Ten important skateboard spots in East Lansing, Michigan
1. MSU Campus - The Rock
The Michigan State University (MSU) campus offers several unique skating spots, but “The Rock” area is a local favorite. This landmark, near Farm Lane and the Red Cedar River, features smooth pavement, manual pads, and ledges perfect for technical tricks and creativity. The Rock also tends to be a gathering point for students, so the vibe is energetic, making it an inspiring place to skate.
Features: Smooth pavement, manual pads, ledges
Tip: Go early in the day or during quieter campus hours to avoid the crowds.
2. Valley Court Park
Valley Court Park, located in the heart of East Lansing, is a popular spot for skateboarders due to its expansive concrete areas, which are ideal for flatground tricks. The park is known for its welcoming environment, making it a good spot for beginners and advanced skaters alike. The open layout allows skaters to experiment with different trick combinations and connect with the skate community.
Features: Wide-open concrete spaces, flatground terrain
Tip: Head here during the late afternoons for a more relaxed session with minimal foot traffic.
3. East Lansing High School
East Lansing High School is a great place for street-style skateboarding, especially during weekends when it's not busy with students. The location has ledges, stairs, and rails, creating the perfect environment for skaters looking to practice grinds and flips on steps. The rails and stairs range in height, so skaters of different skill levels can find features suited to their abilities.
Features: Ledges, rails, stairs
Tip: Respect school property and visit after hours or on weekends when it’s less crowded.
4. Burcham Hills Recreation Area
This spot is a bit hidden but well-known among East Lansing locals for its hills and slopes, which make it ideal for cruising and downhill skating. The smooth pavement at Burcham Hills Recreation Area is perfect for skaters who want a bit of speed without intense technical challenges. It’s also a great place for a relaxed session or warming up before heading to more intense skate spots.
Features: Smooth, sloping pavement, scenic routes
Tip: Be mindful of pedestrians and cyclists who also frequent this area.
5. East Lansing Skate Park at Patriarche Park
Patriarche Park’s skate park is one of the best-equipped skating locations in East Lansing. It features ramps, bowls, and transitions that cater to both street and vert skaters. The skatepark’s layout allows for creative lines, and the bowl section provides a perfect opportunity to work on transition skills. There are benches and open grassy areas nearby, making it an enjoyable spot to relax after skating.
Features: Ramps, bowls, street-style elements
Tip: Weekday mornings are less crowded, ideal for practicing new tricks.
6. Hawk Island Park
Located in nearby Lansing, Hawk Island Park offers more than just nature trails—it also has some of the best flatground spaces for skateboarding. Though not a designated skate park, the park's open concrete areas allow for practice sessions without worrying about obstacles. Hawk Island Park is a great place for beginners, with its smooth paths that work well for basic tricks and long-distance cruising.
Features: Open concrete areas, flatground
Tip: Avoid the park on weekends when it can get crowded with families and joggers.
7. Spartan Stadium
Spartan Stadium, while primarily for sports events, also attracts skateboarders due to its vast concrete spaces and unique architecture. Around the stadium, you'll find ledges and steps ideal for tricks, and during off-peak hours, the large area provides plenty of room for flatground skating. While it’s essential to respect the property, many skaters enjoy the freedom and space it offers during quieter times.
Features: Concrete surfaces, ledges, steps
Tip: Visit during off-seasons or weekdays when the stadium area is less monitored and crowds are sparse.
8. Grand River Avenue’s Urban Spots
Grand River Avenue is the main road running through East Lansing, and it’s lined with various urban skate spots, from ledges to short rails. Many skaters enjoy hitting the streets here for some spontaneous trick sessions. Keep an eye out for locations that aren’t busy with pedestrians, as the area can get congested during peak hours. It's an exciting place to blend into the urban landscape while enjoying some street skating.
Features: Urban ledges, short rails, smooth concrete
Tip: Avoid heavy traffic hours and stay alert for pedestrians and vehicles.
9. Whitehills Park
Whitehills Park offers a relaxed, suburban atmosphere for skating. It features flat, open concrete spaces perfect for practicing flatground tricks, along with a few low ledges. It’s a quieter spot compared to others in East Lansing, making it ideal for practicing without interruptions. The park is family-friendly, so respect others using the space and be mindful of children.
Features: Flatground spaces, low ledges
Tip: Weekdays are typically quieter, allowing for uninterrupted practice sessions.
10. Frandor Shopping Center
For skaters who enjoy urban skating, Frandor Shopping Center in Lansing is a solid choice. It’s known for smooth, open concrete spaces and various ledges and curbs that serve as great obstacles for street-style skating. The shopping center may get busier during peak shopping times, so plan your visit accordingly. Local skaters enjoy the versatility of this location and its accessibility to various features.
Features: Smooth concrete, curbs, ledges
Tip: Early mornings or late evenings are the best times to avoid shoppers.
Skateboarding is tribal and most locals are welcoming, but if you're new to a spot, or just passing through, have respect for the locals. Listen. Be smart. Have fun.
A human being
Art can change the world – and everybody is an artist. Those who scribble stickmen. Those who paint chapel ceilings. Those who tattoo biceps. Those who are careful with pigment on canvas. Those who create fantasy characters. Those who paint pet portraits. Those who yarn bomb. Those who write poems on crappy old cardboard.
My art lives on the bottom of skateboard decks. It's designed for you to destroy. For you, the rider, my art may come second to the deck’s ability to perform – and that’s awesome. To me, art comes first. Always.
It’s how I think. It’s who I am. It’s what I am.
A machine
This article has been created with the help of artificial intelligence platforms ChatGPT and Bard. If there are inaccuracies or there are opportunities for improvement, please let me know.
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