Whether you bike it, run it, walk it, rollerblade it, or just take the dogs out for a leisurely stroll on it, the Lansing River Trail is one of Lansing's most treasured assets. 

This 20+ mile trail traces the banks of the Grand and Red Cedar Rivers. It winds through artsy Old Town Lansing and passes through several parks, including the new Rotary Park. You can pause here to enjoy the urban beach, the multiple seating area options or just watch kayakers paddle down the river. 

Located on the river between the Lansing Center and Shiawassee Street bridge, the new Rotary Park has already become a top destination for residents and visitors. Unlike any other park in the region, Rotary Park features a new ADA kayak launch, a beach, a vibrant plaza with a large fireplace, a magical lighted forest, and a new venue for small concerts and events under the bridge.

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Adjacent to Rotary Park and right along the trail is Lansing Shuffle, a destination food hall with around the world options plus a full bar and new in 2024, Shuffleboard Courts!

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Continue on as the trail pierces straight through the heart of downtown Lansing, passing some of Lansing's top museums and attractions and out to Potter Park Zoo and beyond.

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Don't Miss Attractions

Potter Park Zoo

The beautifully landscaped 100-acre park, gardens and zoo are situated in an old oak forest along the Red Cedar River. Located in the heart of…

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From June through September, in the downtown area, take in Lansing's ARTPath where multiple artists' works can be found along the trail from Old Town to Downtown. Or, beginning at Impression 5 Science Center, visit the planets in our solar system along the scale model, Planet Walk where each step counts as one million miles.

 

ArtPath

During the summer months immerse yourself in art beyond the gallery walls. Lansing Art Gallery & Education Center has…

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Planet Walk

Our solar system is truly grand—nearly 6 billion miles from the sun to the orbit of the dwarf planet Eris! The Planet…

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The Lansing River Trail even connects with the massive campus of Michigan State University, adding even more options of things to see and do! 

Michigan State University is home to the MSU Dairy Store, Abrams Planetarium, Beaumont Tower, numerous MSU Museums, beautiful gardens, and the MSU Theater.

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The multi-use trail is comprised of sections of smooth macadam, concrete, and multiple boardwalks that dip under roadways, skim over the Grand River, and pass over marshy wetlands. 

To add some interest and variety, and to remind you that you're in Michigan's Capital city, you may get to see the back side of factories and manufacturing facilities but hang on because just around the corner you can keep your eyes peeled for bald eagle nesting sites or an occasional heron sighting. You'll find paddling ducks alongside canoeists and kayakers plying the water on the river. It's truly and unequivocally an urban nature trail. Or a natural urban trail. You pick.

Recently ranked among the top ten trails in the country, the Lansing River Trail is a gem.

Heads up though, spring heavy rains may cause flooding along portions of the trail. Check the Friends of Lansing Regional Trails website for up-to-date detours. 

So bring your bikes along for your Greater Lansing getaway. This is one of the best ways to experience a whole new perspective of Greater Lansing. 

Happy Trails to you!