Hawk Island Park
A 100-acre, all-seasons park in Lansing, MI, offering snow tubing, a splash pad, swimming beach, trails, and playgrounds.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Splash pad & beach fun
Hawk Island Park
Best Time
Splash pad & beach fun
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 100-acre, all-seasons park in Lansing, MI, offering snow tubing, a splash pad, swimming beach, trails, and playgrounds.
"Hawk Island is a versatile, well-maintained park that caters to all seasons. "
🚗 Annual Pass Value
Save money with an annual pass for all Ingham County Parks if you visit often! :moneybag:
🎟️ Book Tubing Ahead
Purchase snow tubing tickets online in advance to guarantee your spot. :ticket:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Winter Snow Tubing
South end of the park
Experience thrilling snow tubing down a 500-foot hill with four lanes, complete with hot cocoa and a cozy fire.
Splash Pad & Swimming Beach
Near the lake
Cool off on hot summer days at the splash pad or the sandy swimming beach, perfect for family fun.
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Accessible Trails
Around the lake and river
Enjoy scenic walks or bike rides on 1.5 miles of paved, accessible pathways offering beautiful views of the lake and river.
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Community Playground
Central park area
A fantastic community-built playground offers ample space for kids to play and explore, making it a hit with families.
+1Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Annual Pass for Savings
Book Shelters and Tubing in Advance
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Annual Pass Value
Save money with an annual pass for all Ingham County Parks if you visit often! :moneybag:
🎟️ Book Tubing Ahead
Purchase snow tubing tickets online in advance to guarantee your spot. :ticket:
☀️ Reserve Shelters Early
Summer picnic shelters book up fast; reserve yours well in advance for parties. :calendar:
🚶♀️ Walk or Bike In
Avoid the entrance fee by walking or biking into the park via accessible paths. :bike:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Annual Pass Value
Save money with an annual pass for all Ingham County Parks if you visit often! :moneybag:
🎟️ Book Tubing Ahead
Purchase snow tubing tickets online in advance to guarantee your spot. :ticket:
☀️ Reserve Shelters Early
Summer picnic shelters book up fast; reserve yours well in advance for parties. :calendar:
🚶♀️ Walk or Bike In
Avoid the entrance fee by walking or biking into the park via accessible paths. :bike:
🐶 Dog-Friendly Park
Leashed dogs are welcome in most areas, and there's an amazing dog park with a pass. :dog:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Hawk Island Park is widely praised as a versatile, well-maintained destination for all seasons, offering a wide array of activities from snow tubing to splash pads and scenic trails. Visitors appreciate its family-friendly atmosphere and the value of an annual pass for county parks. Some minor drawbacks include the entrance fee and the need to book popular activities in advance.
"Hawk Island is a versatile, well-maintained park that caters to all seasons. Whether you’re cooling off on the splash pad, paddling around the lake, tubing into the evening, or enjoying a scenic bike ride along the river trails, there’s something for everyone. It’s family-friendly, pet-friendly (with some restrictions), and a valuable local hub of outdoor recreation.
If you’re planning a visit, here are a few tips:
1.Grab an annual pass if you plan multiple visits across lakes, parks, and the zoo.
2.Reserve shelters early—they book up fast for summer parties.
3.For tubing, buy tickets ahead online, and dress warmly if you’re watching from below."
Khosnur Jahan Aurin
"Beautiful lake with a 1.5-mile paved trail around it leading to other wooded trails. Includes several large docks good for fishing, a grassy beach with a large sandy area for kids, a splash park, a large playground, paddleboats, a volleyball court, a concession area, several picnic areas with grills and a pavillion."
B Scott
"This park is a wonderful place for families! It’s clean, peaceful, and has plenty of space for kids to play and run around. We loved the playground and the walking paths. It’s also a great spot for small birthday parties or relaxing picnics. Definitely one of our favorite parks in the area!"
Zainab Shammat
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Hawk Island Park is located in Lansing, Michigan. It's about an hour and 15 minutes from Metro Detroit. You can drive directly to the park, but there is a vehicle entrance fee. Alternatively, you can walk or bike in to avoid the fee.
While there is a vehicle entrance fee, some visitors suggest walking or biking into the park to bypass the fee. Specific free parking lots very close by are not widely advertised, so consider the annual pass for frequent visits.
Hawk Island Park is part of the Ingham County Parks system. Specific driving directions can be found on the Ingham County Parks website or by using GPS navigation to 'Hawk Island Park, Lansing, MI'.
Information on public transportation routes to Hawk Island Park is limited. Driving or biking are the most common methods of access mentioned by visitors.
Yes, Hawk Island Park features 1.5 miles of paved, accessible walkways around the lake, making it easy to navigate for wheelchairs and strollers.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is a vehicle entrance fee to drive into Hawk Island Park. Visitors can opt for an annual pass for all Ingham County Parks, which is a cost-effective option for frequent visitors.
Snow tubing tickets are required for the tubing runs. It's recommended to purchase these tickets online in advance, especially during peak season.
Yes, an annual pass is available for $35 and covers all Ingham County Parks, including Hawk Island Park, offering great value for regular visitors.
Park hours can vary seasonally. The splash pad and beach typically operate during summer months, while snow tubing is available in winter. Check the Ingham County Parks website for the most up-to-date hours.
It is highly recommended to buy tubing tickets online in advance, as they can sell out.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Hawk Island Park offers a wide range of activities including snow tubing in winter, a splash pad and swimming beach in summer, hiking trails, fishing docks, paddle boat rentals, a playground, and picnic areas.
Absolutely! Families love Hawk Island Park for its community-built playground, splash pad, swimming beach, and spacious picnic areas. The paved trails are also great for strollers. +1
Yes, there are several large docks suitable for fishing, particularly around the wooded areas of the park. +1
Hawk Island Park features 1.5 miles of paved, accessible walkways and additional wooded trails, perfect for walking, jogging, or biking.
Yes, the park boasts a large, community-built playground that is a major attraction for children.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Hawk Island Park has a concession area offering snacks and drinks. Additionally, there are numerous picnic areas with grills and shelters, perfect for bringing your own food.
Yes, the park has many picnic areas with grills and shelters available. It's recommended to reserve shelters in advance, especially for larger gatherings during the summer.
The concession area typically offers snacks, drinks, and potentially some light meal options. Specific offerings may vary.
Absolutely! Bringing your own food and drinks is encouraged, especially for picnics. There are plenty of spots to set up and enjoy your meal.
Hawk Island Park is located in Lansing, Michigan, which offers a variety of dining options. You can find numerous restaurants in the surrounding areas if you prefer to eat out.
📸 📸 Photography
The paved trails around the lake offer scenic views, especially during sunrise or sunset. The beach area and the playground also make for great family photos. In winter, the snow tubing hill provides a dynamic backdrop.
Yes, Hawk Island Park is beautiful year-round. Summer offers vibrant greenery and water activities, while winter transforms it into a snowy wonderland for tubing.
Drone usage policies can vary. It's best to check with Ingham County Parks directly regarding regulations for flying drones within the park to ensure compliance.
The park is ideal for landscape photography, family portraits, and action shots, especially during snow tubing events or summer water activities.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, commercial photography or filming may require permits. Always be respectful of other visitors' privacy.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 In the summer, the splash pad and swimming beach provide endless water fun, perfect for cooling off on hot days. +1 The 1.5-mile paved accessible walkways are ideal for strollers, allowing everyone to enjoy the scenic views around the lake. +1 Don't forget to pack a picnic to enjoy at one of the many designated areas with grills. 💰 Budget Travelers
❄️ Winter Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Seasonal Activities at Hawk Island Park
As the weather warms up, Hawk Island becomes a summer haven. The splash pad and swimming beach are major draws, providing refreshing ways to beat the heat.
+1 Families can also enjoy paddle boat rentals on the lake, adding a fun aquatic adventure to their visit. The park's commitment to accessibility is evident with its 1.5-mile paved accessible walkways, perfect for leisurely strolls or bike rides along the water. +1Beyond these seasonal highlights, the park maintains its appeal year-round with hiking trails that wind through wooded areas, offering a peaceful escape into nature.
+1 This all-season versatility makes Hawk Island Park a dynamic destination for outdoor recreation. Planning Your Visit: Passes, Fees, and Tips
Certain popular activities, like snow tubing in the winter, require advance ticket purchases. It's advisable to buy these online ahead of time to secure your spot, as they can sell out quickly.
Hawk Island Park is also noted for being family-friendly and pet-friendly (with some restrictions), making it a welcoming destination for a wide range of visitors.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit