1. East Lansing City History
2. Cultural Attractions
3. Historic Sites
4. Dining Out
5. Bars & Pubs
6. Cafe

I. Settlement / Administrative Procedures

1. Opening a Bank Account

One of the first steps a new VIPP participant needs to take is to open a bank account. Most visitors use MSU Federal Credit Union (MSUFCU) or Citizens Bank. One needs his/her passport, VISA, and DS-2019 to open a bank account.

There are several types of bank account, each with a different interest rate. To use personal check, one needs to open a checking account. Personal checks are mostly used to pay for various bills (on rent, electricity, phone, cable, etc.).

MSUFCU has four offices in the Lansing area.

-. 600 East Crescent Rd, East Lansing (Main Office) Tel. 517-353-2280
-. 523 East Grand River, East Lansing (East Lansing Branch)
-. 1775 Central Park Drive, Okemos (Meridian Branch)
-. 653 Migaldi Lane, Lansing (West Side Branch)

It also has ATMs (Automated Teller Machines) in 27 on-campus locations.

Citizens Bank has two offices near campus.

-. 1331 E. Grand River, East Lansing (Brookfield Plaza) Tel. 517-337-4208
-. 100 W. Grand River, East Lansing (Main Office) Tel. 517-337-4188

2. Social Security Number

3. Driver's License

International driver's licenses are considered official forms of identification in the U.S. However, recently there have been a large number of international licenses that have been falsified, so State and local law enforcement officials may not accept them as valid forms of identification. You should bring your license from your home country and apply for a Michigan driver's license soon after you arrive.

To obtain a license, you need to first take a written test at the Secretary of State office (400 Albert St., East Lansing, MI.). If you pass the written test and are deemed physically fit to drive, you will receive a temporary instruction permit (TIP) with a 30-day waiting period before you can take a road test. However, you may be able to waive the waiting period by presenting the driver's license (or the translated copy of the license) from your country.

You can take the road test through an independent road test agency accredited by the Secretary of State office. You need to call an agency to reserve your spot in advance and you will need to pay a fee to take it ($35 approximately). On the test date, you need to bring your passport, TIP, and the registration and insurance certificates for the vehicle you will use for the test.

Once you pass the road test, you can take the document confirming your passing of the test to the Secretary of State office to get issued a temporary driving permit and take a picture for your driver's license, which you will receive by mail within 2 to 3 weeks. The temporary permit is as good as the driver's license, but you always need to carry it with a photo ID (for instance, your passport).

Driver License System of State of Michigan

Are you interested in getting a new driver license in Michigan? Here is how.

http://www.michigan.gov/sos/0,1607,7-127-1627_8669---,00.html

4. Public Education for Children

VIPP has experienced staff members who can help in the administrative procedures.

Once you arrive, a staff member will take you to the school(s) your child (children) will attend to file the application(s). Passports (children's and parents'), immunization records (for children) and DS-2019 (yours) are need to file the application. For children in the 7^th grade or higher, you also need to bring school transcripts (written in English) from your home country.

Local kindergartens and nurseries

Christian Child Care

4828 S. Hagardon, East Lansing, (517) 322-4230

Ages 2-10

-. MSU Prelaboratory School

325 W. Grand River, East Lansing, (517) 355-1900

Ages 2-5

-. Abbott Nursery School

800 Abbott Rd, E. Lansing, (517) 351-7410

Ages 3-5

-. Spartan Village Child Development Center

1730 Crescent Rd. E. Lansing, (517) 353-5154

1 month ~ Age 8

-. Kindercare Care Learning Center

525 E. Saginaw, E. Lansing, (517) 351-6166

2 months ~ Age 12

-. Montessori Center, 469

N. Hagadorn, E. Lansing, (517) 337-0674

Ages 2-6

-. Eastminster Child Development Center

693 N. Hagardorn, E. Lansing, (517) 332-2311

Ages 1-10

5. Buying an Automobile

You buy a new car from a dealership. VIPP can provide contact information upon request.

When you buy a used one, you can either go to a dealer or respond to individual ads listed in the newspapers or on the bulletin boards available in various locations. There are several issues you need to be aware of and we recommend you consult us before buying a used car.

General guideline for car purchasing in the U.S.

There are several guidelines for car purchasing. You can quote approximate price range of the new and used vehicles.

National Automobile Dealers Association guide: http://www.nadaguides.com

Blackbook at Lansing: http://www.cars.com/advice/advice_carprices.jhtml?aff=lansing

Yahoo automobile quote site: http://autos.yahoo.com

Bluebook price quote: http://www.kbb.com/blue.html

Selling & Buying a Car

You can refer the local news paper's classified section. At Wheel section, you can review the advertising of the vehicles.

Local classified information: http://www.lsjsource.com

6. Telephone Services

Those of you deciding to stay in university housing will have the local phone service for free. For long distance calls, you are automatically enrolled in a program provided by AT&T. Although you cannot switch to another company, AT&T tends to offer competitive rates for most situations. In addition, calling a University location requires dialing only the last 5 digits of the phone number. For instance, to call VIPP office you need only to dial 2-3663 from your room instead of dialing the number in full (432-3663).

Off-campus residents will have the option of selecting from various local and long-distance services. Please consult the VIPP staff if you have any question.

International Calls:

Although long-distance carriers (such as AT&T, MCI, or Sprint) tend to offer competitive international calling rates, many people prefer purchasing pre-paid calling cards for their international calls.

7. Public Transportation

CATA (Capital Area Transportation Authority) offers bus services in the Greater Lansing area. There are 20 plus routes operating year-round. Visit http://www.cata.org/ for routes and further information.

CATA also offers a campus service during Fall and Spring semesters, 7 days a week with 24-hour service available. There are fixed routes serving all University apartments, residence halls, commuter lots, and the main campus. Additionally, CATA provides direct service from off-campus apartments in the East Lansing, Okemos, Haslett and Jolly/Dunckel Road areas during Fall and Spring semesters.

8. Housing Information

University Housing Information

Michigan State University offers two type of on-campus housing: the one is Residence Hall, which called a dormitory and the other is University apartment.

Residence Hall (Dormitory)

If you're a student who wants to stay on-campus (in case of exchange student, on-campus housing is required), you can visit and check options at Michigan State University housing office: http://www.hfs.msu.edu/uh/halls.html

University Apartment

If you are interested in living on-campus with your family, University Apartment is an option for you.

http://www.hfs.msu.edu/uh/univapart.html

Off Campus Housing

The Department of Student Life of Michigan State University provides a listing of off campus housing options for students who prefer to live off campus.

You can also refer the local news paper's classified section. Most of the students and family stay in East Lansing, Okemos, Haslett, and Lansing area. You can find out the housing related information by visiting the following web site.

Lansing State Journal's classified information: http://www.lsjsource.com

Well-known housing web site: http://www.apartments.com/lansing

9. About Transportation

Airport Information

Here is some information for airport located nearby in Lansing area. You can check the flight schedule for pick-up and departure.

Lansing Capital City Airport: http://www.capitalcityairport.com

Chicago O'hare Airport: http://www.ohare.com

Detroit Metro Airport: http://www.metroairport.com

Rent-A-car

If you're interested in purchasing a car but don't get a new one yet, you may want to rent a car for a while. Here are some places you may want to take a look.

Avis: http://www.avis.com

Alamo: http://www.goalamo.com

Hertz: http://www.hertz.com

National: http://www.nationalcar.com

Enterprise: http://www.enterprise.com

Bus service

Do you want to find on and off-campus buy service? Here is the CATA bus service for MSU students.

CATA bus service: http://www.cata.org/msu

10. Registration of Vehicle system of the State of Michigan

After you purchase a new car, you need to register your car in the Secretary of the State (State government office). Here is how.

http://www.michigan.gov/sos/0,1607,7-127-1585---,00.html

More detail information regarding the vehicle can be obtained from the Secretary of State of Michigan

http://www.michigan.gov/sos/

11. ABOUT COMPUTER

MSU Net ID installation

Michigan State University offers new Email address and ID. It is critical for you to access many information resources in and out of campus such as library, classes, and online news. The following information is about how to set up your account.

General Description of MSU Net ID system (how to get started)

http://help.msu.edu

How to connect the Internet (MSU net) through your modem (on-campus or off-campus)

Instruction for set up for PC: http://help.msu.edu/dialup/pc-dial/index.html

Instruction for set up for MAC: http://help.msu.edu/dialup/macdial/index.html

How to connect the Internet (MSU net) through your modem (on-campus only)

For those who want to access MSU net with your Notebook computer with Ethernet on campus, you need to configure your system with following instruction. On campus, the Ethernet connection is free of charge.

http://help.msu.edu/ethernet/

Set up your mail client (Microsoft Outlook, Eudora, Netscape mail and etc.).

http://help.msu.edu/mail/documentation/

II. MSU Life

1. Campus and Community Phone List

Emergency:

-. Visiting International Professional Program (517) 432-3663

-. Police, fire department or urgent medical service: 911

MSU:

-. Office of the Registrar (517) 355-3300

-. Student Accounts Billing & Receivables (517) 355-3343

-. Olin Health Center (517) 353-4556

-. Dental Clinic (517) 353-9232

-. Department of Public Safety (517) 355-2221

Transportation:

-. Detroit Metro Airport (313) 942-3550

-. Capital City Airport (Lansing) (517) 321-6121

-. Lansing Train Station (517) 332-5051

-. Greyhound (Bus) Information (517) 332-2569

-. CATA Bus (517) 394-1000

-. Spartan Cab (517) 485-4400

-. Yellow Cab (517) 482-1444

2. Sports and Recreation

MSU's Intramural Sports and Recreative Services offer facilities for the use of all students, regardless of skill level. You can keep yourself up-to-date with activities and team schedules at the IM Sports web site: www.imsports.msu.edu.

Three buildings; IM Sports-West, IM Sports-Circle, and IM Sports-East, house most of the indoor activity areas. Additional space is available in Jenison Field House and Demonstration Hall. There are three indoor swimming pools, one outdoor pool, one fitness trail, and indoor and outdoor tracks, tennis courts, as well as numerous other courts. Many of the outdoor courts and playing fields are lighted.

Facilities are available everyday and may be used by any student, faculty, or staff member upon presentation of MSU photo identification. Spouses and children are also welcome during designated hours and within certain guidelines. Since use is very high, reservations are suggested for most facilities.

The reservation numbers are 355-5250 for IM-West, 355-4711 for IM-Circle, and 353-3223 for IM-East. Towel and locker services are available for a small fee and a variety of equipment can be checked out simply by presenting valid University identification.

Available sports for organized competition

Teams:

Individual:

Sports Clubs

Sports Clubs, organized through the IM Program, provide instruction and competition. Clubs vary in size, from less than 50 to over 300 in the Ski Club. Many Clubs plan trips and can provide information about places off campus to engage in their activities. The Sports Club Office is in 103 IM East, 353-3136. New clubs may be organized each year according to student interests.

Current Sports Clubs include:

3. Health Services on Campus

Olin Health Center is an outpatient health care facility providing medical, dental, and health education services to the students of MSU. Services are available year round. Olin Health Center is located on East Circle Drive between Berkey and Morrill Halls. Telephone: (517) 355-4510. For current information on hours and services, please visit the Olin website: http://olin.msu.edu.

Olin Health Center is nationally accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Health Care Organizations, and is staffed with board certified physicians and other certified health care professionals.

Olin Health Center services are available to all MSU and MSU-DCL students. Students are encouraged to secure health insurance coverage. The University will subsidize three medical office visits per year to the Olin Health Center for all students enrolled in MSU classes. Olin Health Center will bill for the fourth and subsequent visits, and for other services.

Olin will first bill insurance companies and then bill the patient for charges not paid for by insurance. Patients without insurance coverage may pay at the time of the visit, or will be billed by Olin Health Center. Students interested in the Student Insurance plan should contact the MSU Benefits Office for details, (517) 353-4434 or studentinsurance@hr.msu.edu.

The primary care clinic at Olin provides management of both short-term and long-term medical problems within the scope of general medical care.

Additional specialty clinics include gynecology, dentistry, immunization, sports medicine, and orthopedics, with support services of laboratory, physical therapy, pharmacy, and radiology.

Patients are encouraged to call ahead to make an appointment at (517) 353-4660; however, patients arriving without an appointment will have an appointment scheduled for them. If illness or injury is sudden and it is medically necessary to be treated right away, the patient may be seen in the Urgent Care Clinic or given a same day appointment.

An Urgent Care Clinic is available for minor trauma and illnesses that do not require the full facilities of a hospital emergency room, but do require immediate care, such as lacerations, bone fractures or food poisoning. Medical problems requiring hospitalization or the facilities and personnel of a hospital emergency department are referred as appropriate.

4. "Sparty's" Convenient Stores

"Sparty's" convenience stores offer a variety of snacks, drinks, and other items in most residence halls and other campus locations.

Residence Halls

Other Buildings

"Sparty's" also operates coffee houses with snacks, meals, and specialty coffees in the following locations:

5. Eating on Campus

Public Eateries

-. MSU Crossroads Food Court in the International Center features Panda Express, Taco Bell, Wendy's, Subway, and Club Cappuccino.

-. One Union Square, MSU Union's food court, offers burgers, pizza, subs, soups and salad. Gourmet coffee is also available.

-. Union Station Cafe features fresh fruit, salads, soup sandwiches and home-style entrees. Located on the lower level of the MSU Union, it is open Monday~Friday 11:30 a.m.~1:30 p.m.

-. KC's Lounge (in the Kellegg Hotel & Conference Center), (517) 432-4000

Monday~Sunday: Breakfast 7~11 a.m., Lunch 11 a.m.~5 p.m., Dinner 5 p.m.~10 p.m., Late Night 10 p.m.~11 p.m.

-. Kellogg Center State Room, (517) 432-5049

Monday~Saturday 6:30 a.m.~10 p.m., Sunday Brunch 10 a.m.~2 p.m.

-. Owen Graduate Center Cafeteria, (517) 355-5007

MondayThursday 7 a.m.~11 p.m., Friday 7 a.m.~9 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m.~9 p.m., Sunday 8 a.m.~11 p.m.

-. Campus residence halls (except Williams Hall) have cafeterias for hall residents and their invited visitors who have purchased guest meal tickets.

MSU Dairy Store, (517) 355-8466

Ice cream and cheese are sold in the MSU Dairy Store in Anthony Hall on Farm Lane.

Hours: On Mondays to Fridays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Saturdays and Sundays from Noon to 5 p.m.

6. MSU Libraries

The MSU Libraries house a research collection of approximately 4.5 million volumes as well as nonprint materials such as maps, sound recordings, and hundreds of electronic databases.

The library also provides a wide range of user services, including extended hours, assistance in using online resources, planning research, and the Assistive Technology Center. Special areas of interest to new students include the Careers Collection, the Financial Aid Collection and the CyberCafe, as well as the Friday Night Film Series and other free events for students.

The Main Library is located on West Circle Drive, across from Beaumont Tower.

Key phone numbers

-. Main Library Information (517) 432-6123

-. Circulation Department (517) 355-2333

-. MSU Libraries web site: http://www.lib.msu.edu/

Branch Libraries are open to all students. For hours and lending policies, call the listed number.

-. Africana

2 East, Main Library (517) 355-2366

-. Bio-Medical & Physical Sciences Library

1440 Bio-Med/Phy Sci Bldg. (517) 432-4900

-. Business

50 DCL/Business Library (517) 355-3380

-. Clinical

A135 Life Sciences Bldg. (517) 353-3037

-. Current Journals/Microforms

Second Floor,West Wing, Main Library (517) 353-8724

-. Digital & Multimedia Center

Fourth Floor,West Wing, Main Library (517) 353-1753

-. Engineering

1515 Engineering Bldg. (517) 355-8536

-. Fine Arts (Art & Music)

Fourth Floor,West Wing, Main Library (517) 353-4593

-. Geology

5 Natural Science Bldg. 353-7988

-. Government Documents

Basement, Main Library 432-6123

-. International Center Library

115 International Center 355-0253

-. Labor & Industrial Relations

Third Floor, West Wing, Main Library 355-4647

-. Maps

Third Floor, West Wing, Main Library 432-6277

-. Mathematics

D101Wells Hall 353-9573

-. Planning and Design

212 UPLA Building 353-3941

-. Reference

First Floor, East Wing, Main Library 353-8700

-. Veterinary

G201 Veterinary Medical Center 353-5099

7. Computer Laboratory And Technical Assistance

The MSU Computer Laboratory operates an extensive network of public Microcomputer Labs for use by students and other members of the MSU community. For information on microcomputer lab locations and hours, visit http://microlabs.msu.edu

Computing Services consultants provide assistance with networking, email, AFS, Angel, Blackboard and support for basic computer use. For assistance call 432-6200 or visit http://help.msu.edu/

The Computer Store, located in 305 Computer Center, offers popular computer hardware and software at educational discount prices. You can find out more at http://cstore.msu.edu/ or by calling 432-0700.

Engineering Services provide repair service on PC/Mac hardware and software, and offers upgrade and installation service for desktop and laptop computers. For additional information visit http://www.msu.edu/unit/engserv or call 353-5266.

The Libraries, Computing and Technology Training Program (LCTTP) offers non-credit courses and workshops, covering a wide range of topics on computing for job training, career development, and/or personal improvement. Class schedules are available on-line at http://train.msu.edu

A 24-hour Libraries, Computing, and Technology Help Line provides assistance with technology problems or in accessing resources, including library resources. Call (517) 355-2345 (Lansing area) or (800) 500-1554 (outside the Lansing area).

8. Michigan State University Museum

The museum, founded in 1857, is one of the oldest museums in the Midwest and is accredited by the American Association of Museums.

Designated an anchor organization by the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, the museum is Michigan's leading public natural and cultural history museum.

The museum is a public steward for 2.5 million objects or specimens of cultural and natural history from around the world.

9. Kresge Art Museum

Kresge Art Museum, founded in 1959, houses Michigan State University's collection of nearly 7,000 works of art.

Portions of the collection are on continuous display, offering a rich diversity of style, technique and media. Objects on view span 5,000 years of human history and include representative examples of works of art from ancient Cycladic figures to contemporary mixed media installations.

Greek, Roman and Egyptian artifacts; medieval and Renaissance illuminations; and European and American paintings, prints and sculptures document the intellectual and artistic development of Western civilization. Art and artifacts from African, Asian, and Islamic cultures offer insight into non-Western history, beliefs and artistic traditions.

Traveling exhibitions and temporary shows curated by museum staff explore many art historical, cultural and contemporary themes. In keeping with Michigan State University's land grant philosophy, the museum has a public as well as an institutional mission to serve students, faculty and the community through opportunities to experience the fine arts.

Admission to Kresge Art Museum is Free.

Hours: Labor Day through Memorial Day

-. Weekdays except Thursdays from 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
-. Thursdays from 10:00 a.m - 8:00 p.m.
-. Saturdays and Sundays from 12:00 - 5:00 p.m.

10. Abrams Planetarium

Abrams Planetarium programs are held Friday and Saturday evenings and Sunday afternoons. Admission is $3 for adults, $2.50 for students, and $2 for those 12 or under. A free exhibit hall is open from 8:30 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4:30 p.m. on weekdays.

Located between Shaw Hall and the Chemistry Building; For show information call 355-4672. For current information on the night sky, call 332-STAR.Web site: www.pa.msu.edu/abrams/

11. Language Learning Center

The Language Learning Center provides media services, computing and audio-visual facilities, and consulting in the use of technology to support language teaching and learning, and research. Web site: http://llc.msu.edu

Facilities:

Digital Media Lab: Room 141 Old Horticulture is the home of the LLC's digital media lab. Hosting 36 Macintosh cube computers with DVD drives, foreign-language support, and high-speed internet connections, this modern lab represents the state of the art in language-teaching computing. The lab is available for walk-in use, and language teachers can reserve the lab for their classes. Contact Michael Kramizeh for more information.

Teaching lab: Room 112 Old Horticulture houses a walk-in lab that is designed especially for teaching. The 28 computers are arranged in pods, and a special projection system called Robotel can broadcast a computer's video output to all other computers in the lab.This feature is useful for demonstrations and presentations. The instructor's station is equipped with a videodisk player and VCR. Videos can be broadcast to individual machines through Robtel.

Testing lab: Students can listen to audiotapes, view videos, and take tests in the AV testing lab in room 141 Old Horticulture. Each of 18 stations is equipped with a cassette deck, 13" television monitor, and headphones. Remote controls allow students to control the video output.

Recording studio: The LLC boasts a professional-quality recording studio. Audio is recorded direct to computer using a Digidesign board. Digital audio can be burned to CD or DVD, streamed from the web, or recorded to cassette tape. This facility is available for sponsored use only. Contact the LLC for more information.

Software development facilities: Language teachers can use the LLC's development stations to create text, graphic, video, and audio materials using powerful computers. Computers are connected with equipment such as flatbed scanners, slide scanners, video digitizing boards, VCR, CD and DVD burners, and printers. The lab must be reserved in advance.

Television channel: LLC-TV is Channel 13 on the campus cable television network. The channel exists mainly to rebroadcast foreign language programming from the LLC's satellite dishes, but student-produced programming can also be included for broadcast.

CD, DVD duplication: The LLC can make copies of teacher or student-produced CDs or DVDs for a small fee.

12. English Language Center

The English Language Center (ELC) provides instruction to international students who need to improve their English language skills before beginning academic course work.

The English Language Center runs two main programs each semester:

The Intensive English Program is open to all English learners. Designed for academically and non-academically bound students, the program includes courses from the beginning to the advanced level providing instructions in reading, writing, speaking, listening and special content-based classes. The program also coordinates cultural enrichment activities and field trips.

The English for Academic Purposes Program is open to students already admitted to MSU academic programs who need to improve academic language skills. This program offers skills-based courses (speaking and listening, reading, writing or writing and grammar) that help prepare international students for university-level work in English. The courses therefore reflect the language demands of the university. Qualified students take academic coursework while enrolled in this program.

Contact: elc@msu.edu

13. University Activities Board Program

After a long week of class and studies, what can you do to relax and have fun? Look no further than the University Activities Board (UAB)! UAB has a strong tradition of providing MSU with the best in campus entertainment.

UAB offers a variety of student-driven social, educational, multicultural and recreational programs throughout the year. Regular late-night weekend programs include movies, DJ dances, comedians, bands, inflatable games, crafts and a variety of special events and shows. Most activities are free for students.

For information on upcoming events, visit UAB's website at www.uabevents.com or call the event hotline at (517) 432-7739. Contact: University Activities Board, 322 MSU Union, (517) 355-3354.

14. Office for International Students and Scholars

International Students (and their families) receive special assistance through the Office for International Students and Scholars (OISS), 103 International Center, (517) 353-1720. OISS provides advising and support on academic, personal, immigration, health insurance, and financial matters. It conducts cross-cultural educational programs and orientation activities for international students and utilizes the expertise of OISS staff to help MSU students and faculty learn about other countries and cultures. In addition, the Sponsored Student Program provides special assistance to students and their sponsors, and the Community Volunteers for International Programs (CVIP) provide support services to families of international students and scholars.

III. East Lansing Life

1. East Lansing City History

In the new century the rush to expansion boomed, and in 1907 "Collegeville" and adjacent neighborhoods were chartered as East Lansing. Many of the historic homes in the city retain the college gothic flavor of MSU architecture from the first quarter of the century. The East Lansing School District dates from 1901. Growth of MSU and its faculty resulted in a community with high educational expectations, and East Lansing soon became known for the quality of its public education. As word of the system's excellence spread, the city became increasingly attractive as a place for family life.

East Lansing is now more than eight times larger than at its founding and has a public school system of nine schools. Its population of roughly 50,000 has evolved to include business and professional women and men, families of all configurations and ethnic backgrounds, educators, international residents, politicians, and artists, as well as MSU faculty and students.

2. Museums and Cultural Attractions

Impression 5 Science Center

(517) 485-8116; http://www.impression5.org

This sophisticated science center is designed so that kids of all ages can experience the wonders of the physical and natural world firsthand. Make slime in the Chemistry Lab, capture your shadow or tinker with cool toys.

Michigan Historical Museum

(517) 373-3559; http://www.michiganhistory.org

Surrounding visitors with Michigan history from prehistoric times through the late-twentieth century, 26 permanent galleries on four levels include a walk-through copper mine, one-room schoolhouse, 1957 Auto Show, S&H Greenstamps Store, and more.

Michigan Supreme Court Learning Center

 (517) 373-5027, 7229; http://www.courts.michigan.gov/plc/index.htm

A museum-style gallery is filled with exhibits, hands-on activities and computer programs to help demystify the judicial branch of state government. Free 1 hour tours; groups need a reservation. Open M-F 9-4, closed state holidays.

Potter Park Zoo

(517) 702-4730; http://www.potterparkzoo.org

The beautifully landscaped 100-acre park, gardens and zoo are situated along the Red Cedar River and features more than 400 animals from around the world including rhinos, red pandas, tigers, snow leopards, wolves, eagles, and more. Open all year.

R. E. Olds Transportation Museum

(517) 372-0422; http://www.reoldsmuseum.org

A tribute to the auto industry, courtesy of one of Lansing's most prominent citizens Ransom Eli Olds. The very first Oldsmobile, built in 1897, is on display along with antique REOs, Stars, automotive advertising and memorabilia.

Courthouse Square Association

(517) 543-6999; http://www.visitcourthousesquare.org

Courthouse Square consists of the 1885 Eaton County Courthouse and the 1873 Sheriff's Residence. The courthouse houses a restored courtroom and related rooms as well as exhibits relating to the heritage and culture of the mid-Michigan region.

Ingham County Courthouse

(517) 676-8400

Standing in the center of downtown Mason, this 97-year-old courthouse was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1971. A complete renovation of the building was finished in 1993.

Meridian Historical Village

(517) 347-7300

The Village provides a slice of 19th-century settler life, and contains six historical buildings-a one-room schoolhouse, farmhouse, barn, blacksmith shop, inn and the only remaining plank road tollgate house in Michigan.

State Capitol Building

(517) 373-2353; http://www.milegislativecouncil.org/lcfaf.html

Step back into the Victorian era at Michigan's award-winning Capitol. Marvel at the glass-floor rotunda and nine acres of decorative hand painted surfaces. Tours of the public areas and the House and Senate galleries are available every half-hour.

Turner-Dodge House and Heritage Center

(517) 483-4220; http://parks.cityoflansingmi.com/tdodge

Provider of quality recreation programs, interpreting Greater Lansing's cultural heritage, diversity & rich history using the Turner-Dodge family as a focal point illustrating the significant changes in the region's development

3. Historic Sites

Courthouse Square

On the Courthouse Square in beautiful downtown Charlotte towers (273 feet) the 1885 Eaton County Courthouse. The Courthouse Square Association is proud to be in the process of preserving the history of Eaton County not only through the preservation of the 1885 Courthouse, but also through museum exhibits and programs.

The Eaton County Courthouse, built in 1885, is constructed in the Renaissance Revival style. On July 4, 1894, exactly 11 years to the day the cornerstone was laid, there was a devastating fire.  Within a year the courthouse was rebuilt, almost exactly to the original specifications.  Today, the beautiful woodwork, tile floors, and stained glass ceiling are a testament to both architectural design and craftsmanship of the period. The Courthouse Square, comprised of the 1885 Eaton County Courthouse and the 1873 Sheriff's Residence, is on the National Register of Historic Places.

100 W. Lawrence Ave., Charlotte, (517) 543-6999 . Open on Mondays to Fridays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on the first Saturday of the month from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

4. Dining Out

Charlie Kang's Restaurant

Korean, Chinese

127 E Grand River Ave, East Lansing, (517) 332-4696

Korea House Restaurant

Korean, Japanese

978 Trowbridge Rd, East Lansing, (517) 332-0608

Ukai Japanese Steak House

Japanese

2167 W Grand River Ave, Okemos, (517) 349-0820

Asian House

Vietnamese, Chinese

1001 E Grand River Ave, East Lansing, (517) 332-3950

Hong Kong Restaurant

Chinese, Korean

315 S Homer St, Lansing, (517) 332-5333

Hershey's Steak & Seafood

American, European

2682 E Grand River Ave, East Lansing, (517) 337-7324

Dusty's Cellar

American, European

1839 W Grand River Ave, Okemos, (517) 349-8680

Bennigan's Grill & Tavern

American, European

2085 W Grand River Ave, Okemos, (517) 349-2321

Bravo Cucina Italiana

Italian

2970 Towne Centre Blvd, Lansing, (517) 485-3779

Olive Garden

Italian

5015 Marsh Rd, Okemos (517) 349-0330

5. Bars & Pubs

Beggar's Banquet

(517-351-4540) , 218 Abbott Rd.

The place has style and a pretty good selection of bottled beers. They also have one of the best selections of good wine out of any of the restaurants in the city. You'll find a good mix of people at Beggar's, making it a nice change from a lot of college bars. Special Note: Wednesday - 1/2 off bottles of wine

Buffalo Wild Wings (BW-3's)

(517-333-BWWW) , Has moved to Albert & M.A.C

The hottest wings in town (with 10 levels of "spiciness" to suit everyone from the weak to the insane), 20 oz. mugs, good food, more beers on tap than any place in town. If you want to watch sports events on state of the art movie theatre sized screens, accept no substitute. They also have pool tables dart boards and Golden Tee.

Crunchy's

(517-351-2506) , 254 W. Grand River

You have to have at least 5 people at your table, but a few buckets (very well priced, by the way) will easily provide for an evening you most likely won't remember. Crunchy's has good food and also karaoke Friday nights.

El Azteco

(517-351-9111) , 255 Ann

Chips and salsa and a few drinks in the sun are a great way to spend the afternoon. The food is really good although it's not always real speedy. Of course, you can find all your favorite Mexican beers and a good selection of marguaritas.

The Evergreen Grill

(517-337-1200) , 327 Abbott Rd.

It may be on the expensive side, but in terms of quality beer selection, wine selection, and food, it's definitely one of the best in the East Lansing area. The wait staff and bartenders are extremely friendly, the style and atmosphere is both relaxing and a little avant-garde at the same time. It's no dance club, and you won't hear blaringly loud music with indistinguishable lyrics. But you will hear good live music on almost every night; whether it's live piano music, acoustic guitar, irish folk, or a live jazz band.

Harrison Roadhouse & Roadhouse Pub

(517-337-0200), 720 Michigan Ave.

Good food, good selection of beer and a perfect place for dinner on football staurday or going out to dinner with your parents when they come to visit. The next building over from the Roadhouse is the Roadhouse Pub, just North of the restaurant. It's a small bar with pool tables, darts, all the free popcorn you can eat and some great drink specials. It's often a very mixed crowd in the Pub, making it an interesting place to drink and hang out.

Jimmy's Pub

(517-337-3000), 3139 East Grand River

Jimmy's is a fairly classic sports bar. They have a good selection of beers (including Guiness on tap) and good bar food. Mostly it is your classic sandwiches, burgers, good appetizers, etc. They have plenty of televisions are pretty good about keeping several games on at the same time.

The Landshark

(517-351-8973) , 101 E. Grand River

It's pretty much your classic college bar with some headlining bands, and often very long lines. There's not a lot of space, and you'll be dodging elbows right and left, but any avid bar-going student who graduates without sampling one of their famous shark bowls should be chased out of the city and banished from East Lansing. They also have a great happy hour buffet with wings, shrimp, nachos, subs and pasta. Notably, they have added several microbrew beers to their selection: a vast improvement over their previous stock.

The Peanut Barrel

(517-351-0608) , 521 E. Grand River

It's a little bit away from most of the mainstream bars but it's perfect for a slightly more relaxing night of drinking and conversation. The Barrel is truly an old classic at MSU.

P.T. O'Malley's

(517-332-2959) , 210 Abbott Rd.

There's some good food for happy hour and good drink specials. The large booths are perfect for packing a large group of friends in together for a night of serious drinking. Highly recommended if you're in the mood for a large group of people. And if you plan on drinking there on St. Patrick's Day, you'd better get in line early.

Reno's East Side Sportsbar & Grill

(517-337-2333) , 1310 Abbott Rd.

It's a pretty good sports bar, although a little too dark on the inside. There are plenty of tv's and you'll never be without fresh popcorn on your table. They also have good specials during games and the patio outside is great. They do have Guiness on tap which is a big plus, and there are a number of imported beers on the menu.

6. Cafe

Fernando's Cafe

Cuisine: American, Cafe

Menus: Fernando's Menu - Children's Menu

1587 Haslett Rd, Haslett, MI 48840 (517-339-1886)

Grand River Coney Island

Cuisine: American, Cafe

Menus: Grand River Coney Island Menu

902 E Grand River, Lansing, MI 48906 (517-853-1300)

Hobie's

Cuisine: Cafe, Sandwiches

Menus: Hobie's Menu

930 Trowbridge, East Lansing, MI 48823 (517-351-3800)

Abbott Cafe

Cuisine: Cafe

819 Abbott Rd, East Lansing, MI 48823 (517-333-7255)

Angel's Cafe

Cuisine: Cafe

104 E Grand River Rd, Webberville, MI 48892 (517-521-2618)