Walk the Lansing River Trail through Old Town in the fall and you'll probably stop at the Brenke Fish Ladder to watch salmon working their way up the Grand River. The fish ladder has been drawing crowds since 1981. What's new is the park built around it, and it gives you a reason to start a longer walk along the river all the way to REO Town.
What Is Fish Ladder Music Park?
Fish Ladder Music Park, at 216 E. Grand River Ave. in Old Town, is a $3.6 million renovation led by the Capital Region Community Foundation, with $1.7 million from a state grant. It added tiered seating and a permanent stage to the fish ladder, along with a gas fireplace, bench swings that overlook the river, and lights that illuminate the trees at night.
The park officially opened in October 2025, and its first full summer concert season started in May 2026. But it was designed to work even when there's no show. Laurie Strauss Baumer, the Foundation's president and CEO, explained the goal to City Pulse:
"For too long, we've turned our back on the riverfront."
One visitor at the summer opening told Fox 47: "There's swings and everything. It's a good place to spend your time."
When Is the Best Time to See Salmon at the Fish Ladder?
Fall is the best time to watch salmon climb the fish ladder on their way up the Grand River. You can watch from the viewing areas around the ladder, and the park's lighting means it's still a nice stop if you're walking after work.
What's New in Old Town
Old Town keeps adding reasons to stop. One of the newest is That Candy Store at 1232 Turner Street, which opened in June 2026 with more than 200 candies and snacks.
What's Happening in REO Town
At the south end of the walk, REO Town is getting new investment. In early 2026, the state awarded $4.35 million for REO Town improvements, with another $1 million from the city of Lansing. The plan includes wayfinding, lighting, safer pedestrian and bike access, river access, and support for small businesses.
The best way to understand REO Town, though, is to walk it:
- Sleepwalker Spirits and Ale is a microbrewery known for creative pizzas. It sits next door to Wheel House Studio, a pottery studio. The two are so connected that Sleepwalker has a button that changes the lights at Wheel House when a customer's pizza is ready.
- REO Town Clubhouse fills a nearly 12,000 square foot art deco space with a 90 seat dining room, a 72 seat pool hall, Neapolitan pizza, and live jazz.
- The Robin Theatre hosts small live performances and readings.
How to Walk the Lansing River Trail from Old Town to REO Town
- Start at Fish Ladder Music Park in Old Town.
- Follow the Lansing River Trail south along the Grand River through downtown, past Adado Riverfront Park.
- Continue south toward REO Town's businesses along South Washington Avenue.
Give yourself more time than the distance suggests. Between watching the salmon, sitting by the fireplace, and stopping for pizza at the end, this is an easy afternoon.
Curious What Your Lansing Home Is Worth?
If you're the kind of Lansing resident who notices when a park gets rebuilt or a new shop opens down the street, you might also be curious what your own home is worth right now. Advantage In Team offers a free, no-pressure home valuation.