Things to do
Adado Riverfront Park
Adado Riverfront Park is one of the largest parks downtown and is home to several events throughout the year. An accessible playground was added in 2023.
Brenke Fish Ladder
The Brenke Fish Ladder was built in 1981 to help fish swimming up the Grand River pass the dam without injury. The fish ladder is a peaceful place to visit along the river and you can always find fishermen nearby catching catfish, carp, sunfish, and other smaller species of fish that inhabit the Grand River. Please note that fishing within the ladder is not permitted. The best time to see salmon is in the early fall.
Crego Park
Crego Park is one of Lansing's newest parks. With an extension just east of Aurelius Road off the Lansing River Trail and a parking lot off Mt Hope Ave, Crego is easily accessible to everyone. There is a small lake with a kayak lift and boardwalks to enjoy the water and scenery.
Hawk Island County Park
Hawk Island County Park is a family park with rowboat and pedal boat rental, a swimming beach, picnic areas and shelters, sand volleyball, horseshoes, paved accessible walkways (1.5 miles) and fishing docks and a concession stand.
Impression 5 Museum
Impression 5 is a hands-on learning environment that challenges its visitors to experience, discover, and explore the world in which they live. Impression 5 achieves this by producing hands-on exhibits and participatory programs.
Kayak/Canoe
There are several excellent locations to put your kayak or canoe in either the Red Cedar River or the Grand River. Kruger Landing at Aurelius Road is a popular spot and Crego Park is a great place to paddle around a small lake. Crego also offers assisted entry with its kayak/canoe lift. The Middle Grand River Organization of Watersheds (MGROW) maintains a list of access points on the Grand River.
Downtown Lansing
The LRT runs right through the center of downtown Lansing where you'll find several restaurants, galleries, and of course, the state Capitol building.
Visit Downtown Lansing
Maguire Park
Maguire Park was the southern entrance to the river trail until the south extension and the Sycamore Creek trail were added. There is playground equipment, a pavilion and generally ample parking.
Moores Park
Moores Park is situated along the south side of the Grand River in REO Town. The park has picnic shelters, trails, and access to the river. On the north side of the river is the Eckert Street Power Plant, home of Wynken, Blynken, and Nod.
Old Town
Old Town is an eclectic collection of shops, galleries and restaurants. Throughout the summer, there are numerous festivals and special events going on. Check the web site, http://iloveoldtown.org/ for more details.
Visit Old Town
Potter Park Zoo
The Zoo encompasses over 20 acres and features more than 500 individual animals representing approximately 160 different species. As an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and participant in its Species Survival Plan (SSP) programs, we are committed to the preservation of endangered animals and are actively developing strategies that will help protect species and preserve their wild habitats. Through education, conservation, research and recreation, Potter Park Zoo provides a wonderfully wild experience for students and families.
REO Town
REO Town is Lansing's oldest settlement, the site of the original home of the REO Motor Car Company, and a reinvigorated commericial district. REO Town is a thriving community where people meet to create, experience, and share art.
Scott Woods
Scott Woods sits north of Hawk Island County Park and is one of the best places for wildlife viewing. It's also very shady so it's a great place to go on a hot summer afternoon.
Turner Dodge Mansion
James Turner built this home in 1858. From 1900 to 1903, his daughter Abby and son-in-law Frank Dodge expanded the home. The expansion included a first floor kitchen, additional bedrooms to the second floor, and a third floor Ballroom.