Check back soon for more information on recommended local activities.
Recommended Lodging
The MW CASC has room blocks at the Hilton Garden Inn (511 SE Huron Blvd) and Hampton Inn & Suites (2812 University Ave SE), both located a short commute away from our primary conference space, Coffman Memorial Union, conveniently located on the University of Minnesota’s East Bank Campus.
Hilton Garden Inn Minneapolis University Area (Stadium Village Neighborhood, $) — Booking Link
- Cost per night: approximately $125 ($143 w/ taxes and fees)
- Parking available on site for $25 +tax/day
- Check-in is 3:00pm; check-out is 11:00am
- Location: 15 mins via public transit (bus or light rail) or 20 min walk to Coffman Memorial Union
- Continental breakfast is NOT provided
Hampton Inn & Suites Minneapolis University Area (Prospect Park Neighborhood, $$) — Booking Link
- Cost per night: approximately $141 ($163 w/ taxes and fees)
- Parking available on site for $25 +tax/day
- Check-in is 3:00pm; check-out is 11:00am
- Location: Near light rail transit stop — 10 mins via public transit or 25 min walk to Coffman Memorial Union
- Continental breakfast is provided
Getting to Campus and Around the Twin Cities
There are three different parts of the University of Minnesota Twin Cities campus: West Bank, East Bank, and Saint Paul. Most of our programming will take place on the Minneapolis East Bank campus, and that is where our recommended hotels are located.
Traveling to the Twin Cities
Please keep sustainability in mind as you plan your travel!
By Car
Coffman Memorial Union is located on the University of Minnesota Twin Cities East Bank Campus: 300 Washington Ave SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455.
The most convenient parking option is the East River Road Garage, adjacent to Coffman Memorial Union. Standard parking rates are $3.00/hour, capped at $13.00/day. Several other parking garages and lots are also nearby — visit UMN Parking & Transportation Services for more information.
Note: There may be others from your community that are also attending and willing to carpool. Need help connecting with them? Reach out to the MW CASC team.
By Plane
The Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport is located 13 miles from the East Bank campus. There are two terminals: Terminal 1 (Lindbergh) and Terminal 2 (Humphrey).
The easiest public transit option to get from either terminal to the East Bank campus is the light rail. Light rail transit tickets and stations can be found at both terminals. Take the Blue Line from Terminal 1 or 2 toward downtown Minneapolis; transfer from the Blue Line at the Downtown East Station and cross the track to get on the Green Line heading east toward St. Paul. Depart the Green Line at the station nearest your chosen hotel — likely Stadium Village or Prospect Park, if you’ve chosen one of the conference room blocks. A trip from the airport to the East Bank Campus via light rail takes approximately 30 minutes plus a short walk; the Blue Line departs every 15 to 20 minutes and runs from 5 am to midnight. Note: Construction may impact light rail operation in Summer 2026, check the MetroTransit website for up to date information.
Taxis and app-based ride services are available at both terminals. Trips from either terminal to the East Bank campus take approximately 20 minutes, depending on traffic.
By Train
The Amtrak Borealis Train runs daily between Chicago and Saint Paul. From the Amtrak Station in downtown Saint Paul, it is an easy light rail transit trip to the East Bank campus. Board the Green Line outside of Union Depot heading west toward downtown Minneapolis. Depart the Green Line at the station nearest your chosen hotel — likely Stadium Village or Prospect Park, if you’ve chosen one of the conference room blocks.
Getting Around Once You’re Here
The Twin Cities have robust cycling and public transit infrastructure, especially near the University. If you are staying at one of our room blocks, located in Prospect Park and Stadium Village neighborhoods, you’ll be near both bus and light rail stops.
On Campus
- The Campus Connector is a fast, free bus that circulates around the Twin Cities campus locations.
- Many campus locations are well connected by biking infrastructure, and commercial bike and scooter shares are available on campus and throughout the city.
From Hotels to Coffman Union
To travel from the Hampton Inn & Suites - Minneapolis University Area to Coffman Union, you can board the Green Line (‘Mpls-Target Field’) at Prospect Park and get off at East Bank (light rail runs every 12 mins). It is otherwise a 22-minute walk. To travel from the Hilton Garden Inn - Minneapolis University Area to Coffman Union, there are several bus routes within a 10 min walk. However, given its close proximity to our main conference building, the 17-minute walk would be most convenient if you are able.
Public Transit
To take advantage of our public transit infrastructure and see other areas, you can reference Metro Transit’s planning tool or map your route in Google Maps and switch to view ‘public transportation’ options.
Alternative Modes of Transportation
App-based ride services (i.e. Uber, Lyft) are widely available as well and recommended for areas where public transportation is less robust.