Welcome to Lansing: Things you ought to know to consider yourself a true Lansingite

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way we look at most things. It has certainly altered the way we look at our city. For many of us, our relationship with Lansing has become nostalgic. We have become even more excited to get out and experience what exists in and around this big small town. Whether you’re new in town and just starting your acquaintance, or you’ve lived here awhile and are becoming reacquainted, we’d like to say, “Welcome to Lansing.”

This is part of a series of articles published as a "Guide to Greater Lansing" — click here to read more.

Lansing wasn't Michigan's first choice for a capital city

From a tiny lumber settlement to a thriving trade route, chance is what made Lansing the capital city. When Michigan became a state on January 26, 1837, Detroit was the capital. In the 1840s, the state legislature opted to move the capital due to Detroit’s proximity to British troops in Canada, as well as a desire to advance exploration and development north and west. After deadlocking between several possibilities along what would become Interstate 94, legislators chose an almost random location to the north: Lansing.

Lansing wasn't the only name founders considered

When selected as the new capital city, Lansing was a small settlement known as the Village of Michigan. Swedenbourg and El Dorado were both considered as potential names before founders opted to honor the original settlers who came here from Lansing, New York, which was named for John Lansing, a delegate to the Constitutional Convention. Lansing became official in 1848.

We built this city on automobiles

When Lansing became the capital city in 1848, it was sparsely populated. Moving in state government added some bustle, however it wasn’t until R.E. Olds set up shop that the town’s population took off. With the launch of the Olds Motor Vehicle Co. in August 1897 came the promise of jobs and population growth. Precursors to those made by Oldsmobile and then the General Motors Co. we know today, working for and on these cars and trucks provided generations a living and livelihood right here in Lansing.

WELCOME TO LANSING: Here are a few things you must see to become a true Lansingite

A young city full of diversity

Of the nearly 120,000 people who call Lansing home, around 48.9% are people of color, according to City of Lansing Quick Facts from the U.S. Census Bureau. Around 52% are women, and 10% of Lansing residents were born in another country. The average age of Lansing residents is 32.6 years old and around 10,000 kids attend elementary, middle and high schools in the city – and these are some of the most diverse schools in the region.

Enjoy cuisine from across the globe

Perhaps because of its proximity to Michigan State University’s large international student population, or the area’s status as a location for refugee resettlement, Lansing is filled with diverse cuisine. There are of course the usual Chinese, Italian, Mexican, Indian, French and Thai restaurants. Diners can also experience Ethiopian, Peruvian, Korean, Turkish, Jamaican cuisine and more. Whether you’re looking for pasta, rice, pizza, poke or something exotic, you can likely find it here in Greater Lansing.

We walk where civil rights leaders walked

Malcolm Little, known later as Malcolm X, spent many of his childhood years in Lansing. He returned in the 1950s to hold meetings and organize protests of unfair treatment of Black citizens. A stretch of Main Street is named for him just south of downtown. Cesar Chavez, a champion of farmworkers’ rights and advocate for Mexican Americans, visited Lansing several times in the 1950s and '60s. The main street that runs through Old Town and crosses the Grand River is named for him. Martin Luther King, Jr. visited in 1954, 1957 and 1965 at the request of his uncle, a local pastor. And in 1918, suffragettes from across the state were successful in gaining women’s right to vote in Michigan, a full year before the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution enshrined the same nationwide.

We care about our kids, we've made the Lansing Promise

Former professional basketball player and successful businessman Magic Johnson, one of Lansing schools’ greatest success stories, still is wielding his influence in the city and down the road at his alma mater, Michigan State University. Johnson was instrumental in fundraising for the Lansing Promise, which provides all Lansing students with financial assistance for up to two years of classes at Lansing Community College or the equivalent tuition amount at MSU or Olivet College. Over 1,000 students have taken advantage of the Promise so far.

WELCOME TO LANSING: Here are a few things you should do to become a true Lansingite

There is always something to do here

Every town has those who claim there is nothing to do. Despite the critics, Lansing is full of activity if you know where to look. For live music: Check out Concerts in the Park, Afterglow Markets and UrbanBeat. For sports: Check out a Lugnuts game, play soccer at Beacon Field, visit Hope Sports Complex or kayak the Grand River. For leisure: Check out any number of excellent restaurants with patios in the area, or stroll through one of the 100-plus parks owned and managed by the city. You can find more information on these and many other things to do at downtownlansing.org.

BWL smokestacks show our history, and they're named

In 1885, the people of Lansing issued a bond to form their own public utility. In 1892, the ability to generate electricity was added; thus the Lansing Board of Water and Light was born. Now responsible for providing more than 2.7 million megawatt hours and 7 billion gallons of water to mid-Michigan customers, it plays a big part in city life. The three iconic smokestacks of the Eckert Power Plant near REO Town provide not only an iconic backdrop but also a reminder of this history – and their names are Wynken, Blynken and Nod.

Lansing is an arts town

The people of Lansing love the arts. What’s more, we love our local artists. Just ask the Artist’s Umbrella, Poetry Room, All of the Above Hip Hop Academy, etc. Looking for live acting? Check out the Riverwalk Theatre, located on Museum Drive. The Lansing Art Gallery and Education Center is another great place to visit – it features local artists of all sorts in a well-designed basement space on Washington Square. Just up the street is the newly opened Nelson Gallery, a marvel of modern art tucked into a cozy storefront space. Across the street are the offices for the Lansing Symphony Orchestra. The list goes on and on.

Tell us your favorites

Whether you're new in town or a longtime Lansing resident, we want to hear from you: What are your favorite factoids? Share your thoughts on our Facebook page or by emailing opinions@lsj.com.

This is part three of a poster series; find part one, "Things You Must See," here and part two, "Things You Should Do," here; and part four, "Unique Gems," here.

This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Here are some "Things You Ought To Know" to become a true Lansingite