Vacation Rentals in East Lansing

Located to the east of Michigan’s capital city Lansing, the classic college town of East Lansing exudes laidback suburban vibes. The star attraction is undoubtedly the Michigan State University campus which is open to visitors. Tree-lined streets, brick homes, designated biking lanes, and an eclectic downtown make East Lansing a fantastic base to explore the region. Vacation rentals cater to all tastes and budgets and families, friends and independent travelers will feel right at home here.

Vacation rentals in Downtown East Lansing are a good idea as the town’s main attractions are in easy reach. It is especially perfect for those planning to party until the wee hours - Grand River Avenue is where most of the action is at. Another possible option is to book a rental in Old Town Lansing where architectural gems and old world-charm abound. Both cities are well-connected to each other by public transport. A bit further south, the Old Everett Neighborhood has well-equipped vacation houses that can be booked on Holidu.

Steeped in tradition, MSU is no ordinary campus – this one is a world in itself. While here, look out for MSU’s beloved mascot, the bronze-cast Spartan Statue. It is one of the most photographed spots on campus along with the Red Cedar River. MSU also hosts an art center, a planetarium, the gigantic Spartan Football Stadium with a 70,000+ capacity, and miles of running and biking trails. Hungry? Try the banana chocolate chunk or the blueberry pie ice creams at the MSU Dairy Store. They serve sandwiches and snacks too. The campus is huge so mopeds and skateboards are a good idea if you’re serious about exploring it.

The entire downtown area is energized by its profusion of art cafés, live music bars, bookshops, and art galleries. For food, the options are limitless: there’s Mexican, Indian, Middle Eastern, and Japanese among a slew of world cuisines to choose from. The Ellison Brewery + Spirits regales pub-crawlers with its boisterous, industrial vibes, and a top selection of rye whiskies, fruity ales, lagers, and stouts. Dublin Square Irish Pub & Restaurant meanwhile is a slice of Ireland in Michigan. Their lobster bisque is legendary as its photogenic hand-carved mahogany bar. End the night with a high-energy dance session at Harper's Restaurant & Brew Pub – this one’s a hit with university students for its cheap food and drinks.

Architecture enthusiasts, in particular should check out the startling geometry at the MSU Broad Museum. Designed by the award-winning architect Zaha Hadid, the museum holds over 10,000 permanent exhibits and strives to showcase underrepresented communities. Science and culture meet at the MSU Museum established in 1857. Artifacts here span across folk art, natural science, and even anthropology from the world over. The curiously named (SCENE) Metrospace in Downtown East Lansing is a non-traditional performing space that hosts poetry readings, talks, and musical performances apart from its impressive roster of art exhibitions.

Free community events are a fixture in this spirited college town. The Summer Solstice Jazz Festival is a 2-day outdoor event that celebrates jazz in all its forms. Summer also features the East Lansing Art Festival, a 58-year-old tradition that fosters a love for community and tradition in the Greater Lansing region. The East Lansing Film Festival is Michigan's oldest non-experimental film festival – the lineup includes comedies, documentaries, and cutting-edge world cinema. October ushers in Halloween’s Great Pumpkin Walk, and the year closes with Winter Glow - a celebration of fairy lighting, holiday markets, ice carving, horse carriage rides, and even marshmallow roasting.

An oasis of sorts, these botanical gardens were established in 1873, and are set right beside the Red Cedar River. An excess of 5000 plant species makes this 19th-century educational garden an exciting prospect for nature lovers.

A hidden gem on the MSU campus, the planetarium is a must if astronomy and outer space exploration are your thing. The Sky Theater's projection dome and extraordinary acoustics transports visitors to distant worlds. Outdoor observations with telescopes are a hit with kids – note that these are subject to sky conditions though.

This multiple-use trail hugs the banks of the picturesque Red Cedar and Grand Rivers allowing visitors a plethora of recreational activities: jogging, biking, rollerblading, kayaking, and more. The trail weaves past Old Town Lansing and even connects with MSU’s iconic campus. Birding walks will fetch you close encounters with bald eagles, red-winged blackbirds, and other exotic species. For a leisurely paddle, try Crego Park.

Michigan’s capital city has much to offer from the docent-led tours at the beautifully-restored Michigan State Capital Building to the Michigan State Museum. There are stunning exhibits on Michigan’s first people - the Anishinaabe. Old Town Lansing meanwhile is a culture traveler’s delight with its Victorian buildings, winsome boutiques, specialty shops, and family-run eateries.

A jewel of East Lansing, the Wharton Center for Performing Arts at Michigan State University has hosted the likes of Bob Dylan and impresses with its layout and state-of-the-art acoustics. World-class dance companies, Broadway shows, and symphonies have graced the Wharton over time

Bullhead City leaves no stone unturned to please fastidious foodies, and a top recommendation is the riverfront Black Bear Diner. The pancakes, waffles, and French toast are as sumptuous as their signature dish – the Bigfoot Chicken Fried Steak & Eggs. Oriol’s Restaurant delivers the Mexican goods – quesadillas, tamales, enchiladas! Try their churros and deep fried ice cream for dessert. Serving locals since 1979, D'Angelo's Italian Restaurant merits mention for its authentic Italian preparations served in generous portions at very affordable prices. The Cove Bar & Lounge in nearby Laughlin has interesting views of the river traffic, and their bartenders are known to serve up exquisite mojitos, martinis, and margaritas.

Bang in the heart of the city is the dog-friendly Bullhead City Community Park full of grassy areas for picnics. Skateboard or ride a bike here, and if lucky, you might just catch a community event such as a local farmers markets or live concert. A short ride south of Bullhead City will get you to the Colorado River Nature Center, a popular refuge for migratory birds, waterfowl, and resident birds. The lush vegetation at the center is suited to picnics, fun hikes, and even horse-riding. The Colorado River Heritage Greenway Trail is a favorite with runners and cyclists thanks to its well-designated paths. Those who make it to the trail’s end will be treated to pretty views of Davis Dam.

Bandon’s festival line-up is enviable, and locals come out in full force to partake in the festivities. Get Crabby at the Bandon Crab Fest, an extravaganza of sumptuous crab preparations, live music, and dinner. July 4th celebrations feature a lively parade through the Old Town, and a scintillating fireworks display over the Coquille River. Oregon coast’s longest running festival, the Bandon Cranberry Festival is usually held in September. This time-honored tradition features it all from cranberry-eating competitions to street dance, parades, music, and even classic cars. Thanksgiving weekend sees locals congregate at a tree-lighting ceremony in what they call “The Night of 10000 Lights”. This event kicks off Christmas-time festivities as the Old Town is lit up all December.

Bandon’s seafood scene is legendary with its dueling seafood shacks, and all! A top recommendation is Tony’s Crab Shack, situated along Bandon’s celebrated boardwalk. Their classic coastal fare includes luscious crab sandwiches, seafood cocktails, and Dungeness Crab Cakes. The award-winning Face Rock Creamery serves up creamy ice creams in generous portions. Their gourmet cheese curds, jams, sausages, and other gourmet foods do brisk business too. For northwest-style lagers and non-alcoholic fermented drinks crafted from 100% American ingredients, stop by the family-run 7 Devils Brewery. Their toasty pub often hosts local musicians. Craft cider fans will be happiest at Bandon Rain, brainchild of a third-generation cranberry farmer.