15 Best Things to Do in East Lansing, MI

15 Best Things to Do in East Lansing, MI

A Local Guide for MSU Students to Explore, Eat, and Enjoy Your City

Make East Lansing Your Campus & Your Community

Being a Spartan is about more than just classes, tailgates, and walking under Beaumont Tower. It’s about exploring East Lansing and making the city part of your college experience. Whether you're grabbing a midnight bite, digging through a dusty used bookstore, or hiking through hidden trails, East Lansing and nearby Lansing have something for every student vibe.

This guide rounds up 15 of the best things to do in East Lansing and surrounding areas. All off-campus, all local, and all worth checking out during your time at Michigan State University.

15 Best Things to Do in East Lansing, MI

Food & Drink

• Strange Matter Coffee Co.
  Address: 337 S Washington Square, Lansing, MI 48933
  Why go: Beloved local coffee shop with small-batch roasted beans, vegan pastries, and a strong community vibe.
  Website: strangemattercoffee.com


• HopCat East Lansing
  Address: 300 Grove St, East Lansing, MI 48823
  Why go: Craft beer bar famous for “Crack Fries” and late-night bites.
  Website: hopcat.com/east-lansing


• Peanut Barrel
  Address: 521 E Grand River Ave, East Lansing, MI 48823
  Why go: Classic MSU hangout spot with burgers, beer pitchers, and a lively patio.
  Website: peanutbarrel.com


• Crunchy’s
  Address: 254 W Grand River Ave, East Lansing, MI 48823
  Why go: Pub food, karaoke nights, and a favorite for students before/after games.
  Website: crunchyseastlansing.com

Arts, Culture & Books

• Curious Book Shop
  Address: 307 E Grand River Ave, East Lansing, MI 48823
  Why go: Legendary used bookstore with 3 floors of rare books, comics, and collectibles.
  Website: curiousbooks.com


• Elderly Instruments
  Address: 1100 N Washington Ave, Lansing, MI 48906
  Why go: World-famous music shop for rare guitars, banjos, and instruments.
  Website: elderly.com


• Lansing Art Gallery & Education Center
  Address: 300 S Washington Square, Lansing, MI 48933
  Why go: Local art exhibitions, workshops, and rotating galleries.
  Website: lansingartgallery.org

Shopping & Vintage

• RetroDuck Vintage
  Address: 541 E Grand River Ave, East Lansing, MI 48823
  Why go: Vintage and retro MSU apparel, unique tees, and student-favorite styles.
  Website: retroduck.com


• Thrift Witch
  Address: 100-198 E Grand River Ave, Lansing, MI 48906
  Why go: Oddities, Original Dark Art, Pop-Culture Collectibles, Antiques, New/Vintage Clothing & Accessories.
  Website: facebook.com/ThriftWitchVintage

Outdoors & Recreation

• Hawk Island Park
  Address: 1601 E Cavanaugh Rd, Lansing, MI 48910
  Why go: Trails, lake, and water playground — perfect for weekend breaks.
  Website: lansing.org/listings/hawk-island-park


• Fenner Nature Center
  Address: 2020 E Mt Hope Ave, Lansing, MI 48910
  Why go: Hiking trails, birdwatching, and environmental education programs.
  Website: mynaturecenter.org


• Patriarche Park
  Address: 960 Alton Rd, East Lansing, MI 48823
  Why go: Community park with picnic areas, sports fields, and walking trails.
  Website: cityofeastlansing.com

Nightlife & Entertainment

• The Avenue Café
  Address: 2021 E Michigan Ave, Lansing, MI 48912
  Why go: Hip café by day, bar and live music venue by night.
  Website: avenuecafelansing.com


• Mac’s Bar
  Address: 2700 E Michigan Ave, Lansing, MI 48912
  Why go: Dive bar and music venue with a student-heavy crowd.
  Website: facebook.com/macsbarmsu


• Lansing Brewing Company
  Address: 518 E Shiawassee St, Lansing, MI 48912
  Why go: Local brewery with craft beers, comfort food, and a buzzing social scene.
  Website: lansingbrewingcompany.com

Own Your East Lansing Experience

College is so much more than lectures and finals. It’s a time to discover yourself and where you fit in a new city, support local culture, and make memories that go way beyond the classroom. East Lansing and Lansing are packed with gems just waiting to be found.

So whether you’re grabbing a vintage Michigan State University tee at RetroDuck, howling karaoke at Crunchy’s, or catching a local band at Mac’s Bar, make it count! Explore your city. Support your people. Live your best Spartan life. 💚

FAQ

• What are the best restaurants for MSU students in East Lansing? Popular food spots include Peanut Barrel, HopCat East Lansing, and Crunchy’s for classic student favorites.
• Where can MSU students shop for vintage finds? RetroDuck Vintage for MSU apparel and Thrift Witch for eclectic oddities and clothing.
• What outdoor activities are available near East Lansing? Hawk Island Park, Fenner Nature Center, and Patriarche Park offer trails, birdwatching, and community recreation.
• Where can students experience arts and culture in Lansing? The Curious Book Shop, Elderly Instruments, and the Lansing Art Gallery are must-visits for culture seekers.
• What are the top nightlife spots for MSU students? Mac’s Bar, The Avenue Café, and Lansing Brewing Company are great choices for live music and socializing.