Best attractions and places to see around Waverly include a variety of natural features and recreational areas. The region offers opportunities to explore lakes, rivers, and extensive trail networks. Visitors can engage in activities such as hiking, cycling, fishing, and picnicking across its diverse landscapes. These attractions provide access to both natural beauty and developed park facilities.
Last updated: May 4, 2026
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Hawk Island County Park is 100 acres of beautiful park land built over the remains of the former Sablain Gravel Pit. VIsitors can enjoy fishing, swimming, picnicking, and in winter sledding and tubing.
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The Grand River, Owashtanong, "Far-Flowing Water" in Ottawa, is the longest river in Michigan at 252 miles. It flows through a number of cities including Jackson, Ionia, and Grand Rapids. Here, in Lansing, you can follow the river trail for miles along its banks and visit a number of parks and nature reserves.
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Running between Waverly Road and Old Town, the Lansing River Trail offers 20 miles of paved trail access to many parks, natural areas, and the downtown area.
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From this spot in East Lansing you get a really nice view of the Red Cedar River. This is a great spot to admire the water, catch your breath, and eat a snack before continuing on your ride around East Lansing.
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A lake with a lot of recreational value.
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With fishing ponds, concession stands, sporting fields, and walking/running paths, Sharp Park is a popular spot for a quick run. The main path is completely paved and connects to a number of wooded singletrack trails that are all pretty short.
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Hawk Island County Park is one of the newer parks around Lansing. It has paved trails that are great for running, and you only have to pay an entrance fee if you bring your car onto the property. There is a big pond at the main trailhead that the path goes around.
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The area around Waverly is known for its natural beauty, with top attractions including Hawk Island Lake, a 100-acre park perfect for fishing, swimming, and picnicking. Another popular spot is the View of the Red Cedar River, offering a scenic perspective of the river from East Lansing.
Yes, several attractions are great for families. Hawk Island Lake offers swimming, fishing, and picnicking, with sledding and tubing available in winter. Sharp Park features fishing ponds, sporting fields, and walking paths, along with concession stands. The View of the Red Cedar River and the Grand River also provide pleasant spots for family outings along the water.
The Waverly area boasts an extensive network of trails. The Lansing River Trail is a highlight, offering 20 miles of paved access to parks, natural areas, and downtown. You can find various running, hiking, and cycling routes, including easy loops around Hawk Island Lake and more challenging trails like the West Lansing Trail. For more details on specific routes, explore the Running Trails around Waverly, Hiking around Waverly, and Cycling around Waverly guides.
Yes, the Lansing River Trail is noted for being wheelchair accessible, providing paved access to various parks and natural areas along the river.
The best time to visit depends on your preferred activities. For outdoor pursuits like hiking, cycling, and picnicking, spring through fall offers pleasant weather. In winter, Hawk Island Lake becomes a popular spot for sledding and tubing.
For scenic views and relaxation by the water, visit the View of the Red Cedar River in East Lansing, which offers a clear perspective of the river. The Grand River also provides numerous spots along its banks to enjoy the water and surrounding nature.
Yes, Sharp Park is a well-equipped park featuring fishing ponds, concession stands, sporting fields, and walking/running paths. Hawk Island Lake also offers facilities within its 100-acre park, including picnic areas.
Visitors particularly enjoy the recreational value of places like Hawk Island Lake, appreciating the opportunities for fishing, swimming, and running on its paved trails. The scenic views, especially from the View of the Red Cedar River, are also highly valued for their beauty and as a place to take a break.
Absolutely. The Lansing River Trail is an excellent choice with 20 miles of paved paths. Hawk Island Lake also has paved trails ideal for running. Additionally, Sharp Park offers a main paved path and wooded singletrack trails for a varied running experience. You can find more options in the Running Trails around Waverly guide.
While the immediate Waverly area (near Lansing, MI) focuses on natural attractions, other Waverly locations across the US offer rich history. For example, Waverly, TN, has the Mi-De-Ga Theatre and the Humphreys County Museum. Waverly, NY, hosts the Waverly Historical Society Museum. Waverly, VA, features the Waverly Downtown Historic District, and Waverly, MS, is home to the historic Waverley Mansion. These sites offer a glimpse into different aspects of American heritage.
While specific wildlife sightings are not guaranteed, natural areas like Hawk Island Lake and the areas along the Grand River and Red Cedar River provide habitats for various birds, small mammals, and aquatic life. These spots are ideal for wildlife observation, especially for birdwatching near the water.
Yes, cycling is a popular activity. The Lansing River Trail is a dedicated cycleway offering 20 miles of paved trail. There are several cycling routes available, including loops that incorporate Hawk Island Lake and the Red Cedar River. For detailed routes and difficulty levels, refer to the Cycling around Waverly guide.

