LOCAL

Fireworks, kayaking and baseball: Where to celebrate Independence Day in downtown Lansing

Joe Dandron
Lansing State Journal
Lansing fireworks lit up the sky over Cooley Law School Stadium in past years. Add in a zoo visit and some night kayaking, and you've got a great lineup if you plan to stay in town this holiday weekend.

Stick around Lansing for the Fourth of July, and you may find more to do in downtown Lansing than you think.

Plenty of local residents skip town for the beaches of Lake Michigan or other summer destinations during the holiday week. In previous years, many have called downtown Lansing a ghost town during the week of the Fourth.

However, for those who stay in town the area has plenty of things to do and special deals, as well a plethora of parades and fireworks in celebration of our nation's independence.

Fourth of July at Potter Park Zoo

Potter Park Zoo announced the birth of three critically-endangered Cotton-Top Tamarins on May 23.

Potter Park Zoo is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Thursday, July 4. The zoo also offers special free admission to all U.S. military veterans and current servicemen and servicewomen during normal summer hours.

Lansing's Potter Park Zoo has been home to hundreds of different animal species and has operated in Lansing for nearly 100 years. From Amazon frogs to African lions, and even a young kangaroo named "Roo", the zoo has plenty of things to do and see; come enjoy them on Independence Day. For non-military rates, you can visit the Zoo's website here. 

Light up the river with River Town Adventures

The weather shouldn't do much to interfere with fireworks shows over the July 4 holiday weekend in the Lansing region.

River Town Adventures, the kayak rental et. Al. located right downtown, is hosting their annual "Light up the River" event on the Grand River. Check-in starts at 8 p.m. at their rental location behind the Lansing Center.

Read more:2019 Fourth of July celebrations across Greater Lansing

Read more:Fireworks rules are changing in the Lansing area, here's what you need to know

The annual event allows locals to enjoy City of Lansing fireworks from the river, with double and single kayaks illuminated by LED lights and glow sticks. You must bring an ID and confirmation of your ticket purchase to check-in. All boats are required to be back at 11 p.m. Any individual under 18 years must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets are available online. For more information you can call 517-253-7523.

Lansing Lugnuts play the Great Lakes Loons

Lugnuts right fielder DJ Neal, left, jokes with teammate Hagen Danner before the start of Lansing's game against the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers on Thursday, May 2, 2019, at Cooley Law School Stadium in Lansing.

Baseball has long been called America's pass time. On the Fourth of July, make it Lansing's pass time too as the Lugnuts take on the Loons out of Midland, Michigan – a team that recently clinched a playoff spot.

With the holiday falling on a Thursday, you can join the Lugnuts for their weekly 'Thirsty Thursday' you might miss if your work week conflicts – so you can finally enjoy those draft beer specials: $1 for 12 oz. beers and $2 pints. First pitch is set to be thrown at 6:35 p.m. and tickets start at $8 for lawn seats. For more information, visit lansinglugnuts.com.

Lansing Concert Band, celebration at Adado Riverfront Park

Gary Sullivan conducts the Lansing Concert Band in patriotic songs at Adado Riverfront Park before the July 4 fireworks Thursday 7/4/2013. (Lansing State Journal | Rod Sanford

The Lansing Concert Band will be performing at the City of Lansing's Fourth of July celebrations at the downtown Adado Riverfront Park, sure to be a fun time for the whole family.

The seventy-five member – all volunteer – ensemble will begin its performance at 8 p.m. Admission is free and open to the public; attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs. The band will perform patriotic music preceding the fireworks at dusk. For more information on the Lansing Concert Band, visit lansingconcertband.org.

What's open and closed?

The downtown is often bustling during the summer months with the Adado Riverfront Park, Lansing River Trail, Old Town and more.

Here's what's open and what's closed for the holiday:

  • Broad Art Museum, will be closed in recognition of the holiday.
  • Wharton Center for Performing Arts, will be closed for the holiday. The Wharton Center is also not running any shows during the month of July. 
  • Hannah Community Center, is closed for the holiday and its public art gallery will also not be showcasing anything for Independence Day. The indoor pool will also be closed for the day.
  • Capital Area District Libraries, all CADL branches will be closed for the Fourth of July.
  • Meridian Mall, the mall will remain open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on July 4.
  • Local outdoor public pools, East Lansing Family Aquatic Center, Moores Park and Hunter Park outdoor public pools will remain open on the holiday.

Did we miss anything?

If you know of an event or closing that's not on this list, please reach out to us via email at events@lsj.com or call (517) 377-1112.