Seeking Michigan

Parking

Visitor parking is located south of the building, with a $1 hourly fee on weekdays—please note this is payable in cash only. Weekend parking is free. Buses park for free every day; please see instructions below. Visitors should use the Kalamazoo Street entrance, turning onto the circle drive to enter the visitor parking lot (area shown in light yellow). The area indicated in gray on the map is Michigan Library and Historical Center employee parking.

Additional public parking is available north of the building across Allegan Street (east of the Hall of Justice and Vietnam Memorial). However, the north entrance of the Michigan Library and Historical Center building is not accessible to those with mobility impairments.

Tips on using the automated parking system:

• To enter the lot, take an entry ticket. Bring the ticket with you when you leave your car.
• At the end of your visit—before you return to your car—stop at the Pay Station located inside the building entrance facing Kalamazoo Street. Insert your ticket in the slot, follow directions on the screen and pay your parking fee. The machine will dispense a validated ticket. Take the validated ticket with you to your car. (Tickets can also be paid at the exit gate.)
• All parking fees are payable in cash only.
• Drive to the exit gate on the west side of the lot (Butler Street). Insert your validated ticket into the slot in the exit machine; the gate arm will open to permit you to exit.

Schoolbus drivers:

When you arrive, pull forward close to the entrance gate. Laser sensors will note your arrival and the gate will be opened from a remote location. This may take a moment, so please be patient. If there is a problem, please press the button on the gate for assistance. When exiting the lot, please follow the same procedure as when entering. The exit gate is located across the lot from the entrance gate. Buses never need a ticket. Please park in the areas designated for bus parking.

School Groups

If you would like to utilize the Archives of Michigan for a classroom visit or activity please call us in advance at (517) 373-1408.  All students under 16 must be accompanied by an adult with a picture I.D.  All students 16 years of age or older must have a picture I.D. to register as a visitor.