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In East Lansing,
Michigan State University
(MSU) enjoys a sprawling campus of over 5,000 acres catering to 46,045 students. After the State itself, MSU is the biggest employer in town. It offers over 200 programs of study, and is home to fourteen different degree-granting schools and colleges including a law school and numerous doctoral programs. It's the only university in the nation with three medical schools, two geared to human medicine and one, veterinary. MSU ranks tenth in the nation among public universities for international student enrollment and is consistently one of the top three programs in the United States for study abroad programs. Athletics have a rich tradition at Michigan State University. When the Spartans aren't contending for a Big Ten title in football, you can catch them battling for supremacy in hockey, basketball and other sports.
Greater Lansing is located in the heart of Michigan where the Grand River and the Red Cedar River converge. Once a dense forest, Lansing eventually became the state capital in 1847, when the capital was moved from Detroit. In 1855, Michigan State University was founded as the Agricultural College of the State of Michigan, becoming the first land grant university in the United States. Ransom E. Olds founded Olds Motor Vehicle Company in August, 1897, before starting the
REO Motor Car Company
in 1905, which lasted for 70 years.
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Besides a campus visit, tourists can check out the State Capitol, Supreme Court and Court of Appeals, Library of Michigan and State Historical
Center.
Lansing is also headquarters for four national insurance companies.
At the capitol, step back into the Victorian era with tours available to the public areas and House and Senate galleries.
At the Michigan Historical Museum, visitors are surrounded by Michigan history from prehistoric times through the late 20th century.
Impression 5 Science Center, a family-friendly science center is a delight for children of all ages. Explore, discover, and experience exhibits about simple machines, throwing things, water, bubbles and more.
The Wharton Center for Performing Arts
is recognized as one of the top performing arts centers in the country, hosting the finest in touring Broadway, dance, music and more.
There are several annual events celebrated here that you might want to attend. In May, the East Lansing Art Festival blocks off its downtown streets to host more than 200 artists from across the country. At the same time, right across the street, Michigan State University holds its Spring Arts and Crafts Show, a nice compliment to the Art Festival.
Nationally known artists appear for a week-long concert series in July. Music, food and fun along the banks of the Grand River!
In August, it's the
Great Lakes Folk Festival
with live music stages and a dance pavilion, as well as food and traditional crafts from across America and around the world.
In late November, Silver Bells in the City features over 80,000 attendees to watch the annual electric light parade, the lighting of Michigan's official Christmas tree and experience fireworks cascading over the Capitol dome.
Adam Southwood writes for Canadian, U.S. and European magazines and newspapers. He is a graduate of both McMaster University in Hamilton and UWO in London with an interest in culture and history. He has produced several educational programs for TV.
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