Whether someone lives in Lansing or is just visiting the capitol city of Michigan, there are fun things to do in Lansing that cost no money at all. Spend some time out side at the Riverwalk, Soldan’s Dog Park and Grand Woods Park or have a blast inside at Michigan’s Historical Museum. All of which have fun activities to do and are open year round.
Soldan’s Dog Park is a recent edition to Lansing. This fenced in park is 17 acres of trees, trails and ponds where dogs and their owners can roam. Double-gated entrances make it safe for dogs to run off leash and play with other dogs, while people can chat with other dog owners and walk around.
Dog owners and park ambassadors keep the park clean. It also has drinking fountains for humans and dogs, as well as a portable bathroom for people.
Soldan’s Dog Park has entrances in Scotts Woods Park and Hawk Island Park. The park is located on the northwest side of Cavanaugh and Aurelius. There are signs to point visitors in the right direction.
Open May 15- August 15 from 6 a.m. to 1/2 hour after sunset, August 16- September 14 from 7a.m. to ½ hour after sunset and winter hours are from 8 a.m. to ½ hour after sunset.
Lansing Riverwalk runs alongside the Grand River. One end of the paved trail starts at Moores Park on Moores River Drive. Heading east bikers and walkers can turn north going threw Lansing’s Downtown and Lansing’s Old Town and ending up at the Turner-Dodge House on North Street.
If riders and runners continue to head east they’ll pass Potter Park Zoo and end up in East Lansing at Michigan State University’s campus.
Skaters and dog walkers can also take the new extension that heads south near Aurelius Road going to Hawk Island Park where there’s swimming, a water park, fishing, picnic areas, volleyball, trails and playground, which is all free of charge.
The paved path is opened year round, is patrolled by police and allows biking, walking, running, skating and dogs (dogs are not allowed in Hawk Island Park).
Grand Woods Park in North Lansing, at 4500 Willow Highway, is 128 acres of park. The main attraction is the 18-hole disc golf course. The course is free and just needs a Frisbee to play.
The park also includes a dirt track for radio-controlled cars, which is well kept by local RC users.
There are also walking trails, which welcome dogs on leashes. The park also has a fishing pond, playground, picnic areas, volleyball court and softball field.
The park is open year round and closes at dusk.
Michigan Historical museum is educational fun. The museum is located in the Michigan Library and Historical Center on 702 W. Kalamazoo in downtown Lansing.
The museum features exhibits on the First People to 1900, Michigan’s Start, the Civil War, Lumbering, Mining, Farm & Factory and Growing Up Michigan.
There is also a museum store where items from all around Michigan can be seen.
The Michigan Historical Museum is open Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5.p.m.
