Facility Overview

The MDOT Park & Ride located in Haslett, Michigan (at the junction of Interstate 69 and Business Loop I-69 / Old M-78) is a state-maintained commuter facility designed to facilitate seamless carpooling, vanpooling, and regional transit connectivity. Operated under the Michigan Department of Transportation's (MDOT) Michigan Carpool Parking Lot Program, this open-air, paved asphalt surface lot provides an organized, self-park layout with designated painted stalls and dedicated turning lanes. Because it is a level, open-sky lot with no overhead ceiling structures or clearance height barriers, it comfortably accommodates a wide range of standard and oversized passenger vehicles, including lifted pickup trucks, full-size SUVs, minivans, and conversion passenger vans. MDOT regulations require that all parked vehicles fit within a standard parking space; commercial semi-trucks, tractor-trailers, travel trailers, and recreational vehicles (RVs) are explicitly prohibited from staging or parking on site.

Prime Location & Nearby Attractions

Positioned on the northern perimeter of Haslett at the intersection of Clinton and Ingham counties, the lot serves as an essential jumping-off point for commuters, outdoor recreation enthusiasts, and eventgoers heading into East Lansing, Greater Lansing, or Flint:

• Michigan State University (MSU) Campus: Located roughly 8 miles (a 12- to 15-minute drive) southwest, making this an ideal remote staging point for students, university faculty, and Spartan game-day visitors heading to Spartan Stadium, the Jack Breslin Student Events Center, or the Wharton Center for Performing Arts.
• Lake Lansing Park North & South: Just 3.5 miles (approx. 6 minutes) south, providing miles of hiking trails, public beaches, picnic grounds, and boat launches on Lake Lansing.
• Rose Lake State Wildlife Area: Less than 3 miles northeast via Old M-78, spanning thousands of acres of protected wetlands, recreational trails, and state wildlife lands popular with birdwatchers and outdoor sportsmen.
• Eagle Eye & Hawk Hollow Golf Courses: Located only 4 to 5 miles to the west in neighboring Bath Township, offering nationally recognized championship golf courses and banquet venues.
• Meridian Mall & Grand River Commercial Corridor: Approximately 6 miles south via Marsh Road, home to premier regional shopping, dining, and family entertainment centers.
• Downtown Lansing & State Capitol Complex: Situated approximately 13 miles southwest via I-69 to I-496, serving state government employees and capitol visitors.

Access, Navigation & Transit Connectivity

Ingress and egress are straightforward and optimized for commuter convenience. The lot is situated right off I-69 at Exit 94 (signed for Haslett / Okemos / BL I-69). Drivers approaching from northbound or southbound I-69 take Exit 94 directly onto Business Loop I-69 (East Saginaw Highway / Old M-78), turning directly into the dedicated entrance driveway. The entrance and internal drive aisles feature ample turning radii to prevent congestion during morning peak hours and evening return trips. Motorists connecting to local surface arteries can transition seamlessly onto Marsh Road, which leads directly south through Haslett and Okemos. The facility is integrated into regional rideshare networks, functioning as a primary meet-up hub for Clean Commute and Enterprise vanpools, as well as connecting commuters toward Capital Area Transportation Authority (CATA) service corridors and express commuter routes serving the Lansing metropolitan core.

Facility Amenities & Key Features

• 100% Free Commuter Parking: No ticketing machines, parking meters, entry permits, or parking passes are required.
• Open-Air Surface Stalls: Paved, clearly striped parking stalls designed for smooth circulation and low-stress head-in parking.
• Zero Vertical Clearance Limitations: Open headroom allows safe entry for rooftop cargo boxes, tall antennas, utility vans, and high-profile pickups.
• Lighting & Visibility: MDOT overhead area pole lighting throughout the lot enhances night visibility and traveler safety for early morning and evening commuters.
• ADA Accessibility: Designated barrier-free, ADA-compliant spaces featuring adjacent striped access aisles positioned near entry access points.
• Up to 72-Hour Maximum Stay: MDOT rules allow vehicles to be legally parked continuously for up to 72 hours, making short business commutes and weekend trips simple and stress-free.
• Trash Receptacles: On-site waste containers to support litter-free state rideshare facilities.

Ideal For

• State Government & Corporate Commuters: Professionals living in northern Ingham and southern Clinton counties commuting into Downtown Lansing, Okemos, or Flint.
• MSU Staff & Students: Commuters heading to Michigan State University seeking to minimize campus parking expenses by consolidating vehicles.
• Big Ten Game-Day Attendees: Fans meeting to carpool down to Spartan football and basketball games to split stadium parking fees and bypass post-game congestion.
• Outdoor Recreation Enthusiasts: Groups gathering before day trips to Lake Lansing, Rose Lake Wildlife Area, or Sleepy Hollow State Park.
• Rideshare & Airport Runs: Drivers meeting to share rides to Capital Region International Airport (LAN), Bishop International Airport (FNT), or Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW).

Visitor & Driver Tips

• 72-Hour Rule Enforcement: Parking beyond the 72-hour threshold is strictly prohibited by MDOT regulations; abandoned or overstaying vehicles risk ticketing and towing by Michigan State Police or local law enforcement.
• Prohibited Uses: Overnight camping, sleeping in vehicles, tailgating events, and parking of trailers or commercial cargo trucks are not permitted.
• Winter Weather Awareness: While MDOT and regional county road commissions perform winter maintenance, snow and ice can accumulate during major lake-effect snowfall events. Allow extra maneuvering space in freezing conditions.
• Peak Arrival Times: Weekday morning commuter peaks occur between 6:30 AM and 8:00 AM. Arriving on the earlier side ensures the easiest stall selection close to the entrance.
• GPS Navigation Guidance: Input 'MDOT Park & Ride - I-69 Exit 94' or use coordinates (42.797625, -84.353921) to ensure your GPS routes you via Exit 94 rather than rural secondary farm roads.
• Vehicle Security: Keep vehicle doors locked, remove all visible valuables, and park beneath overhead lights if returning after dark.