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  2. For Parents and Families
  3. Parent and Family Weekend
  4. Plan Your Trip

Plan Your Trip

We’re excited to welcome you to campus for Parent & Family Weekend. Use this page to find hotel options, parking information, public transportation, and game day travel tips.

Campus Visitor Parking

Visitor parking is available in select U-M lots and nearby Ann Arbor parking structures. Parking rates and availability are subject to change. Please check posted signs when you arrive.

For a full list of U-M parking options, visit Logistics, Transportation, & Parking (LTP).

  • Closest to the Michigan Union (1-2 block walk)
    • W13 Student Activities Building Parking Lot (400 Thompson St)
      • Rate: $2.50/hour
      • Type: Small outdoor lot (78 visitor spaces)
    • Thompson/Maynard Structure (320Thompson St or 324 Maynard St)
      • Rate: $1.65/hour
      • Type: Large parking structure
  • Nearby city garages (3-5 block walk)
    • Liberty Square Garage (510 E Washington St)
    • Library Lane Garage (319 S 5th Ave)
    • Fourth & William Garage (115 E William St)
    • Forest Avenue Garage (650 S Forest Ave)
  • Further away (5- to 10-min drive)
    • Palmer Drive Structure (200 Washtenaw Ave)
      • Rate: $2.50/hour (Mon–Sat, 24 hours)
      • Type: U-M staff structure with 240 visitor spaces
    • Thayer (216 S Thayer S) or Fletcher (201 Fletcher St) Structures
      • Usually reserved for university staff only, but are generally open to the public for a fee during performances at the university’s theaters.
    • Faculty and Staff Structures
      • Many are open for visitor parking after business hours.
  • Parking meters

    Meters are enforced Mon–Sat, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m., unless otherwise stated on the meter or central pay station.

    • Rate $2.50/hour
    • How to pay: Meters accept coins, credit cards, and debit cards.
    • Pro-Tip: Download the ePark Ann Arbor app before you arrive. It allows you to pay directly from your phone and remotely extend your time if your visit runs long.

Public Transportation

  • Magic Bus – Free campus buses connect Central Campus, North Campus, Medical Campus, and Athletic Campus. Use Magic Bus to view routes and real-time arrivals.
  • TheRide – Public bus service for the Ann Arbor-Ypsilanti area. Rates are $1.50 for a single ride or $3 for a day pass.
  • Amtrak and Greyhound – Both are located at 325 Depot St., about a 10-minute drive from the Michigan Union.
  • Destination Ann Arbor – Offers information about taxis, shuttles, car rentals, and airport transportation.
  • Ann Arbor Downtown Development Authority (DDA) – Find information on biking, walking, and downtown transportation information.

Hotel Information

A limited number of hotel rooms have been reserved in Detroit and nearby areas. For options within Ann Arbor, please visit Destination Ann Arbor.

To book from our reserved blocks, use the booking link listed under each hotel below. This is not a complete list, so you may also explore other accommodations.

Please note: Availability is very limited during Parent and Family Weekend and cannot be guaranteed for all guests.

  • Detroit Dearborn

    HeadingCourtyard by Marriott – Detroit Dearborn

    DoubleTree by Hilton – Detroit Dearborn

  • Downtown Detroit

    Courtyard by Marriott – Detroit Downtown

    Fort Pontchartrain Detroit, A Wyndham Hotel

  • Detroit Livonia

    Courtyard by Marriott – Detroit Livonia

    • Hotel blocks available Parent & Family Weekend 10/22/26 – 10/25/26
    • 17200 N Laurel Park Drive, Livonia, MI 48152
    • Booking Link for Parent & Family Weekend Block
    • Deadline to book at the discounted rate: Thursday, September 24, 2026
  • Detroit Metro Airport

    Courtyard Detroit Metro Airport

    Deadline to book at the discounted rate: Thursday, October 1, 2026

Getting from the tailgate to the football game

Many families walk from the tailgate to Michigan Stadium. Sidewalks and popular walking routes will be busy and easy to follow. Comfortable shoes are recommended.

Golf carts will be available for guests with mobility needs. Ask a staff member at tailgate check-in for details.

Blue Buses will provide rides back to the Hill Street and Thompson Street parking structures after the game. Pick-up location and timing will be shared closer to the event.

Football game parking and transportation

If you are not attending the tailgate, we recommend using TheRide’s FootballRide shuttle to get to Michigan Stadium.

FootballRide Shuttle

FootballRide shuttles serve many Ann Arbor hotels and central locations. Shuttles run about every 20 minutes, starting two hours before kickoff. The last shuttles leave 30 minutes before kickoff.

All riders are dropped off near Gate 2 at Michigan Stadium, next to Crisler Center. Return shuttles run for about one hour after the game.

Tickets are $3 round trip or $1.50 one way. Riders can buy tickets at participating hotels, in advance by mobile ticket, or with exact cash (drivers do not provide change).

Visit TheRide for shuttle locations, schedules, and ticket details.

Finding game day parking

Parking near Michigan Stadium is very limited, and many lots require permits. If you choose to drive, plan for heavy traffic, road closures, and construction.

Public day-of-game parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis and may fill up hours before kickoff. Visit mgoblue.com for information about cash parking, large vehicle parking, and road construction.

The Division of Public Safety and Security partners with Waze to help drivers avoid road closures and find available parking. DPSS will update its game day parking information when lots become full.

A note about private parking: Some Ann Arbor residents, businesses, and organizations sell parking in driveways, lawns, and lots. Prices vary, and cars may be blocked in. Only park in spaces clearly marked “Football Parking.” Illegally parked cars may be ticketed or towed.