Beyond the Bus

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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1. Safely trick-or-treat in your own neighborhood.

After a bit of a scare, trick-or-treating is officially a go in Lansing and East Lansing! Here are a few tips on how to keep yourself and your kids safe and healthy.

2. Make like Lightning McQueen, and drive through trick-or-treating.

The Lansing Parks and Recreation Department is holding a drive-thru trick-or-treat event on Halloween from 1-3 p.m. at Frances Park. Enjoy all the thrills of trick-or-treating with over 40 local vendors, all from the safety of your own car! Blue Cross Blue Shield will also be on site providing free flu shots. For more information, click here. 

3. Ghosts, ghouls and souls will be at the polls.

Enjoy your favorite activities while also exercising your right to vote! The Lansing City Clerk’s office is hosting a Halloween drive-thru trick-or-treat event complete with music, prizes, onsite voter registration and ballot drop off. You won’t want to miss this awesome event! Click here for details.

2. Cheer the Spartans to victory against the Wolverines.

Whether you’ll be in a costume this Halloween or in your jersey cheering on the Spartans, Ellison Brewery and Spirits is the perfect Halloween spot for the whole family. Their family-friendly Halloween party will include a costume contest, live music and prizes. Learn more here. 

3. You have the right to remain trunk-or-treating.

Is it possible to have too much candy? We don’t think so! The Lansing Police Department’s Community Service Unit is hosting a drive-thru trunk-or-treat event on Halloween. Say hi to McGruff the Crime Dog while you're there! Click here to learn more. 

4. Suit up for a spooktacular photo.

Looking for a way to get in the Halloween spirit from home? Check out East Lansing’s inaugural Great Pumpkin Photo Contest! Submit a photo in costume by November 1 for a chance to win amazing prizes. Click here for contest rules and information.

5. Enjoy Halloween specials at your favorite local haunts.

Many places around Lansing will be treating you to specilty drinks and snacks that are sure to spook even the bravest of foodies. Test your sleuthing skills at a Socially Distanced Murder Mystery at The Bistro in Williamston, carve your imagination with Midtown Brewing's pumpkin carving nights, or delight your pallate with apple streudel bites and a sweet potato harvest bowl from Hopcat. 

While this fall may look different than in years past, there are still plenty of great things to do in the Lansing area while following COVID-19 health and safety guidelines.. From farmers markets to corn mazes, there is something for the whole family. Check out this list of our top places to explore in Lansing this fall.

1. Uncle John’s Cider Mill

Uncle John’s Cider Mill is a must-have on your fall bucket list. With delicious cider and donuts, local food trucks, games and activities, this spot is perfect for all ages. Click here to see all of Uncle John’s upcoming events as well as their updated health and safety regulations. 

2. Potter Park Zoo

Calling all animal lovers! Potter Park Zoo has reopened with new safety and sanitation standards. The Zoo’s annual Boo at the Zoo and Wonderland of Lights events are perfect for a night out this fall. Check out Potter Park Zoo’s full list of upcoming events  here.

3. Fenner Nature Center

Nothing says fall like taking in the sights and smells of nature. Fenner Nature Center is the perfect place to escape for the day and enjoy the beauty of fall in Michigan. For rainy days, check out their fall coloring pages to print off and color at home! Click here to see the full list of Fenner Nature Center’s Events, including the Annual Apple Butter Festival in October.

4. Farmers Markets

Fresh produce, homemade goods and supporting local businesses – what more could you ask for? Head to one of the many farmers markets around Lansing this fall to create the farm-to-table experience in your own home. You can even explore your adventurous side with cuisines from all over the world! Check out this list of Farmers Markets to see which is closest to you. 

5. Local Restaurants

Looking for a new go-to dinner spot? Many of our favorite local restaurants are open for business again with new health and safety standards. Take a look at some of the local spots we’ve highlighted on our social media. Or view a full list of Greater Lansing Restaurants here.