Best lakes around Lansing offer diverse opportunities for outdoor recreation in Michigan. The region features various natural water bodies, providing settings for activities such as fishing, boating, and exploring natural landscapes. These lakes serve as local destinations for residents and visitors seeking water-based activities. The area provides a mix of recreational parks and natural spots.
Last updated: June 1, 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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Burchfield Park features over 500 acres of biking, hiking, running, skiing, and other multiuse trails. There is also a disc golf course and multiple picnic areas. The trails have a little something for everyone with different difficulty paths and routes to choose from.
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A lake with a lot of recreational value.
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Lake Lansing Park is split into two parts; the South Park is next to the lake and the North Park is through the woods on dirt, gravel, and boardwalk trails. There are a few different trails in Lake Lansing Park North that are marked decently well and help to create a trail network of a few different trail loops.
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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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The Valhalla Trail shares a path with part of the Lansing River Trail route. It's a paved point-to-point path that is really popular for running, walking, and biking. Valhalla Park plays host to a load of recreational offerings. The warmer months are mostly geared towards open water swimming, while the park offers groomed Nordic trails in the winter. There are also a number of paths passing through the property that are great for dry-season running.
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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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For families, Hawk Island Lake is an excellent choice, offering swimming, picnicking, and paved trails. In winter, it's popular for sledding and tubing. Burchfield Park Pond and Picnic Area also provides picnic spots and multiuse trails suitable for various ages. Lake Lansing is another great option with public access for boating and fishing, while Lincoln Brick Park features a refreshing spring-fed swimming hole.
Many lakes in the Lansing area offer trails. Burchfield Park Pond and Picnic Area boasts over 500 acres of multiuse trails for biking, hiking, and running. Hawk Island Lake has paved trails perfect for running. For a mix of dirt, gravel, and boardwalk trails, explore Lake Lansing Park North Pier. You can also find more hiking routes in the area by checking out the Hiking around Lansing guide, or cycling routes in the Cycling around Lansing guide.
Yes, the Lansing area offers several good fishing spots. Lake Lansing is well-known for anglers, with frequent reports of Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, and Tiger Muskie. Lake Interstate is also recognized as a local fishing destination. Additionally, Hawk Island Lake and the ponds at Sharp Park are popular for fishing.
Lake Lansing in Haslett provides excellent public access with two sites featuring hard-surface ramps, toilets, and parking. Hawk Island Lake, part of Hawk Island County Park, offers public access to its recreational facilities, though there is an entrance fee if you bring your car onto the property. Burchfield Park Pond and Picnic Area and Lake Lansing Park North Pier also have public access and facilities.
The lakes around Lansing offer diverse natural settings. Lake Lansing Park North Pier features a network of dirt, gravel, and boardwalk trails through wooded areas, providing scenic viewpoints. Lincoln Brick Park, while not a large lake, has a beautiful spring-fed swimming hole with clear water, surrounded by 90 acres of woodlands and meadows, plus scenic river frontage.
Yes, there are swimming opportunities. Hawk Island Lake is a popular spot for swimming. Lincoln Brick Park in Grand Ledge is known for its gorgeous clear, spring-fed swimming hole, though it has a rocky bottom, so water shoes are recommended.
During winter, Hawk Island Lake is a popular destination for sledding and tubing. Additionally, areas like Valhalla Park, which shares a path with the Lansing River Trail, offer groomed Nordic trails for cross-country skiing in the colder months.
Many parks and trails around Lansing's lakes are dog-friendly, but it's always best to check specific park regulations before visiting. Generally, dogs are welcome on trails as long as they are kept on a leash and owners clean up after them. For example, the multiuse trails at Burchfield Park Pond and Picnic Area are popular for walks with pets.
Visitors appreciate the diverse recreational value of the lakes. Many enjoy the fishing, swimming, and picnicking opportunities, especially at places like Hawk Island Lake. The extensive multiuse trails for biking, hiking, and running at parks like Burchfield Park Pond and Picnic Area are also highly valued by the community.
While not a large lake, Lincoln Brick Park in Grand Ledge is considered a 'secret' spot by locals, featuring a beautiful, clear, spring-fed swimming hole. It offers a unique natural experience with its clear water and surrounding woodlands, meadows, and river frontage, making it a refreshing escape.
Lake Lansing Park North Pier offers a varied trail network. You'll find dirt, gravel, and boardwalk trails that create several different loops for exploration through the woods.
Yes, Sharp Park is a popular spot featuring fishing ponds, concession stands, sporting fields, and both paved and wooded walking/running paths. It's a great option for a quick run or a leisurely day out with various activities.

