Beyond the Bus

The leaves are changing and the air is crisp, which means fall is pulling into the station. From colorful trail rides and football pride to tasty festivals and farmers markets, the Capital City region is full of autumn adventures.  

So, grab your sweater, hop on board and check out these must-do stops this fall.

First Stop: Scenic Rides Along the River Trail 

Location: Lansing River Trail 
Dates: Any day this fall 

As the fall colors are starting to show, there’s no better front-row seat than the Lansing River Trail. New bus shelters have been installed along key access points to make your Transit to Trails journey seamless. Each one features bike repair stations, bike racks, trash receptacles and wayfinding signage to keep your trip on track. New trail wayfinding signs also point the way to the nearest bus stop, so you can hop off the bus and right onto the trail. 

And if you want to bring your bike for the ride, no problem. Every CATA bus is equipped with bike racks, letting you combine pedal power and public transit with ease. 

Travel tip: Plan your trip with the Lansing River Trail Map and check CATA Routes & Schedules to find your nearest stop. 

Second Stop: MSU Football Game Day Shuttles 

Location: Spartan Stadium (325 W Shaw Ln, East Lansing, MI 48824)
Dates: Every MSU home game 

Fall Saturdays are made for football, and CATA is ready to carry you to victory. Skip the gridlock and ride straight to the action on our MSU football shuttles. 

• Green Line: Lot 89, $20 parking, free shuttle, service begins five hours before kickoff. 

• White Line (New Location): Lot 200 Pavilion for RVs and charter buses, $60 for RVs and $100 for charter buses, shuttle begins three to two hours before kickoff. 

• Lot 48 Shuttle: Reserved handicap parking only, $30 includes roundtrip shuttle pass, service starts two hours before kickoff. 

Travel tip: Get there early to grab your spot and enjoy the pregame energy without the parking hassle. 

Third Stop: Meridian Township Farmers' Market 

Location: Marketplace on the Green (1995 Central Park Drive, Okemos)
Dates: Wednesdays and Saturdays through Oct. 29 

This market is the perfect place to grab farm-fresh produce, flowers, baked goods and more while supporting local growers. 

Travel tip: Hop on Route 1 to the Meridian Mall, then enjoy a short stroll to the pavilion. 

Fourth Stop: Festivals That Keep Fall Rolling 

Location: Adado Riverfront Park, Jackson Field, Allen Neighborhood Center 

Fall festival season is in full swing, and CATA can get you there in style: 

• Annual Dance by the River Pow Wow: Sept. 27–28, ride Routes 12, 14, 16 or 48 directly to Adado Riverfront Park. 

• Chili Cook Off: Oct. 4, ride Route 1 to Jackson Field. 

• Harvest Festival: Oct. 15, ride Route 15 to Allen Neighborhood Center. 

• Fenner’s Annual Apple Butter Festival: Oct. 18–19, ride Route 7 or 18 to the Fenner Nature Center. 

Travel tip: Be sure to check for detours before you head out — we’ll keep the wheels turning so you don’t miss a beat. 

This season is packed with local flavor, fall color and community spirit. From the quiet trails to the loud crowds, CATA can get you to every stop on your autumn adventure.