Guest Writer: Chioma Lewis
This winter, get dressed in warm clothes and take a ride with CATA to discover downtown Lansing. Even when the ground is covered with snow, CATA can still take you on a journey to see the local attractions and beautiful scenery. CATA operates 16 routes that travel to and from the conveniently located CATA Transportation Center in downtown Lansing. With most downtown routes in service seven days a week, you’re bound to find a bus that can deliver you to your adventure.
Michigan State Capitol: One of the most popular attractions in Lansing is the Michigan State Capitol. Regardless of the time of year, a visit to the Capitol is always worth it. You can enjoy the beautiful scenery from the outside or take a tour. Visitors even have the option to do self-guided tours. From the CATA Transportation Center, it’s just a 10-minute walk to the Capitol building. Alternatively, you can ride CATA’s Routes 1, 3, 8-14, and 16 into downtown, and go directly to State Capitol building via the bus stop on S Capitol Ave.
Free Winter Skating: Skating is a great winter activity that you can enjoy with your family and friends. There is an outdoor skating rink located at Reutter Park, which spans over 3,000 sq ft. The park is situated on the corner of Capitol Avenue and Kalamazoo Street in Downtown Lansing. Visitors can easily access the park by walking just 5 minutes from CATA’s Transportation Center in Downtown Lansing or by taking Routes 2, 9, or 11 to reach Reutter Park directly.
Lansing River Trail: A great spot for a walk is the Lansing River Trail where you can observe various attractions and wildlife. Your most convenient option to access the Lansing River Trail, which runs along the Grand River, is Route 1. Buses stop right on E Michigan Ave in front of the Lansing Center, providing easy access to the trail.
Adado Riverfront Park and Play Michigan!: The Adado Riverfront Park offers open space and access to the Lansing River Trail and the Grand River. It is often used for festivals, performances, and events. Play Michigan! is the first playground in[PL1] the region designed with a barrier-free environment and to be universally accessible and inclusive to individuals with sensory or developmental disabilities. It is located on the riverfront near Adado Riverfront Park and is fully inclusive for all visitors.
Visitors can access Adado Riverfront Park and Play Michigan! via Routes 1, 3, 8-14, and 16 shortly after departing the CATA Transportation Center.
Washington Square: Washington Square is located at the center of Downtown Lansing, offering a range of restaurants and unique shops that visitors and locals can enjoy. CATA provides service to Washington Square via its 16 routes that travel downtown to the CATA Transportation Center which is just one street east of this destination.
The one-way regular fare is $1.25, the discounted fare is 60 cents, and young children under 42 inches ride free with an adult. For more information, call a CATA representative at 517-394-1000 or visit cata.org.