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Travel & Transportation
Festival Map & Location
The Festival is located in downtown East Lansing, near the campus of Michigan State University.
See our TENTATIVE site map for 2012. Download and print a PDF.
Please note we'll be working around some major construction projects in downtown East Lansing this year! All our program areas remain, although we've had to make some adjustments and shift some sites -- most notably, our main music venue will be in the City Hall parking lot; and the Children's Area will be across the street on Abbot, on the north end of the site.
Also, the MSU campus has some summer construction work ongoing. Check out these maps (with detour routes) and updates.
Travel Information
East Lansing, home of Michigan State University Museum and the Great Lakes Folk Festival, is easily accessible by bike, car, air, bus or train.
By Car
East Lansing is only 4 hours by car from Chicago, 1-1/2 hours from Detroit/Windsor and 6 hours from Toronto.
Parking in the City of East Lansing and on Campus
City of East Lansing website- Parking page (Due to construction closing and the festival using some parking areas, we suggest parking in the City Center Ramp- enter on Charles between Grand River and Albert; or the Colorful Ramp enter on Division between Grand River Ave and Albert
OR
Michigan State University website- note- Most Faculty/Staff spaces are available for free parking after 6pm on Friday, Aug 10 through the end of the Festival. This includes the Grand River Ramp ( ramp #6) just across the street (south) of Student Book Store in East Lansing
Park & Ride (CATA)
Park at either of the following locations:
-Lot 91 located on the corner of Hagadorn and Service Roads at MSU -Abbott Center at 1400-1500 Abbot Road just north of Saginaw
Ride the CATA Folk Festival Routes:
-Green Route from Lot 91
-Red Route from the Abbott Center
Pay just 50-cents round trip when you board a Great Lakes Folk Festival bus or use your CATA fixed-route bus pass. Children 42" tall or less ride for free. If you are paying with cash, exact change is required. Transfers to other CATA buses may be made at bus stops along the route. CATA fixed-route transfers are free. Just ask the driver for a transfer ticket when you board your first bus.
Green and Red Route buses run approximately every 10 minutes throughout the festival-- Friday, August 10 --4:30 pm until 11:30 pm Saturday, August 11-- 11 am until 11:30 pm Sunday, August 12--11 am until 6:30 pm
Or ride from home on CATA Routes 1, 20-26 (Routes 22 & 23 operate Friday and Saturday only). CATA's Entertainment Express trolley travels from downtown Lansing to downtown East Lansing beginning at 7:30 pm on Friday and Saturday.
For more information, contact CATA at info@cata.og or 517.394.1000.
Parking Areas for Vehicles With Wheelchair Tags or Cards Will Be Reserved
- The Ramp under the Marriot
- Just east of the East Lansing Police Station
- in the metered space on the west end of Albert Street, near Dublin Square
- In each Park & Ride parking area
By Bicycle 
Volunteers from MSU Bikes, League of Michigan Bicyclists and Tri-County Bicycle Association park and guard bicycles in a special Bike Valet Parking Area located near the City Hall Stage on Abbot Road. There is no charge for this service, but your donation is appreciated.
Don't forget that state law requires a white headlight and red reflectors, visible to 600 feet, for after-dark cycling. Festival staff strongly recommends using a taillight, and please wear a helmet at all times.
Also, look for bike racks on CATA fixed-route buses.
By Plane
Capitol City Airport (Lansing) is twelve miles from East Lansing. Detroit, Flint and Grand Rapids airports are within 90 miles. Carriers include Delta, United and Sun Country. For more information, visit http://www.flylansing.com/
By Train
An Amtrak station is located less than two miles from the festival www.amtrak.com.
Downloadable Maps and Directions to East Lansing and GLFF
from Google Maps, includes zoom in and out capabilities
Visit the Greater Lansing Convention and Visitors Bureau website for information on accommodations, or call them at (888) 2-LANSING.
Or, Check the Travel Michigan website for additional information on local campsites, lodging, attractions and more.