Navigating Parking at Northrop Auditorium: Your Guide to the Fourth Street Parking Ramp

Finding convenient parking near Northrop Auditorium at the University of Minnesota can be straightforward when you know your options. While the East River Road Garage is a commonly suggested parking location, it’s beneficial to be aware of alternative solutions, especially if the primary garage is full or if you’re looking for parking closer to your specific route. This guide will detail driving, walking, and transit directions to Northrop Auditorium, with a special focus on the Fourth Street Parking Ramp as a valuable parking alternative.

Driving Directions to Northrop Auditorium and Parking Options

Whether you’re arriving from the north, south, east, or west, clear driving directions are crucial. Here’s how to navigate to the vicinity of Northrop Auditorium, keeping both the East River Road Garage and the Fourth Street Parking Ramp in mind.

Directions to East River Road Garage (Primary Option)

The East River Road Garage is often recommended for Northrop Auditorium visitors. Here are directions based on your approach via I-35W and I-94:

From I-35W

From the South:

1. As you approach downtown Minneapolis on I-35W South, stay in the right lanes.
2. Follow signs for I-94 East from downtown, but do not exit onto I-94. Continue on 35W North.
3. Take exit #18 for University Avenue S.E./4th Street S.E.
4. Turn right onto University Avenue S.E.
5. Proceed to 15th Street SE/Pleasant Street and turn right.
6. Follow Pleasant Street until you reach Arlington Street.
7. Turn right onto Arlington Street and drive one block to East River Road.
8. Turn left onto East River Parkway.
9. Continue on East River Parkway for approximately half a mile. The East River Road Garage will be on your left.

From the North:

1. Follow 35W South.
2. Take exit #18 for University Avenue S.E./4th Street S.E.
3. Turn left at the second set of traffic lights onto University Avenue S.E., heading east.
4. Proceed to 15th Street SE/Pleasant Street and turn right.
5. Follow Pleasant Street until you reach Arlington Street.
6. Turn right on Arlington Street and drive one block to East River Road.
7. Turn left onto East River Parkway.
8. Continue on East River Parkway for approximately half a mile. The East River Road Garage will be on your left.

From I-94

From the East and West:

1. Follow I-94 (Eastbound or Westbound).
2. Take the Huron Boulevard exit (#235B).
3. Turn left onto Fulton Street S.E.
4. Follow Fulton Street S.E. for about five blocks.
5. Fulton Street S.E. will naturally veer and merge with East River Parkway.
6. Continue on East River Parkway for three blocks. The entrance to the East River Road Garage will be on your right.

Fourth Street Parking Ramp: Your Backup Plan

What if the East River Road Garage is full, or you prefer a different location? The Fourth Street Parking Ramp, located at 1625 4th Street SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, provides an excellent alternative.

This parking ramp is conveniently situated and often has more availability. It’s also a straightforward walk to Northrop Auditorium from this ramp. To reach the Fourth Street Parking Ramp, use the same directions as for the East River Road Garage up to the University Avenue S.E./4th Street S.E. exit from I-35W. Instead of turning onto University Avenue, continue straight onto 4th Street S.E. The parking ramp will be on your right-hand side shortly after you pass 15th Avenue S.E.

Walking Directions from East River Road Garage to Northrop Auditorium

If you park at the East River Road Garage, here’s how to walk to Northrop Auditorium:

1. Take the parking ramp elevator to the Plaza Level (Level One).
2. Exit through the doors onto the Coffman Memorial Union Plaza.
3. Cross the plaza and Delaware Street.
4. Ascend the stairs to enter the ground floor of Coffman Memorial Union.
5. Take the escalators or elevator to Level One inside Coffman Memorial Union.
6. Exit through the front doors of Coffman Memorial Union.
7. You will now be in the Northrop Mall area.
8. Cross one of the silver walking bridges.
9. Walk across the mall towards the large pillared building directly ahead – that’s Northrop Auditorium.

Public Transit to Northrop Auditorium

Using public transit is another excellent option to reach Northrop Auditorium, particularly the Green Line light rail.

1. Take the Green Line in either direction.
2. Exit at the U of M East Bank Station.
3. Walk west along Washington Avenue S.E.
4. Turn right (north) onto Church Street S.E.
5. Continue on Church Street S.E. until you reach Morrill Hall (on your left).
6. Turn left (west) immediately after Morrill Hall.
7. You will see Northrop Auditorium ahead and to your right.
8. Enter Northrop’s front entrance by climbing the main stairs or use the accessible east side ground entrance by following the sidewalk to the right.

Plan Your Visit to Northrop Auditorium

Whether you choose to park in the Fourth Street Parking Ramp or the East River Road Garage, or opt for public transit, planning your route in advance ensures a smoother arrival at Northrop Auditorium. Remember to consider traffic conditions and event schedules when deciding on your parking and transportation method. Enjoy your visit to Northrop Auditorium!