The Historical Society of Greater Lansing and Downtown Lansing Inc. will be hosting the first-ever summer-walking tour of Downtown Alleys, 7 p.m., Thursday, July 24. The Society also will conduct a 10 a.m. Saturday, July 26 tour of “Lost Lansing” in downtown Lansing which lasts 90 minutes. The tours are free, and start at Lansing City Hall.
Valerie Marvin, president of the Society, said the walking tours are a fun and leisurely way to learn about the architectural and historical aspects of the city.
Marvin said alleyways have been an important part for downtowns serving as places for delivery, worker access, and in some as gathering places for families.
“Alleyways are disappearing in favor of the great American parking lot, but some communities are reimaging how these urban spaces can be used,” she said. Lansing alleys include a sunken garden and a space where Lansing Community College once did a production of West Side Story.
HSGL Summer 2014 Walking Tours
All Saturday Tours are at 10 am and meet at Lansing City Hall and last 90 minutes
Thursday Tours Begin at 7 pm and last 60 minutes
Thursday, July 24
Downtown Alleyways – peak behind the buildings we know and love and learn about the interesting history of our alleyways
Saturday, July 26 (Car Capitol)
Lost Lansing – a Look at downtown Lansing’s missing historical landmarks that fell victim to nature and man
Saturday, August 9
Ladies of Lansing – a tour examining the role that women have played in shaping downtown Lansing
Saturday, August 23
Church & State – Walk the loop around the capitol building and learn about the buildings that occupy some of downtown’s most desirable property
Tours are free, though donations are appreciated. To learn more about HSGL, visit www.lansinghistory.org