Located in the center of downtown Lansing, the Michigan Capitol Building boasts a dome inspired by the national Capitol in Washington D.C. and offers daily tours Monday through Friday. History buffs and travelers will enjoy the stories behind the art, architecture and galleries on display throughout the building.
Parking and Public Transportation to the Michigan State Capitol
Parking is a challenge in downtown Lansing, and visitors should come prepared for meter parking. Public meter parking can be found along Washington Square, a block from the Capitol Building. Parking garages on either side of the building are also available to visitors, although a fee is charged per vehicle.
The Capital Area Transportation Authority (CATA) provides a public bus system throughout the city and surrounding areas. Use CATA's Trip Planner to identify the appropriate route.
Best and Worst Time to Visit Michigan's Capitol Building
The building is closed on weekends and state and federal holidays.
The best time to visit is in the summer season, when the grounds are beautifully landscaped and the weather is conducive to walking. Three times a year, in July, August and September, the Capitol Building hosts a massive farmer's market on the East Lawn. Over 15,000 people come to support Michigan farmers and businesses.
Admission to Michigan's Capitol Building
Admission to the building, as well as the tours, is free. Self-guided tours are also allowed.
Other Places to Visit Near Michigan's Capitol Building
Downtown Lansing is a lively place to visit, especially in the summer. Just block from the Capitol visitors can enjoy a Lansing Lugnuts Baseball game at the Cooley Law School Stadium or hands-on science fun at Impression 5 Science Center. There are also countless bars and restaurants along Washington Square and Michigan Ave.
Insider Tip for Visiting Michigan's Capitol Building
While the regular guided tours do cover the inside of the Capitol Building's dome, a climb to the top of the Cupola is allowed by special request.
Author's bio: Allie McLary is a digital communications profesional from Lansing, MI, bitten by the travel bug.
QWR: 75 Years of History!
The Quogue Wildlife Refuge celebrated its 75th year of existence in October, 2009. The Refuge has a fascinating history that started in 1934. Several exceptionally cold winters in the early 1930s caused a decline in the Black Duck population which alarmed many local duck hunters. During a meeting at the Hampton Bays Firehouse, Charlie Belt explained the severity of the waterfowl plight, and suggested they establish a waterfowl refuge, a place where they could propagate and rear
waterfowl “…to put two ducks in the air for every one we take.” From this meeting, the Southampton Township Wildfowl Association (STWA) was formed with 45 charter members; all were duck hunters and pioneer conservationists from the town of Southampton. Their signatures are on the charter which hangs over the fireplace in the Charles Banks Belt Nature Center at the Refuge.
STWA used the land that was formerly the Quogue Ice Company to create a sanctuary. The easterly 104 acres of the former Ice Company was donated by Richard and George Post, sons of charter member Abram Post. This land was given to the Incorporated Village of Quogue who appointed STWA Trustees as the official stewards of the land. In 1938, STWA rallied friends to purchase the westerly half of the Quogue Ice Company, 107 acres for $1,400 from charter member Erastus Post. Another 100 acres of land was added to the
Refuge for preservation by Southampton Town in the 1980s, when town officials agreed to rezone a nearby subdivision from two- acre lots to one- acre lots.
Feeding the birds was a top priority. This was a huge undertaking, requiring two men for at least two hours a day. These men volunteered their time to cut ice from the pond and feed the famished flocks. In one year alone, over thirty tons of grain-potato mix was prepared and fed by STWA volunteers.
In 1936, STWA was awarded First Prize in a National Waterfowl Contest, sponsored by More Game Birds in America (Ducks Unlimited, Inc.) for the vast amount of work accomplished through volunteer efforts. The engraved Silver Cup remains on the mantle.
What was known as the Quogue Waterfowl Sanctuary on old maps is now known as the Quogue Wildlife Refuge. The Refuge has evolved over time to take school groups on tours, to care for permanently injured animals in the Distressed Wildlife Complex, and to offer educational programs for people of all ages throughout the year. The 305 acres remain a safe place for plants and animals, and a peaceful haven for people to visit.
Hilo International Airport ITO is an airport serving the Hilo, Hawaii metropolitan area. Currently, the airport transports about 1.2 million passengers annually. The largest airline carrier at ITO is Hawaiian Airlines.
ITO Airport has a variety of parking options including short-term and long-term. There are four airlines that fly in and out of ITO serving several domestic locations. Top destinations from Hilo International Airport are Honolulu, Kahului and Los Angeles.
At Hilo International Airport there is an array of dining and retail options. In terms of services there are ATMs, postal services, shoeshine, recharging stations and Wi-Fi.
Getting to and from ITO Airport has never been easier with options including taxis, car rentals and shuttles available. If staying near Hilo International Airport there are over seven hotel and motel options within seven miles of the airport.
