Bancroft Park (North Trailhead) - Lansing,
Bancroft Park (North Trailhead) – A Dog-Friendly Gem in Lansing, MI
Located at 1612 David St, Bancroft Park is a favorite among locals searching for a dog park in Lansing. This pet-friendly park features paved and dirt hiking trails under the shade of mature trees, making it perfect for dog-friendly hiking year-round. With a calming, wooded setting and pond overlooks, it’s a relaxing spot for both dogs and their owners to explore nature together. The park is also wheelchair accessible and has public restrooms, picnic tables, and a playground for children, catering to all members of the family.
Bancroft Park offers multiple entrances and ample parking, including an updated parking lot at the south entrance. Water fountains are available, and the park is well-suited for picnics or casual strolls with your pup. While it’s not a dedicated fenced dog park, the trails and open spaces offer a welcoming environment for leashed dogs. Its scenic loops and friendly atmosphere make it a hidden gem for pet owners who enjoy walking their dogs in Lansing’s green spaces.
FAQ
- Are dogs allowed at Bancroft Park? Yes, dogs are allowed on the trails and throughout the park.
- Are there water fountains available? Yes, there are water fountains near the south entrance.
- Is the park wheelchair accessible? Yes, both the parking lot and park entrance are wheelchair accessible.
- Is there a playground or activities for kids nearby? Yes, there is a playground within the park’s first loop.
- Are there benches or seating areas for owners? Yes, picnic tables and shaded seating are available near the south entrance.
- Are restrooms available? Yes, public restrooms are present in the park.
- Is there shade or shelter available? Yes, the trails are shaded by mature trees, and picnic areas offer shaded spots for relaxation.
- Is there parking at Bancroft Park? Yes, there is parking available at several entrances.
- Are there paved paths or hiking trails for walking dogs? Yes, there are three paved loops along with dirt trails for walking and hiking.
- Are picnics allowed at the park? Yes, grills and picnic tables welcome families and dog owners for outdoor gatherings.
Reviews
The south entrance has space for 15 vehicles, it has a map of the paved paths, there is a play group up the path a ways, there are four official entrances to the park. One each on Otto St (Main parking lot), Oak St, North St, David st (North Trail head), there is also an unofficial entrance on Whyte st.
There are grills and picnic tables near the south entrance. Also, a water fountain.
Despite the recent findings of certain DISGUSTING drawings (and words), found throughout the Park, I still gave it 5 Stars, as it is a personal local favorite from my youth.
I will say I love how they fixed the parking lot, but highly dislike how you can no longer drive to the playground anymore, so it was a long trip up and down for my disabled & elderly Mom. However, I do understand why it had to be done. People used to drive through there like crazy.
I must warn people not to whistle in the park tho, ’cause according to the lil’ chalk notes throughout the paths, it says, “whistle to get your d*** s***ed”.
If you exclude the crudeness of the person who wrote such things, the park itself is beautiful.
Lovely little walk with my dog and I! We saw dear. We had to end a walk early because my dog heard some loud bangs in the distance. Not sure if that means there’s some plant nearby that’s doing work. But my dog gets spooked by those type of sounds. So I haven’t seen the whole park just yet. If I’m nearby, I’ll try to walk through there again.
Bancroft Park is a hidden gem. It has three paved loops (hiking trails) with dirt trails branching off. Most of the trails are shaded by tall mature trees – a gorgeous setting. There’s also a playground within the first loop.Not too busy but feels friendly.
The entrance has a parking spot for 3 to 4 vehicles. It does not have a map legend. Though the trail is very short a legend that shows where the trails go and how they connect to roads/the neighborhood would be nice. The woods have also been trampled through it looked like. It has a playground and at least two pond overlooks which are nice but it is just average when compared to other better managed parks.