Logistics and Transportation

Ground Transporation Arrangements

This PDF file (Acrobat (PDF) 45kB Feb24 04) summarizes how registered workshop participants are traveling from the airport to the workshop.

Travel by Air

You are responsible for your transportation to and from Minneapolist/St. Paul. The workshop will begin at 5:00 on Thursday, February 26 and conclude after dinner on February 28. You will be asked to provide information about your travel arrangements on the workshop confirmation form.

We will provide ground transportation to and from the Minneapolis/St Paul international airport Thursday and Sunday using CareTenders shuttle service. The shuttle picks up at the airport on even hours. It will be best if you can schedule your arrival to avoid a long wait. If you would prefer to rent a car or take a taxi, you will be responsible for all costs. To arrive on time for the opening session, you should plan your arrival to catch no later than the 4 p.m. shuttle. To catch the shuttle, your flight must be on the ground and you must have your luggage IN HAND by 3:50. The shuttle will not wait for you, so please allow yourself plenty of time when planning flights.

Arrival at the airport: IMMEDIATELY call 1-612-483-3361 to confirm your arrival at the main or charter airport. Collect ALL luggage and go to GROUND TRANSPORTATION. CareTenders van will park next to the Park and Fly and Park and Go OFF-AIRPORT PARKING shuttles. You must go outside to the van, drivers may not come into the airport. You will be taken to Country Inn where rooms are reserved. We'll leave maps/directions at the hotel desk for you so you can easily locate the meeting. If your flight is delayed, call 1-612-483-3361 as soon as possible with flight information. You will be picked up on the next trip.

Travel by Car

If you rent a car at the airport, it is approximately 45 minutes to Northfield.
Directions from Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport (MSP) 

  • Exit airport outbound roadway.
  • Take I-494 West to I-35W South to Highway 19 East (exit 69, Northfield exit).
  • Drive east on Highway 19, 11 miles to Northfield.
  • At the first stop light (where Highway 19 merges with Highway 3), turn left.
  • Country Inn is immediately on your left.

If you are driving to Northfield, the directions from I-35 are the same. Just watch for exit 69 from either direction. If you choose to drive but not come on I-35, please contact Patt for directions coming into Northfield on another highway.

Lodging

Room reservations will be made for everyone attending the workshop at the Northfield Country Inn. Each participant will have a private room. (See above for location of The Country Inn if you are driving yourself. Shuttle will deliver you there.) Directions to the meeting room will be available at the desk.

Communications

You will have a telephone in your room at the Country Inn and messages can be left at the hotel desk - 507.645.2286. Internet access will be available in the meeting room.

Meals

We will have a combination of dining hall meals, catered events and excursions to local restaurants. All meals will include vegetarian offerings. Please provide information on the confirmation form if you require special meals. The price of all meals and gratuities during the workshop is covered. However, the NSF grant does not cover alcoholic beverages. Alcoholic drinks will be available for purchase during some meal-times.

What to expect

Northfield is a small town about 35 miles south of the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. February is winter here so you can expect cold with temperatures between -10 and +40 degrees and the possibility of snow. Shuttle service between the hotel and campus at the start and end of the day will be available. It's about a five-block walk to the meeting space from the hotel and downtown is about 2-3 blocks from the hotel. Please let us know if you have any concerns about accommodations or mobility.

The Country Inn will serve continental breakfast each morning. There is a heated indoor pool.