Facility Overview

The MDOT Carpool Parking Lot on East Colby Street is a dedicated state-managed commuter and rideshare surface lot serving the greater Whitehall and Montague communities in Muskegon County, Michigan. Located directly adjacent to the US-31 expressway corridor at Colby Street (Exit 128), this open-air facility features asphalt paving with clearly designated standard parking bays and accessible spaces. Because it is an open-air surface lot without covered decks or low overhead clearance bars, the facility offers unlimited vertical clearance, making it fully suitable for standard passenger sedans, crossover vehicles, high-roof conversion vans, and full-size pickup trucks. In accordance with Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) commuter lot regulations, commercial semi-trucks, tractor-trailers, campers, fifth wheels, and RVs are strictly prohibited.

Prime Location & Nearby Attractions

Positioned along the main commercial gateway of Whitehall, the lot provides immediate access to daily essentials and local attractions. Fast-casual dining and convenience options—including McDonald's, Culver's, Shell, and Subway—are located directly along Colby Street within a 1- to 3-minute walk. Downtown Whitehall and neighboring Montague sit approximately 1.5 miles to the west (a 3-minute drive), granting swift access to the historic Playhouse at White Lake, Goodrich Park, White Lake Municipal Marina, and the scenic shores of White Lake. Outdoor enthusiasts also appreciate the lot’s proximity to regional trailheads, including the Fred Meijer Berry Junction Trail and the White Lake Pathway. Furthermore, situated approximately 8 miles south of the Double JJ Resort in Rothbury, this commuter lot frequently serves as a strategic rendezvous point for festivalgoers attending seasonal events like Electric Forest.

Access, Navigation & Transit Connectivity

Vehicular ingress and egress are exceptionally straightforward. The car park connects directly to East Colby Street (US-31 Business Route) just yards from the US-31 interchange on- and off-ramps at Exit 128. This direct proximity allows motorists to avoid local town center congestion and merge seamlessly onto the highway toward Muskegon and Grand Rapids to the south, or Silver Lake, Ludington, and Manistee to the north. While there is no dedicated rail service in the immediate area, the lot acts as an essential multimodal staging zone for vanpools, workplace carpools, and regional rideshare services connecting Muskegon County workers with regional employment corridors.

Facility Amenities & Key Features

• Open-air paved asphalt surface with marked passenger bays
• Unrestricted vertical clearance accommodating standard cars, pickup trucks, and full-size passenger vans
• Direct on-ramp and off-ramp connectivity to the US-31 highway corridor
• Overhead lighting providing visibility during early morning and late evening commutes
• Designated ADA-accessible parking spaces with curb accessibility
• 100% free public parking provided by the Michigan Department of Transportation without required meters, parking passes, or toll gates
• Pedestrian proximity to neighboring retail shops, gas stations, and eateries along Colby Street

Ideal For

• Daily commuters and workplace carpoolers traveling along the US-31 corridor toward Muskegon, Holland, and Grand Rapids
• Rideshare participants seeking a recognizable, central staging hub in the White Lake area
• Road trippers and outdoor travelers meeting up for excursions to Lake Michigan beaches, Duck Lake State Park, and local trail systems
• Seasonal event attendees coordinating shared transport to regional entertainment venues and festivals in northern Muskegon and Oceana counties

Visitor & Driver Tips

• Cost & Payment: Parking is completely free of charge. There are no parking meters, apps, or physical payment kiosks required.
• Duration Rules: MDOT carpool facilities are meant for short-term and multi-day commuter parking (generally up to 48 to 72 hours). Unattended vehicles left for extended durations without notification may be treated as abandoned and tagged by law enforcement.
• Camping Restrictions: Overnight camping, sleeping inside vehicles, and setting up recreational gear are strictly prohibited on state carpool property.
• Peak Arrival Times: The lot experiences the highest turnover during standard weekday commuting hours (6:30 AM to 8:30 AM and 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM) as well as peak summer festival weekends. Arriving early during busy holiday weekends ensures prime stall selection.
• Vehicle Security: As with all unstaffed public lots, remember to roll up windows, lock all doors, and stow personal valuables out of sight before departing.