Travel and Transportation
Airport (Minneapolis – MSP) and Transportation
The nearest airport is the Minneapolis International Airport (MSP). There are ride-share and taxi services available for around $40. There is also a light rail that goes directly from the airport to the university for $2-3.25 depending on the day and time. For more information about travel options visit the UMN transportation website.
The Twin Cities has public transportation via a bus system and light rail and more information can be found on their website. The University also has a campus shuttle that goes between the two campuses.
Light Rail Directions from the Airport to UMN East Bank Station
A quick, easy way to get from the airport to campus is to take the light rail. Take the Blue Line to U.S. Bank Stadium station in downtown Minneapolis. Transfer to the Green Line toward St. Paul. Get off at East Bank station. There is a West Bank station stop first that is part of the UMN but this stop will put you on the other side of campus, across the river. The entire trip takes about 35 minutes.
Note that the Blue Line leaves the airport every 10 minutes during peak hours and every 10–15 minutes at other times of day. Tickets are sold at ticket machines at the rail station.
Parking on Campus
There are a plethora of options for those who would like to rent a car, either at the airport or from various car rental companies in Minneapolis. The daily parking rate at the UMN is $15 max and the best parking lot options are the Church Street garage or the 4th Street ramp.
Campus Maps
Interactive campus maps
East Bank map
Interactive building map
Lodging
Dear MALCSistas
We look forward to welcoming you to the University of Minnesota for our Summer Institute July 15-18th! Thank you for your patience as we worked to finalize dorm accommodations with Conference Events and Services. Below we provide information for how to register to stay in the dorm rooms and also some nearby hotels.
I understand that safety might still be a concern for your travels to Minneapolis, but I want to reassure you that while federal enforcement continues and we are rebuilding our communities after the horrific violence, the day to day life on campus and surrounding neighborhoods is no longer at high alert.
As we finalize the Summer Institute program we have found joy in planning spaces for all of us to reflect on this past year, opportunities to build community by creating with each other, and hopefully healing some of the pain that we have experienced. Thank you in advance for registering by May 1st. It helps us finalize the program and economically be able to host the conference.
Warmly and in solidarity,
Jessica Lopez Lyman, Site Committee Chair
DORMS
We have reserved rooms for your stay at the Yudof Residential Hall. The hall does not offer a meal plan but there are breakfast and lunch options available directly across the street in the student union.
The dorm is roughly a 10-15 minute walk to the buildings where we will host the plenary and sessions. The walk is fairly flat with one small uphill bridge or downhill bridge depending on the path that you take.
In order to reserve a dorm room (single or double occupancy) visit the Conference & Event Services Portal.
STEPS TO REGISTER
1) Create Account: Click Login, then select Register Here to create your personal profile.
2) Select Housing: Once logged in, click the Individual Housing which is under the heading “Path B.” Do not choose Path A.
3) Join Group: Select the specific group or event “MALCS Summer Institute 2026” from the list of options.
For more detailed directions you can click here for detailed Individual Registration instructions.
HOTELS
Below we offer a list of hotel options. During Operation Metro Surge there were reports that ICE was staying at each of these hotels. While they are no longer staying at hotels we share this information because we understand it is important to think about the places we support with our dollars. There are no verified hotels in the nearby area that refused to house federal officers. We want to reassure you though that if you choose to stay at any of these hotels including the on campus, Graduate Hotel, you will be safe.
Our on campus hotel is the Graduate Hotel
We do not have a conference block rate as the rate was not better in cost than the average nightly rate. This hotel is roughly a 15 minute walk to where the plenary and sessions will take place. The path is flat and there are no stairs along the walk.
Days Hotel By Wyndham (NEAR EAST BANK)
2407 University Ave SE Univ Ave SE and, Washington Ave SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414
(612) 254-6418
1 mile from campus
$100-150 per night
Homes2 Suites Hotel (NEAR EAST BANK)
2808 University Ave SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414
(612) 473-4662
1.1 miles from campus
$150-175 per night
Courtyard Minneapolis (WEST BANK)
1500 Washington Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55454
(612) 333-4646
1.5 miles (there is a campus shuttle from the West Bank to the East Bank)
$150-200 per night