Looking for a peaceful retreat near Lansing with parks, history, and shopping? Head to Okemos! This welcoming suburb of Michigan’s capital city offers charming neighborhoods, nature trails, and easy access to East Lansing and Michigan State University. Whether you're exploring local history, hiking through wildlife preserves, or browsing boutique shops, Okemos delivers a relaxing and convenient getaway.
When I like to visit
The best time to visit Okemos is in the spring through fall (April–October). These months offer pleasant weather for outdoor activities, local festivals, and enjoying the area's parks and trails. Fall brings colorful foliage and harvest events, while winters are cold and snowy but great for cozy indoor visits.
Tips for getting There
- If you are traveling by car: Okemos is located off I-96 and Grand River Avenue, about 10–15 minutes southeast of Lansing and 1.5 hours west of Detroit.
- By Air: The nearest airport is Capital Region International Airport (LAN) in Lansing, about 20 minutes away. Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW) is about 1.5 hours away by car.
- By Bus: CATA buses and regional services connect Okemos with Lansing, East Lansing, and nearby areas.
Where I like to stay
- Hampton Inn & Suites East Lansing/Okemos – Comfortable and convenient with free breakfast and an indoor pool.
- Staybridge Suites Lansing–Okemos – Spacious suites with full kitchens, perfect for extended stays or families.
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites Okemos – Modern amenities close to shopping and Michigan State University.
Top Attractions
1. Harris Nature Center
Located on the banks of the Red Cedar River near Okemos, Michigan, Harris Nature Center is surrounded by dense forests, lush meadows, more than five miles of nature trails and a .75-mile paved loop trail. Visitors can watch the river from an overlook deck or observe the hawk exhibit and watch a play in the Nature Exploration Area.
Several displays and live turtles are located inside of the center. There are year-around programs for adults, children and families. The access to the river is from a canoe dock. All walking trails are open every day, from dawn to dusk.
3998 Van Atta Rd, Okemos, MI 48864, Phone: 517-349-3866
2. Shop at Meridian Mall
Opened in November 6, 1969, Meridian Mall is a regional super shopping mall located in Okemos, Meridian Township, Michigan.
Originally, the mall had J.W. Knapp Company and Woolco as its anchor stores. Today, Meridian Mall has about 125 stores and a large food court. There is a movie theater on its edge. The mall's current anchor stores are J. C. Penney, Macy's, and Dick's Sporting Goods. Other major stores are Old Navy, Launch Trampoline, Planet Fitness, and Schuler Books & Music. CBL Properties owned and managed the mall since 1998.
1982 W Grand River Ave, Okemos, MI 48864, Phone: 517-349-2031
3. Michigan Audubon
Michigan Audubon is the oldest conservation organization in Michigan, incorporated and formed in 1904. It protects almost 4,000 acres of bird habitat through a network of 18 sanctuaries in Upper and Lower Peninsulas.
Each sanctuary is critical for the protection of Michigan native plants and animals, endangered and threatened species including. The protected habitats include: rivers, lakes, marshes, bogs, fens, grasslands, hardwoods and northern conifer forests. Michigan Audubon hosts important birding events, workshops, and sanctuary programs year-round. It coordinates surveys, bird counts, and species monitoring programs.
2310 Science Pkwy #200, Okemos, MI 48864, Phone: 517-580-7364
Where to Eat
4. Dusty's Cellar
For 35 years Dusty's Cellar has been providing exceptional dining and an extraordinary beer and wine selection for the residents of Okemos, Michigan and surrounding areas.
They have three distinct areas with three options for shopping and dining. Dusty’s Cellar sells wine, beer, specialty foods, baked goods from their on-premise bakery, gift baskets, cigars, wine accessories and more. Dusty's Wine Bar is a contemporary bistro that offers lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch. Dusty's Tap Room is the local neighborhood bar.
The Tap Room offers traditional pub fare, draft beer, full bar and extensive wine selection by the glass. Dusty’s Wine Bar has beautifully decorated dining room with a fireplace and cozy club atmosphere. It serves contemporary American cuisine with new world flair.
1839 W Grand River Ave, Okemos, MI 48864, Phone: 517-349-5150
5. State Side Deli
Small unassuming eatery with cozy booths in downtown Okemos, State Side Deli offers the New York style deli sandwiches with their own twist.
You can eat in, take your goodies out or get them to cater your small or big party. Whatever you need, they will have the best sandwiches, burgers, wraps and salads you can imagine. They serve breakfast until close, with all regular egg and griddle options. For lunch, you can choose one of many sandwiches from their menu or you can create your own.
There is a daily special you should definitively check out before deciding what to order. If you are lucky, you will come in time for a massive wrap, served on Wednesday, or Philly with fries on Friday.
3552 Meridian Crossings, Okemos, MI 48864, Phone: 517-853-1100
6. Saddle Back BBQ
Saddle Back BBQ, with restaurants in Lansing and Okemos, is Michigan's premier craft BBQ restaurant.
It features authentic Southern BBQ made on-site in their reverse-flow smoker they call "The Beast." Saddleback specializes in hand-crafted Southern BBQ with Midwestern flair.
They smoke their meats in-house on a wide range of wood, from hickory and mesquite to Michigan apple and cherry. Their Okemos location is fairly new and has charming dining room with old-fashioned diner flair, with checkered floors and formica tables. But the meats are fabulous. Tuesday is their Respect The Pig day with pulled pork sandwich and fries for $10. On Wednesday they offer jumbo wings that are first smoked then flash-fried and drenched with their Killer Bee’s Sauce. Fridays are days for Burnt Ends.
1754 Central Park Dr G2, Okemos, MI 48864, Phone: 517-306-9002
Romantic Ideas:
7. Meridian Historical Village
Established to create an awareness and appreciation of local history, the Meridian Historical Village invites visitors to stop by and admire a collection of historic properties. The village is located in Central Park in Okemos, where it includes several historic properties which were brought here from other locations and meticulously restored to their former 19th century elegance.
The village grounds and its surrounding trails are open to the public all year round, while guided tours of the properties are available (by prior appointment) on Saturdays from May through October. Highlights of the village include the Farmhouse (1870-1890), the Barnes House (1849), The Schoolhouse (1883) and the General Store (1877).
Meridian Historical Village, 5151 Marsh Road, Okemos, MI 48864, 517 347 7300
8. Indian Hills Golf Course
Although it is a 9-hole golf course, Indian Hills Golf Course is one of the preferred golfing venues in the area due to its scenic character and its immaculate condition.
Here you can Tee off surrounded by mature trees and lush fairways which have been designed to offer golfers of all skill levels an enjoyable yet challenging game. While beginners will find the shorter holes less intimidating, expert golfers can concentrate on honing their short game and working on their accuracy. The course has a full-service Pro Shop where you can have golf clubs customized to perfectly suit your skills and buy all the necessary accessories.
Indian Hills Golf Course, 4887 Nakoma Drive, Okemos, MI 48864, 517 349 1010
Must-see if you are a first-time visitor:
- Harris Nature Center – Enjoy wooded trails, wildlife viewing, and interactive nature programs along the Red Cedar River.
- Meridian Historical Village – Step back in time at this collection of restored 19th-century buildings in Central Park.
- Meridian Mall – A popular shopping destination with national retailers, local boutiques, dining, and a movie theater.
- Ferguson Park – A peaceful riverside park with a canoe launch, walking paths, and open green space.
- Wonch Park – Great for picnics, community events, and scenic relaxation near downtown Okemos.
My favorite local events:
- Meridian Township Farmers’ Market (May–October) – Fresh produce, baked goods, and handmade items at Marketplace on the Green.
- Celebrate Meridian (Summer) – A family-friendly festival featuring live music, food trucks, kids’ games, and fireworks.
- Holiday Lights Parade (December) – A cheerful seasonal parade and tree lighting with carolers and community spirit.
My favorite day trips within 30 Minutes of Okemos, Michigan:
- Michigan State University (10–15 min) – Stroll the beautiful campus, visit the MSU Broad Art Museum, or catch a game at Spartan Stadium.
- Downtown Lansing (20 min) – Tour the Michigan State Capitol, explore the Impression 5 Science Center, or walk the River Trail.
- W.J. Beal Botanical Garden (15 min) – Discover one of the oldest continuously operated botanical gardens in the U.S. on the MSU campus.
- Lake Lansing Park (15 min) – Enjoy boating, swimming, and lakeside picnics at this popular recreation spot.
- Sleepy Hollow State Park (30 min) – A peaceful destination for hiking, fishing, birdwatching, and camping just north of town.
Plan Your Trip