Stroll along the edge of the Grand River in the scenic Adado Riverfront Park. The waterfront lawns here contribute to the green heart of Lansing, Michigan’s state capital, offering a peaceful place to relax after sightseeing in the historic center. Wander along the edge of the river, stopping beneath the trees for a picnic. The park also hosts live music, food festivals and other events throughout the year.
Find the sign in the park that tells the story of the Grand River, beginning with its origins as a glacier 12,000 years ago. The river is the longest in the state of Michigan, flowing for 252 miles (406 kilometers) through the landscape before ending in Lake Michigan. Adado Riverfront Park is just one of several popular parks along the edges of the river, which cuts through the center of the city.
Join the Lansing River Trail, a pathway that winds for 20 miles (32 kilometers) along the river through Lansing. In Adado Riverfront Park, it branches off across an attractive pedestrian bridge to the west side of the river. Pause for photos of this curious structure, which is framed by a tunnel of spiraling squares. The trail is popular with cyclists and walkers and leads to numerous attractions, such as a zoo and several museums.
Come to Adado Riverfront Park during one of the festivals that regularly take place on the lawns here. The annual Chicken Wing Festival in early September brings in crowds for carnival games, family events and, of course, chicken wings. Stick around in September to experience PRIME Music Festival. Common Ground is a music festival held every July that brings internationally famous artists to the park for a wide variety of performances.
Find Adado Riverfront Park in central Lansing, next to the campus of the architecturally interesting Lansing Community College. Walk here in 15 minutes from the State Capitol and explore the area on foot. The park and the trail are free to explore and open throughout the year.
