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.

Freezing temperatures and icy roads can make Michigan winters a drag sometimes, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t fun things to do in the Lansing area during the cold months. We’ve made a list of five things to do in Greater Lansing to help you enjoy the winter season.

1. Art & Craft BeerFest              

This indoor festival on the main strip of REO Town will take place on Saturday, January 27. Check out art, music and short films as you sample craft beer. There will also be food trucks on site, along with eats from Saddleback BBQ and Good Truckin’ Diner. Tickets are $30 in advance or $40 at the gate. Take Route 2 to REO Town for this festival that you don’t want to miss.

2. Ice Skating at Suburban Ice

Ice skating is a fun winter activity for adults and children alike. Suburban Ice in East Lansing has public skate hours every day in the month of January. Check out their calendar for public skating times. Public Skate is $5 for adults, $3 for children, and only $2 for skate rental. Take Route 1 to Hannah Plaza to have some fun on the ice!

3. Check out a local coffee shop

Escape the cold of winter by cozying up at a local coffee shop with a hot drink. The Lansing area has several charming cafes to choose from. Take Route 1 to Strange Matter Coffee on Michigan Avenue, or take Route 14 to Old Town to grab a drink at Bloom Coffee Roasters. Headed to REO Town? Hop on Route 2 to check out Blue Owl Coffee.

4. Winter sports at Michigan State University

Take advantage of having a Big Ten school in your hometown and check out an MSU sporting event! Both the men’s and women’s basketball teams have home games at the Breslin Center through February. Take Route 20 to the Breslin Center, or park in Ramp 5 and use the game day shuttle to get you to the door. The hockey team will also have home games throughout the winter season. Go to the MSU Official Athletic Site for schedules and tickets.

5. Snow Tubing at Hawk Island Park

You’ve gone sledding, but have you ever gone snow tubing? For $10 per person, or $8 for groups of 4 or more, enjoy a day of snow tubing at Hawk Island Park. Check out their hours before heading out. Ride a tube down the groomed course that extends over 500 feet, and then hop on the conveyor belt to take you back to the top of the hill. Take Route 8 and you’ll only be a short walk from the park entrance.