Located about 80 miles west of Detroit, Lansing has a population of about 115,000 citizens. Lansing is the state capital of Michigan. Lansing has a fairly stable economy, which makes it a good moving destination. Lansing is a beautiful area surrounded by water and forests. There are many shopping malls, restaurants and the City Market is located on the River. Anyone moving to Lansing will love its mix of historic and modern neighborhoods.
Economy:
Lansing has a fairly stable economy, mostly due to the diverse companies that are there. Besides the automotive industry, there are pharmaceutical companies, IBM, insurance companies and an international food and animal safety company, in addition to the government workers. Michigan State University is a major employer in the area.
History:
In 1825, a couple of men from New York plotted out a non-existent city they called ‘Biddle Town' in a flood area around where Lansing is today. They then went back to Lansing, New York and sold plots they claimed were in a bustling town of 60 people. Sixteen men bought plots, and although they were very upset to have been duped, many decided to stay and build nearby. They named the town they built Lansing in honor of their home town. The city was chosen as the state capital in 1847, partly out of frustration at trying to decide which town to choose. The town grew quickly after that. Lansing was incorporated in 1859. In 1905, Ransom Olds started the Olds Motor Vehicle Company and transformed the area into a major industrial area.
Tourism:
There is a big gay pride parade every June in Lansing. There is also an African American Pride parade. In the summer, there is a JazzFest and an Old Towne BluesFest. Lansing has had a symphony orchestra since 1929. The Michigan Museum of Surveying is the only museum in North American dedicated to surveying and mapping. The Potter Park Zoo has over 500 animals. The campus of Michigan State University houses the Kresge Art Museum and the Abrams Planetarium. Lake Lansing provides opportunities for boating, swimming and sailing. The Michigan Princess is a three story riverboat. There are some exceptional gardens and nature walks all around the area. The Michigan Historical Museum features the recreation of a copper mine.