Organizing a corporate retreat or off-site meeting? Do you want to offer family-friendly options for attendees? Minnesota presents a variety of meeting and event venues for planners who are looking for a one-of-a-kind setting that provides opportunities for both groups and their families to gather. Cozy rather than commercial, these gems offer accommodations and amenities aplenty.

For those who enjoy all of the perks that urban centers offer, the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul simply can’t be beat. Both cities offer unique and eclectic venue options. From trendy plush hotels to revitalized studios and galleries to large warehouse buildings teeming with character to expansive convention centers, both cities and the greater Twin Cities’ metro area is home to venues that are making a name for themselves within the meeting and event space.

Of course, heading up North to areas like St. Cloud, Duluth and Brainerd will provide attendees with a true sense of what the “Land of 10,000 Lakes” is all about. Here, resorts abound, as does the amount of outdoor adventures waiting for meetings and events to conclude so attendees can get out and explore.

For more ideas, go to exploreminnesota.com

4 Places to Check Out

  1. Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, Minneapolis
    If you’re looking for contemporary art in an urban park setting, look no further. With 11 landscaped acres showcasing more than 60 artworks, this destination not only features the iconic Spoonbridge and Cherry fountain, but it’s also free and open to the public.
    walkerart.org/visit/garden
  2. Forager Brewery and Café, Rochester
    Forager makes beer from locally foraged ingredients, native grains and wild hop varieties in its on-site brewery. Locally foraged wild mushrooms, herbs, flowers and spices form a unique menu from the scratch kitchen. Groups can rent space for private events.
    foragerbrewery.com
  3. Padelford Riverboats, St. Paul
    Explore the Mississippi River, spotting bald eagles, herons, egrets and falcons as you travel from St. Paul’s bustling downtown on the Mississippi River. Padelford Riverboats has hosted thousands of private charters, offering a scenic backdrop along the mighty river for a variety of events.
    riverrides.com
  4. O’Shaughnessy Distilling Company, Minneapolis
    The city’s newest distillery lured globally recognized Irish master distiller Brian Nation away from Jameson to Minneapolis to make the city the crossroads of American and Irish whiskey styles. On a tour, you can learn how to make American whiskey in the traditional style.
    osdistilling.com