You're not far off the CN Port Huron-Chicago line (ex GTW, I believe). Can't vouch for traffic levels, though.
A short drive east down I-96 (an hour or so) will put you in Plymouth (take the Northville exit), and not much further puts you in Detroit and the rail operations there (I think there's a trackside guide for that area). Greenfield Village is worth the visit even without the steam operation there, and the adjacent Henry Ford Museum houses a C&O Alleghany.
Going due south out of Lansing gets you roughly to the Jackson area and the NS line from Detroit to Chicago.
You're only about a half hour from the Steam Railroading Institute in Owosso (take I-69 east to Perry) and PM 1225; and Flint is home to the Huckleberry Railroad - a narrow guage steam line. East southeast of Owosso about 10 miles is Durand (dew-rand) with it's diamond and wonderful depot.
Visiting, or living there now?
Larry Resident Microferroequinologist (at least at my house) Everyone goes home; Safety begins with you My Opinion. Standard Disclaimers Apply. No Expiration Date Come ride the rails with me! There's one thing about humility - the moment you think you've got it, you've lost it...
Larry,
You forgot to mention the Little River Railroad that operates pacific #110 out of Coldwater, an hour South of Lansing on I-69.
The original poster asked about watching in the Lansing area, and IIRC, the former GTW splits as it goes through town. I haven't spent enough time there to tell you if one line is busier than the other. If I were a betting man, I'd sit West of town as the auto plants in town will probably generate more traffic heading to Chicago and western connections than Eastward.
You might want to check out one of the Michigan Railfan sites, like this one. I'm sure you'll find good information there.
http://www.railroadmichigan.com/links.html
rrnut282You forgot to mention the Little River Railroad that operates pacific #110 out of Coldwater, an hour South of Lansing on I-69.
I would say go to Trowbridge, which is just west of the MSU campus. That is where the CN's Chicago to Port Huron main crosses CSX's Grand Rapids to Detroit main.
An "expensive model collector"
I don't know how limited your mobility is, but south and east of Lansing is the diamond at Trowbridge, where the CN crosses the CSX (former C&O) main line between Grand Rapids and Detroit. Not much on this line any more. If you're more mobile, the places mentioned by other folks are good; I'll give a special shout-out for Durand.
If you head toward Detroit or Ann Arbor, that's another whole world down there--Plymouth is the place to catch CSX.
Carl
Railroader Emeritus (practiced railroading for 46 years--and in 2010 I finally got it right!)
CAACSCOCOM--I don't want to behave improperly, so I just won't behave at all. (SM)
I'll give a shout-out for Durand as well.Another place is Port Huron where you can see the trains come in to the US from Canada.
stay safe
joe
Deshler Ohio-crossroads of the B&O Matt eats your fries.YUM! Clinton st viaduct undefeated against too tall trucks!!!(voted to be called the "Clinton St. can opener").
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