From canoeing down the Grand River, hiking and biking, taking a dip at Lake Lansing & Hawk Island Park or hooking a trout at Burchfield Park any day can be a play day at the Ingham County Parks. There is never a dull moment at any of the eight Ingham County Parks so come and enjoy one of the following fun activities when the heat is on!!

Canoe Trips

Trips are available on Weekends and Holidays only from Mid-May to September 30th and by reservation only from October 1 until October 31.  End times for rentals changes mid-September and becomes earlier due to the earlier sunset times.  Call the parks office for details.

NOTE:  For both Canoe and Kayak use children 14-16 years of age and under must be accompanied by someone 18 years or older, in the canoe/kayak or in an adjacent boat.

For a free directory of canoe liveries in the state, contact the Recreational Canoeing Association, PO Box 668, Indian River, MI   49749, (616) 238-7868.

Pedal Boat Rental

Pedal Boat Rental is available at Lake Lansing South (11:00am to 7:00pm), Hawk Island Park (6:00am to sunset), and Burchfield Park (M-F 11am to 7:00pm & Weekends 9:00am to 7:00pm) with the following fees: 

Children 12 and younger must be accompanied by an adult
Pedal boats may be rented by individuals 13 and older
A picture ID is required to rent boats

Row Boat Rental

Row Boat Rental is available at Lake Lansing South (11:00am to 7:00pm) and Hawk Island Park 6:00am to sunset) with the following fees: 

$4.00 for the first and second hour

$2.00 for each additional hour

$15.00 Maximum per day

Pedal boats may be rented by individuals 13 and older
A picture ID is required to rent boats

Children 12 and younger must be accompanied by an adult

Rowboats hold up to 4 people and are 14 feet long

There is no longer a fee to fish in the Burchfield Pond. 

However, an all-species fishing license with a trout stamp is required for anglers 17 years and older to fish in the fishing pond at Burchfield Park. The pond is stocked with Rainbow Trout.  The pond is open all year to the taking of trout with an 8" minimum size limit and a 3 fish daily possession limit.  There is no catch and release allowed when fishing in the pond. 

A license is also required to fish in the Grand River.

At Hawk Island Lake you may fish from rented rowboats or off boardwalks conveniently placed around the lake.  However, an all-species fishing license is required for anglers 17 years and older to fish in the lake.  The lake is stocked with bluegill, catfish & bass.  Bass MUST be released.  Visitors can bring in their own water craft.  Motors are not allowed with the exception of non-gas trolling motors.  There is no boat ramp.  Boats must stay off the island.  Boats must be carried from the parking lot to the water.

Lake Lansing Park North Boat Launch - Boats may be launched after payment of a launch fee.
For hours of operation at the Boat Launch click here
For a list of Boat Launch Fees click here

BURCHFIELD PARK

Featured in this 540 acres of scenic woods and trails is a swimming beach. Located just 8 miles from downtown Lansing, Burchfield Park is Ingham County's largest park. Along with a swimming beach, Burchfield Park also has available a bath house.

LAKE LANSING PARK SOUTH

Lake Lansing Park South is located on Lake Lansing, the largest body of water within 30 miles of the City of Lansing. The 30-acre site includes a sandy beach, bath house, snack bar and is only 7 miles from downtown Lansing.

HAWK ISLAND COUNTY PARK

Hawk Island County Park is located in Lansing and boasts a 30 acre lake, including a sandy beach, bath house, and splash pad.  The splash pad is open 9:00am to sunset daily, weather permitting.  Children under 12 should have adult supervision.  Hawk Island Park also has a handicap accessible asphalt path encompassing the entire lake that is perfect for a leisurely stroll. 

Beach & Splash Pad Hours

Our beaches are open from the second week in May to one week after Labor Day ~ 12:00pm to 8:00pm

The Splash Pad at Hawk Island is open from 9:00am to 8:00pm and is open as long as weather permits
Because the Splash Pad is unsupervised children under 12 should have adult supervision ~ water shoes are recommended

Beach hours are restricted as the season winds down at the public beaches at Lake Lansing Park South, Burchfield Park, and Hawk Island County Park.  The splash pad will remain open as long as the weather permits. 

Beaches and the splash pad are only open when weather  permits and
lifeguards are on duty.

For additional information contact the Parks Department or drop us a line via email.