The Turner Dodge House & Heritage Center serves as a cultural hub for the greater Lansing area. Over the years, numerous restoration projects have brought this house back to life. It has been given a greater purpose within the Lansing community, serving as both a museum and center for the community.
Originally constructed shortly after the middle of the 19th century, the Turner-Dodge House was enlarged and altered during the first decade of the 20th century. The building went through a number of owners after the Dodge Family, including the Great Lakes Bible College and the City of Lansing. It was not until the land was leased by the Jaycee family of Lansing in 1975 that restorations began.
Now fully restored, historical exhibits throughout the home allow guests a peak into the lives of the Turner and Dodge families while teaching them about the history of both Michigan and the Lansing area from the mid-19th into the 20th century. Geneva Kebler Wiskemann writes, “The Turner-Dodge House reflects the changing lives and fortunes of two families pioneering in every facet of the community. Their names are associated with land titles, subdivisions, streets, houses, parks, a memorial window in the Central Methodist Church, and many fraternal and civic organizations.”
Many culture-related events and programs also call the Turner-Dodge House their home. These events created, and successfully executed, by the Parks and Recreation Department of Lansing have attracted thousands of visitors. The Friends of Turner-Dodge House, Inc., supports the use of the house for cultural programs, and contributes to its continuance as one of Lansing’s few remaining grand houses. Guided tours of the house are available during regular hours and tours for 10 or more may be scheduled outside of regular hours. Turner-Dodge House may also be rented for a special day — a wedding, reception, bridal or baby shower, birthday or anniversary.
Office Hours: Tuesday-Thursday, 1:00pm – 7:00pm
Group Tours may be scheduled outside of regular hours