Part of finding and creating a place to call home is discovering the local-life and what makes the Greater Lansing area an awesome place to live and work. Today, I’m sharing with you the best Lansing dog parks, according to dog owners.
If you’re living around Lansing or you’re thinking about moving to the area with your furry, four-legged friend, then this article is a great resource.
Our research methodology for creating this list was simple. Since all of us at the Dolinski Group are primarily real estate agents, and not dog experts, we relied on informal surveys from our office staff, to the Lansing residents on Facebook, and to the people on YELP.
Armed with this data, we compiled our list of Lansing’s best dog parks.
Below, you will find information on each Lansing dog park, such as price, location, and any special amenities. If you’re looking for some fun with your pooch, check out these Lansing dog parks. There are dog parks throughout various Lansing suburbs.
For more information on living in Lansing, check out our guide.
Lansing Dog Park #1: Soldan Dog Park
Cost: $6/day – $33/year
Location: 1601 E. Cavanaugh Rd, Lansing, MI 48910
Review #1
“Lots of room for the dogs to run and play. Two spots to access the pond. Space to run in a wooded area. Outhouse for people. My dogs love it. Only downside would be longer furred dogs may get burrs running through the tall weeds.”
Review #2
“This park is great. Trails, water access, lots of room to run and play, and much of it is shaded in trees to avoid hot afternoon sun. There is also a water fountain with bowls for the dogs to drink, which is closed during the colder months. It’s big enough to take your dog on an off leash hike, with trails the run through a few marshy areas on the north side of the park. We drive all the way from Grand Ledge to visit.
The culture there is good too. We see a handful of regulars, but also meet new friends with almost every visit. So far the vast majority of people and dogs we’ve met at the park are well behaved and do great in off-leash environments. Even if there is a dog who has more energy than another dog is comfortable with, there’s enough room within the gates to have separate play areas. In my experience, after dozens of visits, only a handful of dogs have ‘triggered’ other dogs. In each instance, the owners were quick to act. They aren’t even worth mentioning because our visits to the park has been overwhelmingly positive.
Thanks to Ingham County and the City of Lansing for building this great park!”
By far, the most popular dog park in Lansing is Soldan Dog Park. This 15-acre park, with a lot of natural space and trails, is adjacent to Hawk Island Park in Lansing. This park is certainly the go-to park for many dog owners.
Soldan dog park is a place where dogs can be… well…? Dogs. The park is the largest off-leash dog park in the area and is designed with dogs in mind.
There is a large pond where dogs can swim and play. The expansive open field is perfect for playing frisbee, throwing a play or just watching them run.
However, all of this space isn’t free. There is a small fee to access the dog park along with a possible fee for parking (only if you enter through Hawk Island). But don’t let the costs deter you because it’s well worth it.
A year-long membership at Soldan Dog Park is $33. If you happen to be a student, Senior (60+), a veteran or the owner of a service animal, then you can get a year-long membership for $22.
Getting A Soldan Dog Park Pass</h3
You can purchase a membership at Hawk Island (when staff present), Ingham county parks department, Ingham county animal control, and City of Lansing parks and recreation. With a yearly membership you’ll be given an electronic pass card, or key FOB, that allows you to access the park at any time.
NOTE: You must present a current dog license and proof of rabies vaccination when applying for a dog park pass.
If you’re moving to the area, be sure to get your records changed before the move so that you’re ready to go by the time you get here.
Not ready to make the long-term commitment without trying it out? That’s okay. The park offers a daily pass when the staff is present at Hawk Island gatehouse facilities. Day passes cost $6.
You can only purchase a day pass when staff is present at the Hawk Island gatehouse facilities. In the summer months, this is between 9am and 7pm. During the winter months, it’s by appointment with the manager only.
Since hours vary by season, be sure to call Ingham County Parks at 517-676-2233 to verify staff is there during the time you plan to go.
Why Does Soldan Dog Park Charge?
Some of the parks on our list are free, so why pay the fee? Well, the money goes to supporting ongoing maintenance of the park, as well as, for future improvements to the park.
One of the issues that a few dog owners — mostly of small dogs — brought up was the “aggressive” and big dogs they sometimes encountered. Brian Collins, Ingham County Park Manager, is aware of the concern and is working on re-establish an area for small dogs only. The membership fees are what makes projects like these possible.
The park is also working on increasing accessibility by extending a sidewalk from the parking lot area (in Hawk Island) into the dog park.
How To Get There:
If you’re new to the area or haven’t visited Hawk Island, finding the dog park can be a bit confusing.
The dog park is located on the north end of Hawk Island Park. You can access the park in one of two ways:
Come from the River Trail in Scott Woods (park on E. Willard Ave.)
Enter Hawk Island from E. Cavanaugh and Drive to the north end, past the Hawk Island Maintenance Building.
Please note: there is a parking fee to enter Hawk Island. This is separate from the day pass or membership fee to access the dog park. Scott Woods doesn’t charge a fee.
I’ve included a map below with areas to park and how to access the park.
For more information and specific dog park rules, please visit Ingham County’s Website
Lansing Dog Park #2: Northern Tail Dog Park
Address: 6400 Abbot Rd, East Lansing, MI 48823
Cost: Free
Review #1
“We love the dog park! There’s lots of open space and usually several dogs to play with. Our dog Annie loves to run around and make new friends here! It’s free and pretty clean. There are almost always extra tennis balls to throw around too! Would definitely recommend if you’re looking for a good way to socialize your pup –and maybe meet some dog-loving humans as well!”
Review #2
“Nice dog park. Has a small dog section. No water so bring your own, but plenty of bowls there. Large area to run and the grounds have been well maintained.”
Located in East Lansing, this two-acre, double-gated, off-leash dog park features plenty of space to play, a doggy station, shade trees, and more. The city of East Lansing says the park is great for socializing and exercising dogs.
Awe. Isn’t he so cute?
While it’s not nearly as large as Soldan Dog Park, this park still has a lot to offer. Many of the dog owners I spoke to said this park is much better for socialization because of the small and safe environment. When talking about Soldan Dog Park, many small-dog owners mentioned there seems to be more aggressive dogs at that park.
Maybe it’s because the open fields attract dogs that tend to have more energy. I’m not really sure. But it was something that many dog owners mentioned.
So if you own a small dog and this is something that concerns you, then this park might be a better fit for you and your dog.
It could also be a great fit if you want to visit a park that is free. This park doesn’t charge for access. Since it’s free, be sure to care for the park when you’re there. The only way this park’s quality is maintained is if we all treat the park with respect and care.
How To Get There:
The park is located near the East Lansing Aquatic Center and just north of the East Lansing Softball Complex. You can access the park through the same entrance as the Lansing Aquatic Center off Abbot Road.
Drive to the back of the complex, towards the softball fields. Turn left in the parking lot and head to the end of the lot. The park is near the end of the lot, just behind the softball field. You should have no problem finding the park, but just in case, here is a map.
Lansing Dog Park #3: DeWitt Dog Park
Address: 3577 W. Herbison Rd, DeWitt, MI 48820 (Padgett Park)
Cost: Free
Review #1
“People can bring their dogs off-leash. The trails are walking trails where dog are required to be on a leash. People like to take their dogs off leash on these trails anyway, so be prepared for that possibility.”
Review #2
I go to the dog park almost every day in the summer. You can read the news story about the 1 dog attack, which was a tragedy, but I believe is the exception and not the rule. You’ll need to realize that if you want a place to socialize your dog off-leash for FREE, the risk of your dog being attacked is a risk you’re going to have to take. Is it a large risk? No. But a risk. That being said, if you don’t know how to have control over your dog while it’s off leash, you should not take your dog into the park. I’m talking about both nice and aggressive dogs. Just because your dog is nice, doesn’t mean it can’t cause trouble or become a victim. Likewise, if you are attempting to socialize an adult dog for the first time, this is not the place.
I feel like I shouldn’t have to say that stuff but I will. In general, just be responsible with your dog. I never bring my dog into the park without her remote collar so I can correct or call her even when not directly beside her. I never allow my dog to bark at other dogs or get overly excitable. I never allow my dog to run up to the entrance while another dog is trying to come in. I’m constantly watching my dog and other dog’s behavior and energy. I do this so I can keep my distance from the possible problem dogs. If I see a dog that is consistently being overly aggressive, we immediately leave. If my dog is consistently disobeying me, we leave.”
This dog park is a hidden gem — at least at the time of this writing.
The park is new to the community. Just opened its gates this year. The park provides an opportunity to take your dog to a park without worrying about a ton of other dogs. It’s an all grass park with some shade. It’s perfect for playing catch or watching your dog run around.
DeWitt Dog park is a much needed dog park for the west side of Lansing. Many of the off-leash dog parks are located on the east side of Lansing — Williamston, East Lansing, and Lansing. DeWitt residents and those near the community now have access to a dog park.
This park took a few years of planning. Emily Altimare, who headed the project, and Sarah Spencley, who quickly joined forces with Emily, brought the first dog park to the community in cooperation with the City of DeWitt, DeWitt Charter Township, and the Southern Clinton County Municipal Utilities Authority.
This dog park is totally free to access, but expenses for the park do exist. Tax money and grants don’t fully cover the cost of the park. As part of the partnership, Friends of the DeWitt Dog Park, a non-profit, agreed to fund ongoing costs of the park and upgrades.
How To Get There:
Getting there is easy. The dog park is located in a section of Padgett park at the corner of Herbison Road. It’s located in front of the Southern Clinton County Municipal Utilities Authority.
Park #4: Valhalla Park
Address: 2287 Pine Tree Rd, Holt, MI 48842
Cost: Free
Okay, so this one isn’t actually a “dog park”, meaning it isn’t designed just for dogs. The reason the park made it onto our list is because several dog owners recommended it and it’s a great place for residents living near south Lansing.
The dog park is 45 acres in Delhi Township. It’s one of the largest developed parks in the area and includes open fields, a pond, a lake and wooded areas. The beach is often a great place to take your dog during the summer.
Since this isn’t a dog park, you’re supposed to follow city and county ordinance, which mandates you keep your dog on at least a six-foot leash. However, I see many owners let their dog off-leash. So this is something to be aware of. Many assume that they can go off-leash because other dogs are.
The park of course is free and getting there is easy. Just plug the address into your phone… and bam. You’re there.
Taking Your Dog to the Park
While there was a general consensus on the best dog parks in Lansing, it doesn’t guarantee a good experience.
Over the course of several conversations, each dog park has its own type of environment, which may or not be the right environment for your dog. It’s important to realize that by going to a park, you’re going to experience a ton of other dogs with various social behaviors, personalities, and obedience.
To help further explain, I asked Leslie Cowell, founder of Riker’s Dog Treats, how dog owners can pick the best park for them and their dog.
“If you’re planning on taking your dog to any new surroundings, including a park or dog park, it’s usually more about preparing your dog than it is picking the perfect spot. Obviously we all want a few things in a good dog park — open area, some fun trails, modern amenities, or things to look at while walking.
Here are a few things to consider BEFORE you get to the park:
- Know your dog’s personality and be ready for potential interaction with other dogs or humans.
- Stay aware and don’t take of your “pack leader” hat. It’s important you remain assertive in this time.
- Don’t substitute going to the park for a walk. Take them for a walk before going to the park and work them out good. That way, they can truly enjoy the new surrounding.
It may take a few times to get them complete acclimated, but once you do, just have fun. It might also help to try out different dog parks or go at different times.”
Conclusion
Hopefully you found this guide to best Lansing dog parks helpful. If you did, be sure to share this with a friend or two. Know any dog owners moving to the community? Be sure to share this article with them.
Lansing is a great place to live and those who are moving will realize instantly how great it is.
Lansing is a great place to live and those who are moving will realize instantly how great it is. You can always learn more about moving to Lansing.
