Logistics
Travel, local transportation, nearby food and coffee, and things to do in East Lansing.
TRAVEL / LOCAL INFORMATION
Communication Science Futures takes place at the MSU Union, across Grand River Avenue from downtown East Lansing and a short walk from Graduate East Lansing. Use this page for airport transportation, local transit, nearby businesses, and ideas for free time.
01 / GETTING HERE
Travel to East Lansing
Michigan Flyer-AirRide provides direct coach service from Detroit Metro Airport (DTW) to East Lansing. The conference venue, hotel, downtown, and campus are all close together once you arrive.
Airport shuttle
Michigan Flyer
Michigan Flyer operates daily round trips between Detroit Metro Airport, Ann Arbor, and East Lansing. The East Lansing stop is at the Marriott under the skywalk on Albert Street, at 333 Albert Avenue.
- Service
- 14 daily round trips
- Advance booking
- Reservations open 180 days out
- DTW fare
- $35 one way / $60 round trip online
Once you arrive
Campus + local transit
The MSU Union is at 49 Abbot Road. MSU provides campus maps and visitor information, while CATA operates bus service in East Lansing and offers free on-campus rides.
02 / NEAR THE GRADUATE
Food, coffee, and essentials nearby
Downtown East Lansing is directly across Grand River Avenue from campus, with restaurants, coffee shops, bars, bookstores, shops, and services within walking distance.
Neighborhood map
Hotel, conference venue, and downtown
Coffee nearby
Coffee near the conference
Poindexter is in the Graduate lobby, and Strange Matter is on the first floor of the MSU Union. Foster, Foxtail, and Haraz are additional options within a short walk downtown.
In the Graduate lobby
Poindexter Coffee
Breakfast, lunch, pastries, and coffee in the hotel lobby, with seating available.
Hotel dining detailsInside the MSU Union
Strange Matter Coffee
A first-floor coffee and bakery counter inside the conference building, with additional public seating throughout the Union.
Location + hours196 Albert Avenue
Foster Coffee
A downtown café just off Abbot Road, close to the Michigan Flyer stop and the Albert Avenue pedestrian area.
Visit Foster431 E. Grand River Avenue
Foxtail Coffee
A café on the east side of downtown with espresso drinks, cold brew, and seating.
Visit Foxtail501 E. Grand River Avenue
Haraz Coffee House
Yemeni coffee and tea, specialty drinks, and pastries a little farther east along Grand River.
Visit HarazRestaurants + bars
Nearby options
- Graduate Rock BarAt the hotel · 133 Evergreen Ave.
- Barrio Tacos202 Albert Ave.
- Beggar’s Banquet218 Abbot Road
- Peanut Barrel521 E. Grand River Ave.
Shops
Shopping and essentials
- Curious Book Shop307 E. Grand River Ave.
- The Bike Shop303 M.A.C. Ave.
- Campbell’s Market Basket545 E. Grand River Ave.
- Spartan Spirit ShopInside the MSU Union
Entertainment
Things to do nearby
- Pinball Pete’sArcade · 220 Albert Ave.
- For Crêpe Sake211 M.A.C. Ave.
- Downtown art + galleriesRotating displays and local shops
- Rock Bar rooftopViews of campus · 21+ after 8 p.m.
03 / FREE TIME
Things to do on campus
MSU has museums, gardens, performances, and walking routes that are easy to visit before or after conference sessions.
Explore north campus
From the Union, walk toward Beaumont Tower, the Red Cedar River, and the historic center of campus.
See campus locationsVisit the Broad
The MSU Broad Art Museum is always free and open to everyone, with changing exhibitions and a striking building on campus.
Plan your visitVisit the Horticulture Gardens
The MSU Horticulture Gardens are open daily from sunrise to sundown.
Visit the gardensDairy Store and Wharton Center
Stop at the MSU Dairy Store for campus-made ice cream and cheese, or check the Wharton Center for performances.