Transportation and Parking
Kenyon's rural location, though ideal in many ways, can be a challenge when it comes to planning transportation and parking for your family members and guests. The College welcomes an average of 2,000 to 2,400 family and friends to Commencement each year, which can make things even "cozier" than usual. (Thank goodness you're a friendly group!)
The information below will provide you with some transportation resource options and general guidelines for parking. As we near Commencement - and see where our construction projects stand and how this will affect our lots - any necessary instructions on the best places to park will be added to this site.
Parking in Gambier and On Campus
Kenyon College and the Village of Gambier have had a symbiotic relationship since Philander Chase moved his seminary to a lonely and lovely Knox County hill in 1828. They are such a part of one another that it is easy to fall into the habit of seeing them as a seamless whole.
That they are not one entity becomes abundantly clear when we welcome a large influx of vehicles to campus. Please be mindful of the following information as you ponder your parking options for the weekend!
Parking in Campus Lots
All guest vehicles must be parked in designated areas on campus. Many temporary lots will be set up around the residence halls in use by guests. (Typically these are near the underclass residences, e.g. - the lawn of Lewis Hall.) Temporary guest parking areas will be clearly marked and security personnel will be on hand to assist during high-traffic times.
PLEASE BE AWARE: On Commencement morning (Saturday, May 19), between 10:00 and 11:00 a.m., all traffic on Wiggin Street, Chase Avenue, and Gaskin Avenue will be temporarily stopped to allow the student procession to form (line up begins at 10:00 a.m. on Middle Path) and to cross Wiggin Street. Guests are advised to arrive in enough time to park by 9:45 a.m. Any vehicles entering campus between 10:00 and 11:00 a.m. will be detoured to the closest parking area or, if there are no other options availble at that time, stopped until the sheriff allows the roads to reopen.
Parking in the Village
Parking restrictions within the Village of Gambier will be observed, so please note the time limits on parking spaces downtown - these spaces do not belong to Kenyon. Do not park on the berm along Route 308 (Chase Avenue): Route 308 is a state road, and cars will be towed by the county sheriff. If you have questions about parking when you arrive on campus, please ask the Commencement staff in the Registration Center in the Kenyon College Bookstore.
Parking at all College facilities is limited. Please plan to park in a designated lot and walk around campus.
Resources for Transportation from the Airport
The closest airport to Kenyon is the Port Columbus International Airport, in Columbus, Ohio, approximately 50 miles from Gambier.
Kenyon College does not endorse any transportation company - we are offering information so that students and parents will be aware of the options available.
Car Rental
If you wish to rent a car or arrange for alternative car service to Gambier, the Web site for the Port-Columbus International Airport has an extensive list of recommended companies and contact information.
Private Shuttle Service
Columbus Transportation & Tours is a private shuttle company that frequently provides service to students and families traveling to and from Gambier. Call 1-800-476-3004 or visit www.columbuscoach.com to inquire about current rates and to make reservations.
Columbus Transportation & Tours requires that passengers provide a minimum of 24 hours notice. A driver/shuttle will not be sent if there are no reservations for a particular time. A credit card is needed to hold a reservation. The company will accept cash, Visa, MasterCard, and Discover as payment at the time of service.
The airport Web site offers a listing of additional limo and shuttle options you may wish to explore.
PLEASE REMEMBER: Kenyon College and Mount Vernon Nazarene University hold their graduation celebrations on the same weekend. Shuttles and rental cars, like hotels, may become increasingly difficult to book the closer we get to Commencement Weekend.