Over 150 years have passed since Michigan State University opened its doors to higher education in 1855 as the nation’s first land-grant college then known as Michigan Agricultural College. East Lansing has been home to the 5320-acre park-like campus on the banks of the Red Cedar River since then. Still known worldwide for its agricultural programs, the university has grown to be home to 45,000 students and the undergraduate level as well as well-respected graduate/professional programs in business, law and medicine, both human and veterinary.

Located on the main campus are the Kellogg Center for Continuing Education, Breslin Student Events Center, Munn Ice Arena, seasonal displays of the 1873 Beal Botanical Garden and Wharton Center for Performing Arts. The university is home to year round Big 10 athletic events in football, basketball, ice hockey, as well as the “minor” sports featuring both men’s and women’s teams. The Wharton and Breslin Centers host a wide spectrum of entertainment from Broadway musicals to ballet, concerts, speakers, etc. of world class quality. One can enjoy this level of entertainment only a few minutes away from home and without the traffic of a large city.

The City of Lansing itself is home to museums, the state capital building, parks, theaters, public gardens and a restored area featuring galleries, shops and restaurants known as Old Town. The Potter Park Zoo offers many opportunities for family and Children’s activities. The Lansing Lugnuts, a minor league affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays play in a new downtown stadium known as Oldsmobile Park. The ballpark has drawn a number of restaurants and clubs within a few blocks. During the warmer months, there are a variety of festivals and fairs.