Where Can I Take My Dog?


Click HERE for a brochure detailing where dogs are welcome in Ingham County Parks.

Dogs are welcome at the following Ingham County Parks. All dogs must be on a 6 foot or less leash and under the immediate control of a responsible person:

  • At Burchfield Park ~ you may take your dogs on the trails up to Deer Run Shelter.  (There is a sign posted at that point).  Dogs are allowed in canoes, however, they are counted as a person when determining canoe capacity (3).  Dogs are not allowed on the swimming beach, in the pond, or on the trails.
  • At McNamara Canoe Landing ~ you may take your dogs on the trails up to the cutoff.  (There are signs posted at that point).   Dogs are allowed in the pond, on a 6' or less leash, at this area.
  • At Lake Lansing Park North ~ you may take your dogs on the trails throughout the year, however, no dogs are allowed on the ski trails during the winter when the ski trails are open.  Look for the posted signs.
  • Soldan Dog Park ~ you may take your dog off leash to this park.  Soldan Dog Park requires use of an electronic pass card for access into the dog park.  Please note an entrance fee applies.  Click here for user fees.
  • The River Trail which runs through Hawk Island on the west side of the lake from Scott Woods to Cavanaugh Road (dogs are prohibited in the rest of Hawk Island)

Dogs are not allowed at:

  • The Riverbend Natural Area of Burchfield Park
  • Potter Park Zoo or Potter Park (with the exception of the River Trail)
  • Lake Lansing Park South
  • Lake Lansing Boat Launch
  • Hawk Island (Dogs are not allowed at Hawk Island, with the exception of the River Trail on the west side of the lake from Scott Woods to Cavanaugh Road and when walking your dog from the parking lot directly to the Soldan Dog Park.  You may park at the back of the parking lot and walk your dog (on a 6 foot or less leash) into the Soldan Dog Park, an off leash dog park, located in Scott Woods.  All dogs must be on a 6 foot or less leash and under the immediate control of a responsible person).
  • The Kenneth A. Hope Soccer Complex