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A Day out on Route 18

Friday, August 27, 2021

Categories: Blog

Route 18 Map Legend
 


It’s go time! The new Route 18 is officially in business. 

Looking for an excuse to get out of the house and enjoy the rest of your summer? How about a day out on the town with a chance to win some awesome prizes along the way?

Well, that’s exactly what we’ve got - head out along the Route 18 - September 1-14, 2021 in search of hidden caches that contain color-coded “CATAcache.” These tickets may be traded in for gift cards to some of your favorite Lansing and East Lansing local restaurants.  

Ready? Let’s Go!

Stop 1: Fleetwood Diner (Stop #2868)

Begin your day by boarding the eastbound Route 18 in South Lansing. Take this to Cedar where you’ll walk 5 minutes south to the Fleetwood Diner. Enjoy the old charm of a classic American diner with some of the best Hippie Hash you’ll ever eat! 

Stop 2: Fenner Nature Center (Stop #3363)

Once you’ve fueled up for the day, it’s time for your adventure to really begin! Get back on board the eastbound Route 18, and at the corner of Mount Hope and Aurelius are 134 acres of pure Michigan at its finest, ready to explore. At the Fenner Nature Center you can brave all four miles of walking trails to take in the sights, or maybe go into the visitor center for a more contained view of nature. Either way, you’re experiencing the best of what Fenner has to offer. 

Now that you’ve burned a few hours, it's time to think about lunch! Hop on the next Route 18 and continue east to enjoy the views of the MSU golf course and south campus as you head into the heart of MSU.

Stop 3: Campbell’s Market Basket / MSU Campus (Stop  #1657)

With baked breads and sweets, farm fresh local and organic vegetables, and lovingly crafted deli sandwiches, Campbell’s Market Basket allows you to assemble the perfect meal to take al fresco. Located along Grand River on the north side of campus, they sell everything you need for the outdoor picnic.  But where to go with it? The benches at the base of Beaumont Tower make for the perfect location to enjoy the scenery, watch the students scurry to class, and relax in the shade. 

Stop 4: Broad Museum 

Rested and revitalized, we’re ready to start again - and MSU Campus is ready to be explored. Stroll through the charming and stately northern side of campus to see lecture halls that date back 100 years as you head over to Benefactors Plaza to take in the fresh air and beautiful landscaping, but don’t stop there! Just across Circle Drive is the MSU Broad Museum - don’t worry, you’ll know it when you see it since there’s no other building like it on campus. Head inside to see what exhibits are on display to enjoy. Admission is always free. 

Stop 5: Lansing River Trail (Stop #6098)

Head across Grand River to catch the westbound Route 18 this time. Next Stop? The Lansing River Trail.

The route takes you back on Mount Hope but you’re not going to Fenner this time, get off at Lindburgh. Backtracking a short way along Mount Hope across Sycamore Creek, you find yourself at the Lansing River Trail. Stretching most of the city, you could find yourself walking for hours if you followed it along its entire route. Walk along Sycamore Creek until you reach Scott Woods Park, or if you’re feeling tired from the day maybe just walk for a little while and turn back. Whatever the case it’s another great scenic spot in Lansing to watch the sun set and reminisce on your day’s adventure.
 

We hope you have a blast exploring our beautiful city along Route 18! Remember to look for a hidden cache at each stop; tickets found have no cash value but may be redeemed at the service window at the CTC for gift card prizes.

Happy Hunting!

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