Local Insider Guide to Enjoying Lake Lansing

Lake Lansing Park North

Lake Lansing North is the bigger park with over 530 acres of natural recreational area, covered in beautiful woods and threaded with 10 miles of lovely hiking trails and boardwalks. There are picnic grounds and a wooden playground when you stop for a rest, three shelters, a basketball court, and a softball diamond. The ecosystem consists of mature oak and maple woodlands, marshlands, pine forests, and transitional field areas.

Near the shore, you will find the boat launch and grassy shores where you can relax and watch the fishermen, sailboats, and pontoons at play on the water.

Lake Lansing Park South

Lake Lansing Park South was once a popular amusement park. While most of the attractions are now gone, you will still find fun elements of its playful history. The historic carousel building is now an open stage where live bands play at 7 p.m. each Friday evening in the summer, and you can still find the Big Wheels track (trikes provided for free to tiny park-goers) and a snack bar that's open during summer months.

Lansing Park South also features a roped-off and supervised swimming shore where you can cool down during hot weather and won't encounter any boats. Here, you'll find 30 acres of sandy beaches and lush grassy shores. There is also a bathhouse, a multi-purpose dock, and a pretty nice playground by the beach.

Both parks open a half-hour before sunrise for pedestrians (8 a.m. for vehicles) and close at sunset except for special evening events.

Things to Do at Lake Lansing

With all these attractions, the list of fun things to do at the lake is nearly infinite. When you live close to the lake, you're sure to find all sorts of ways to enjoy the lake and surrounding parks. Here are a few of our favorites:

Bring Your Dog

The Lake Lansing dog park is a great place to get some exercise with your furry friend and meet a few other dogs. Dogs on a leash are allowed in most areas of the park, so you can walk or jog the trails together around the lake and up through Lake Lansing Park North.

Plan a Picnic on the Green

Pack your picnic basket and head to the shore. Lake Lansing Park South has a vast grassy expanse that's perfect for laying out a blanket and enjoying nature with your favorite people. If you'd prefer a sheltered picnic table, head to Lake Lansing Park North and enjoy your meal under the beautiful tree canopy.

Go Swimming in the Summer

In the summer months, Lansing Park South is the perfect place for swimming, ice cream, sunbathing, and getting ice cream at the snack shack. If you love lake swimming, it's a great way to cool off under the hot sun and enjoy a beautiful shoreline, whether in or out of the water. There's even a bathhouse so you can wash off before heading home.

Rent a Kayak, Canoe, or Paddleboat, or Sailboat

Love to be out on the water? There's boat rental for four different types of boats. Rent a kayak and fly across the water solo, or rent a canoe to go on lake adventures with a few friends. Rent a paddle boat for relaxed drifting or a sailboat when there's a nice breeze.

Hint: if you join the local sailboat club, you can borrow their sailboats for free.

Attend a Concert in the Park

You can catch live music concerts at the Lake Lansing Park South outdoor theater on Friday nights during the summer. Bring your blanket and picnic basket and enjoy the full event with many other Lansing residents who know where the party's at.

Note: There may be a small parking fee on event nights.

Go Fishing

Bring your fishing pole and tackle box. The fishermen tend to be out in force during the early morning, but you can cast a line and bask in the sunshine any time of day.

Hike the Trails

If you're a nature enthusiast, you will absolutely love the 10 miles of forest trails, boardwalks, and 5 miles of lakeside trails that lace around the lake and up into the forested hills of Lake Lansing Park North. The trees are absolutely gorgeous whether you see them in their summer emerald tones or blazing autumn finery.

Ice Boating and Skating

In the winter, Lake Lansing is a great place to go ice boating, skate on the ice once it is thick enough, or sled down the hills.

Living Next to Lake Lansing is Always an Adventure

If you're looking for an East Lansing apartment near Lake Lansing, you've found us! Nemoke Trails Apartments is located just 1.5 miles from the lake. You could walk to Lake Lansing Park South in half an hour, bike in 10 minutes, or drive in 5 minutes. We're that close, and it's absolutely wonderful. You'll love living close enough to the lake to easily spend afternoons and weekends on the grassy shore, and you're sure to meet a few neighbors doing the same.

Contact us to inquire about availability or learn more about how to fully enjoy your direct access to Lansing's biggest and best lake.