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Frequently Asked Questions

  • Find all other destinations in Michigan at the Pure Michigan website

  • The Lansing River Trail is approximately 17 miles and runs north and south between Turner Dodge House in Old Town and Maguire Park with branches that head west to  Moore's PArk and an eastward trail that goes to Michigan State University. At its southernmost point at Maguire Park, it joins up with Sycamore Creek and Valhalla Trail in Delhi Township.

    Parking

    Clippert St Parking

    The Clippert St parking lot is at the southern end of Clippert St. It is a good place to start to see the more scenic parts of the LRT or to travel into MSU. There is also a nearby parking lot by Muncipial baseball field at the corner of Clippert and Kalamazoo Streets. 

    Hawk Island Parking

    There is a per vehicle entrance fee of $3 for residents and $5 for non-residents at all times. Annual passes are available for $30 for Ingham County residents and $40 for non-Ingham County residents. Annual passes are available at the gatehouse. 

    Kruger Landing

    Aurelius Road Kruger Landing is a great central parking location and a good place to launch a canoe or kayak. On the south side of the river at Aurelius Road. 

    Lot 56/Cesar Chavez Plaza

    At the intersection of Turner St and Grand River Ave in Old Town. Accessible entrance to the Lansing River Trail.

    Maguire Park Parking Lot

    Parking for Maguire Park. Enter off Aurelius Road. 

    Moores Park Parking Lot

    Parking at the western end of the park right off the River Trail. Generally ample parking for those that want to check out REO Town and the Moores Park extension which connects to the main trail about 1.5 miles to the east.

    Oakland Ave Parking Lot

    On the north side of Oakland Avenue. Great place to park to visit the children's playground right there.

    Potter Park Parking Lot

    This is an Ingham County Parking Lot and has small fees associated with parking here. A great place in the middle of the trail to explore many areas.

    Saginaw St Parking Lot

    On the north side of Saginaw St and east side of the river.

  • The city of Lansing’s population is 118,210 (2019) while the metro population  (Clinton, Eaton and Ingham Counties) is 548,248 making it the third largest metro area in Michigan behind Detroit and Grand Rapids.

  • By Car

    Lansing is conveniently located in the central part of Michigan at the junction of I-96, I-127 and I-69 with 496 running east and west through the city.

    By Air

    Lansing has its own airport (LAN – Lansing Regional International Airport) and is an hour from Flint Bishop International Airport (FLN,) one hour from Grand Rapids’ Gerald Ford International Airport (GRR) and 90 minutes from Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW.)

    By Train/Bus

    The Capital Area Multimodal Gateway, also known as the East Lansing station, is an intermodal transit station in East Lansing, Michigan. Operated by the Capital Area Transportation Authority, it is served by Amtrak's Blue Water passenger train, local buses, and intercity buses.

  • The Greater Lansing region is unique in that there are:

    • two state of the art GM assembling plants
    • three medical schools, two nursing schools
    • two law schools
    • Big Ten Conference university (Michigan State)
    • the state capital
    • the state Supreme Court and Court of Appeals
    • a federal court court
    • the Library of Michigan
    • the State Archives
    • the Michigan History Museum.

    Lansing is also headquarters to four national insurance companies. (Accident Fund, Jackson National, Auto-Owners, and Michigan Millers).

    The largest employers in the Lansing region are:

    • State of Michigan - Government 15,729
    • Michigan State University - Education 10,253
    • Sparrow Health System - Healthcare 7,600
    • General Motors - Manufacturing 4,549
    • Auto Owners Insurance Group - Insurance 2,578

    Greater Lansing is also home to over 40 hotel properties, a dozen public golf courses, over 25 attractions/recreational facilities, 20 community farmers markets and over 60 festivals, events and public shows.

  • Be sure to book early for certain times of the year because hotels fill up fast during the following times.

    •     MSU student move in and move out days
    •     MSU Football weekends
    •     MSU Graduation weekends (Fall and Spring)
    •     East Lansing Art Festival (East Lansing hotels)
  • Sure, most hotels nowadays have a microwave and/or a small refrigerator in the room, but if you’re looking for a room with a stove/oven combination, most long term stay facilities will accommodate your needs. Check out Homewood SuitesStaybridge SuitesTowneplace Suites, Residence Inn by Marriott East Lansing and Residence Inn Lansing West.

  • We know how hard it is to leave your best dog buddy at home while you’re on the road or taking a weekend getaway break. If you’re looking for pet-friendly hotels, check out this list. Once you get checked in, it’s time for fun. Find all kinds of trails, parks and pet friendly locations throughout the Lansing area. – Pet Friendly Lansing

  • City of Lansing Parking

    Meters

    Use the Passport app or pay at the kiosks located nearby. In Lansing after 6 p.m. weekdays and weekends parking is free! Meter rates vary by location. Rates do not exceed $1.50 per hour. Minimum Per Hour: $0.75 Maximum Per Hour: $1.50

    Ramps

    South Capitol, North Capitol and North Grand ramps are $3/hr with a daily maximum of $15. 

    Downtown East Lansing

    Meters

    Use the passport app or pay at the kiosks located nearby at $0.75 per half hour. Sundays beginning at 8 a.m. except for event days.
    Surface Lots: $1 per half hour, Max Daily: $20 
    Garages: $0.75 per half hour, Max Daily: $15 
    Pay-by-Space Machines: $0.75 per half hour

    MSU Football Parking

    Public lots and ramps are available for a fee on game day, but you can park for free at the shuttle lots and pay $5 to take the shuttle to and from the game. See the parking map.