Best Dog Parks in Lansing, Michigan

Aside from hiking trails, the best music venues, delectable restaurants, and everything in between, Michigan has plenty of amazing things to see and do with your four-legged best friend. So be ready to run and play as we take a look at three fantastic Michigan dog parks.

What makes a dog park great, you ask? Well, there are many different factors that determine what an exceptional dog park really is. Good parks should be carefully maintained to keep them clean and beautiful. The area should also have an established set of rules for visitors that focuses on making sure a park is a safe place for everyone. For instance, some dog parks use separate areas for large and small dogs, so that each pet has its own space. Most dog parks provide waste bags and disposal bins to eliminate any messes before they happen. In fact, most even go as far as having scheduled events for dogs and owners each weekend as well!

The Lansing area has gorgeous outdoor spaces that are perfect for our four-legged friends to stretch their legs, meet new friends, and enjoy the fresh air. So grab your leash and check out these three fantastic local dog parks, selected as the best by these pet parents in Michigan!

Soldan Dog Park

The Soldan Dog Park, located in E Cavanaugh Rd next to Hawk Island, is an off-leash dog park with a big pond and plenty of space for your pooch to run after the ball. Pet wash station included. The Soldan Dog Park is a Lansing City property that is jointly administered by the Ingham County Parks Department. For entry to the Soldan Dog Park, you’ll need to utilize an electronic pass card. The park is open from Mondays to Sundays from 8 am to 9:30 pm.

The Soldan Dog Park is a lovely natural location with lots of areas for your dog to run around off-leash, as long as you stay nearby. Trails, a huge pond, an immense open field, pet/human drinking fountains, and a free dog washing station are all part of the park’s more than 15 acres of diverse natural environment. Soldan Dog Park is located in a natural space with lots of trails and fields, including an open field where dogs may roam free. Water fountains and free dog washes are available for pets and humans alike.

Hawk Island Park

Hawk Island County Park is a 100-acre park in south Lansing, located on Cavanaugh Road between Pennsylvania Avenue and Aurelius Road. Residents who have lived in the region for a long time may recall the Sablain Gravel Pit, which has been turned into a lovely park with natural planting sections.  Hawk Island has a bathing beach, picnic spaces, and shelters, as well as 1.5 miles of paved accessible walkways and fishing docks. Come see the playground that was built by the community. Bring the family and go snow tubing in the winter. Then relax and warm up in the warming lodge. Dogs are not permitted on Hawk Island, with the exception of the beach and Splash Pad area, which is located between the playground and the concession stand. All dogs must be on a leash that is no longer than 6 feet. The park is open from 8 am to 8 pm. 

Northern Tail Dog Park

Just north of the softball complex is the East Lansing Northern Tail Dog Park. It’s a two-and-a-half-acre area set aside for off-leash dog fun. A 5,625-square-foot space for small dogs is included within the park (under 22 pounds). A 6-foot-tall chain-link fence surrounds the dog park, which was built in 2007. Signage, landscaping, and dog waste facilities are all present at the park. The park is free to enter. 

The Greater Lansing area is one of the best places to live in Michigan and offers many great amenities. Michigan is a great place to live and visit if you have a dog! Not only do most of our hiking trails welcome canines, but there are also some pretty great off-leash dog parks throughout the area. Play and stay at one of these awesome dog parks in Michigan. Complete with plenty of space to run and play, your dog will thank you endlessly.