Life in Mason, MI: Where Small-Town Charm Meets Michigan Beauty
Just south of the buzzing state capital of Lansing, Mason, MI, offers the best of both worlds—small-town charm coupled with easy access to big-city amenities. We at Mason Lansing Safe Storage love our community, and we hope you will, too! Look through our guide to the city to get to know important pieces of information about living in and enjoying the city.
Mason, MI: Living in Our Ingham County City
History
Mason was founded in 1855 and originally named Mason Center due to its central location between Lansing and Jackson. It developed as an agricultural community and was incorporated as a village in 1865. With a population around 8,500 people, Mason has a fairly cozy feel to its community despite its city status. It has several historical buildings, like the Ingham County Courthouse downtown built in 1892, that make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. Enjoy the slower pace from the surrounding hustle and bustle.
At the same time, Mason residents can easily enjoy Lansing’s dining, entertainment, sports, and cultural attractions, as the city is less than 15 minutes north. This allows easy commuting for those who work in Michigan’s state government offices or at major employers like Michigan State University and General Motors. Families can take advantage of diverse dining, entertainment, and major shopping found in Lansing. Large city resources like universities and international airports are right up the road. For additional shopping and dining options, Metro Detroit is just over an hour’s drive away.
Education
Mason has an excellent public education system that makes it an appealing option for families moving to the area. The Mason Public School district serves around 3,300 students across four schools—Mason Early Childhood Elementary, Steele Elementary, Harvey Education Center, and Mason High School. The district has a strong academic track record, with Mason High earning a silver ranking from U.S. News and World Report. Mason schools have small class sizes, allowing for individualized attention. There are also enrichment programs in areas like technology, arts, and athletics.
Mason is continually making improvements too, passing bonds for updated facilities, such as the new $93 million high school opened in 2021. With a graduation rate over 95%, Mason schools deliver a quality education in state-of-the-art buildings. The exceptional public school district adds to Mason’s draw as a great place to put down roots.
Nearby higher education includes Lansing Community College and Michigan State University in East Lansing.
Find Attractions & Fun Close to Home
Downtown Mason offers shops, restaurants, and events at the historic courthouse square. The Mason Area Historical Museum provides glimpses into the city’s past. Get to know your new neighborhood and its early beginnings as you walk around its present-day happenings.
Outdoor Activities
Within the city, Mason has 8 public parks with amenities like hiking trails, sports fields, playgrounds, and picnic shelters. Some of the popular parks like Maple Grove Park, Lee Austin Park, and Howe Field feature skate park, basketball courts, and baseball diamonds. Hayes Park, sitting on more than 9 acres, provides activities for every season with courts, sports fields, and a sledding hill. In addition to those, Raynor Park is another that spans more than 60 acres and includes a playground, soccer fields, picnic areas, and a 9-hole disc golf course. There are always opportunities around to get outside!
Those looking to connect further with nature can head just a short drive from Mason to multiple state recreation areas. Lake Lansing Park North offers fishing, boating and swimming on Lake Lansing. Lake Lansing Park South has more beaches, play structures and pet exercise areas. Fitzgerald Park provides over 5,000 acres of undeveloped woodlands, wetlands, and trails perfect for hiking and cross-country skiing.
The Fair
The Ingham County Fairgrounds is a staple of the Mason community, hosting beloved local events and bringing residents together year after year. Located just northwest of downtown Mason, the fairgrounds sit on more than 70 acres with facilities including show rings, barns, and a grandstand. Each summer, the Ingham County Fair takes over the fairgrounds for a week featuring carnival rides, exhibits, live music, food, and agricultural competitions. In the fall, the fairgrounds comes alive again for the Autumn Harvest Festival, a two-day fall celebration with craft vendors, a parade, contests, and activities. Throughout the year, the fairgrounds also hosts rodeos, tractor and truck pulls, flea markets, and 4H events that reflect the town’s agricultural roots. With free admission, these seasonal fairs and shows offer affordable entertainment for Mason families. The Ingham County Fairgrounds provides a common space for the community to gather and celebrate what makes Mason such a welcoming small town.
Prep for Your Move with Mason Lansing Safe Storage
As your approach your moving date to travel to and settle into Mason, MI, find the perfect place nearby to securely store and organize your belongings. Mason Lansing Safe Storage stands out as an ideal choice with a myriad of storage solutions tailored for both personal and business needs. With options ranging from easily accessible outdoor drive-up units to indoor temperature-controlled spaces, we’ve got you covered. The temperature-controlled units are particularly designed to shield your valuables from the sometimes harsh Michigan weather, ensuring their longevity and pristine condition.
Whether you prefer to handle your rental in person, have your questions answered over the phone, or enjoy the convenience of online booking, Mason Lansing Safe Storage makes the process seamless. Swing by today to explore the best storage options for your needs in Mason, MI!
Katie Mest
About the Author: Katie Mest is an Content Marketing Specialist at Storage Asset Management in York, PA. She specializes in writing about the self storage industry, including storage tips and helpful resources. Outside of work, Katie enjoys camping, hiking, and exploring the outdoors with her newly adopted Greyhound rescue, Titan.
