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Useful Lansing area tidbits for families
Getting outside and being active together is a great way to spend time with your family.
Lansing has amazing walking paths and bike trails which are gorgeous in the fall, but also perfect for year-round exploration.
Unique to our city though is the fact that many of our trails connect!
Technically, you could travel these trails from east to west, north to south, and everywhere in between!
Did you know we can take many Lansing trails and paths all the way from Horrocks on the Westside to MSU on the Eastside and from Granger Park on the Northside to Valhalla Park on the Southside in Holt? It may take you a while, but you can do it.
A few of the other trails are beautiful loops we know you’ll love.
With miles and miles of trail to discover, it is so much fun to “build-your-own-adventure” and try different stretches around town.
Use this guide to help decide where you’d like to start:
Trail North:
The trail begins in Dietrich Park, running through Downtown Lansing.
It features fun hills, passes near Olympic Broil, and offers a view of the Turner Dodge House.
You’ll travel through Old Town and pass the Brenke Fish Ladder.
From there, you can either cross the river via the walking bridge at Lansing Community College (LCC) or continue to Lansing Shuffle along the downtown esplanade.
Trail West:
If you choose the LCC route, you can travel between the buildings and take the path between the State Capitol and Michigan Justice Building.
The official trail ends here, but you can connect to Lansing’s west side via Michigan Avenue, following sidewalks to Elmwood Road near the Lansing Mall and then onto Sharp Park, where the Delta Township Trail begins.
Trail East:
Continuing along this path bypasses Downtown Lansing, taking you past Impression 5 Science Center to REO Town.
From there, you will head east to pass Crego Park and Potter Park Zoo, eventually reaching the MSU Red Cedar Trail.
Trail South:
From REO Town, heading southwest takes you through Moores Park and Frances Park, with a one-mile paved trail, to Waverly Road.
From there, go north to connect to the Delta Township Trail at Maycroft Road, or head south to access the Holt and southside loop, leading to Hawk Island.
Start this trail at Granger Park (Granger Meadows Rd) or Valley Farms Park (Wieland Rd). Follow the sidewalk south along Old US 27 for two miles to Old Town, with half a mile on a regular sidewalk.
Heading north along Old US 27 (also known as North East Street along this stretch) from Old Town, turn right on Wieland Rd to reach Valley Farms Park and connect to the Granger Park Trail.
This trail starts on Maycroft Road, passes the Delta District Library, and continues to Sharp Park with its Library Story Walk. Follow the trail past Creyts Road to Canal Road, where the paved path ends.
Turn left and walk a half mile on the sidewalk to Horrocks Farm Market, a great place to spend an hour exploring, get a bite to eat, use the bathroom, and to relax.
Lansing’s River Trail moves through Crego Park and Potter Park Zoo on to the great and gorgeous MSU campus.
You could easily spend all day on the trails through MSU or just a few hours. Either way, it’s a dream. Don’t forget to stop for an ice cream treat at the MSU Dairy Store.
Take a self-guided tour if you’re in for some fun and breathtaking history or travel through the gardens. After all, their grounds are award-winning!
Over 80 miles of trails to explore!
There are many path entrances to park and walk all over Meridian Township. We especially love taking the trail at the Meridian Historic Village.
Plan your route before you head out to help you navigate where you’d like to start and which trails connect to each other.
1330 Otto St
Lansing, MI 48906
This trail is so awesome! You can access it through Bancroft Park or at the dead ends of Barritt Street and David Street off of Wood Road.
You’ll loop through the Mason Esker, the winding ridge that runs along Groesbeck Golf Course.
What’s an esker you ask? An esker is an ancient riverbed formed within or atop a glacier. The most famous and longest esker in Michigan is the Mason Esker, stretching from DeWitt through Holt and Lansing, and ending in Mason.
2600 Moores River Dr
Lansing MI 48911
Frances Park has a one mile paved loop surrounding the park boundaries.
Parts of the trail take you through the rose gardens, playgrounds, and huge fields.
It also connects to the Lansing River Trail on the north portion of the park, giving you options to head east or west.
Schavey Road Path
Located behind 1721 Schavey Rd
DeWitt, MI 48820
DeWitt’s Schavey Road path is lovely. It winds through cornfields and behind new-ish neighborhoods, starting just across the street from Schavey Road Elementary School.
*NOTE: Do not park in the dentist’s office parking lot or at the elementary school (during school hours) to avoid being towed. There is a dirt path and circle parking lot for trail walkers.
Richard A Padgett Natural Area
3661 W Herbison Rd
DeWitt, MI 48820
Find several trails throughout this area.
NOTE: Leashed dogs are allowed on these trails.
Riverside Park and Trails
415 S Bridge St
DeWitt, MI 48820
This trail is full of fun surprises like bridges and boardwalks. You’ll find this trail entrance past the first of three playgrounds.
6260 E Lake Dr
Haslett, MI 48840
The boardwalk on this trail is cool! You’ll love it and so will the kids. Also, as you loop through the trails you’ll find a couple playgrounds.
133 Fitzgerald Park Dr
Grand Ledge, MI 48837
Trek through miles of ancient sediment ledges! The Ledges spans three parks – Fitzgerald Park, Lincoln Brick Park, and Oak Park, each with something unique to check out.
These are some of the coolest trails around because of the ledges that run through them.
All three parks feature looped hiking trails. This is fantastic because it encourages you to break the habit of hiking the same trails repeatedly. It’s a great opportunity to explore and try trails that are new to you.
NOTE: Although The Ledges are beautiful in any season, autumn brings fantastic views of fall colors along a scenic Grand River.
7001 Old River Tr
Lansing, MI 48917
This paved trail path starts at Delta Mills Park and is adjacent to the river on one side. It’s open with little to no trees on the first mile of the path. After this portion, it winds through a wooded area.
You’ll also find a boat launch here and swings at the trailhead.
6160 Delta River Dr
Lansing, MI 48906
This trail loop also has several off-shoots as well as a boardwalk through a marsh. It’s beautiful! Choose from paved or crushed gravel pathways.
The Capital City Bird Sanctuary is across the street.
Walking paths lead through grasslands, shrub habitats and along the Grand River.
NOTE: Parking for the Capital City Bird Sanctuary is at the Hawk Meadow Trail parking lot.
1601 E Cavanaugh Rd
Lansing, MI 48910
The Hawk Island Trails connect to the Lansing River Trail and are some of our favorite in the city. The trails on the park grounds loop the entire park in three parts:
1. Paved park loop
2. Dirt trail along the lake edge
3. Boardwalk trail along the lake edge
Read more about Hawk Island Park for more tips and details for your next trip.
1101 N Fairview Ave
Lansing, MI 48912
This trail is one of the last on the list, but absolutely NOT least! This beautiful space has a paved one mile loop surrounding the Tollgate Wetlands. These wetlands preserve nature and create clean and flowing water, reducing pollution in the area.
There are many viewing points along the trail where you can watch the sunset over Groesbeck Golf Course, bird watch, and take in the beauty of flowing water sources.
Walking in a nature center can be a educational experience for people of all ages and interests, offering a variety of activities and sights to enjoy. And with six unique nature centers in our area, there lots of fun to be had.
Real-talk: Trips with kids can be difficult.
For the most part, walking and outdoor activity is pretty great with kids! But when heading out for longer walks or bike rides, there’s almost always something missing that could turn your great outing into a race to get home.
Use this list to help plan ahead and hopefully prevent those temper tantrums from starting.
Pack Snacks and Water
They don’t have to be elaborate. Just having a snack and water keeps the trek fun and enjoyable.
Bring a Mini-Diaper (Needs) Bag
For moms and dads with younger kids it’s great to be as hands-free as possible on these trips. Grab a mini bag packed with wipes and a few other must-haves. Then put one or two of the things you most need at the bottom on the stroller.
Charge Your Cell Phone
This sounds silly but, hey! There’s always the “what if” chance that a flat tire occurs or someone gets hurt. Backup is always a plus.
Map It
If you’re trying out a new route, map it first. It’s nice to have a goal with the kids so that they know how long to expect to be out and about.
No matter which trail you choose to hike or bike, your family will have a blast exploring Lansing.
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Carla is Oregon born, Michigan raised, so it comes as no surprise she's an avid adventurer in all things nature and water fun. She's passionate about storytelling and the power it has to engage the community, give voice to the teller, and invoke a call to action. She is a proud Mexican-American woman who loves to travel (while eating and cooking delicious foods from around the globe), is grateful for her daily yoga practice, and garners much joy from spending time with friends and family. Life is ripe with story and she is always working to capture the magic wherever she goes, so don’t be surprised if you catch her jotting notes with a camera in hand.
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