Located in the west-central part of the city along the banks of the Grand River, downtown Lansing is the primary home of the state's government and three colleges, and also contains sports facilities, museums, entertainment and retail, and a growing residential population.

[1] The building of the first Michigan Avenue Bridge in 1848 and the relocation of the area's post office in 1851 expedited the growth of Middle Town.

[3] The Downtown Lansing Neighborhood Association defines the district as being bounded by the Grand River to the east, I-496 to the south, MLK Boulevard to the west, and Oakland Avenue to the north.

The CATA Transportation Center (CTC) is the central and western hub of the system, and also intercity bus companies including Greyhound and Indian Trails.

Library of Michigan & Historical Center is located along Kalamazoo Street in the west end of downtown.