Adado Riverfront Park

A Scenic Escape in Downtown Lansing

Stretching along Michigan's longest waterway, Adado Riverfront Park offers a refreshing breath of green in the heart of downtown Lansing. This expansive urban park sits alongside the Grand River, offering space for both quiet moments and lively gatherings.

The park represents a key connector in Lansing's River Trail System - a 13-mile pathway that weaves through the city's cultural hotspots, historic landmarks, and urban centers. Think of it as your launching pad for exploring the best of what Lansing has to offer, or simply a destination worth visiting in its own right.

Nature Meets Design

Adado combines natural beauty with interesting design elements. The Grand River cuts right through the park, offering peaceful water views that change with the seasons. If you're looking to get closer to the water, you'll find plenty of spots for riverside relaxation.

A restored pedestrian railway bridge connects the east and west sections, offering nice views of the surroundings. The park incorporates berms and plantings throughout, and features a natural amphitheater that was once a salt storage shed - an interesting bit of repurposing.

Art lovers will appreciate touches like the Brenke River Sculpture and Fish Ladder, which add character to your stroll. And if you're hoping to make a day of it, nearby attractions like the historic Turner-Dodge House and Potter Park Zoo are just a short journey away.

For picnics, you can use one of the tables inside the park or find a spot on the dock overlooking the river. You might see locals casting their fishing lines into the water, as the park is popular among fishing enthusiasts.

Where Lansing Comes Together

Adado hosts many community events throughout the year. As an outdoor concert venue, the park's natural layout provides good acoustics and can accommodate large crowds.

Throughout the year, you'll find the calendar filled with diverse gatherings - from music festivals and food celebrations like Wing Fest and Taco & Tequila Fest, to cultural events including traditional Pow Wows. Come Fourth of July, the park offers one of the best vantage points for fireworks in the city.

Play Michigan! A Playground for Everyone

A notable addition is the $3.2 million Play Michigan! playground that opened in 2023. This playground goes beyond basic ADA requirements to create an inclusive space where children and adults of all abilities can play together.

Features include rubber ground covering for safer landings, wheelchair-accessible surfaces, and interactive elements for different age groups. Some standout features include a specialized zip line chair, parent-baby combo swings, and a four-person teeter-totter that encourages group play.

On hot summer days, you'll appreciate the shaded areas scattered throughout the playground. The riverside setting allows parents to enjoy water views while supervising children.

Outdoor Recreation Options

Beyond organized events, Adado has space for various outdoor activities. The open green areas are excellent for impromptu picnics or just lounging with a good book. The River Trail attracts walkers, joggers, and cyclists looking to get their exercise with a view.

Dog parents, take note - your four-legged friends are welcome here (just keep them leashed). The mix of natural scenery and recreational options makes Adado a notable part of Lansing's urban landscape.

Good to Know Before You Go

You'll come across basic amenities including picnic shelters and portable restrooms around the park. Handicap parking is available, but regular parking can get tight during popular events - many visitors opt to use nearby downtown parking structures instead.

Adado Riverfront Park is open 24 hours daily. Whether you want to see the sunrise over the Grand River, bring your family for afternoon activities, or take an evening walk, the park is accessible at any time.