Travel & Lodging

Travel

The CSD Facility has provided the following information to assist in planning a visit. Hundreds of visitors from around the world visit each year and use the Facility. Any questions not answered in these pages should be directed to Kristina Brady Shannon (brad0311@umn.edu).

MSP to U of M

Upon arrival at MSP International Airport, there are several options to get to the University of Minnesota campus.

  • The cheapest option available is via light rail. The light rail departs from the airport itself (both Terminal 1 or 2) and has a stop on campus. Take the blue line from the airport toward Mpls-Target Field. Exit the train at the Downtown East Station, cross to the opposite platform and transfer to the green line train headed for St Paul-Union Depot. Take the green line train to the East Bank Station and exit. The lab is two blocks north of the station.
    More information is available at MetroTransit

Drop-off Directions

Information on dropping-off or picking-up cores can be found on the Arrival, Maps & Parking page.

Lodging

Three hotels are located within easy walking distance of the Core Lab. If you have a car, it's best to leave it at the hotel and walk to/from the lab each day.

Hotels

Days Inn
2407 University Ave SE, Minneapolis
(612) 623-3999
Walking time: 12 minutes
Located on the green line at the Stadium Village Station

Hampton Inn
2812 University Avenue, Minneapolis
(612) 259-8797
Walking time: 15 minutes
Located on the green line near the Prospect Park Station

The Graduate 
615 Washington Ave SE, Minneapolis
(612) 379-8888
Walking time: 5 minutes
Located on the green line at the East Bank Station

Courtyard Marriot Minneapolis Downtown 
1500 Washington Ave SE, Minneapolis
(612) 333-4646
Walking time: 15 minutes
Located on the green line near the West Bank Station

Rooms at these and other, more distant hotels (most of which offer free shuttle service to campus) are available at University contract rates. For a complete listing and current prices, visit the University-Wide Contracts web pages; enter "lodging" in the search box. Contact the hotels directly to make reservations. CSD Facility staff can call hotels to verify contract status if necessary.

University Visitor Housing

The University Housing web page provides links and information for several low-cost, nearby housing options for visiting faculty, staff, and students. In particular, look at the link for "Guest Housing". Lab visitors have used several of these options, including the Historic Faculty House, and summer housing in University dormitories. 

Hostel

Minneapolis International Hostel
2400 Stevens Ave South, Minneapolis
(612) 522-5000
Commute by car or bus (~10-15min)

More About Visiting