ACRL 2025

Emily Waitz and Kimberly Feilmeyer

Getting Around Minneapolis for ACRL 2025

Here’s What You Need to Know

Emily Waitz is director of library services at Northwestern Health Sciences University, email: ewaitz@nwhealth.edu. Kimberly Feilmeyer is information literacy and collection development librarian at Hamline University, email: kfeilmeyer@hamline.edu.

© 2024 Emily Waitz and Kimberly Feilmeyer

We look forward to welcoming you to the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and Saint Paul for ACRL 2025! Sometimes spring comes early and we break out the shorts and sunscreen in March; some years we don’t put away the shovels until May. While Prince reminds us that “Sometimes It Snows in April,” we have transportation options to serve all from the frail to the hale.

Transportation from the Airport

The MSP Airport (https://www.mspairport.com) is a convenient 11 miles south of downtown Minneapolis and the Convention Center. It’s easy to get a ride from the airport on app-based ride services (Lyft/Uber), taxis, and various shuttle services.

The Twin Cities also has an extensive bus and light rail network called Metro Transit. The Metro Blue Line (https://www.metrotransit.org/route/blue), one of two light rail routes, runs from both MSP airport terminals to downtown Minneapolis. The Government Plaza and Nicollet Mall stops are convenient to most hotels in the downtown core. Tickets can be purchased at the stations or with the Metro Transit app (https://www.metrotransit.org/app). The app is easy to use and would be useful later if you choose to ride the bus. The app also has an interactive Trip Planner.

Transportation from Union Depot in Saint Paul

Union Depot (https://www.uniondepot.org) is the local hub for Amtrak and various bus lines. The station is only about 10 miles east of downtown Minneapolis, in the center of Saint Paul. If you’re taking the scenic route to the Twin Cities, arriving at Union Depot allows for easy connections. During the day we recommend taking the Metro Green Line (https://www.metrotransit.org/route/green) to Minneapolis. Taking the light rail from Saint Paul to Minneapolis is a great way to see both cities. See the “Transportation from the Airport” section above to learn more about ride services and Metro Transit.

Getting Around Downtown Minneapolis

Skyway

The Minneapolis Convention Center is connected to the rest of downtown by the Minneapolis Skyway System. First opened more than 50 years ago, the expansive skyway system connects office buildings, restaurants, and shopping in a climate-controlled environment. Since April weather in Minnesota can be . . . “interesting” (that is Minnesotan for problematic), the Skyway System makes navigating our downtown area more comfortable. Don’t worry about getting lost—that’s part of the fun!

There are maps located throughout the skyway, and you can always ask a nice Minnesotan for help. The Minneapolis Skyway Guide (https://www.minneapolis.org/map-transportation/minneapolis-skyway-guide/) is a great resource for more information about the Skyway System, including links to maps and suggestions for food and hotel linkages.

Bus

It’s easy to take the bus, especially if you have the Metro Transit app (https://www.metrotransit.org/app). Just like with the light rail, use the Metro Transit app to buy bus tickets and use the Interactive Trip Planner. The bus is a great way to get to and from the light rail stations or find your way across town.

On Foot

Even though Minneapolis is the largest city in Minnessota, the downtown area is very walkable. On a beautiful spring day, it’s a pleasure to be outside.

While You’re Here

When you’re not busy learning, we hope you can spend some time exploring the city . . .

. . . on the light rail

The Blue Line will take you to one of our most famous places: The Mall of America (https://www.mallofamerica.com/)! Take advantage of tax-free clothes shopping or ride an indoor roller coaster. The mall also has a huge variety of restaurants.

The Green Line is the best way to visit our beautiful University of Minnesota’s Minneapolis campus. The U of MN—Twin Cities campus is on the nearby banks of the Mississippi, with the West Bank area within walking distance of downtown.

• Get off at the West Bank stop for easy access to Wilson Library.
• Get off at the East Bank stop for the Weisman Art Museum, Walter Library, the Health Sciences Library, and Wangensteen Historical Library.

. . . on foot

Did you know that according to U.S. News and World Report, Minneapolis is the fourth fittest city in the US? Enjoy the surroundings on a run or walk, you will not be alone.

One of our best treasures is the Mississippi River and the surrounding parks and trails. For a scenic walk, head toward Gold Medal Park (https://www.goldmedalpark.org/). In addition to the park’s interesting collection of design features and art, it overlooks the historic milling district and the mighty Mississippi River. For an extended walk or run, along the river is a trail that is part of the Grand Rounds National Scenic Byway (https://www.minneapolisparks.org/parks-destinations/trails-parkways/grand_rounds_scenic_byway_system/). Take a route across one of the many bridges and marvel at the views!

Curious?

Piqued your interest? The next conference highlight will contain a lot more information about fun things to do in the Twin Cities when you aren’t busy with ACRL 2025 activities. We look forward to sharing our beautiful cities with you!