Beyond the Bus

One of the best ways to fight the winter blues? Explore local activities with family and friends! Here are some of our favorite ways to enjoy Greater Lansing in the colder months:

1. Get up close to the biggest Christmas tree and ornaments in Lansing

People come from all over the state to see the 58-foot tree displayed in front of the Michigan Capitol building. It’s become a clear icon to the city, standing tall and proud. And for the first year ever, the state Christmas tree comes right from Lansing, thanks to two generous donors.

The red holiday ornaments are another crowd favorite. These giant picturesque sculptures are in the roundabout at Michigan Avenue and Washington Square, within walking distance from the Capitol. 

Save on parking and take the bus to these gorgeous decorations! Check out our trip planner to find the best route for you.

2. Experience the Wonderland of Lights at Potter Park Zoo.

Holiday lights, music, animal encounters and goodie bags make this event a real treat. Catch the Wonderland of Lights from Thursday through Sunday until Dec. 27.

Click here for details.

3. Support local artists at the REO Town Marketplace Holiday Bazaar.

Still have a few people on your holiday shopping list? The REO Town Marketplace presents a chance to shop for Michigan artisan-made goods. This fun new way to shop local is open now until December 24.

Click here to learn more.

4. Hit the snow-covered slopes at Hawk Island.

As Hawk Island is less than a mile from CATA headquarters, this is one of our favorite wintertime activities. Bring your family, grab a few friends or go it alone on one of Hawk Island’s tube runs, ranging from 500-600 feet long. Then warm up at the snack bar with a cup of hot chocolate and s’mores.

Click here for snow tubing hours and pricing.

5. Challenge your inner learner at Impression 5 Science Center.

Impression 5 is an awesome place for kids of all ages to explore, learn and have fun! It was one of the first hands-on science museums in the country when it opened in 1972. Forty-eight years later, it remains a spot for the entire family to enjoy.

For hours and pricing, please visit impression5.org.

6. Shop small at the East Lansing Small Business Crawl.

Support local small businesses and earn points to win prizes during this year’s football-themed East Lansing Small Business Crawl! Players receive points by saving their receipts and submitting them on the Lansing Regional Chamber website. The more points earned, the more chances to win the grand prize of $1,000. The event is running from December 7-12. 

Learn more about the event here.

7. Treat yourself every Tuesday in Old Town Lansing.

Treat Tuesdays in Old Town are the perfect way to add some fun to your week. Each Tuesday, a different Old Town business will feature a “treat” which could be a sale, a giveaway, or other perks that make shopping local even greater. Treat Tuesdays will be going into 2021, so there are plenty of chances to explore local businesses in Old Town. 

See the full schedule for Treat Tuesdays here.

Here at CATA, we are proud of our partnership with Michigan State University, especially during these hard times. Although MSU had to move classes online for the semester, that hasn’t stopped Spartans from joining the fight against COVID-19. Here are some ways MSU is helping to flatten the curve.

New COVID-19 Test Development

MSU researchers have developed a new COVID-19 test that provides quicker and more accurate results than other common tests. This method is much more sensitive and can detect the virus at small levels that the common test would miss, according to an MSU report. Developed by a team of researchers in the MSU College of Human Medicine, the test could be available for public use by the end of April. Learn more about MSU’s new COVID-19 test here. 

Face Mask Decontamination

Researchers at MSU have created a process that decontaminates masks used by healthcare workers treating COVID-19 patients. This game-changing process, created by an MSU Extension Team, involves baking the masks in commercial ovens, allowing them to be reused at least 20 times. The team has been working with Sparrow Hospital to see if this process can be used with the hospital’s equipment, and hopes to share their work with other communities around the nation in the near future. Click here to learn more about MSU’s new decontamination process. 

Helping the country through this difficult time is an important part of MSU’s existence, said MSU President Samuel Stanley Jr. in a recent interview. “While this pandemic has created a variety of challenges, our university continues to find the will to innovate, respond and make a positive impact around the state, nation and world.”

Proud Partners

These are just two of the many reasons CATA is a proud partner of MSU. In CATA's 2019 Community Report, MSU staff and students discussed what the partnership means to them. View their testimonials in the Community Report here or watch them below.

How often do you wish for an extra day? 

In 2020, that wish has been granted. February 29 is your day to do something you’ve always wanted to do. And best of all, it’s a Saturday! Here are some fun ways to enjoy your Leap Day Lansing-style:

1. Eat Izzo-themed ice cream while watching MSU basketball.

Cheer on the Spartans against Maryland with a large scoop of Izzo’s Malted Madness – with hot fudge and sprinkles, of course. Take routes 24, 25 or 36 to check out other themed flavors at the MSU Dairy Store, all made at the university with Michigan ingredients! For homemade perfection, you’ve got to check this place out. 

2. Smell the bacon.

Kermit the Frog, a Christmas tree, a sombrero and clogs – what do all of these things have in common? They’re mounted on the walls of Golden Harvest, one of the most eclectic and identifiable food spots in Lansing. This restaurant’s amazing breakfasts and unique decor have drawn crowds since 1951. Hop on Route 14 to this Old Town gem.

To support Golden Harvest’s restoration initiative, visit http://bit.ly/SaveGolden.

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by Potter Park Zoo (@potterparkzoo) on Feb 4, 2020 at 5:01pm PST

3. Join the stampede.

Have you heard about Potter Park Zoo’s baby rhino, Jaali? He is the first black rhino to be born at the Potter Park Zoo! This milestone was recognized worldwide, as black rhinos are a critically endangered species. While Jaali won’t be out in public until spring, the zoo is still an amazing place to be in the winter. We’re talking less crowds, and plenty of animals – jump on route 8! 

Check zoo hours here.

4. Contest your ‘stache.

Do you have a rad mustache or beard you’ve always wanted to show off? Here’s your chance. On Leap Day, Old Town is hosting Brrs, Beards, and Brews: A Lumberjack Festival, complete with a facial hair competition. For all those with bare faces, the festival also offers a Feats of Strength contest, food and activities. Routes 14 or 16 will take you to this event!

5. Join a cause.

Have you always wanted to get involved in your community, but never had the time to get started? Today is your day! There are so many opportunities in the Lansing area to get involved in a good cause, from helping people to animals to the environment.

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by The Cosmos Wood-Fired (@thecosmospizza) on Jan 6, 2020 at 12:36pm PST

6. Kick it back. 

Whether you take time with family and friends, or focus on self care, give yourself permission to relax and enjoy this day! Find a local yoga studio to focus on yourself or indulge in a slice and turn on the game. Remember this is your day – your EXTRA day – to do what you’d like.

How will you be spending your Leap Day this year?