By Tracy Padot
Greater Lansing Convention & Visitors Bureau
Looking for the perfect weekend road trip? Discover Greater Lansing! Nestled in the heart of Michigan, it’s the State Capitol and home to Michigan State University. Greater Lansing offers dozens of outdoor activities for all ages. Bike the 17-plus mile River Trail or paddle a kayak along the Grand River through the core of downtown Lansing. Hit the links for premier golf or try your hand at disc or foot golf. Dip your toes in the sand of the urban beach at Rotary Park, just steps from the State Capitol. The park offers access to the Lansing River Trail, a kayak/canoe livery, a fire pit, lighted forest and is the perfect spot for a picnic before exploring five other attractions within a five-block radius.
Absorb a kaleidoscope of colors as you stroll the 3.5-mile ART path with nearly 20 new art installations. REO Town and Old Town are charming and eclectic communities with artists enclaves showcasing street art and colorful murals. Add boutique shopping and delicious dining, and they are the perfect place to spend an afternoon.
Bringing the kids? Celebrate Potter Park Zoo’s 100th anniversary and see baby otter pups, kangaroo joeys, and a rare black rhino calf. Marry exercise and education as you experience the Planet Walk along the River Trail. Enjoy Little Hawk putting course, one of only a handful in the state that offers real grass, actual sand traps, and waterfalls. No swirling windmills on this course! Kids also enjoy the MSU 4-H Children’s Gardens and of course, the MSU Dairy Store for fresh ice cream.
Did you know Michigan State University is home to the oldest continuously operated garden of its type in the U.S.? Beal Gardens has over 2,700 species and is open to the public. The nature centers provide miles of trails and gardens for bird watching and up-close encounters with the outdoor world.
After all that activity you’ll be hungry! Grab a bite and dine alfresco at one of the numerous open-air patios. In addition to dozens of outdoor activities, area hotels have taken the Greater Lansing Safe Pledge to help keep you well. Love Lansing like a local! Book your weekend getaway at lansing.org.
