20 Attractions to Explore Near Sharp Park

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.

Impression 5 Science Center, is an award-winning science center designed to provide hands-on educational fun for kids of all ages. With more than 140 interactive exhibits, visitors can explore and learn about topics such as energy and forces, the solar system, sound and light, microscopy and much more. Educational classes, summer camps and birthday parties are also offered year-round. In addition to its educational offerings,Impression 5 hosts an array of social events.

Moores Park is a vibrant piece of parks and recreational infrastructure, offering outdoor amenities such as picnicking spots, fishing spots along the Red Cedar River and shady trails perfect for an afternoon stroll or jog. After exploring the outdoors, you can head indoors to enjoy the game rooms complete with ping-pong tables and arcade games for all ages. It also offers supportive programs such as youth camps, community development classes and live music performances.

The R.E. Olds Transportation Museum offers a fascinating look at history through the eyes of transportation. With more than 300 vehicles and artifacts on display, the museum explores the unique stories of the successes and failures of those daring to go where no one had gone before. From an exact replica of an original Oldsmobile Curved Dash from 1901 to modern cars from the 1950's, visitors will discover hundreds of years of automotive history in one place.

Jackson Field is an impressive venue for sporting events. Located within the sprawling grounds of the historic Michigan State Fairgrounds, it boasts an elegant grandstand and open air seating for up to 7,500 people. It also features a wealth of amenities, including intimate concourse areas, expansive concession stands, state-of-the-art lighting and sound systems, full scoreboards with real-time statistics and much more.

The Red Cedar River is a beautiful, meandering tributary located in Ingham County, Michigan. At approximately 116 miles long, the Red Cedar winds through open fields and wooded areas, connecting the Huron and Grand Rivers along the way. Many people enjoy recreational activities such as fishing and boat tours along the river. Springtime is particularly lovely with its sandy banks, while summer sunsets can be breathtaking as they cast a golden glow across the water's surface.

Granger Meadows Park, is a stunning natural paradise. It covers more than 25 acres of woodlands and boasts an impressive lineup of outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy. Spanning two miles in length, the park offers picnic spots, several playgrounds and even a disc golf course with 18 clear holes. Family-friendly trails are easy to access and perfect for biking or hiking through the park's wildflowers and marshlands.

Potter Park Zoo is a paradise for wildlife and nature lovers alike. Spanning 43 acres of land and home to over 200 species ranging from African lions to Asian elephants and more, the Zoo offers a unique experience. With a spacious Nature Center and Wildlife Museum, nature enthusiasts can discover the beauty of wild animals while learning about them in an interactive setting.

Granger Meadows Park is the perfect outdoor destination offers a variety of amenities, including a splash pad and pet park with areas for small and large dogs. It also features a disc golf course, walking trails, fishing spots, playgrounds, and picnic tables. For those looking to stay active, there are basketball courts, baseball diamonds and sand volleyball courts available. On warm summer evenings, visitors can also enjoy an outdoor movie on a large inflatable screen.

Crego Park is a 220-acre park featuring camping, picnicking, a beach area, nature trails and fishing. There's also an disc golf course for players to enjoy. The park includes 4 lakes including Crego Lake that's perfect for kayakers and canoeists. A playground overlooks the lake, providing a scenic backdrop for activities such as flying kites and playing catch. For campers looking to stay the night there are both tent and RV sites as well as cabin rentals.

The Breslin Center is a multi-purpose arena located on the campus of Michigan State University. With a seating capacity of 14,759 people, the facility holds multiple events throughout the year including concerts, boxing matches, conventions and basketball games. It is home to MSU's men's and women's basketball teams, commonly known as the Spartans. The center was opened in 1989 and has seen numerous renovations over the years.

Fitzgerald Park is a prime destination for outdoor entertainment. With 300 acres of stunning land boasting tranquil hiking trails and idyllic camping spots, this park offers something to everyone. It features scenic terrains of lush greenery, multiple picnic areas with grills, and breathtaking views of the surrounding natural landscape. Visitors can also enjoy half-mile long paths for horseback riding and a 27-hole disc golf course for those who want something more rigorous.

Munn Ice Arena has been a haven for aspiring hockey players since opening its doors in 1974. Named after legendary Spartan Hockey Coach, Amo Bessone, it is situated on the campus of Michigan State University and plays each home game on their state of the art ice rink. Not only do they offer youth leagues such as hockey or figure skating but also a variety of adult programs from pickup games to full-scale tournaments.

The W. J. Beal Botanical Garden is a spectacular place to explore the lush beauty of nature. With over 13 acres of natural wetlands, prairies, and deciduous forests, visitors can find countless trails that are easy on the feet, as well as a boardwalk and bridge spanning a nature preserve. People who visit can witness exotic plants, trees, and flowers that are not found in any other region at home. There's even an observatory garden where visitors can observe nocturnal migratory birds.

The MSU Museum is an amazing cultural and educational resource. It's filled with history, science, and art exhibits relevant to the local area. The museum offers a wide array of special events perfect for families and adults alike. Visitors can get an up-close look at fossils, artifacts from Native American and African American cultures, natural wildlife, dinosaur remains, and much more. It also plays host to exciting lectures and talks from experts in various fields related to its collections.