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Outdoor Sports and Recreation

Experience the best of outdoor sports and recreation in the vibrant St. Johns and Lansing areas. Whether you're hitting the trails at Maple River State Game Area, catching a thrilling MSU football game at Spartan Stadium, or cheering on the Lansing Lugnuts at Cooley Law School Stadium, there's no shortage of excitement for sports enthusiasts. Explore championship golf courses, serene river kayaking, and the bustling atmosphere of minor league baseball, all within reach of The Nordic Pineapple. Join us as we highlight the perfect blend of outdoor adventure and sports entertainment, ensuring your visit is packed with unforgettable experiences.

Green at The Emerald
The Emerald Golf Course

Experience premier golf at The Emerald, an 18-hole, par 72 course by Jerry Matthews. Located just north of St. Johns, enjoy 6,619 yards of pristine fairways and the area's fastest greens. The clubhouse offers homemade pizza, a fully stocked bar with Michigan Craft Beer, and banquet facilities. Conveniently close to The Nordic Pineapple, The Emerald promises a memorable golfing and dining experience.

(989) 224-6287
Eagle Eye Golf Course
Eagle Eye Golf Club

Designed by Chris Lutzke in collaboration with Pete Dye, Eagle Eye Golf Club offers a challenging championship course in a rolling 'links' style. With five sets of tees, it provides a test for golfers of all levels. Don't miss the signature 'Island Green' on hole #17, known for its magnificent shot values and unforgettable play experience.

(517) 903-8064
Bikers on the CSI Trail
CIS Bike Trail

Explore the Fred Meijer Clinton-Ionia-Shiawassee Trail, a 41.3-mile non-motorized path winding through Clinton, Ionia, and Shiawassee counties in mid-Michigan. This trail, featuring a packed crushed limestone surface with 8 miles of asphalt in towns, connects communities like Owosso, St. Johns, and Ionia along a former railroad corridor. As part of the Midwest Regional Rail-Trail Network totaling 125 miles, including connections to trails like the Fred Meijer Grand River Valley and Heartland Trails, it offers scenic views of rural landscapes and local watersheds such as Stoney Creek, Maple River, and Grand River.

St. Johns, conveniently halfway along the trail, makes The Nordic Pineapple an ideal stopover. We offer great bike storage, making it easy for cyclists to enjoy a comfortable stay at our inn.

Lansing Lugnuts Player
Lansing Lugnuts Baseball

The Lansing Lugnuts are a Minor League Baseball team based in Lansing, Michigan, playing in the Midwest League as the High-A affiliate of the Oakland Athletics. They host their home games at Jackson Field, offering fans exciting baseball action and a family-friendly atmosphere in the heart of Lansing

(517) 485-4500
Spartan Stadium
MSU Athletics

When summer winds down and school is back in session, college football fans know it's time to dust off their jerseys and gear up for game time. Enjoy all the fun and festivities during the game and then escape for a quiet relaxing evening. The Nordic Pineapple is 23 miles North of Spartan Stadium in East Lansing but a world away.

2024 Home Schedule (All games played at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, MI)

August 31 vs Florida Atlantic - Time TBA
September 14 vs Prairie View A&M, Time TBA
September 28 vs Ohio State, Time TBA
October 19 vs Iowa, Time TBA
November 2 vs Indiana, Time TBA
November 22 vs Purdue, Time 8:00pm
November 30 vs Rutgers, Time TBA
 

MSU Horticulture Gardens

Explore 14 acres of diverse gardens—a haven for gardeners, plant enthusiasts, and children alike! Stroll through the displays for exercise and inspiration, where you can discover new garden design ideas, learn about annuals, perennials, shrubs, trees, and even uncommon fruits and vegetables. Whether seeking inspiration or relaxation, our beautiful and refreshing garden setting offers something for everyone.

Breslin Center
Breslin Student Events Center

The Jack Breslin Student Events Center is a versatile arena located at Michigan State University in East Lansing, Michigan. Opened in 1989, the arena is named in honor of Jack Breslin, an MSU alumnus, former athlete, and administrator who championed its construction starting in 1969. Hosting a variety of events, it serves as a hub for sports, concerts, and community gatherings in the Greater Lansing area.

(517) 432-1989
Cooley Gardens
Cooley Gardens

Cooley Gardens, a cherished spot planted almost a century ago and revitalized after years of neglect, is a haven for garden enthusiasts. Nestled near the Michigan Women's Historical Center and Hall of Fame in Lansing, it features pavilions, park benches, and picnic tables, making it perfect for leisurely strolls and peaceful lunches. This picturesque location also serves as a stunning wedding venue, inviting visitors to explore its hidden beauty in the heart of Lansing.

(517) 483-4332
Roller Derby
East Lansing Roller Derby

Lansing Roller Derby offers thrilling flat track action in Lansing, Michigan. Formed in 2021 from the merger of the Lansing Derby Vixens and East Lansing Roller Derby, the league promises an exhilarating experience for spectators. Check them out for fast-paced bouts, cheering crowds, and an unforgettable atmosphere that celebrates athleticism and community spirit.

Fenner Nature Center
Fenner Nature Center

Fenner Nature Center, managed by the non-profit Fenner Conservancy, offers 134 acres of natural beauty and educational opportunities in Lansing, Michigan. Explore over four miles of trails through rolling glacial eskers and towering maple groves. Inside the Visitor Center, discover live native reptiles and amphibians, birdwatching areas, and newly renovated hands-on exhibits designed for interactive learning experiences.

(517) 483-4224
Baby Fox
Michigan Wildlife Conservancy

Welcome to the Michigan Wildlife Conservancy, where they passionately preserve wildlife and habitats across Michigan. Nestled on 259 acres of pristine wilderness, our 10,000 sq. ft. cedar log building offers a gateway to miles of all-purpose trails for walking, morel hunting, birdwatching, hiking, biking, and more. For added adventure, try our 3D archery and disc golf courses. Relax afterward at the Wildlife Pub, featuring a new 3,600 sq. ft. waterfront patio covered by a glass roof, offering a perfect blend of nature and comfort.

(517) 641-7677
Race Cars
Michigan International Speedway

Experience NASCAR hospitality at its finest in the Ally Champions Club. Enjoy your race weekend in comfort with premium seating offering incredible views, catered food, beverages, and a Sunday Pre-Race Pass. The air-conditioned indoor lounge adds luxury to your race day, providing the ultimate NASCAR experience at the track.