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Frances Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 940 Google reviews · Running trail in Lansing, Michigan · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Frances Park's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
City park featuring a picturesque rose garden, woodland trail, river overlook & athletic fields.
What runners say about Frances Park
“Paved walking trail, beautiful gardens, huge expanse of open lawn, large enclosed events building, clean restrooms, large playground.”
“Frances Park (Lansing, MI) is widely celebrated as a beautiful, versatile park perfect for families, photography, exercise, and small events.”
Very nice. River view from the height is awesome. Long trail for walking a dog or on a bike is beautiful. Near the entrance a small portion of this trail goes into woods which are beautiful. Other common park amenities are provided and maintained. They had a drive-thru holiday light show for 2021 that ended on 12/20.
Such a beautiful rose/flower garden!! Great place for events. Has a pavilion. Nice 0.9 mile paved trail loop. Well maintained and clean. There's a playground for the kiddos. River outlook. Great place to take pictures! Would definitely recommend stopping!
Great park; it has everything! The play scape for kids is nice with plenty of picnic tables nearby. There are soccer fields, trails up along the river front, AND the rose gardens are magnificent.
Paved walking trail, beautiful gardens, huge expanse of open lawn, large enclosed events building, clean restrooms, large playground. Rose gardens would be a great spot for a wedding, or just take a leisurely walk. These are only a few of the the highlights of this Lansing gem.
Trail conditions & character
“Frances Park (Lansing, MI) is widely celebrated as a beautiful, versatile park perfect for families, photography, exercise, and small events.”
“Paved walking trail, beautiful gardens, huge expanse of open lawn, large enclosed events building, clean restrooms, large playground.”
“They had a drive-thru holiday light show for 2021 that ended on 12/20.”
“Paved walking trail, beautiful gardens, huge expanse of open lawn, large enclosed events building, clean restrooms, large playground.”
Plan your run at Frances Park
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfacePaved — asphalt or concrete. Fast and predictable, runnable year-round, and fine with a stroller
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- LightingRunners report lights on the path — useful for pre-dawn and after-work miles. Lighting and opening hours are separate things, so check both.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitelansing.org
- Phone(517) 483-4277
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 8 AM–9 PM |
| Tuesday | 8 AM–9 PM |
| Wednesday | 8 AM–9 PM |
| Thursday | 8 AM–9 PM |
| Friday | 8 AM–9 PM |
| Saturday | 8 AM–9 PM |
| Sunday | 8 AM–9 PM |
Running trails near Lansing
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
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