The Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) is the region’s four-year capital improvements program for road projects, bicycle and pedestrian facilities, transit, and other transportation enhancements in mid-Michigan’s Clinton, Eaton, and Ingham counties.  HOME > PROGRAMS & SERVICES > TRANSPORTATION > TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM LEARN MORE What is the TIP? Navigate Current Program Past Programs Past Funded Projects Get Involved! Project Revision Policies More to Know What is the Transportation Improvement Program? Our transportation options and quality of infrastructure impact more than just mobility. They influence how we attract talent, create community places, drive economic development, and prioritize connectivity, safety, and accessibility for all who live, work, and play in the Greater Lansing region. This is why the projects included in our Transportation Improvement Program , or TIP for short, represent more than just an investment into our transportation system – they are an investment in our region’s prosperity and success. They also directly accomplish the goals, objectives, and priorities of the region’s long-range Metropolitan Transportation Plan , which was created with you! The TIP is the region’s short-range capital improvements program for roads, bicycle and pedestrian pathways, public transit, and other transportation enhancements in Greater Lansing's tri-county region. It includes a list of the federally funded projects planned within Clinton, Eaton, and Ingham counties over the next four years, as well as background information and statutory regulations that guide regional transportation planning across the country. Tri-County adopts a TIP every three years to ensure our communities are eligible to receive state and federal funding for these projects. The TIP is a living document and is regularly revised to reflect the most current transportation projects planned in the region. Significant revisions to projects, called amendments, may include adding new ones, adjusting timelines for construction or engineering, removing projects, and updating costs and other information. These changes, along with minor administrative modifications, are shared throughout the year at meetings of our technical advisory committee – the Capital Area Regional Transportation Study (CARTS) – and approved by the Board of Commissioners . Previous amendments and project changes may be viewed below. What else should you know to better understand the TIP? Watch the video below or learn more here ! Have Questions? Contact our team at info@mitcrpc.org , for information on the TIP. FY 2026-2029 TIP FY 2026-2029 Transportation Improvement Program Tri-County’s Board of Commissioners adopted the TIP for fiscal years 2026 through 2029 on May 28, 2025. Our fiscal year 2026-2029 TIP, which plans over $390 million of investment from October 2025 through September 2029, includes a variety of maintenance, reconstruction, new construction, capital purchase, and other projects to improve our roads and bridges, non-motorized networks (including bicycle and pedestrian paths and trails), public transit services and buses, system safety and operations, and various urban and rural transportation infrastructure and mobility needs. Navigate the document gallery below to view project details, as well as the TIP document and supporting appendices. To learn more about transportation projects planned throughout Greater Lansing's tri-county area, view the current project list (PDF) or explore the layers of our interactive map. Review projects by year or type, or see the full listing by expanding the arrow at the bottom of the interactive project map. Additional documents in the gallery include background on how projects are scored and prioritized, the schedule for amending projects, policies for revising projects, and other program information. September 2026 TIP Amendments July 2026 TIP Amendments May 2026 TIP Amendments March 2026 TIP Amendments February 2026 TIP Amendments December 2025 TIP Amendments November 2025 TIP Amendments September 2025 TIP Amendments Past Programs Past Projects Annual Listing of Obligated Transportation Projects View annual reports of past projects that have been obligated (received committed funding) in the below document gallery. The reports include projects, such as public transit, road, nonmotorized, and operational improvements, that are funded with federal dollars. Regionally significant projects supported with state funding are also included. Past Transportation Improvement Programs View past Transportation Improvement Programs and past amendments to these programs below. FY 2023-2026 TIP FY 2020-2023 TIP FY 2017-2020 TIP Get Involved! GET INVOLVED. MAKE A DIFFERENCE. Transportation planning affects all of us. It influences the roads that are repaired, the systems that are implemented, and even the goods, services, and businesses that come into the area. We always welcome feedback on projects planned in the TIP. Check out ways to stay involved below! ATTEND A MEETING SUBMIT AN ONLINE COMMENT FORM CONTACT US WITH QUESTIONS Things to Know What Else Should I Know? As the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) for the region, Tri-County channels all federal funding for transportation projects into our local communities. The TIP, which plans for these projects, is developed through a cooperative, collaborative process with area road departments, the region's public transit providers, and local, state, and federal government agencies. The TIP's list of projects is "fiscally constrained," which means that only projects with confirmed funding are listed (it is not a "wish list" of projects). Though funding may come from a variety of sources, the term "obligated" references the federal government's legal commitment to pay their share of a project cost. The TIP is the short-range implementation arm of the Metropolitan Transportation Plan , and each TIP project must work toward achieving the goals and objectives listed in the Plan and meeting performance measures . The TIP is one of the ways we implement the long-term vision of the Plan, in addition to policy priorities and planning initiatives. What Types of Projects are Included in the TIP? Road Improvements Funding is used to improve the condition of the roads and highways. Transit Capital Funding for capital improvements, including public transportation facilities and bus purchases. Bridge Work Funding is used to repair and replace state and local bridges. Safety Improvements Funding is used to contribute to the improved safety of the transportation network by working to reduce fatalities and injuries of both drivers and bicyclists /pedestrians. Non-Motorized Facilities Funding is used to maintain or improve bicycle and pedestrian connections and infrastructure, including trails. Administration and Planning Funding is used for collecting data and coordinating studies for improvements for the transportation system, including reducing congestion, improving access and system connectivity, and other mobility enhancements. Types of Projects in the TIP

The public is always welcome at meetings of the Tri-County Regional Planning Commission. View agendas, materials, and minutes for upcoming and past meetings here. MEETING MATERIALS, AGENDAS, & MINUTES Have Questions? Contact our commission clerk for assistance with documents. Archived meeting minutes and agendas are available upon request. BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Learn more about the Board Exec Minutes BOC Minutes Navigate to a Committee Board of Commissioners Executive Committee CARTS (Transportation) Regional Economic Collaborative GLRC on Stormwater Management Groundwater Management Board Mid-Michigan Water Authority Rural Task Force Archive EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Learn more about our leadership Meetings Calendar Tri-County is committed to open and accessible events. Requests for interpretation, accommodations for persons with disabilities, and assistance with additional needs should be made five business days in advance of the meeting date. Pueden hacerse arreglos para personas con discapacidades y para aquellos con dominio limitado del idioma inglés. Envíe un correo electrónico o llame al 517-393-0342 para indicar sus necesidades. CAPITAL AREA REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION STUDY Learn more about CARTS CARTS Minutes Archive 2015 2014 2019 2018 2023 2022 2013 2012 2017 2016 2021 2020 2024 2025 RURAL TASK FORCE Learn more about RTF RTF Minutes REC Minutes REGIONAL ECONOMIC COLLABORATIVE Learn more about REC GROUNDWATER MANAGEMENT BOARD Learn more about the GMB GMB Minutes GROUNDWATER MANAGEMENT BOARD EXECUTIVE SUBCOMMITTEE Learn more about the GMB MMWA Minutes MID-MICHIGAN WATER AUTHORITY Learn more about the MMWA

Leading innovative public planning for Clinton, Eaton, and Ingham counties to foster prosperity in Mid-Michigan's communities, the Tri-County Regional Planning Commission believes in developing a sustainable future for our region's economy, natural resources, and transportation system for the Greater Lansing area. | | | | IIJA INFORMATION EMPLOYMENT NEWS CONTRACT OPPORTUNITIES DATA DASHBOARD Visits to Tri-County's office are available by appointment only, unless attending a meeting open to the public. Our team is working a hybrid schedule and email communication is encouraged. For general inquiries and assistance, or to make an appointment, contact us . ABOUT PROGRAMS & SERVICES PROJECTS & DOCUMENTS GET INVOLVED More... MEETINGS & EVENTS MINUTES & AGENDAS CONTACT US Tri-County Seeking Office Administrator Are you dependable, organized, and detail-oriented? Join our team as our Office Administrator! We are seeking a dynamic individual with experience in administration, secretarial support, or office management, preferably in the public sector. NEWS 1 day ago Request for Proposals: Regional Traffic Safety & Operations Program The Tri-County Regional Planning Commission (Tri-County) is seeking the services of a qualified consultant or team of consultants to provide analysis of traffic safety data, community engagement strategies, and an audit of road safety and operations policies; create a strategy for safety project selection; and develop a comprehensive, holistic, and implementable Traffic Safety and Operations Program encompassing the Mid-Michigan tri-county region of Clinton, Eaton, and Ingham NEWS Apr 15 Request for Proposals: Community Engagement Campaign The Tri-County Regional Planning Commission (Tri-County) is issuing a Request for Proposals to develop and coordinate strategic planning, messaging, outreach, and engagem ent to elevate awareness of Tri-County's Regional impact; transportation options; and the community's automotive and manufacturing legacy. This work will leverage a century-old, Lansing-built passenger bus currently undergoing restoration that was acquired by the agency and incorporate it into identified eng NEWS Apr 7 WHAT'S HAPPENING AT TRI-COUNTY? View News & Announcements View Current Projects View Contract Opportunities WHAT WE DO TRANSPORTATION Planning for the movement of our people & goods. Allocating funds to improve our roads. Collecting data to analyze regional trends. Read More > ECONOMY Connecting organizations to funding for projects that grow our communities. Leading the conversation on economic prosperity. Read More > ENVIRONMENT Providing technical assistance to local governments. Educating the public in protecting our air & water resources. Read More > Programs WHO IS TRI-COUNTY? The Tri-County Regional Planning Commission is a public planning agency and data resource for Mid-Michigan's communities. We believe in developing a sustainable future for our region's economy, natural resources, and transportation system and infrastructure. We collaborate with local organizations and governments to plan for the growth and preservation of our urban and rural communities, developing regional blueprints that make the Greater Lansing area a great place to live, work, and play. LEARN MORE PUBLIC MEETING NOTICES View Meetings Calendar View Agendas & Minutes View Events & Opportunities

Check out our upcoming meetings and events, and learn more about current events in the groundwater world! Upcoming Events Meeting Calendar GMB Meetings Community Events Groundwater in the News Events | Meeting Materials | Resources for Residents & Public Officials | News Updates Groundwater Management Board ABOUT RESOURCES HOT TOPICS GET INVOLVED Events Upcoming Events Community Events February 28: Quiet Adventures Symposium April 11-12: MSU Science Festival April 18: Potter Park Zoo Party for the Planet GMB Meetings Unless otherwise specified, all meetings are held at the Tri-County Regional Planning Commission in the Large Conference Room at 8:30 a.m. View meeting packets and minutes here . Past meeting materials and minutes are available in our archive . February 11, 2026 (Annual Breakfast) April 8, 2026 June 10, 2026 August 12, 2026 October 7, 2026 December 9, 2026 Hot Topics & Announcments Hot Topics & Announcements Meeting Materials Bring a Water Expert to Your Classroom! Latest on Groundwater Surveying in Michigan's Capital Region Protecting Homeowners and Our Waters: Septic Systems of Mid-Michigan Updated Wellhead Protection Viewer Offers Access to Regionwide Groundwater Data The Michigan PFAS Action Response Team (MPART) The Groundwater Management Board is supported and managed by the Tri-County Regional Planning Commission CONTACT INFORMATION 3135 Pine Tree Rd. | Suite 2C | Lansing, MI 48911 | Directions P: (517) 999-8912 | Email Us CONNECT WITH US STAY IN TOUCH SUBSCRIBE © 2020 by the Tri-County Regional Planning Commission. All rights reserved. Disclaimer | Accessibility | FOIA | Sitemap

The connectivity and accessibility of our region's parks, trails, and water amenities play a crucial role in making the Greater Lansing area a competitive place to live and play. Recreational activities and greenspace greatly improve the quality of life of our region's residents and they add value to our economy. HOME > PROGRAMS & SERVICES > COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT > PLANNING AREAS > RECREATIONAL ACCESS & GREENSPACE All Program Planning Areas Recreational Access & Greenspace Community Development Talent & Workforce Development Placemaking & the Arts Urban & Rural Development Housing Recreational Access & Greenspace Hazard Mitigation Economic Resiliency The connectivity and accessibility of our region's parks, trails, and water amenities play a crucial role in making the Greater Lansing area a competitive place to live and play. Recreational activities and greenspace greatly improve the quality of life of our region's residents and visitors, adding value to our economy and benefiting communities with low-cost opportunities to enjoy our natural resources. Tri-County collaborates with community stakeholders to plan for purposeful redevelopment of spaces that will provide access for all, making our region's amenities and assets, like the Grand River and our regional trails system, shared resources with ample placemaking opportunities. As a state and region, our trails, water trails, and parks support tourism, encourage exercise and healthy outdoor activities, promote appreciation and protection of our natural resources, and connect those who walk and bike to community assets and public spaces. With the help of the U.S. National Park Service, we're currently developing a trails plan for Greater Lansing to expand upon our existing system and leverage those assets to bolster Mid-Michigan as a hub for local businesses, communities, and visitors. Additionally, as the state-designated Regional Clearinghouse for the Greater Lansing area, Tri-County reviews jurisdictions' parks- and recreation-related plans for alignment with best practices and urban and rural development standards set for the region, many of which are outlined in our vision for regional growth . We also partner with organizations across the region to promote and advocate for our region's parks and recreational assets and link healthy community initiatives with non-motorized transportation planning . We actively collaborate with partners like the Michigan Fitness Foundation , Land Use & Health Resource Team, Healthy! Capital Counties , Power of We , Ingham County Parks , Eaton County Parks & Recreation Department , and Clinton County Parks & Greenspace Commission .

The UPWP identifies work proposed for the next period by major activity in sufficient detail to indicate who will perform the work, the schedule for completing the work, the resulting products, the proposed funding by activity/task, and a summary of the total amounts and sources of federal and matching funds. HOME > PROJECTS & DOCUMENTS > TRANSPORTATION DOCUMENTS > WORK PROGRAMS Document Library Work Programs Tri-County’s Agency-Wide Work Program focuses on four core areas of our agency’s operation: our transportation program , community development program , environmental program , and program administration. The Work Program outlines our programmatic and staffing structure, the specific products and activities of each program, and all revenue sources and expenditure amounts for the coming fiscal year, which runs from October 1st to September 30th of the following year. Activities address the requirements needed to maintain our federal designations as the region’s Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) and Economic Development District (EDD) ; coordinate plans, projects, and funding resources for transportation, economic development, and water quality initiatives for the region; and support the day-to-day administration and management of the agency. As the region’s MPO, we are required to develop a Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP) in cooperation with the state and public transportation operators that includes a discussion of the planning priorities facing the region. The UPWP serves as the core budget for the urban transportation planning activities of Tri-County’s transportation program that are outlined in the Agency-Wide Work Program. It identifies the work proposed for the upcoming fiscal year by major activity and task in sufficient detail to indicate who will perform the work, the schedule for completing the work, the resulting products, the proposed funding by activity/task, and a summary of the total amounts and sources of federal and matching funds. The Regional Transportation Planning Work Program (RWP) is the rural equivalent of the UPWP. The RWP outlines transportation planning activities to be completed in the rural areas of the region that are outside the designated urban area; all revenues, expenditures, and expected products are clearly defined in the document.

Tri-County recognizes that walking and biking are a critical tool in moving people, reducing emissions, and improving the quality of life for the residents of our region, so we're developing a regional non-motorized plan for the region. HOME > PROGRAMS & SERVICES > TRANSPORTATION > PLANNING AREAS > NON-MOTORIZED All Program Planning Areas Non-Motorized (Bicycle & Pedestrian Planning) Transportation Transportation Improvement Program Metropolitan Transportation Plan Performance Measures Pavement Condition Safety & Operations Non-Motorized Traffic Congestion Public Transit Freight Regional Travel Air Quality (Conformity) In addition to getting us to and from work, school, or shopping, walking and bicycling provide a great outlet for exercise and recreation. There's been a push to recognize and support bicycling as an inexpensive, quick, and eco-friendly form of non-motorized travel. Tri-County recognizes that these various modes are a critical tool in moving people, reducing emissions, and improving the quality of life for the residents of our region. Interested in the road and trail biking paths our region has to offer? Check out our Road and Trail Bicycling Guide developed in partnership with MDOT. The map shows road surface type, traffic volume ranges, paved/unpaved shared use paths with regional significance, recreational facilities, points of interest, plus other facilities and amenities which help make cycling across Michigan an enjoyable tourism experience. If you're looking to explore our trails and waterways more closely before you travel, our Virtual Trail Explorer offers a 360° visual tour of a selection of regional trails that can be viewed from the comfort of your home, including information about public access points, amenities, and more along the way! Current Non-motorized Planning Activities In July 2023, the Tri-County Board of Commissioners adopted a Regional Trails Feasibility Plan for the Greater Lansing region. The goal of this plan is to expand our current network and take advantage of our region’s central geographic location by identifying feasible non-motorized routes to connect the existing Lansing River Trail system with the statewide trails that pass through our region (i.e., the Clinton-Ionia-Shiawassee (CIS) Trail, the Mike Levine Lakelands Trail, and the Paul Henry-Thornapple Trail). Developing a true regional trail system would bolster Mid-Michigan as a hub for local businesses, communities, and visitors. Learn more about the Regional Trails Feasibility Plan. The trails the plan will be used to inform bicycle and pedestrian planning in the region. In addition, non-motorized planning is incorporated into all of our long-range planning efforts. This includes the 2045 Metropolitan Transportation Plan adopted in December of 2020, which provides a long-range vision for all modes of transportation over the next 25+ years for our region.

The Mid-Michigan Water Authority (MMWA) was created as a result of Act No. 292 of the Michigan Public Acts of 1989 to plan, finance, or contract for public improvements and services of regional public water supply systems. Back to Committees Mid-Michigan Water Authority The Mid-Michigan Water Authority (MMWA) was created as a result of Act No. 292 of the Michigan Public Acts of 1989. Its purpose is to plan, finance, or contract for public improvements and services of regional public water supply systems; to contract with participating or non-participating entities; to provide or receive services; to promote educational activities related to services provided; and to facilitate planning for the protection of regional water sources. Check the calendar for upcoming meetings of the MMWA. Delegates Agendas & Minutes Meetings Calendar Bylaws

HOME > PROGRAMS & SERVICES > ENVIRONMENT > PLANNING AREAS > WATER QUALITY > GROUNDWATER MANAGEMENT Groundwater Management & Wellhead Protection With only 1% of the water on Earth being useable, the majority is groundwater, making it one of our most valuable but under-appreciated natural resources. Groundwater is used for drinking water by more than half of the people in the U.S. and is especially essential in the Greater Lansing area, where it makes up 99% of our drinking water resources. We recognize the importance of groundwater quality and lead a variety of efforts to address its management and protection in our region. The Groundwater Management Board Since 1982, Tri-County has hosted the Groundwater Management Board (GMB) to discuss policy matters, land use, and/or water development projects that may have a potential impact on groundwater resources and management in the region. The GMB's mission is to provide a multi-jurisdictional forum for coordination and cooperation to help assure adequate quantities and qualities of groundwater are available to meet regional needs. Wellhead Protection Viewer In partnership with the GMB, Tri-County also maintains a Wellhead Protection Viewer (WPV) . This interactive online mapping application provides a variety of data – including well locations, time of travel areas, potential contamination source locations, brownfields, and more – to municipalities so they can be better informed when making development decisions that may affect our region's groundwater resources. For additional information or technical support, please contact us . GMB Past Projects Past Projects Throughout our agencies' history, Tri-County and the GMB have been recognized as a Groundwater Guardian by the Groundwater Foundation for our efforts in groundwater protection. Throughout our agencies’ history, Tri-County and the GMB have coordinated to provide in-kind support, staff resources, and/or funding for a variety of projects, events, and outreach activities to promote groundwater research, stewardship, and informed decision-making, and educate residents and community leaders about their role in protecting this valuable resource. Read on to learn more about our project history, or visit the GMB webpage to get involved with our current efforts! Fiscal Year Work Plan Lansing Metropolitan Area Groundwater Management Plan Groundwater Surveying in Michigan Capital Region Environmental Permits Checklist Tri-County Water Policies and Programs Guide Letter of Recommendation: Michigan State Capitol Geothermal Infrastructure Wellhead and Groundwater Protection Audit Tool Wellhead Protection Programs Capital Area Groundwater Alliance Children's Water Festival Regional Aquifer Study Water Regionalization Study By-Product Synergy Groundwater Education in Michigan (GEM) Community Presentations & Knowledge Sharing Groundwater Guardian WPV

The Greater Lansing Regional Prosperity Initiative (GLRPI) was formed to collaborate and pursue a vibrant, prosperous vision for the tri-county region's economy. Partners come together to brainstorm and plan for talent, education, transportation, health and environment, and placemaking initiatives. HOME > PROGRAMS & SERVICES > COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT > GREATER LANSING REGIONAL PROSPERITY INITIATIVE Greater Lansing Regional Prosperity Initiative What is the Regional Prosperity Initiative? Governor Snyder's Regional Prosperity Initiative (RPI) is a voluntary competitive grant process established to encourage local private, public, and non-profit partners to create vibrant regional economies. The Regional Prosperity Initiative was signed into law as PA 59 of 2013, which created South Central Prosperity Region 7, our tri-county region of Clinton, Eaton, and Ingham counties. As the State Designated Planning Region and Metropolitan Planning Organization for the Greater Lansing area, Tri-County receives and manages the grant funds from the State RPI. Together with higher education, economic development, and workforce development partners, the Greater Lansing Regional Prosperity Initiative (GLRPI) was formed to collaborate and pursue a vibrant, prosperous vision for the tri-county region's economy. These partners come together to brainstorm and plan for talent, education, transportation, health and environment, and placemaking initiatives. To date, GLRPI has invested nearly $1 million to advance community development efforts throughout Clinton, Eaton, and Ingham counties. Economic Performance Dashboard Section 822f of 2016 Public Act 268 guides the Regional Prosperity Initiative for the State of Michigan's prosperity regions. One of the requirements of the program includes the management of a performance dashboard of data, detailing the economic progress and status of our region. Snapshots of our region's key indicators are captured throughout the dashboard, titled MI Capital Region , providing stakeholders a foundational map that measures success, opportunities, and assets. This coordinated measurement tool tracks critical economic, educational, workforce, health, environmental, and social metrics, and empowers communities in our region to pursue strategic change, together. Since the sunset of the State's RPI program in recent years, Tri-County launched a new, expanded dashboard in 2024. How Can You Get Involved? Tri-County convenes regular meetings that are open to the public with stakeholders like LEAP, Inc. to consider and discuss issues leading to a common vision of economic prosperity for the region. Regional stakeholders and community leaders from all sectors are welcome to join in the conversation! Connection and networking are at the forefront, with topic-focused discussion centering on broad regional themes (the economy, regionalism, housing, talent, transportation, education, infrastructure, just to name a few). Learn more at mitcrpc.org/committees . Key GLRPI Partners

HOME > PROGRAMS & SERVICES > COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT > PLANNING AREAS > TALENT & WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT All Program Planning Areas Talent & Workforce Development Community Development Talent & Workforce Development Placemaking & the Arts Urban & Rural Development Housing Recreational Access & Greenspace Hazard Mitigation Economic Resiliency Tri-County collaborates with educators, workforce development agencies, and economic development professionals to develop strategies that support talent needs for region now and into the future. Continued education, training, and professional development opportunities, and talent attraction and retention initiatives, play a critical role in making the Greater Lansing region competitive in the global workforce. Organizations like Capital Area Michigan Works! , LEAP , Lansing Community College , and Michigan State University connect employers and job seekers to resources needed to be successful. Other organizations, like Lansing 5:01 and Grand River Connection , work to encourage external Michiganders to move to the region, bring former Greater Lansing residents back, and motivate existing and emerging young professional to stay. We have supported a number of initiatives, events, and programs throughout the region with state GLRPI and federal funding, including: Teach. Talent. Thrive. (T3) LEAP Youth Entrepreneurship Program Capital Comeback Lansing 5:01 Events & Programming LEAP's ZoomProspector Tool East Lansing Robotics Festivals Transit Needs and Economic Prosperity Study Lansing PROTO Accelerator CATALYST Capital Region Prosperity Project

The Greater Lansing region is home to incredible recreational and natural assets, and the Grand River is no exception. At 262 miles, the Grand River is the longest river in Michigan and its watershed is the second largest at 5,572 square miles. HOME > PROGRAMS & SERVICES > ENVIRONMENT > PLANNING AREAS > WATER TRAILS All Program Planning Areas Water Trails Environment & Natural Resources Water Resources Water Trails Infrastructure Resilience Air Quality Green Infrastructure Energy The Greater Lansing region is home to incredible recreational and natural assets, and the Grand River is no exception. At 252 miles, the Grand River is the longest river in Michigan and its watershed is the second largest at 5,572 square miles. It is the most populated watershed in the state with more than 1.5 million people living within its boundaries, and thousands more visit and use the Grand River every year. The Grand River is comprised of three sections, the Upper, Middle, and Lower Grand. The Middle Grand, the portion that resides within our tri-county region, is defined as the Grand River from Eaton Rapids to Lyons, and includes the entire watersheds of the Maple, Looking Glass and Red Cedar rivers. Watershed Events What Is a Water Trail? In December of 2018, the Middle Grand River was selected by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) as one of the first waterways in Michigan to be a state-designated water trail . A water trail is any route along a river, lake, or bay that is specifically designed for the use of small boats such as kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, etc., and has developed access and launch points accessible to the public. The Middle Grand River Water Trail, which extends 87 miles throughout Clinton, Eaton, Ingham, and Ionia counties, has 33 access sites that provide a variety of experiences for paddlers of all experience levels. Water trails, or blueways, are similar to hiking and biking trails, also known as greenways. They are more than recreational assets - they support tourism, encourage exercise and healthy outdoor activities, promote appreciation and protection of our natural resources, and connect us to community assets and public spaces. Visitors and residents in the tri-county region can enjoy paddling along the Middle Grand River Water Trail, Red Cedar River Water Trail, and Looking Glass River. A variety of paddling events, river cleanups, and educational seminars are held to protect these wild and scenic resources. Middle Grand River Water Trail Map Water Trail Map By using the Middle Grand River Water Trail Map, you agree not to hold the creators of this map liable for any loss, damage, or injury that may occur because you used this information. All information on the interactive water trail map is subject to change. It is not a substitute for your use of reasonable care or up-to-date knowledge of river conditions. Make your own evaluation of the water, current, portages, weather, and hazards. Wear a properly fastened life jacket, be sure you are informed on water safety and paddling techniques, and plan routes appropriate for your skills. View Full Map Created by Tri-County RPC for Middle Grand River Organization of Watersheds . Explore the new printed Middle Grand River Water Trail map for an overview of the trail and descriptions of amenities at access sites, suggested tours, dams, areas of caution, paddling etiquette, local attractions, and the history of the Middle Grand River Water Trail. Visit a trail town partner to obtain your own printed map! Click on each image to enlarge or click here to download. Created in partnership with the Middle Grand River Organization of Watersheds . Partnering Together The Middle Grand River Water Trail's state designation was thanks to a partnership between Tri-County and the Middle Grand River Organization of Watersheds (MGROW) . Together, we created a water trail development plan aimed at improving the Middle Grand River's connectivity, accessibility, and quality. In the fall of 2024, all 252 miles of the Grand River became designated as a state water trail, linking the Lower Grand River Water Trail to the Middle Grand River Water Trail and the Upper Grand River Water Trail. We continue to work on national water trail designation and integrating Middle Grand River tributaries into the water trail effort in hopes of developing water trails on the Red Cedar, Looking Glass, and Maple Rivers. Learn more about MGROW and their partnership with the Upper and Lower Grand River here .