The home of Gatlinburg Conference 2026 is at the Graduate by Hilton Minneapolis . You can reserve your room at our group rate or by calling in your reservation at (312)379-8888 and letting them know you’re with the Gatlinburg Conference.
Share a Room: If you would like to divide hotel costs with another attendee, we also have a hotel room-sharing form to help facilitate connections.
Parking: Self parking is available in hotel’s parking lot at $30.00 plus tax per day, based on availability. Prevailing rates Non-overnight guests may park in the Washington Avenue Ramp that is connected to the Hotel by an enclosed walkway. Current charges are: $3.00 per hour – up to 5 hours or $15.00 maximum daily charge.
If you need any assistance you can contact us for help at contact@gatlinburgconference.org
Transportation Options in Minneapolis
Airport Information
Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) has two terminals: Terminal 1–Lindbergh and Terminal 2–Humphrey. Confirm your airline’s terminal before traveling. Free METRO Blue Line trains connect the terminals 24 hours a day. (MSP Airport)
Graduate by Hilton Minneapolis is located at 615 Washington Avenue SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414. The hotel does not provide an airport shuttle. (Hilton)
Rideshare Service
Uber, Lyft, and other app-based rides are available at both terminals. Travel to Graduate Minneapolis typically takes approximately 20–30 minutes, depending on traffic.
Terminal 1: Pickups occur in the Ground Transportation Center on Level 1 of the Green and Gold parking ramps.
Terminal 2: Pickups occur on Level 2 of the Purple parking ramp. (MSP Airport)
Follow airport signs for App-Based Ride Services and confirm your driver and license plate before entering the vehicle.
Rental Car Service
All on-airport rental-car companies have counters at both terminals.
Terminal 1: Rental counters are on the ground level of the Silver Parking Ramp. Take the underground tram from the terminal and follow signs for rental cars.
Terminal 2: Rental counters are in the Ground Transportation Center on the ground level of the Purple Ramp, directly across from the terminal.
Companies serving MSP include Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Payless, Sixt, and Thrifty. (MSP Airport)
Taxi Service
Taxis are available at both terminals. Airport staff assist passengers from 6:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m.; self-service taxi access remains available outside those hours.
Terminal 1: Follow signs from the Tram Level to the taxi starter booth in the Ground Transportation Center.
Terminal 2: Taxis are located in the Ground Transportation Center on the ground level of the Purple Ramp. (MSP Airport)
Public Transit
Light rail is the least expensive option for reaching Graduate Minneapolis. The regular adult fare is $2, and tickets may be purchased from station machines or through the Metro Transit app. (Metro Transit)
- Take the METRO Blue Line northbound from either airport terminal.
- Exit at U.S. Bank Stadium Station.
- Transfer to the METRO Green Line eastbound toward St. Paul.
- Exit at East Bank Station.
- Graduate Minneapolis is approximately half a block from the station.
Allow about 45 minutes for the complete trip. Trains generally operate every 15–20 minutes, but attendees should check Metro Transit schedules and service alerts before traveling. (MSP Airport)
Attractions and Activities in the Twin Cities
Graduate Minneapolis is located on the University of Minnesota’s East Bank campus, near museums, river trails, public art, and University athletic venues. The nearby METRO Green Line provides convenient transportation to downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul.
Near the University
Weisman Art Museum
This free museum is known for its distinctive stainless-steel building designed by Frank Gehry. During the conference, it is open Wednesday through Friday, October 7–9, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; it is closed Tuesday, October 6.
Mississippi River Trails and East River Flats
Walk across the Washington Avenue Bridge or follow East River Parkway to East River Flats Park for views of the Mississippi River gorge and fall foliage.
Northrop and Campus Public Art
Explore Northrop Mall, historic campus buildings, and the University’s outdoor public-art collection. Northrop also hosts performances, lectures, films, and exhibitions.
Gopher Women’s Hockey
After the conference concludes on Friday, October 9, the Minnesota women’s hockey team plays the University of Maine at 6:00 p.m. at Ridder Arena, located in the University athletics district.
Bell Museum and Planetarium
Located on the University’s St. Paul campus, the Bell Museum features Minnesota wildlife, fossils, hands-on science exhibits, native gardens, and planetarium programs. It is most convenient by bus or rideshare.
Easy Trips from Campus
Minneapolis Riverfront and Mill District
Take the westbound Green Line to explore Mill City Museum, Mill Ruins Park, St. Anthony Falls, the Guthrie Theater, and the Stone Arch Bridge.
Minneapolis Museums
The Minneapolis Institute of Art offers free general admission and collections spanning thousands of years. The Walker Art Center and adjacent, free Minneapolis Sculpture Garden are easiest to reach by bus or rideshare.
Downtown St. Paul
Take the eastbound Green Line to visit the Science Museum of Minnesota, Minnesota History Center, Landmark Center, and Cathedral of Saint Paul.
Getting Around
The METRO Green Line connects the University campus with downtown Minneapolis and downtown St. Paul. East Bank, Stadium Village, and West Bank stations serve the University area. Check the Metro Transit Trip Planner for schedules and service alerts.
Dining Near Graduate Minneapolis
Graduate Minneapolis is surrounded by quick-service restaurants, international cuisine, and several popular local dining destinations.
At the Hotel
The Beacon Public House – American gastropub serving breakfast, salads, burgers, shareable plates, and craft beer.
Sweetgreen – Salads, grain bowls, and warm plates.
Starbucks – Coffee, breakfast items, and light bites.
The Graduate Corner Store near the front desk also offers snacks and drinks 24 hours a day.
Nearby Favorites
Afro Deli & Grill – Halal African, Mediterranean, and American dishes.
Kimchi Tofu House – Korean tofu soups, bibimbap, and bulgogi.
Legendary Spice – Sichuan cuisine, dumplings, and hot pot.
Caspian Bistro – Persian and Iranian cuisine with an adjoining market.
Al’s Breakfast – A tiny, well-known Dinkytown diner serving breakfast and lunch.
Shuang Cheng – Cantonese dishes and seafood in Dinkytown.
The Market at Malcolm Yards – A nearby food hall with multiple local vendors and shared seating.
Foodie Destinations
These restaurants are a short rideshare or transit trip from the hotel. Advance reservations are recommended.
Alma – Seasonal three-course and chef’s tasting menus.
Indígena by Owamni – Contemporary Indigenous cuisine at the Guthrie Theater.
Spoon and Stable – Chef-driven seasonal dining in the North Loop.
Hai Hai – Southeast Asian dishes and tropical cocktails.
Myriel – Intimate St. Paul restaurant highlighting regional farms, foraged ingredients, and whole-animal cooking.
Private Dining for Groups
Research labs and other groups planning dinners for approximately 20 people should contact venues early to confirm availability, menus, minimums, and accessibility.
The Beacon Public House – The hotel can arrange private dinners onsite.
Tea House – Sichuan and regional Chinese cuisine with private rooms near campus.
Surly Brewing Co. – The private Loon Room accommodates up to 60 guests and offers Beer Hall or Surly Pizza menus.
The Market at Malcolm Yards – Private event spaces with access to multiple food vendors, useful for groups with varied preferences.
Alma – Private dinner, brunch, and cocktail-reception options.