Lansing, the State Capital, is located in
Ingham County, and in the
Central Region, northwest of Detroit. It lies between
Detroit and
Grand Rapids along Interstate 96, on the banks of the Grand River.
Settlers arrived at the future site of Lansing in 1837. The town was granted a city charter in 1859. 1878 saw the completion of the white sandstone capitol. Lansing's modern industrial base was born in the late 19th Century when R. E. Olds founded his automobile factory.
As the Capital and home to 119,128 residents (2000 Census), Lansing is a major governmental center. It also is General Motors small car division headquarters, Michigan State University, insurance companies, trade associations, banks and utility companies also are major employers. Places to visit include the Michigan Historical Museum, Turner-Dodge House & Heritage Center, and Cooley Gardens. Off-Broadway shows are featured at the Wharton Center. Tours are available at the Capitol building.
Lansing is part of the Lansing-East Lansing, Michigan metro area.
