Facility Overview
Lot 27 is a dedicated outdoor surface parking lot situated on the campus of Central Michigan University (CMU) in Mount Pleasant, Michigan (ZIP code 48858). Nestled within the active collegiate environment, this open-air facility features a well-configured asphalt layout designed for straightforward maneuvering and stall access. Because it is an unobstructed surface facility, Lot 27 offers unlimited vertical clearance, making it an excellent choice for full-sized pickup trucks, tall SUVs, and passenger vans that might otherwise struggle with low ceiling clearances in conventional parking ramps. Paved driving lanes and clearly marked single-vehicle parking bays accommodate daily academic and campus vehicular traffic smoothly.
Prime Location & Nearby Attractions
Positioned conveniently within Central Michigan University\'s core grounds, Lot 27 serves as a strategic parking hub for both academic halls and collegiate events. Visitors and permit holders are within comfortable walking distance of key CMU lecture halls, department offices, and student resource centers. Additionally, Mount Pleasant’s athletic and recreational venues—including McGuirk Arena at the John G. Kulhavi Events Center, Kelly/Shorts Stadium, and the Student Activity Center (SAC)—are easily accessible either on foot or via a short shuttle ride. The lot also places visitors minutes away from popular off-campus dining spots, local coffee shops, and student gathering spaces along South Mission Street and nearby residential corridors.
Access, Navigation & Transit Connectivity
Entry and exit points to Lot 27 are thoughtfully planned along campus service roadways, allowing for manageable traffic dispersal before class transitions and after sporting matches or commencement ceremonies. Drivers can reach the facility quickly from primary Mount Pleasant thoroughfares, including M-20 (Pickard Road/High Street) and US-127 Business Route (South Mission Street), offering direct links to US-127 for regional travel. On campus, drivers have immediate access to CMU’s campus shuttle system and the Isabella County Transportation Commission (I-Ride) bus network, ensuring seamless multimodal connections across Mount Pleasant.
Facility Amenities & Key Features
- Open-air, ground-level parking with zero height restrictions.
- Clearly marked ADA-accessible spaces close to pedestrian egress pathways.
- Campus-grade exterior lamppost illumination throughout evening and nighttime hours.
- Equipped for campus digital permit enforcement and mobile visitor payment systems (such as ParkMobile or university guest passes).
- Proximity to campus sidewalks, pedestrian crosswalks, and bike paths.
- Maintained and monitored by Central Michigan University Parking Services and CMU Police.
Ideal For
- Central Michigan University faculty, staff, and enrolled commuting or resident students.
- Prospective students, parents, and families attending official CMU campus tours and admissions events.
- Fans and spectators attending Chippewas athletics and campus performances.
- Contractors, visiting guest lecturers, and university event delegates.
Visitor & Driver Tips
Parking regulations on the CMU campus are actively enforced on weekdays; always verify the posted signage at the entrance to Lot 27 to ensure whether the area requires a specific permit tier (e.g., Commuter, Resident, or Staff) or permits guest pay-by-plate parking. During major university functions such as Homecoming, commencement, or high-profile football Saturdays, expect altered traffic patterns and increased foot traffic. Using mobile parking tools or securing a guest dashboard pass in advance through CMU Parking Services will help you avoid parking citations.
