Red Cedar River Kayaking Guide

The Red Cedar River is the Lansing area's hometown stream, winding from its rural headwaters through Okemos and the Michigan State University campus before joining the Grand River in downtown Lansing. It is a river of delightful contrasts: quiet, wooded stretches where you might see deer and herons give way to the lively MSU campus, where the river flows past academic halls and students toss frisbees on the banks, and then to an urban finish at the Grand. Few Michigan rivers pack this much variety into such a convenient package.

For paddlers, the Red Cedar's great virtue is its superb documentation. The Meridian Township Red Cedar Water Trail map lays out the river in clear segments with mileages and estimated times, making trip planning genuinely easy. The water itself is mostly gentle — a moving-water stream with a modest current, occasional riffles, and the odd downed tree to navigate. It is an excellent river for beginners building skills and for club groups that want interesting paddling without logistical headaches.

The river's character shifts as you travel downstream. The upper reaches around Okemos and Haslett feel suburban-rural, with wooded corridors and parkland. The MSU campus section is the social heart of the river — scenic, lively, and utterly unique. Below campus, the river takes on a more urban feel as it approaches the Grand River confluence in Lansing. Each section makes a fine half-day trip, and the segments link naturally into longer adventures.

Paddling the Red Cedar

Harris Nature Center to Ferguson Park (4.8 miles, about 3 hours)

This upper segment runs 4.8 miles from Harris Nature Center to Ferguson Park in about 3 hours. It is the most natural-feeling part of the river, with wooded banks and parkland framing a gentle current — a lovely introduction to the Red Cedar and a favorite for relaxed group paddles.

Ferguson Park to MSU Campus (4.8 miles, about 3 hours)

Another 4.8 miles and about 3 hours brings you from Ferguson Park to the MSU campus. The river gradually takes on a more suburban character before delivering you to one of Michigan's most distinctive paddling settings: the Red Cedar winding through a Big Ten campus.

MSU Campus to the Grand River

From campus, continue 3.2 miles (about 3.5 hours) to Aurelius Road and Kruger Landing, then finish via Crego Park to the Grand River confluence (1.9 miles) and on to Cherry Hill Boat Launch (2.3 miles). Note the required portage at the old dam and rapids near the MSU Administration Building — scout it from shore and carry around. The urban finish through Lansing to the Grand is a fun change of pace.

Hazards & Portages

The portage at the old dam and rapids near the MSU Administration Building is mandatory — do not attempt to run it. Elsewhere, logjams are the recurring hazard; they can appear after any storm, so scout blind bends and be ready for short carries. The river's urban sections mean more bridges and riverside walls, which can create odd currents at higher flows. As always, check conditions after heavy rain.

Access & Parking

Harris Nature Center (42.69682, -84.37605) in Okemos is the classic upper put-in with parking and facilities. Ferguson Park, the MSU campus landings, Kruger Landing at Aurelius Road, Crego Park, and Cherry Hill Boat Launch provide a well-spaced chain of access points downstream. Campus-area parking follows university rules — check signage — while the township and city parks offer dedicated paddler parking.

Map