Hawk Island Park | Lansing

Hawk Island Park is a 100-acre public recreational park located at 1601 E. Cavanaugh Road, Lansing, Michigan. It is part of the Ingham County Parks system and serves as one of Lansing’s most popular urban nature and leisure destinations. The park was developed on a reclaimed gravel pit and officially opened to the public in the early 2000s. Since then, it has evolved into a full-service park that operates year-round, offering diverse activities in both summer and winter.

1. Natural Landscape and Layout

The central feature of Hawk Island Park is a 30-acre man-made lake, encircled by woods, meadows, and developed recreational zones. The park has a clear division between active recreation areas (beaches, trails, splash pad) and more natural zones, such as walking trails and fishing docks. Carefully landscaped paths, boardwalks, and bridges connect various parts of the park, providing scenic lake views and shaded walking areas.

2. Water-Based Recreation

Swimming Beach

Located on the eastern shore of the lake.

Supervised by lifeguards during designated hours in the summer.

Sandy beach, gradual entry into the water, and clearly marked swim boundaries.

Includes rinse showers, changing areas, and restrooms nearby.

Closed during off-season or adverse weather.

Splash Pad

A major summer attraction for families with young children.

Zero-depth aquatic playground with water features such as spray tunnels, water cannons, bubbling jets, and dumping buckets.

Open daily from Memorial Day to Labor Day, 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM.

Located adjacent to the playground and beach area.

Surface is soft and non-slip for safety.

Boating and Rentals

Paddleboats and kayaks are available for rent at a seasonal kiosk.

Rentals are permitted for use within the central lake only.

Life jackets provided and required.

Docking stations and launch areas are located near the southern end of the lake.

Fishing

The lake is stocked with game fish including:

Largemouth Bass (catch and release only)

Bluegill

Channel Catfish

Perch

Fishing platforms and floating docks allow for access, including ADA-compliant areas.

No motorized boats permitted; quiet fishing zones are marked.

3. Land-Based Recreation

Walking and Biking Trails

A 1.5-mile paved loop circles the lake, ideal for walking, jogging, biking, and rollerblading.

Trail is wheelchair and stroller accessible.

Links to the Lansing River Trail, offering extended biking routes north to Michigan State University and downtown Lansing.

Benches and interpretive signs placed throughout for rest and education.

Playgrounds

Wooden and plastic playground structure near the splash pad.

Includes climbing walls, tunnels, slides, and swings.

Age-appropriate areas divided for toddlers and older children.

Built with community input to reflect inclusive and creative play.

Picnic Areas and Shelters

Multiple picnic tables and charcoal grills throughout the park.

Three major covered pavilions available for reservation:

Shelter A: Close to splash pad and beach.

Shelter B: Near the trailhead and parking.

Shelter C: Shaded, near dog park access.

Electricity, water access, and garbage disposal included.

Used for family reunions, birthday parties, school outings, and corporate events.

Sports Facilities

Sand volleyball courts near the beach area.

Horseshoe pits in a wooded section of the park.

Fitness stations along the trail route for casual workouts.

4. Winter Activities

Hawk Island transforms into a winter recreation zone, especially known for its snow tubing hill:

Snow Tubing Hill:

Lighted hill with designated lanes for snow tubing.

Mechanical lift to bring tubes and riders back uphill.

Warming lodge with concessions and restrooms.

Tubes provided as part of admission fee.

Open during snowfall and when artificial snow machines are in operation.

Winter Trails:

Paved paths are cleared of snow for continued use by walkers and joggers.

Not intended for cross-country skiing (which is available in other Ingham County parks).

Leashed dogs allowed year-round on cleared trails.

5. Soldan Dog Park (Adjacent to Hawk Island)

15-acre off-leash area with trails, shaded woods, and an open field.

Fenced perimeter with double-gate entry for safety.

Features:

Dog swimming pond

Benches and picnic tables

Pet drinking fountains

Waste stations with bags provided

Dog washing station near the exit

Requires a membership pass via Ingham County Parks (day and annual passes available).

Separate from Hawk Island’s leashed-only areas.

6. Accessibility and Infrastructure Improvements

Recent upgrades (2024–2025) to improve accessibility and visitor experience include:

New floating fishing docks for better lake access.

Kayak launch platform with handrails and transfer support.

Resurfaced paved trail for wheelchairs, bikes, and walkers.

Shade pavilions added in picnic and splash pad areas.

Native plant restoration around the lake’s edge to prevent erosion and improve habitat for pollinators and birds.

Boardwalk replacements for safety and aesthetics.

7. Environmental and Sustainability Efforts

Park landscaping uses native species to minimize water usage and promote biodiversity.

Recycling and waste stations are placed throughout the park.

Rain gardens installed near parking lots to manage stormwater.

Collaboration with local conservation groups to maintain water quality in the lake.

8. Events and Community Activities

The park regularly hosts or supports:

5K races and charity walks

Outdoor yoga and fitness bootcamps

Community picnics and family movie nights

Nature education programs in partnership with schools and nonprofits

Special holiday events, such as “Winter Fest” during snow tubing season

Reservations for events and pavilions are coordinated through the Ingham County Parks Office.

9. Visitor Info

Hours:

Daily: 8:00 AM – Dusk (hours may extend during summer or special events)

Splash Pad: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM (Memorial Day–Labor Day)

Winter Tubing Hill: Variable hours, weather-dependent

Admission:

Vehicle Entrance Fee: $3 (Ingham County Residents), $5 (Non-residents)

Annual Vehicle Pass: $30 (Residents), $40 (Non-residents)

Dog Park Pass: $5/day or $30/year

Parking: Paved lots near each major activity zone; overflow parking available during events.

Public Transit: Served by CATA bus routes; sidewalks and bike lanes nearby.

Contact:
Ingham County Parks
Phone: (517) 676-2233

Hawk Island Park is a model of urban environmental restoration and year-round recreation, balancing active use with natural preservation. Whether you're seeking a beach day with family, an energetic jog along the trail, a quiet afternoon fishing, or a thrilling ride down a snowy hill, Hawk Island provides a high-quality experience for all visitors.