Located in the center of downtown Lansing, the Michigan Capitol Building boasts a dome inspired by the national Capitol in Washington D.C. and offers daily tours Monday through Friday. History buffs and travelers will enjoy the stories behind the art, architecture and galleries on display throughout the building.
Parking and Public Transportation to the Michigan State Capitol
Parking is a challenge in downtown Lansing, and visitors should come prepared for meter parking. Public meter parking can be found along Washington Square, a block from the Capitol Building. Parking garages on either side of the building are also available to visitors, although a fee is charged per vehicle.
The Capital Area Transportation Authority (CATA) provides a public bus system throughout the city and surrounding areas. Use CATA's Trip Planner to identify the appropriate route.
Best and Worst Time to Visit Michigan's Capitol Building
The building is closed on weekends and state and federal holidays.
The best time to visit is in the summer season, when the grounds are beautifully landscaped and the weather is conducive to walking. Three times a year, in July, August and September, the Capitol Building hosts a massive farmer's market on the East Lawn. Over 15,000 people come to support Michigan farmers and businesses.
Admission to Michigan's Capitol Building
Admission to the building, as well as the tours, is free. Self-guided tours are also allowed.
Other Places to Visit Near Michigan's Capitol Building
Downtown Lansing is a lively place to visit, especially in the summer. Just block from the Capitol visitors can enjoy a Lansing Lugnuts Baseball game at the Cooley Law School Stadium or hands-on science fun at Impression 5 Science Center. There are also countless bars and restaurants along Washington Square and Michigan Ave.
Insider Tip for Visiting Michigan's Capitol Building
While the regular guided tours do cover the inside of the Capitol Building's dome, a climb to the top of the Cupola is allowed by special request.
Author's bio: Allie McLary is a digital communications profesional from Lansing, MI, bitten by the travel bug.
Smokey Robinson & The Miracles, The Supremes, Little Stevie Wonder, Martha and the Vandellas -- if just thinking about these groups gets your feet moving, you'll love Motown's Hitsville USA, home to the Motown Museum. Stand in Studio A, where Barry Gordy recorded some of world's best-known rock 'n' roll favorites. The museum's mission is to preserve the history of Motown Records and the legacy of the Detroit musical factory.
Best and worst time to go to the Motown Museum
Everybody gets a guided tour by a tour guide who is both well informed and a fan of this infectious music. Make a reservation in advance. Tours start on the hour and last about 45 minutes.
Must see/do at the Motown Museum
The photos and grainy film of the Motown stars are riveting. And you'll be amazed that a homemade "echo chamber" could produce the Wall of Sound. Don't hesitate to ask about your favorites. The tour guides are very knowledgeable about lesser-known music as well as the big hits.
Admission to the Motown Museum
Admission is $15. If you are a Bank of America customer, take your credit or debit card and you'll get in free on the first weekend of every month. (http://museums.bankofamerica.com)
Parking and public transportation to the Motown Museum
The car is king in Detroit, so the best way to get to the museum is by car. There is no parking lot, but there is plenty of convenient on-street parking free of charge. The museum also is accessible by City of Detroit buses using the Dexter and Fenkell lines.
Food at the Motown Museum
No food is sold at the Motown Museum. The Henry Ford Hospital is close to the museum and the Boulevard Cafe, across the street from the hospital and down the street from the museum offers good, simple food at modest prices. It is popular with hospital personnel.
Insider tip for visitors to the Motown Museum.
The Motown Museum Store sells classic Motown CDs, including some music that you will be unlikely to find anywhere else.
Author's bio: Jennie L. Phipps is a writer and editor who lives south of the Detroit area and grew up loving Motown.
