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The Lansing River Trail extends over 8 miles (13 km) along the Red Cedar River and Grand River. Users of the paved and board walk trail can enjoy the natural beauty of the rivers all the way from the campus of MSU to Dietrich Park near Old Town on the north side of Lansing. The attractions along the way include the Potter Park Zoo, multiple access points for canoes and kayaks, downtown Lansing, the Museum District, Oldsmobile Park, the historic farmers market, and Old Town. The trail is being expanded to provide access to the south side of Lansing. Spring, summer, and fall, this is a great way to see many of the Lansing attractions.
MSU Broad
The museum houses a moderately large and constantly changing collection of cutting-edge postmodern art, including Damien Hirst, Joseph Beuys, Andy Warhol, and Nam June Paik. The architecture (by Zaha Hadid) is controversial, but undeniably spectacular.
The museum is on the campus of MSU in the old library, and houses a large collection of dinosaur bones and other artifacts. Cost of admission for students is waived.
This excellent park has a busy, incredibly elaborate playground, but also quiet, relaxing areas. This is one of the few playgrounds that will delight all ages.
The gardens are open all year, but are best viewed spring to fall. The garden's beauty changes with each season, and is surprisingly colorful all through the fall months. The roses are especially beautiful in the summer months. The garden is on the south side of campus away from most of the University lecture halls.
The 4-H garden is located near the MSU Horticultural gardens and is fun for children and adults alike. The garden features exhibits such as the "pizza garden," which includes oregano and basil, which children can taste and smell. Many of the plants are familiar tastes and smells that children will instantly realize as the source of enjoyment in many of their favorite treats.