East Lansing, Michigan facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
East Lansing
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| City of East Lansing | |
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Downtown East Lansing, 2022
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Location within Clinton County (top) and Ingham County (bottom)
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 East Lansing
Location in Michigan
East Lansing
Location in the United States
East Lansing
Location in North America
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| Country | United States |
| State | Michigan |
| Counties | Clinton and Ingham |
| Settled | 1847 |
| Incorporated | 1907 |
| Government | |
| • Type | Council–manager |
| Area | |
| • Total | 13.51 sq mi (35.00 km2) |
| • Land | 13.43 sq mi (34.79 km2) |
| • Water | 0.08 sq mi (0.21 km2) |
| Elevation | 856 ft (261 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 47,741 |
| • Density | 3,554.54/sq mi (1,372.37/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (EST) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| ZIP code(s) | |
| Area code(s) | 517 |
| FIPS code | 26-24120 |
| GNIS feature ID | 1626207 |
East Lansing is a city in the U.S. state of Michigan. Most of East Lansing is in Ingham County, with a small part in Clinton County. In 2020, about 47,741 people lived here. It's right next to Lansing, the state capital. East Lansing is famous for being home to Michigan State University. The city is part of the larger Lansing–East Lansing metropolitan area.
Contents
History of East Lansing
East Lansing is built on land that was once an important meeting point for two major Native American groups: the Potawatomi and the Fox.
Early Roads and College Life
In 1850, the Lansing and Howell Plank Road Company built a toll road. This road connected Detroit to Lansing and went right through what is now East Lansing. The road was finished in 1853.
Michigan State University was founded in 1855 and opened in this area in 1857. For the first 40 years, students and teachers mostly lived on the college campus. Some people traveled from Lansing, especially after a streetcar line was built in the 1890s. But there were not many places to live around the campus back then.
Growth and City Status
Things started to change in 1887. Professors William J. Beal and Rolla C. Carpenter created a community called Collegeville. It was near what is now Harrison Road and Center and Beal Streets.
In 1898, the College Delta area was built with help from the college. The college provided services like water and power. Several professors built their homes there.
At that time, the post office address for the area was "Agricultural College', Michigan". A school district for the growing community was started in 1900. In 1907, people wanted to make it a city called "College Park". However, the government approved the city but changed its name to "East Lansing". The first seven mayors of East Lansing were professors or worked for the college.
For many years, East Lansing was a "dry" city, meaning alcoholic drinks were not allowed. Voters changed this rule in 1968. In recent years, downtown East Lansing has seen a lot of new buildings. Many new complexes have been built, making the downtown area much busier.
Geography and Expansion
The city covers about 13.67 square miles (35.41 km2) of land and water. Most of this is land, about 13.59 square miles (35.20 km2).
Since 1998, East Lansing has grown its borders using special agreements called "425 Agreements". The city has made three such agreements with nearby townships: Bath Township, DeWitt Township, and Meridian Township. This has added thousands of acres of land to East Lansing.
- East Lansing and DeWitt Township made agreements in 1998 and 2001 for nearly 1,200 acres (4.9 km2) of land. East Lansing will fully control this land after 33 years.
- East Lansing and Bath Township agreed in 2002 for 1,056 acres (4.27 km2) of land. East Lansing will fully control this land after 100 years.
- East Lansing and Meridian Township agreed in 2002 for 101 acres (0.41 km2) of land. Residents of Meridian Township will decide the land's future after 100 years.
The city has also taken over nearby township lands. For example, it added the Four Winds Golf Course in 2001 and the East Lansing Soccer Complex from DeWitt Township.
City Layout and Neighborhoods
The city's downtown area is around Grand River Avenue. This wide, tree-lined street used to be a plank road in the 1800s. Grand River Avenue and Michigan Avenue divide the Michigan State University campus from the rest of the city. North of downtown are college neighborhoods where students and residents live close to the city center and MSU.
East Lansing has more than 25 neighborhoods. Many of them have groups that plan events and speak for the neighborhood's interests. A part of the city is a Historic District, meaning it has special rules to protect old buildings.
Population and People
| Historical population | |||
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| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1910 | 802 | — | |
| 1920 | 1,889 | 135.5% | |
| 1930 | 4,380 | 131.9% | |
| 1940 | 5,839 | 33.3% | |
| 1950 | 20,325 | 248.1% | |
| 1960 | 30,198 | 48.6% | |
| 1970 | 47,540 | 57.4% | |
| 1980 | 51,392 | 8.1% | |
| 1990 | 50,677 | −1.4% | |
| 2000 | 46,525 | −8.2% | |
| 2010 | 48,579 | 4.4% | |
| 2020 | 47,741 | −1.7% | |
| 2023 (est.) | 48,528 | −0.1% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census | |||
In 2010, there were 48,579 people living in East Lansing. The city had about 14,774 households. Most residents (78.4%) were White. About 10.6% were Asian, and 6.8% were African American. About 3.4% of the population was Hispanic or Latino.
The average age in the city was 21.6 years old. This is because a large number of college students live here. About 62.4% of residents were between 18 and 24 years old.
Education in East Lansing
East Lansing is known for its excellent schools and universities.
Higher Education Opportunities
Michigan State University (MSU) is the biggest school in Michigan. It's the 9th largest in the United States. MSU has over 200 different study programs. It has medical schools, a veterinary school, and a law school. Many students also study for advanced degrees like PhDs.
Nearby Lansing also has other colleges. These include Thomas M. Cooley Law School, Davenport University, and Lansing Community College.
Public Schools for Kids
Most of East Lansing is served by the East Lansing Public Schools district. This district has about 3,400 students from kindergarten to 12th grade. It includes six elementary schools, one middle school (MacDonald Middle School), and East Lansing High School. Some students from nearby areas also attend these schools.
Private Schools for Kids
- St. Thomas Aquinas Parish School, 915 Alton Road
- Stepping Stones Montessori School, 1370 Beech Street
Getting Around East Lansing
Local Transportation Options
The Capital Area Transportation Authority (CATA) provides public bus service. You can use CATA buses to travel throughout East Lansing, Lansing, and nearby areas.
The Northern Tier Trail is a path for walking and biking. It connects parts of the northern city. The Lansing River Trail starts at Michigan State University and goes into downtown Lansing.
Travel Between Cities
You can travel to other cities by train or bus from the Capital Area Multimodal Gateway. This station is near the Michigan State University campus.
Amtrak offers daily train service from East Lansing to Port Huron and Chicago. Bus services also connect East Lansing to Detroit Metro Airport.
The Capital Region International Airport in Lansing offers flights to other cities. You can get to the airport by CATA bus or rental car.
Major highways serving the East Lansing area include Interstate 96 (I-96), I-69, I-496, and U.S. Highway 127 (US 127).
Main Roads in the City
I-69 runs along the northern edge of East Lansing. It connects to cities like Flint and Port Huron.
US 127 is a north-south highway that passes between Lansing and East Lansing.
M-43 (Saginaw Street, Grand River Avenue) is a main east-west road. In downtown East Lansing, it separates the city's business area from the Michigan State University campus.
Culture and Community
East Lansing has many neighborhoods with single-family houses close to the Michigan State University campus. Some of these areas have rules that limit or stop renting to keep them more residential.
East Lansing has a very large student population. In 2006, the city's population was about 45,931, and MSU's enrollment was 45,520. Many students live in the city or on campus.
Centennial Celebration
In 2007, East Lansing celebrated its 100th birthday! Events included concerts, a birthday party, and tours of historic homes. There was also a fireworks show in August.
Fun Places to Visit
On the MSU Campus
- W. J. Beal Botanical Garden: The oldest botanical garden in the United States.
- Michigan State University Horticulture Gardens: Beautiful gardens to explore.
- Beaumont Tower: A famous landmark on campus.
- Red Cedar River: Flows through the campus.
- Wharton Center for the Performing Arts: A place to see plays and concerts.
- Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum: A modern art museum.
- Abrams Planetarium and the MSU Observatory: Great for learning about space.
- Spartan Stadium: Home of the MSU football team.
- Breslin Center: Where the MSU basketball teams play.
- Sparty: The large statue of the MSU Spartan mascot, often used as a meeting spot.
- The Rock: A large boulder that students often paint.
Around the City
- Hannah Community Center: A community hub that used to be East Lansing High School.
- East Lansing Public Library: A great place to find books and learn.
- The "Habitrail" Parking Structure: A colorful parking garage that looks like a hamster cage.
- Saper Galleries: An art gallery in downtown East Lansing.
- East Lansing Family Aquatic Center: A fun water park.
- Trowbridge railroad junction: A popular spot for people who enjoy watching trains.
- Coral Gables: A historic building that has been a roadhouse, dance hall, and restaurant. Famous musicians like Tommy Dorsey and Duke Ellington once played here.
Nearby Attractions
- The city of Lansing: Right next to East Lansing. It has the State Capitol building and the Lansing Lugnuts baseball team.
- Lake Lansing: A large lake nearby, popular for swimming, boating, and fishing in the summer.
- Meridian Mall: A shopping mall in nearby Okemos.
Local News and Media
- The State News
- East Lansing Info (ELi)
- Lansing State Journal
- City Pulse
Exciting Local Events
- The East Lansing Film Festival: The biggest film festival of its kind in Michigan.
- East Lansing Art Festival: An art show held every spring. It's known for its high-quality art and crafts.
- Great Lakes Folk Festival: A festival celebrating folk music and culture, usually in August.
- Michigan High School Boys State Basketball Championship: Often held at MSU's Breslin Center in March.
- The Children's Concerts: A yearly series of live music for young audiences and families.
- Summer Solstice Jazz Festival: A two-day festival celebrating jazz music.
- Summer Concert Series: Live local music every Friday and Saturday in Downtown East Lansing.
- Moonlight Film Festival: Free outdoor movies in Valley Court Park.
- One Book One Community: A program where the city and university read and discuss the same book.
- Winter Glow: Holiday activities and entertainment in downtown East Lansing.
Famous People from East Lansing
- Spencer Abraham: Former US Senator and Secretary of Energy.
- Rosemarie Aquilina: A judge in Ingham County.
- Jim Cash: Screenwriter and MSU professor.
- Kevin DeYoung: A pastor and author.
- Todd Martin: A professional tennis player.
- Julie Mehretu: A famous artist.
- Drew Miller: A hockey player for the Detroit Red Wings.
- Ryan Miller: A famous NHL goalie.
- General Robert Neller: Former leader of the Marine Corps.
- Larry Page: Co-founder of Google.
- Ben Poquette: An NBA basketball player.
- Susan May Pratt: An actress.
- Nate Silver: A statistician and journalist.
- Gretchen Whitmer: The current governor of Michigan.
Images for kids
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The Great Lakes Folk Festival in East Lansing's Ann Street Plaza
See also
In Spanish: East Lansing para niños
