Travel

Getting to Minneapolis

By Air

Minneapolis is served by the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP). Downtown Minneapolis is approximately 12 miles from the airport. MSP has one airfield with four runways and two terminal buildings, Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Travelers who need to transfer from one terminal to the other use the light rail transit or shuttle service. There is no pedestrian access between the buildings.

To get to Preconference accommodations from the airport, attendees have several options:

Light Rail Transit - To the hotel and between airport terminals

The easiest method of public transportation for getting from the airport to downtown Minneapolis is the Light Rail Transit (LRT) by Metro Transit. LRT trains stop at both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 and connect travelers to downtown Minneapolis (about 25 minutes from the airport), the terminus of the line. LRT trains also go to the Mall of America (about 12 minutes from the airport). You may disembark in downtown Minneapolis at either the Nicollet Mall Station (Nicollet Ave and 5th St) or the Warehouse District Station (Hennepin Ave & 5th St). These stations are about one block apart and each are about 1-1/2 blocks from the hotel entrance between Nicollet and Hennepin Avenues on 7th Street.

The Terminal 1 light rail station is located below the Transit Center, between the Blue and Red Parking ramps. From the Tram Level (one level below bag claim), take the tram to the Transit Center. When you exit the tram, follow the signs to the light rail station, located 70 feet underground.

The Terminal 2 light rail station is located on the north side of the Orange parking ramp. From Level 1 near Ticketing take the elevator or escalator up to the Orange Ramp skyway. Follow the signs to the LRT station. Take the escalators or elevators down one level to the station platform. The light rail stations are fully accessible.

Trains run every 10 minutes during peak hours and typically every 10 to 15 minutes at other times of the day. Trains run between terminals 24 hours a day, but between trains can be anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes between the hours of 10:30 pm and 5 am.

Tickets are sold at ticket machines at the rail stations. Light rail fares for adults are $2.25 during rush hours (Monday through Friday, 6 to 9 am and 3 to 6:30 pm) and $1.75 at other times. Reduced fares are available for seniors, children and persons with disabilities. Children 5 and under ride free (limit 3) when accompanied by a paid fare. For more information, visit the Metro Transit website. No ticket is needed to travel between airport terminal stations.

If you need to travel between terminals, you can use the LRT. There is no charge for rail service between MSP's terminals. Complimentary shuttle service between the terminal buildings is available as an alternative to light rail for passengers with mobility challenges and those with special needs (e.g. physical limitations, elderly, parent with young children and baggage).

Taxicab Service

Taxi service at Terminal 1-Lindbergh is accessible via the Tram Level (Level T). Signs direct passengers one level up to the taxi starter booth, where airport staff will assist passengers in obtaining a taxi.

At Terminal 2-Humphrey, taxi service is available at the Ground Transport Center, located on the ground level of the Purple parking ramp directly across from the terminal building.

Downtown Minneapolis is approximately 12 miles from the airport, with fares averaging $38-$49. The distance to downtown St. Paul is approximately 8 miles and fares average $30-$37. A $6.75 fare will be displayed on the Taxicab meter at the onset of your trip. This fee includes a $2.50 flag drop and a $4.25 Airport access fee.

Shared Ride Shuttle Service to the hotel

Shared ride service to and from the airport is available from SuperShuttle. A special group rate is being offered of one-way for $16 or $26 round-trip to and from the Minneapolis Marriott City Center. Reservations can be made online or by calling 612-827-7777 or 612-713-7488.

Ticket counters are located in the Terminal 1 Ground Transport Center, accessible via the terminal's Tram Level. Follow the signs to the appropriate escalator or elevator up. Advance reservations are highly recommended.

Shuttles drop off travelers near the Green and Gold parking ramps across from the Lindbergh Terminal. From there, you can take an escalator or elevator down to the terminal's Tram Level (Level T) or up to a skyway to Ticketing.

Travelers arriving at Terminal 2 can call for pick up at the Super Shuttle kiosk in the Ground Transport Center, located on Level 1 of the Purple parking ramp across from the terminal building.

Car Rentals

All of the car rental companies at the airport have counters at both terminals.

Terminal 1

At Terminal 1-Lindbergh car rental counters are located on the second and third levels between the Blue and Red parking ramps. Passengers can take the underground tram to the Blue and Red parking ramps and then take an elevator to the second or third floor.

Terminal 2
At Terminal 2-Humphrey, car rental counters are located in the Ground Transport Center on the ground level of the Purple parking ramp directly across from the terminal building.

Driving Directions from the Airport to the Minneapolis Marriott City Center

Take I-494W to 35W North.
Follow Downtown Exit sign
Follow 5th Avenue three blocks to 7th Street
Turn left on 7th
Hotel is 5 1/2

Personalized driving directions to the Minneapolis Marriott City Center are also available.

Hotel Parking

On-site parking, fee: 19 USD daily
Valet parking, fee: 29 USD daily
Off-site parking, fee: 19 USD daily
The front desk sells discount parking @$19.00 Mon-Fri. Special weekend and hourly rates apply for self on site parking.

Traveling by Train or Bus to Minneapolis

Amtrak

Passage on the Empire Builder from the Amtrak Station in St. Paul to Chicago’s Union Station departs from Midway Station, 730 Transfer Road, St. Paul, MN 55114. This station is 5.7 miles from the Minneapolis Marriott City Center.

Greyhound
Greyhound Bus Lines (founded in Hibbing, Minnesota in 1914) services Minneapolis. The nearest Greyhound station is .3 miles from the Minneapolis Marriott City Center at 950 Hawthorne Ave, Minneapolis.

Megabus
Megabus travels between Minneapolis and Chicago.

Minneapolis arrivals and departures are located in the parking lot on the east side of Chicago Ave between South 3rd St and S Washington Ave. The Downtown East / Metrodome Light Rail Metro Transit Station is one block southwest of this location.

Chicago's stop for all arrivals and departures operated by Megabus is located adjacent to Union Station on the east side of South Canal Street, about 300 feet south of Jackson Blvd.

Getting around

Downtown Minneapolis is pedestrian friendly with an extensive Skyway system throughout downtown and the bus/pedestrian/bike friendly Nicollet Mall. Taxicabs are easily found downtown. Minneapolis was identified by Bicycling magazine as America's #1 Bike City in 2012.

Metro Transit Buses
In addition to Light Rail Transit, Metro Transit also manages an extensive bus system that can easily transport visitors to other parts of the city for dining and recreation and between dormitories and the conference hotel. Many dining and entertainment options, however, will be in easy walking distance.

Taxicabs
Taxicabs are also plentiful in the downtown area. Selected Minneapolis Taxicab Companies:

Suburban Taxi/Green & White Taxi
In Minneapolis: 612-522-2222

Blue & White Taxi
612-333-3333

Yellow Cab
In Minneapolis: 612-788-8888

Rainbow Taxi
612-332-1615

Bicycling

Nice Ride Minnesota
Bicycles are available for short term rental from 65 locations around Minneapolis, many downtown and on or near the campus of the University of Minnesota.

Visitors Pages

Explore Minnesota
http://www.exploreminnesota.com/index.aspx

City of Minneapolis
http://www.minneapolis.org/
http://www.minneapolismn.gov/visitors/

St. Paul Visitors Page:
http://www.visitsaintpaul.com/

Local News and Entertainment Sources

Minneapolis Star Tribune Newspaper:
http://www.startribune.com/

St. Paul Pioneer Press Newspaper:
http://www.twincities.com/

Minneapolis St. Paul Magazine:
http://mspmag.com/

City Pages Magazine:
http://www.citypages.com/

Lavender Magazine: Minnesota's GLBT Magazine:
http://www.lavendermagazine.com/

Organizations of Interest

Minnesota Center for Books Arts
http://www.mnbookarts.org/

American Craft Council
http://craftcouncil.org/

Museums & Galleries

Minneapolis
The American Swedish Institute
http://www.asimn.org/

The Bakken Museum
http://www.thebakken.org/

Bell Museum of Natural History at the University of Minnesota
http://www.bellmuseum.umn.edu/

Mill City Museum
http://www.millcitymuseum.org/

Mill Ruins Park
http://www.minneapolisparks.org/default.asp?PageID=4&parkid=413

The Minneapolis Institute of Arts
http://www.artsmia.org/

The Walker Art Center & Minneapolis Sculpture Garden
http://www.walkerart.org/

Weisman Art Museum at the University of Minnesota
http://www.weisman.umn.edu/

St. Paul
Minnesota Children's Museum
http://www.mcm.org/

Minnesota History Center
http://www.minnesotahistorycenter.org/

Minnesota Museum of American Art
http://mmaa.org/

Science Museum of Minnesota
http://www.smm.org/

Music & Concert Halls

Minneapolis
Orchestra Hall - A Minneapolis landmark for live classical music
The Dakota Bar and Grill - Live Jazz nightly
The Artists Quarter - Quaint, intimate jazz club
First Avenue (site of the Prince movie Purple Rain)

St. Paul
St. Paul Chamber Orchestra - Internationally renowned
The Minnesota Opera - Featuring national and international acts

Other Attractions

Target Field Baseball Stadium - Minnesota Twins Baseball
Target Center - Minnesota Lynx WNBA Basketball

Downtown Minneapolis Tours

Mississippi River boat tours
Magical History Tour
Above the Falls Sports - Kayak Tours
http://www.abovethefallssports.com/

Downtown Minneapolis and Nearby Shopping

Downtown Minneapolis
In 1967 the city's principal shopping area, Nicollet Mall, was converted into one of the country's first pedestrian malls. The traffic-clogged street was replaced with a wide roadway for buses and taxis only. Sidewalks were widened and turned into a shady, flower-filled boulevard. This 12-block area is home to hundreds of shops, theaters, department stores, restaurants, and offers a wide selection of produce at the farmer's market.

The "Warehouse District" houses several galleries, antique shops, and night clubs. Located near the Target Center, the area is composed of many of Minneapolis's oldest standing buildings that have been converted from industrial to commercial properties.

Uptown
Located just outside downtown Minneapolis, Calhoun Square and the surrounding area are collectively referred to by locals as "Uptown". The area offers upscale and urban shopping, dining, entertainment, and cafes.

Mall of America
The Mall of America is the nation's largest indoor retail complex. From the largest indoor theme park in the country, to more than 400 specialty stores, major department stores, Legoland and UnderWater Adventures, there is enough to keep you busy for a week. It offers plenty to do, see, and eat with a variety of dining options, bars, and a fourteen screen General Cinema theater.

Minneapolis Theatre and Dance Sites:

The Twin Cities are second only to New York City in the number of theater seats per capita. Minneapolis alone is home to 30 live theaters. Many theaters are located close to the Marriott City Center - either in walking distance or a short cab ride away.

Minneapolis Theater
http://www.minneapolis-theater.com/

Hennepin Theatre Trust
http://www.hennepintheatretrust.org/

Minneapolis Theater - Theater Mania
http://www.theatermania.com/minneapolis-theater/

The Cowles Center
http://www.thecowlescenter.org/

Getting to ALA

Getting to Chicago

By Air

There are multiple flights daily from the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) to Chicago’s O’Hare and Midway airports. Smaller airlines generally depart from MSP’s Terminal 2m whereas larger carriers generally depart from Terminal 1.

Be sure to check your reservations to determine your departure terminal. There is light rail access between terminals, but it is faster and easier to go directly to your correct terminal.

Inter-Terminal Travel
If you need to travel between terminals, you can use the LRT. There is no charge for rail service between MSP’s terminals. Complimentary shuttle service between the terminal buildings is available as an alternative to light rail for passengers with mobility challenges and those with special needs (e.g. physical limitations, elderly, parent with young children and baggage).

By Car

You may travel by car from Minneapolis to Chicago via I-94 eastbound out of Minneapolis. This becomes I-90/94 in Wisconsin and brings you to Chicago. I-90 is a toll road in Illinois. The drive is approximately 7-9 hours.

By Train

Amtrak Passage on the Empire Builder from the Amtrak Station in St. Paul to Chicago’s Union Station departs from Midway Station, 730 Transfer Road, St. Paul, MN 55114. This station is 5.7 miles from the Minneapolis Marriott City Center.

By Bus

Greyhound: http://www.greyhound.com/ Greyhound Bus Lines (founded in Hibbing, Minnesota in 1914) services Minneapolis. The nearest Greyhound station is .3 miles from the Minneapolis Marriott City Center at 950 Hawthorne Ave, Minneapolis.

Megabus (between Minneapolis and Chicago): http://us.megabus.com/Default.aspx
Megabus travels between Minneapolis and Chicago.
• Minneapolis arrivals and departures are located in the parking lot on the east side of Chicago Ave between South 3rd St and S Washington Ave. The Downtown East / Metrodome Light Rail Metro Transit Station is one block southwest of this location.
• Chicago's stop for all arrivals and departures operated by Megabus is located adjacent to Union Station on the east side of South Canal Street, about 300 feet south of Jackson Blvd.