments, Lake Lansing is one of the area’s most stunning natural gems and the largest body of water within thirty minutes of the state capital. Stretched across 460 acres, this glacial lake draws visitors with its inviting waters and beautiful shoreline. During the summer months, the lake buzzes with activity from kayakers, paddleboarders, and swimmers. Fishermen also love Lake Lansing with its abundance of bass and bluegill. The surrounding park has multiple picnic pavilions and walking trails that wind through the Michigan woodlands. Lake Lansing provides a quintessential Great Lakes experience.
TOP PLACES TO EAT IN LANSING
RED HAVEN FARM TO TABLE
Located just a few minutes from the MSU campus, Red Haven brings the farm table experience to Okemos. Established in 2012, the restaurant has built a loyal following with its inventive, locally rooted approach to American cuisine. The daily 4-course menu is centered around creative takes on classic dishes that showcase seasonal ingredients. An example would be oysters Rockefeller for a first, grilled zucchini for a second, New York strip for the entrée, and blueberry cobbler for dessert. Of course, this can be paired with inventive cocktails and local brews. Red Haven also offers seasonal cooking classes, pop up dinners, and private events for groups of all sizes.
JOE'S ON JOLLY
Fittingly located on Jolly Road in Okemos, Joe’s on Jolly delivers modern cuisine inside of a cozy, neighborhood pub setting. The space was modeled after the great dive bars of the 80’s and 90’s and features a sunken bar, a game room, and a backyard area with an outdoor bar, yard games, and a fire pit. The menu is built around shareables, handhelds, tacos, burgers, and bowls. Using only prime wagyu beef, the burgers are undoubtedly one of the big highlights with inventive companies like the black & bleu burger made with bacon jam and gorgonzola cheese, the shroom burger topped with forest mushrooms, and the olive burger made with an olive tapenade. Joe’s on Jolly is the perfect place for top-tier meal inside of a laid back atmosphere.
LUCKY'S STEAKHOUSE
Lucky’s is a classic steakhouse that was founded in Michigan by restauranteur Lucky Vasilakis. Today, there are seven locations spread throughout the state, with one in Okemos. The menu features slow roasted USDA prime rib and a range of hand cut steaks, alongside unique options like Maryland crab cakes with lobster cream sauce, chicken Marsala, BBQ baby back ribs, and fresh seafood dishes. With a full bar, carryout and delivery options, and a private banquet space accommodating up to 45 guests, Lucky’s is well-suited for casual weeknight dinners or special celebrations. Located just a few miles from Hamilton Trace Apartments, this is a great option for residents.
ANNA'S HOUSE
Anna’s House is your go-to for breakfast, brunch, and lunch in Okemos. Part of a Michigan-born chain founded in Grand Rapids in 2003, the Okemos location has earned a loyal following with its scratch-made breakfast food and unique recipes. Menu highlights include the chicken n’ waffles, the candied pecan and banana French toast, the chocolate quinoa breakfast bowl, Anna’s baked chilaquiles, and the famous breakfast lasagna. The menu also features many gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, and vegetarian options. Start your morning off right with a hearty meal at Anna’s House.
DUSTY’S CELLAR
Located just outside Lansing in the suburb of Okemos, Dusty’s Cellar is a retail store-cum-restaurant and a favorite fixture on the local dining scene since first opening its doors over 30 years ago. Casual fine dining and bistro-style ambiance are the focus at Dusty’s Wine Bar, where dishes like guava-glazed roasted half-duckling with creamy truffled grits and spiced rack of lamb with sweet potato mash and cherry mustard are teamed with selections from Dusty’s award-winning wine list. Meanwhile, Dusty’s Tap Room offers a traditional pub atmosphere with plenty of craft brews and tasty bar eats like burgers, hot dogs, sandwiches, and pizzas.