Well, my sister is getting married this weekend in East Lansing, MI. I’m going to need some alone time for sure and was going to pack my running shoes. Can anyone recommend some good places to run around the MSU campus? I’m staying at a Marriott, which I believe is on campus. I was hoping there are trails around there or something.
Thanks.
Welll I grew up in the lansing area so I think I can help.
There is a wondeful little trail, the greater lansing river trail, that starts on the northwest corner adjacent to the Breslin center (intersection of harrison and another street I can’t remember). Following this trail west will take you out of EL, through Potter Park zoo through downtown and up to the northside of Lansing. Over 13 miles long I think. My evil twin will correct me if any of my facts are wrong.
Of course the MSU campus is gorgeous to run around this time of year as well. If you stay near the red cedar river there are usually plenty of sunbathers to enhance the view.
Looks like the weather will be cool and mostly overcast. Ideal for a run.
Enjoy.
There may be some running trails out by Farm Lane and Mt. Hope rd. Of course, MSU has a beautiful campus, why look for trails when you can run around and enjoy it.
Otherwise, there’s the river trail (paved) that starts on Kalamazoo st. and goes all the way to downtown Lansing.
There’s also a county park (William F. Burchfield) about 10 miles away (SW) on Grovenburg rd. out in the sticks, but over 15k of trails.
Hey! You get out of here! I was here first!!!
Go to hell you stupid metabolic unit.
I know you are, but what am I?
Go out the front door of the Marriott and turn right and take M.A.C. to Grand River. Cross Grand River on the Student Union will be on your right. Continue on the foot paths in the same general direction until you get to the Library. From the Library you will see the Red Cedar River. Run along the Red Cedar until you are board.
I don’t remember the running trails that well from my time at MSU because I spent most of my free time in the Landshark, PT’s, Rick’s, Dooley’s, Small Planet, Crunchies, my frat or anywhere else there was beer. I often think about what kind of triathlete I could have been if I was actually running then . . .
Lap Campus. Nice weather=lots of ladies out. You can run anywhere on campus and have fun. Along the river adjacent to Wells is good too. I would cut right through campus and enjoy the winding past the libary, the river, stadium, etc. It’s one of the best places to run in the world, especially at night when you can skip across roads without worrying about traffic. For a less scenic but straight forward run, you can run the perimeter of campus- Grand River, Hagadorn down to South Campus and right back north past Cedar Village or keep on going. Nice square run. Wish I was with you for that. Memories…
Thanks for everything guys! I am midwest-phobic, so I don’t wasn’t sure what to expect…but it doesn’t sound so bad at all! I will definitely cruise around campus and hit the cedar trail. This actually gives me something to look forward to.
I echo all of the above sentiments…campus, the river trail, all great places to run. Here’s a run to try if you’re looking for a little of everything…
Head north on MAC (keep eyes peeled…should be lots to look at) to Burcham Dr; take a right on Burcham, run past the sorority houses on your left and keep running until you see the E.Lansing High School track (on left). Get a little speed work in on the track and/or run the bleachers for a spell. Leave the track, and head south (towards campus) on Bailey Street. Stay on Bailey for ~4 blocks then hop one block to the left (Collingwood Dr). Continue towards campus on Collingwood (say hi to whomever lives at 225 for me). The Grand River/Collingwood intersection will be right ahead…be careful, it’s a busy one. Cross Grand River and you’ll be on campus. Stay on the same road until you hit the river. Go right along the river until you’re sick of it then head back north to Grand River. The Marriott is only one block off G.River so it shouldn’t be hard to find. Look for the “uniquely” colored parking deck if you get lost…can’t miss that one…
Giorgio’s (greasy pizza), Bell’s (super greasy pizza) or Panchero’s (2 lb. El Gordo burritos) for drunk binge eating…not that I ever did that or anything…man I’d kill to be back there. Have a great time!
If you want to run on some great trails and can drive for ten minutes definitely go to lake lansing park north…it’s the best running in town by far! It’s a 3.5 mile loop on varied terrain from wooden bridges over marshes to coniferous forests. It is right across from my parents place so I run there all the time when I’m home.
I can give you directions if you have a car and are interested.
Good luck,
Dan
www.aiatriathlon.com
Is the Peanut Barrel still in East Lansing?
yup, and they’re waiting for you to show up…