Sharp Park - 4 Things to Know Before Visiting

The Catholic Diocese of Lansing has a long and proud history in Michigan's Ingham County. Established back in 1937, it spans 7 rural counties across the entire state and its home parish is St. Casimir's Cathedral in Lansing. Today, the Diocese is a thriving spiritual community with a commitment to supporting parishes and missions through both spiritual guidance and social services. It also offers several educational programs.

The Michigan State Capitol is a grand symbol of Michigan's long and distinct history. Built in 1876, this iconic edifice stands to represent Michigan’s commitment to democracy. It features one of the widest self-supporting staircases in America that can be seen from its open rotunda–the perfect spot for family pictures. It has undergone numerous renovations throughout the years, including two remodeling projects and five expansions, ensuring the historical integrity remains intact.

The Turner-Dodge House built in 1858 by James and Mary Turner, the stately Greek Revival style architecture of the house has been restored through extensive restoration efforts since its opening as a museum to the public in 1930. Visitors can take a guided tour to experience the unique artifacts and furniture collections reflecting Michigan’s cultural history, while also learning about the Gold Rush era's history surrounding the home's construction.

Boji Tower, is a stunning example of 19th-century architecture. Sitting atop an old hill near Lake Lansing Park, the 40-foot limestone tower was built by a local resident in 1879 to provide visitors with panoramic views of the park and surrounding areas. The tower receives its name from William Boji’s original purchase of the 160-acre plot which would eventually become Lake Lansing Park. Today, Boji Tower stands as a tribute to this man's legacy and as a popular tourist destination in itself.

The Lansing River Trail is an impressive and beautifully maintained 4.5-mile trail that both locals and visitors can enjoy. This picturesque waterfront route follows the Grand River for two miles, and passes through a number of charming parks including Adado Riverfront Park, Moore’s Park, Hawk Island Park, and Fitch Park. Along with providing plenty of outdoor activities such as walking, running, biking, and kayaking/canoeing, the trail also boasts some amazing wildlife observation spots.

Woldumar Nature Center is a great way to experience nature and wildlife from the comfort of your own city. This beautiful nature center boasts multiple paths for hikers, mountain bikers, birdwatchers, and skiers. It's a haven for children, as well, with playgrounds, petting zoos, educational programs and even an integrated environmental education facility. For animal lovers, Woldumar showcases native species and songbirds in addition to its expansive hiking trails.