East Lansing
A vibrant, collegiate Big Ten university city anchored by the sprawling, wooded campus of Michigan State University and bustling college-town culture.
Michigan State University's sprawling 5,200-acre campus turns into a gothic winter wonderland of collegiate brick, snow-covered oaks, and frozen riverbanks.
Gothic Campus Walks & Peanut Barrels
Spend the morning cross-country skiing along the frozen Red Cedar River and MSU campus, warm up with specialty coffee at the original Biggby shop, and enjoy burgers and peanuts at The Peanut Barrel.
Broad Art Museum & Fine Dining
Explore contemporary art exhibitions at Zaha Hadid's Broad Art Museum, browse downtown East Lansing boutiques, and indulge in fine dining at Black Cat Bistro.
Stay at Graduate East Lansing, spend the weekend exploring MSU's gothic campus, catching a performance at Wharton Center, and enjoying campus dining.
Morning walk past Beaumont Tower and the frozen Red Cedar River, coffee at Biggby, afternoon tour of the Broad Art Museum, and dinner at The Peanut Barrel.
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The Peanut Barrel
A legendary MSU campus institution operating since 1972. Famous for heavy-pour long island iced teas, massive burgers, and tossing peanut shells right on the floor.
521 E Grand River Ave, East Lansing, MI 48823 · (517) 351-0608 · Website ↗
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Black Cat Bistro
Charming downtown bistro serving fine American cuisine, creative small plates, hand-cut steaks, and exceptional wine pairings.
115 Albert Ave, East Lansing, MI 48823 · (517) 337-7690 · Website ↗
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Georgio's Pizza
Famous giant New York-style pizza slices and comforting pies right across from the MSU campus gates.
120 E Grand River Ave, East Lansing, MI 48823 · (517) 336-1234 · Website ↗
Classic Campus Burger & Long Island Iced Tea
Grill a half-pound burger with cheddar, lettuce, and tomato on a toasted bun, served with a basket of peanuts and a signature heavy-pour cocktail.
Three things most people walk past.
- The gothic silhouette of MSU Beaumont Tower rising above snow-covered collegiate lawns.
- Frozen wooden footbridges spanning the snowy bends of the Red Cedar River.
- The striking pleated steel angles of the Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum reflecting winter light.
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The Peanut Barrel Pub
The ultimate campus gathering spot on Grand River Avenue, buzzing with collegiate energy, cold draft beer, and classic pub spirit.
521 E Grand River Ave, East Lansing, MI 48823 · (517) 351-0608 · Website ↗
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HopCat East Lansing
Massive craft beer selection with dozens of rotating taps, famous crack fries, and lively downtown atmosphere.
218 Abbot Rd, East Lansing, MI 48823 · (517) 803-4355 · Website ↗
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The Biggby Coffee (Original Grand River Shop)
The birthplace of the regional coffee giant, serving hot specialty lattes and breakfast bagels right across from campus.
270 E Grand River Ave, East Lansing, MI 48823 · (517) 351-7226 · Website ↗
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Cross-Country Skiing MSU Beal Botanical Garden & River Trail
Stunning winter walks and cross-country ski trails winding along the frozen Red Cedar River and historic gothic campus buildings.
MSU Campus / Red Cedar River, East Lansing, MI 48824 · Website ↗
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Ice Skating at Munn Ice Arena
Public ice skating sessions and Spartan hockey games at the legendary campus ice arena.
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MSU ReCess Outdoor Recreation Center
Cross-country skis, snowshoes, and winter outdoor gear
Local customGrabbing a burger and peanut basket at The Peanut Barrel while watching snow fall on Grand River Avenue.
- Strolling past Beaumont Tower and the frozen Red Cedar River during a quiet winter afternoon on campus.
- The Peanut Barrel on Grand River Avenue is a sacred post-exam and weekend gathering sanctuary for generations of MSU alumni.
- Zaha Hadid's Broad Art Museum provides striking futuristic architectural contrast against historic campus buildings.
January 15, 2027
Wharton Center Broadway Series & Winter Concerts
World-class performing arts center hosting touring Broadway shows, symphony orchestras, and winter concerts on the MSU campus.
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Graduate East Lansing
Stunning university-themed boutique hotel in downtown East Lansing featuring nostalgic Spartan design nods, cozy fireplace lobby, and on-site dining.
133 Evergreen Ave, East Lansing, MI 48823 · (517) 348-0900 · Website ↗
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Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center
Magnificent campus hotel offering exceptional comfort, fine dining, and direct walking access to MSU gardens and Wharton Center.
219 S Harrison Rd, East Lansing, MI 48824 · (517) 432-4000 · Website ↗
Bring a little East Lansing homeThe enamel camp mugDents add character. So does a little cocoa on the rim.Have a look ↗