Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities

Posted on February 18, 2012 by Admin
Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities

Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities

The Lansing River Trail is one of the most important pathways to learning in this community. Where else can one find so much history, scenic outlooks and urban diversity in one unbroken thread along both the Grand and Red Cedar Rivers? From the Turner-Dodge House near the north end of the trail to the gateway to the vast Michigan State University at the other, here we have a true urban wonder, yet punctuated with enough greenery to satisfy any nature lover. Lansing is indeed fortunate to have this resource winding right through the heart of the city.

The River Trail as a history lesson

To examine the River Trail in the context of history, it is first necessary to look at the history of the Grand River valley. The Grand is the longest river in Michigan, and makes its way through the heart of Lansing. Native Americans knew its importance, and used it for navigation as well as agriculture. It was also used in the 1800's for floating logs downriver to points further west, reflecting the significance of lumbering to Michigan's economy at that time.

The Red Cedar, an important tributary, breaks off from the Grand near downtown Lansing and flows east for some miles. The two rivers were also strategically suited for industrial purposes such as automaking and utility power production. Hence the presence of General Motors and smaller manufacturers and the Lansing Board of Water and Light.