Mt. Pleasant is a vibrant college town located in the heart of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, home to Central Michigan University. With a population of around 20,000, the city offers a warm, welcoming community with a variety of restaurants, parks, shops, and cultural attractions. The area is well-connected by major highways (US-127) and is within easy driving distance of several regional airports.

Top Attractions

• Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort — A world-class resort featuring 210,000 sq ft of gaming, dining, entertainment, and a waterpark, operated by the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe.
• Ziibiwing Center — A compelling cultural museum celebrating the history and heritage of the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan.
• Deerfield Nature Park — Voted "Most Beautiful Place in Isabella County," featuring hiking and biking trails along the Chippewa River and rustic campsites.
• Mt. Pleasant Discovery Museum — Hands-on science and exploration exhibits, perfect for families.
• Downtown Mt. Pleasant — Boutique shops, unique dining spots, and a lively arts scene. The city hosts over 500 local events annually including Music in the Park (summer concert series).

For more, visit the official visitors bureau: meetmtp.com

Mt. Pleasant offers several excellent accommodation options near the CMU campus. We recommend booking early, especially during conference season.

• Courtyard by Marriott Mt. Pleasant at Central Michigan University
  Just 0.3 miles from campus. Modern rooms, on-site fitness center, business center, and indoor pool. Rating: 9.4/10.
• Comfort Inn & Suites and Conference Center
  0.5 miles from campus with over 10,000 sq ft of flexible meeting space. Gold Award winner (top 10% globally). Rating: 9.2/10.
• Quality Inn Mount Pleasant — Budget-friendly option ~4.5 miles from campus, from ~$84/night. Free breakfast, Wi-Fi, and parking included.
• Super 8 by Wyndham Mt. Pleasant — Economy option ~5 miles from campus, from ~$87/night.

Special conference hotel rates will be announced closer to the event. Please check back for updates.

Nearest Airports

• MBS International Airport (MBS) — Freeland, MI (~50 min drive from CMU). Offers connections to Detroit (DTW) and Chicago O’Hare (ORD). The most convenient regional airport for conference attendees.
• Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) — ~2 hours from CMU (~120 miles). The primary international gateway with extensive worldwide connections via Delta, United, American, and international carriers.
• Flint Bishop International Airport (FNT) — ~1 hour from CMU. Serves several domestic destinations and is a convenient mid-size option.
• Mount Pleasant Municipal Airport (MOP) — General aviation and charter flights only; no scheduled commercial service.

Ground Transportation

The following options are available to reach CMU from nearby airports:

• Rental Cars: Available at DTW, MBS, and FNT. Recommended for the most flexibility. CMU campus is easily accessed via US-127.
• Uber / Lyft: Ride-sharing services operate in Mt. Pleasant and are available at all major airports.
• Private Shuttle / Limousine: Pre-arranged airport transfer services are available from Mt. Pleasant area companies (e.g., Motor City Limousine).
• I-Ride Public Transit: Local public transit operated by the Isabella County Transportation Commission serves Mt. Pleasant and surrounding areas.
• On Campus: The CMU campus is walkable and features sidewalks, walkways, and bike lanes connecting all areas.

International participants traveling to the USA should verify their visa requirements well in advance. Many countries participate in the US Visa Waiver Program (VWP) and may enter with an approved ESTA authorization instead of a visa. Please consult the US Embassy or Consulate in your home country for the most up-to-date requirements.

• Check ESTA eligibility and apply at: esta.cbp.dhs.gov
• Full US visa information: travel.state.gov/us-visas
• CMU international travel resources: cmich.edu/international-travel

If you require an official invitation / acceptance letter for your visa application, please contact us at info@icmiconf.com with your paper acceptance details.