Conference in focus

Companion/Family Program

Monday, June 24, Exploring Michigan's Capital City

Morning activities begin at 9:00 a.m. Price is $25, which includes lunch.

Tour of the State Capitol Building
Michigan's State Capitol was dedicated in 1879 and has been a focal point of downtown Lansing since that time. The Capitol has recently been restored to its original style and grandeur of the late 1800s, and the beauty of that era is reflected in the art and design throughout the building. Guided tours of the building provide insight on the architecture and decorative painting of the building and feature visits to the Senate and House galleries, governor's office and former Supreme Court chamber.

Tour of the Michigan Historical Museum
The Michigan Historical Museum, located two blocks southwest of the Capitol, features permanent lifelike exhibits documenting Michigan's heritage. Learn the story of Michigan's struggle for statehood and the state's role in the Civil War; visit exhibits that portray the mining, lumbering and manufacturing eras. You also may visit the newest permanent exhibit to the museum, Michigan in the 20th Century.

Lunch at Clara's Train Station

Afternoon activities begin at 1:30 p.m.

R.E. Olds Transportation Museum
This collection of cars and memorabilia is a tribute to the auto industry, courtesy of one of Lansing's most prominent citizens - Ransom Eli Olds. The first Oldsmobile, built in 1897, is on display along with antique REOs, Stars, automotive advertising and memorabilia.

Tuesday, June 25, Michigan State University's Campus Surprises

Morning activities begin at 9 a.m. Price is $25, which includes lunch.

MSU Horticultural Gardens
Stroll through the colorful floral displays and perennial and rose gardens of the Horticultural Gardens - an official All American Trial Garden test site for annual bedding plants.

Kresge Art Museum
Enjoy more than 5,000 years of art at MSU's art museum. Traveling exhibits and changing displays from the permanent collection explore exciting artistic and cultural themes. From pre-historic figures to contemporary mixed media exhibits, objects from Western and non-Western cultures reveal the history of artistic creativity.

Lunch at Kellogg Center

Afternoon activities begin at 1:30 p.m.

Wharton Center Backstage Tour
The Wharton Center for the Performing Arts is mid-Michigan's premier performing arts facility. This contemporary theater offers a full range of touring Broadway shows, leading dance troupes, top-name entertainers, and world-famous soloists and ensembles. "behind the scenes" tours take you through the rehearsal and dressing rooms, on the stage, and through the green room and offer insight to staging a major production.

Wednesday, June 26, Day of Antiquing

Morning activities begin at 9:30 a.m. Price is $25, which includes lunch.

Wooden Skate Antiques, Jewelry and Gems
Find antiques and collectibles, many of which are of museum quality. The owners will take the group on a guided tour or let you explore on your own.

Shopping in Downtown Williamston
Whether you're a collector of antiques, a student of Victorian architecture, a home brewer, or in search of a specialty gift, the community of Williamston has plenty to offer. The downtown district features an old-fashioned air with its 1880s storefronts and street lamps. Wander Grand River Avenue and discover the assortment of shops offering everything from cat collectibles to fine art.

Just south of the main shopping district is the Antiques Market of Williamston, the largest antique market in the Greater Lansing area with more than 75 dealers.

Lunch at Red Cedar Grill

Afternoon activities begin at 1:30 p.m.

Nokomis Learning Center
This Native American cultural learning center focuses on the woodland Indians of the Great Lakes - specifically the Ojibway, Ottawa, and Potawatomi tribes known as The People of the Three Fires. Displays include art, crafts, and artifacts.

Thursday, June 26, From Zoos to Cruise

Morning activities begin at 9:00 a.m. Price is $35, which includes lunch

Potter Park Zoo, Lansing, Michigan
Lansing's own zoo dates back to 1915 when J.W. and Sarah Potter donated 58 acres of land that became Potter Park. In 1930, the Works Progress Administration built the first building, the Lion House, which today after renovations is known as the Feline/Primate Building. Potter Park Zoo is home to 100 species of animals, including Siberian Tigers, Black Rhinos, Red Pandas, Snow Leopards, Bactrian Camels, Aldabra Tortoises, and many more. A main attraction for children is the Barnyard where they can take break from looking at the animals and actually feed a goat or pet a pig. Special displays exhibit Michigan animals, a bird aviary, and a glass-bottomed boat fish exhibit. The Potter Park Zoo gift shop has a wide selection of adorable plush toys, collectibles, books, clothing, and much more. This is fun for all ages.

Lunch and Afternoon Activities

Cruise Aboard the Michigan Princess Riverboat
The Michigan Princess is Lansing's newest and largest riverboat. Adorned with ornate woodworking, crystal chandeliers, and a working paddlewheel, the Michigan Princess is a drifting entertainment adventure complete with dining, dancing, and live music. The riverboat features two enclosed climate-controlled decks and an open-air third deck. The Princess will take you for a leisurely luncheon cruise along the scenic banks of the Grand River.