Ingham County - 31 Attractions You Must Visit

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 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.

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.

Patriarche Park is a park full of adventure and fun for the whole family. Nestled in the scenic Ingham County countryside, the park offers a variety of activities including hiking trails, mountain biking trails, and fishing spots around its beautiful lake. For families looking to enjoy a day outdoors together, Patriarche Park has something for everyone: from volleyball courts and horseshoe pits to playgrounds, picnic areas, and pavilions.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Valhalla Park is a picturesque destination perfect for any outdoor lover. Located just outside of Lansing, the park covers nearly 250 acres and is home to an array of nature trails that wind through the stunning forests and wetlands. There are several leisure activities on offer, including fishing, swimming and boating on the park's two lakes. Kayak rentals available make it easy to explore the waters by foot or boat. Birdwatchers can also enjoy a trip here.

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 Wharton Center for Performing Arts is one of the premier performing arts venues in the midwest. Established in 1982, this multi-purpose theatre has hosted some of the world's greatest artists and entertainers, including concerts by Tony Bennett and Yo-Yo Ma. A leader in educational programming, the Wharton Center hosts workshops and seminars for students of all ages throughout the year. Featuring two signature performance spaces and meeting facilities.