Lansing is the capital of Michigan, and the state's sixth largest city. It is located mostly in Ingham County, although small portions of the city extend into Clinton County and Eaton County.

The Lansing metropolitan area, referred to as "Mid-Michigan," is an important center for educational, cultural, governmental, business, and high-tech manufacturing institutions, including three medical schools (two human medicine and one veterinary), two nursing schools, two law schools, a Big Ten Conference university (Michigan State), the state capitol, the state Supreme Court, an appellate court, a federal court, the Library of Michigan and Historical Center, and headquarters of four national insurance companies.

Lansing elevation ranges between 890 feet (271 m) above sea level on the far south side of Lansing along Northrup Street near the Cedar Street intersection, to 830 feet (253 m) above sea level along the Grand River.

The Grand River, the largest river in Michigan, flows through downtown Lansing; and the Red Cedar River, a tributary of the Grand River, flows through the campus at Michigan State University. There are two lakes in the area, Park Lake and Lake Lansing, both northeast of the city. Lake Lansing is approximately 500 acres (2 km²) in size and is a summer favorite for swimmers, boaters, and fishermen. Michigan State University Sailing Club and the Lansing Sailing Club are located on Lake Lansing, where sailing regattas are hosted throughout the summer.