Paddle the Grand River
Launch downtown or choose a longer route through Lansing. The Grand River gives you a different view of the city, from the Eckert smokestacks and Old Town to downtown bridges and riverfront parks.
Compare river adventures
A local Lansing guide
Fun things to do in Lansing
Lansing is a river city with trails, parks, history, wildlife, sports, festivals, and easy ways to spend a day outside. River Town Adventures was voted the #1 outdoor thing to do in Lansing, and we think the best way to understand this city is to experience it from the water and the riverbank.
Explore the Red Cedar
Follow the Red Cedar through MSU, East Lansing, Potter Park, and the place where it meets the Grand River. This corridor combines wooded bends, wildlife, campus landmarks, and local history.
Read the river guideTry a Glow Paddle
For a different kind of Lansing night out, watch for seasonal Glow Paddle and Fireworks events with illuminated kayaks and a downtown river experience.
See special eventsWalk or bike the river trail
The Lansing River Trail connects riverfront parks and neighborhoods and makes it easy to pair a paddle with a walk, bike ride, local food, or time downtown.
Explore Lansing outdoorsVisit parks and local landmarks
Build a day around Rotary Park, Old Town, Potter Park Zoo, the Michigan State Capitol area, REO Town, and the riverfront views that connect them.
Plan a Lansing dayHelp care for the waterways
Join a river or river-trail cleanup, learn about local stewardship, or share a river story so more people understand and care for the places they enjoy.
See cleanup informationWhy start with the river?
Lansing grew up around moving water
The Grand River and Red Cedar River shaped Lansing's neighborhoods, bridges, industry, trails, parks, and everyday identity. A river day lets visitors see Old Town, downtown, REO Town, MSU, Potter Park, and the riverfront from a connected perspective.
Whether you are looking for a beginner-friendly rental, a family outing, a group activity, a scenic walk, or a new way to experience the capital city, the rivers are a great place to begin.
Make your Lansing day an adventure
Compare routes, reserve your equipment, or call us with questions about paddling in the Lansing area.