Lansing is the capital of Michigan, and is in a larger metropolitan area of 500,000 known as ‘Mid-Michigan’. The city is an important center for educational, cultural, governmental, commercial, and industrial activity, and home to the 50,000 student Michigan State University. For a relatively small city, there’s excellent running in Lansing, anchored by the Lansing River Trail along the Grand River & Red Cedar River.
The best place to run in Lansing is to choose a section of the 20+ mile Lansing River Trail. We’ve created three distinct routes: Moores Park to the MSU campus, north including a ‘Capitol Spur’, and south to E Jolly Rd., where there are connections to additional trails. The MSU campus is another great place to run, with riverfront trails, a running track, & more. For a nice neighborhood/riverfront route, head to Frances Park and run along Moores River Dr. The Inter Urban Pathway is another good off-road option. For trail running, best bets are Fenner Nature Center, Lake Lansing North Park, Padgett Nature Park, and Meridian Riverfront Park.
Note: Lansing winters can be cold & snowy. Be prepared with the right clothing & gear!
