Metered and On-Street Visitor Parking
We’re glad you chose to visit Downtown Marquette!
New on-street parking meters are being installed curbside throughout Downtown Marquette, as the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) begins implementing the next phase of our strategic parking management plan. The goal of effective parking management is to regulate parking spaces in a manner that ensures a percentage of spaces are available at any given time. Parking meters help to control turnover that is vital for maximizing the potential flow of customers to the downtown district’s retail, service, and dining establishments.
The approximately 400 modern parking meters feature smart technology, offering residents and visitors convenient payment options including coins, credit and debit cards and flexible stay times ranging from one to three to ten-hour parking limits depending on location. Parking time limits, rates, and enforcement hours will be easily identified on each meter’s digital display screen and through additional meter signage. The parking rate will remain at 50 cents per hour; however, users may insert 25 cents and receive a half hour of time for shorter stays. The resulting meter turnover will improve parking availability and convenience to users enjoying downtown’s businesses and amenities.
The new meters will be located on the 100 block of East Washington Street, the 100, 200 and 300 blocks of West Washington Street, the 100 block of East Main Street, the 100 block of West Spring Street, East and West Baraga Avenue through the 300 block, South Third Street, and along North and South Front Street. Like the pay stations already in operation in the lower level of the Bluff Street Parking Ramp, a pay station will be installed in the North Main Street Parking Lot located adjacent to the north side of West Main Street. Motorists are to utilize the pay station upon entering the parking lot by entering their license plate number and paying for the desired stay time before beginning their time in Marquette’s Downtown District.
A short parking meter instructional video can be viewed below.
Complimentary Parking
The upper level of the Bluff Street Parking Ramp, the lower Commons Lot, the Spring Street Lot, Baraga Lot and Rock Street Lot offer complimentary 2-hour parking. Free 2-hour parking is also available on-street where there are no parking meters, including North Third Street to Fair Avenue. Complimentary all-day parking is available in the Lower Harbor Park Parking Lot, except for reserved marina spaces.
Lower Level Bluff Street Parking Ramp
Downtown Marquette has moved to a pay station parking system in the lower level of the Bluff Street Ramp. This modernization in parking allows for multiple methods of payment and extension of time, helping to create a more seamless visit. Upon parking, users are required to enter their license plate number into one of the two pay stations and make the appropriate payment for their desired stay-time following the simple instructions on the display panel. The pay stations are located inside the ramp at the center of the south wall and on the west end hear the exit to the elevator tower. Parking rates are 50 cents per hour, with cash and credit card payments accepted.
Written Instructions:
Smart Meter and Pay Station Instructions
Parking is enforced Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Rental Permit Parking
Welcome to the Downtown Marquette Rental Parking System. Rental permits are available from the Downtown Development Authority for those who park downtown on a regular basis.
The DDA maintains and manages eight parking lots in the downtown district. Five of the lots are shared between rental (long-term) parkers and short-term customer/visitor parking. Several are dedicated for either customer only or rental permit only parking. A parking permit allows you to park your car for the day in any of the parking lots designated as “Rental Permit Parking.” The rental rate is $25 per month, and permits are invoiced quarterly. Overnight permits are available for downtown residents at a rate of $35 per month to park in designated parking lots. Please note, overnight parking is not permitted in the upper level of the Bluff Street Parking Ramp, the North Main Street Lot and the Lakeshore Boulevard Lot. Temporary parking permits are also available; contact the Marquette Downtown Development Authority at (906) 228-9475 for more information on this option.
By purchasing a parking permit in downtown and parking in “rental permit designated lots”, you are contributing to the well-being of the downtown district. First, you are saving the best spaces for customers and clients and allowing them to find convenient parking. The experts tell us that the annual value of one customer parking space is $70,000 in retail sales to downtown businesses. Secondly, all parking revenue is reinvested into snow removal and maintenance of safe streets, sidewalks, walkways and parking areas throughout the downtown district.
Once again, thank you for parking where it makes “cents” and for helping keep downtown strong!
Parking Permit Registration Form
Downtown District Parking Guide – July 2017
Marquette Parking Study (2013)