Things to Do around East Lansing

East Lansing offers a variety of outdoor activities including hiking, touring cycling, road cycling, and jogging. The region features more than 50 routes across these sports, utilizing extensive trail systems from riverfront paths to wooded park trails. Overall, the area has more than 52 trails covering 458 miles.

Popular hiking trails in East Lansing include sections of the Lansing River Trail, which follows the Grand and Red Cedar Rivers, and trails within Lake Lansing Park North. Nature centers like Fenner and Woldumar also provide dedicated hiking paths. For more options, refer to the Hiking around East Lansing guide.

Easy hiking trails are available in East Lansing, suitable for beginners or those seeking a leisurely walk. Many park trails and sections of the Lansing River Trail offer relatively flat terrain. The Easy hikes around East Lansing guide provides specific routes.

East Lansing features numerous cycling routes, including the paved Northern Tier Trail and the extensive Lansing River Trail. These trails are suitable for touring cycling and road cycling, offering scenic views and connections to various parks. The Cycling around East Lansing guide details many options.

Many trails in East Lansing are suitable for families, including the paved Northern Tier Trail and sections of the Lansing River Trail. Parks like Patriarche Park offer renovated playgrounds in addition to pathways. Nature centers often provide accessible and educational trails for all ages.

Many parks and trails in East Lansing permit dogs, typically requiring them to be on a leash. Specific regulations may vary by location, so checking local park rules is advisable. The Lansing River Trail is generally dog-friendly.

East Lansing is characterized by the Red Cedar River and Grand River, with trails running alongside them. The Michigan State University Horticulture Gardens and the W.J. Beal Botanical Garden offer extensive plant collections. Further afield, Grand Ledge's 'the ledges' provide unique geological formations.

East Lansing's outdoor routes are highly rated on komoot, with an average rating of 4.86 out of 5 stars from more than 800 visitors. The region features 71 total routes across various sports.

The Lansing River Trail is a scenic, paved trail spanning over 20 miles (32 kilometers) that follows the banks of the Grand River, Red Cedar River, and Sycamore Creek. It is suitable for walking, jogging, and biking, featuring multiple boardwalk sections over wetland areas. The trail provides access to various parks and natural areas.

The Northern Tier Trail is a 4.5-mile (7.2-kilometer) paved pathway in East Lansing. It connects eight community parks and recreational facilities, offering views of wildlife and foliage. This trail is suitable for hiking, jogging, biking, and rollerblading.

Komoot offers several guides for East Lansing, including Hiking around East Lansing, Cycling around East Lansing, and Running Trails around East Lansing. There are also guides for specific activities like easy hikes and road cycling routes.

The official website for the City of East Lansing is www.cityofeastlansing.com. The general phone number for the City of East Lansing is +1-517-337-1731.