Hawk Island Park — Attraction in Lansing

Living in Lansing ALL my life, this place was used by family name of Solomon's. Growing up in this particular area, we would say, Let's go to the pits to fish. Fishing used to be fantastic! Pike used to be in pits. It had been here for years..even when my Daddy grew up on in this area as did His parent's also..many generations. Being in the Navy, he used to swim here, but it was discouraged as cold spring fed, could easily hit one...and drown as cold spring being as cold as they were..cramping usually happened and sadly, there were drownings. It wasn't the most beautiful place, walking there, but the "Blue Water's", given name because it was dark blue & clean. As years went by, changes occur. So, comes the diggers etc. to make it into "Hawk Island." Not sure where name came from...never saw a Hawk around here. I hated to see such changes...separate the Blue Waters making it into one big Lake. Gone went the Pike & many types of 🐟 fish since then bringing in so many blue gills, Small Bass, Sunfish & possibly perch..not sure. Why they connected the two is question I wanted to ask. Water is NOT as deep or as Blue as I remember it to be. Yes, we took our 2 children there, been with my Dad after Mom passed for fun in the sun & cook out on one of their grills. It IS a nice place to go, really is! Flooding happens, however, which raises River behind it & flows into Lake. Unsure what is considered safe to swim when told NOT to touch or Fish in our surrounding rivers, Grand River, Red Cedar River & Sycamore. "The city of 3 Rivers" High levels of bad water after melting of snow & lots of rain. So if Sycamore Creek overflows over walking area, into Lake, just question what it is the city checks for in swimming & fishing lake? I haven't been there in years since children are grown. These changes made...was it really worth killing the fish? Cannot keep any Bass as they never get big enough to legally keep. Some do anyway. When building days off, went there to fish walking back way through Scott's woods only to be thrown out by County Sheriff. Fun days turned into sad days. Just minding our own business with our son & his friend to fish, after an hour, thrown out. He was nice about it, got to keep our fish, planned an all day outing. No swimming...we had no intention of swimming. Had our fishing license's. Overall, try it for yourself. To make reservations, I hear for huge pavilion, it takes a year to reserve. If you like a lot of children around you at beach, this is place for you. Life Guards are on duty from time park opens for swimming until dusk. Making this safe for all as with hourly checks, everyone out of water for sweep. If any child comes up missing, same thing only with adult volunteers to go eat out in water form a line & walk slowly to shore. Before we usually are starting or even started, child is found safe...not in water, just wandered off. No Smoking in park now. No area for smoking. Not sure on alcoholic beverages. Before it became a County Park, it was ok to smoke & drink. Now it has changed for Family Fun. I have it a 4 star because of some rules. Paying to park...I don't agree as you already pay taxes for Ingham County Parks, I cannot see pay to park. Already with taxes, of course snack bar, rental of paddle boats etc. Riding bike in, get in Free? Kind of prejudice as a lot can not ride a bike. I just don't agree with paying to park, even paying to park in hospitals. I would need to see why. Thank you...Long, but worth to let others know history of HAWK...

A True Gem in the Heart of Lansing – Hawk Island Park is Pure Family Joy

There are few places in mid-Michigan that so perfectly balance natural beauty, recreational variety, and family-focused fun as Hawk Island Park in Lansing. For my family—my lively kiddo, her always-smiling best friend, and my wonderful fiancé—it has quickly become our favorite local escape. Every visit feels like a mini-vacation without the hassle of travel, and we leave each time with hearts a little fuller and faces sore from smiling.

The crown jewel of Hawk Island, especially during the warmer months, is undoubtedly the beach. Nestled along the picturesque lake, the sandy shoreline is clean, inviting, and just the right size to feel safe while still offering space to spread out. The water is calm and perfect for younger kids, and there's something so serene about lounging near the shore while watching little ones splash, dig, and giggle their way through a summer day.

But what truly seals the deal for us is the splash pad—an absolute hit with the kids. It’s like watching joy materialize in real time as they dart between the jets, shriek with laughter, and invent endless games with water as their playground. It’s designed thoughtfully with safety and accessibility in mind, and it never fails to tire them out in the best way possible.

Beyond the beach and splash pad, the park is sprawling and beautifully maintained. The paved trails are perfect for walking, biking, or leisurely stroller rides, winding through lovely woods and scenic lake views. Whether you’re in the mood for an energetic outing or just a relaxing stroll, Hawk Island delivers.

What elevates this park from good to extraordinary, however, is its overall family-friendly energy. The park is clean, the amenities are thoughtfully laid out, and there’s a peaceful, community-oriented vibe that makes everyone—from toddlers to grandparents—feel welcome and at ease. It’s a place where memories are made, photos are snapped, and everyday moments somehow become unforgettable.

We’ve shared laughter over melting ice cream, watched ducks paddle by as the sun sets, and ended long summer days with sandy toes and happy hearts. Simply put, Hawk Island Park is more than just a park to us—it’s a beloved chapter in our family story, and we can’t wait to write...

On Friday, March 3rd 2023 at 5p i purchased 5 tickets ($55) for a time slot of 4p-6p for Saturday, March 4th 2023.

When my family arrived on March 4th at 3p (ish) I was told i am not on the list. I showed "Shelby" my confirmation email and she said, "you are a day late. those were for yesterday."

i looked at the email and was shocked, I said, ""why would i buy 4p tickets at 5p!" she said that they were filled up but i could wait around and possibly the last 15-30 min we could go. i let her know, that $55 dollars is not worthy of a potential 15 min of tubing and i asked if i could have a refund. "I dont do that" i asked if i could speak to a manager and she called a christina. i could hear cristina on the phone and she said the same thing. i asked if christina could come here to speak to me and she said she would.

i waited around for over 30 minutes. i asked if she can be called again to let her know im still waiting.

christina spoke with me, "Im on my lunch and im not coming there to discuss with you. this is the deal, its like when you buy 10 movie theatre tickets, 10 people come and there is no room for others, thats the same im telling you."

i said, "can i explain your computer scheduling issue and what happened" she said the computer scheduling issue is not here, "you can try to talk to someone on Monday about this." she had a laugh in her voice.

I had again explained, "you cant allow my 3 kids to enjoy the tubing since we drove an hour here." i didnt care about my ticket or my husbands at that time.

she said, "no"

this was beyond hurtful, lack of empathy, no customer service, controlling and they should be embarrassed. they made it to we will never visit again and i will be sharing this experience with multiple social media reviews/friends/etc

i hope their behavior makes it to the proper chain in command and perhaps some customer service...