Travel and Logistics
Travel by Air
Air travelers should fly into the Minneapolis-St. Paul airport, and we recommend arriving by 5:00pm Sept 18, and planning to depart after 3:30 pm on Sept 20, as travel to and from the airport takes 45 minutes. Ground transportation to and from the airport will be arranged with First Choice Shuttle for you based on your travel information that you submit in the travel form.
Before you arrive we will provide you with an estimated pick-up time, which will give you an idea of when a shuttle is in the area. The shuttle service will be aware of your scheduled arrival time and will expect a call from you when you arrive. They will confirm your pickup time and the color/type of vehicle you should watch for (they will not have any markings on their vehicle so they can come up to the curb at Baggage Claim Door 4).
Upon Arrival please:
- Call First Choice Shuttle: 507-339-1651. They will be waiting for your call.
- Proceed to Baggage Claim
- Collect bags (if applicable)
- Wait at Baggage Claim DOOR 4 for the First Choice Shuttle at the time confirmed in step 1.
Travel by Car
Directions from Minneapolis/St. Paul to Northfield- 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 north to Northfield, the directions from I-35 are the same. Just watch for exit 69 from the other direction.
Lodging
Double occupancy room reservations have been made for everyone attending the workshop at the Northfield Country Inn ( This site may be offline. ) for the nights indicated on your travel form. The GeoPRISMS grant will cover hotel costs for double occupancy rooms for the nights of September 18 and 19 and can cover the cost of the 20th if you can't get a flight after 3:30pm. Please indicate if you have a roommate preference on your registration form; otherwise one will be assigned to you.
A limited number of single occupancy rooms are available, with the understanding that you will be responsible for the additional cost ($45 per night, which will be paid through the payment page). Reservations will be based on information submitted on your registration form; please do not make your own reservations.
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.
If you need other arrangements, please contact Krista H at 507-222-5634 or include information on your registration form.
Communications
The Country Inn offers free wireless internet access throughout their building. Internet access will also be available in the meeting room. Cellular reception is good throughout the region. You will have a telephone in your room at the Country Inn and messages can be left at the hotel desk - 507-645-2286.
Meals
The Country Inn will serve continental breakfast each morning.
For lunches and dinners, we will have a combination of dining hall and catered meals with time for excursions to local restaurants. All meals will include vegetarian offerings. Please provide information on the registration 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.
Expenses
There is no registration fee to attend this workshop, and the project grant covers air travel, double occupancy participant lodging, meals and supplies during the workshop. Participants will be reimbursed after the workshop is complete. If you prefer a single room, you will be responsible for paying for this option ($45 per night). You can select this option and pay when you submit your travel information. Once we have received your payment, we will confirm your room with you.
Northfield, MN
Northfield is a small town about 35 miles south of the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. Minnesota's weather in September is highly variable (the record high for September 20th is 92 degrees, while the record low is 29). Please check the weather close to the workshop to prepare for snow, rain, or hot sun! 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.
