Travel Information
This content was updated on February 19, 2026
SIGDOC 2026
October 23–24, Metropolitan State University, St. Paul, Minnesota
The SIGDOC 2026 conference will be held at the Metropolitan State University in St. Paul, MN. Our facilities will serve as the central location for meetings, presentations, and networking.
Campus map
For more maps and parking information, visit the following sites:
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- Metro State – Locations
- Metro State – Parking Information
The Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul
Welcome to the Twin Cities! The metro area offers a vibrant cultural scene and beautiful natural surroundings. It is a major center for performing arts, often ranked second in the U.S. We invite you to explore the museums, cultural venues, historic sites, and diverse dining options. See the fall colors around the cities and enjoy the aroma of the harvest season.
Airports
The Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) is 20 miles from campus. It is served by all major airlines with numerous US domestic and international flights to Asia, Europe, and the Americas.
View the MSP route map: https://www.mspairport.com/flights-airlines/nonstop-route-map
Local Transportation
To and from airport
Bus: 54M connects terminal one with campus via downtown St. Paul.
Light Rail Transit (LRT): The Blue line connects the airport with downtown Minneapolis, where passengers transfer to the Green Line to get to downtown St. Paul.
Rideshares are a convenient way to get from the airport to lodging in downtown St. Paul and campus. The 25-minute ride from the airport to downtown St. Paul costs around $35-$45. You may also choose to stay near the airport or the Mall of America area. The Blue line LRT connects the airport with the Mall of America.
Rental cars
Rental cars are available from the airport and other locations around town. Visitors are also suggested to consider car sharing apps for peer-to-peer rentals.
Parking
Parking on campus is at the main parking ramp: 400 Maria Avenue, Saint Paul
Monday–Friday: 7 a.m.–10 p.m.
Saturday: 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
https://www.metrostate.edu/about/locations/parking-information
In addition, there are plenty of street parking spots around campus.
Lodging/hotels
Most of the conference activities will be held on campus: in the Great Hall at New Main, the Auditorium and the reception area, and several other rooms on campus. These sites are within easy walking distance with one another. The closest cluster of hotels is in downtown St. Paul, about a mile from campus.
Recommended hotels
We have contracted with the following three hotels for a special conference rate:
411 Minnesota St, St Paul, MN 55101
Rate: $119 / night
175 10th St E, St Paul, MN 55101
Rate: $129 / night
472 Jackson St, St Paul, MN 55101
Rate: $139 / night
A little fancier:
350 Market St, St Paul, MN 55102
180 Kellogg Blvd, St Paul, MN 55101
Food
Breakfast/coffee
On conference days, hot coffee, tea, and water are provided.
- Swede Hollow Cafe
- Storehouse Coffee Bar
- Mississippi Market Co-op
Lunch
Lunch is included on Friday and Saturday.
Dinner
Downtown St. Paul:
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- The Bulldog Lowertown, 237 6th St E, St Paul, MN 55101
- Sawatdee Saint Paul, 486 Robert St N, St Paul, MN 55101
- Erta Ale Ethiopian, 308 E Prince St STE 140, St Paul, MN 55101
- Ruam Mit Thai + Lao Cuisine, 367 Wabasha St N, St Paul, MN 55102
Little Italy:
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- Cossetta, 211 7th St W, St Paul, MN 55102
- Louis Ristorante & Bar, 211 7th St W, St Paul, MN 55102
- Patrick McGovern’s Pub, 225 7th St W, St Paul, MN 55102
Hmong Community:
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- HmongTown Marketplace, 217 Como Ave, St Paul, MN 55103
- Mandalay Kitchen, 383 University Ave W, St Paul, MN 55103
- Vinai, 1300 NE 2nd St, Minneapolis, MN 55413 (The New York Times‘s 2024 list of the 50 best restaurants in the United States)
- Diane’s Place, 117 14th Ave NE, Minneapolis, MN 55413 (Food & Wine magazine’s 2025 Restaurant of the Year)
- HmongTown Marketplace, 217 Como Ave, St Paul, MN 55103
Scandinavian:
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- Tullibee, 300 Washington Ave N, Minneapolis, MN 55401
- FIKA, 2600 Park Ave, American Swedish Institute, Minneapolis, MN 55407
East African/Somali:
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- Baarakallah Restaurant Somali Cuisine, 408 Cedar Ave #1, Minneapolis, MN 55454
- Sagal Restaurant And Coffee, 326 Cedar Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55454
- Mama Safia’s Kitchen, 720 E Lake St, Minneapolis, MN 55407
Entertainment and sightseeing
Leaf peeking
The fall colors are often at their peak in mid-to-late October. The city puts on a show with vibrant reds, bright yellows, and fiery oranges. Don’t miss the trails along the Mississippi River where glacier-carved bluffs are adorned with a rainbow of colors. Rent a bike and ride along the Grand Rounds Scenic Byway that connects a chain of shimmering lakes. https://nsbfoundation.com/nb/grand-rounds-national-scenic-byway/
Theater and performing arts
- Guthrie Theater – Legendary regional theater known for stellar productions and breathtaking architecture overlooking the Mississippi River.
- Orpheum Theatre & State Theatre – Historic Hennepin Avenue venues hosting Broadway tours, concerts, and big performances.
Museums
- Minneapolis Institute of Art – One of the largest and most acclaimed art museums in the U.S., with thousands of works from around the world, from antiquity to contemporary.
- Walker Art Center – Contemporary art powerhouse with innovative exhibitions, plus adjacent Minneapolis Sculpture Garden featuring the famous Spoonbridge and Cherry sculpture.
- Weisman Art Museum – University of Minnesota museum with striking architecture and rotating exhibits.
- American Swedish Institute – Beautiful historic mansion museum celebrating Swedish and Nordic culture.
- The Museum of Russian Art – Unique museum dedicated to Russian artistic traditions and exhibitions.
- Minnesota History Center – Excellent for learning about Minnesota’s past and cultures.
- Mill City Museum – History museum about the flour-mill industry with great views of historic mills.
- Science Museum of Minnesota – Fun, interactive science exhibits including dinosaurs and immersive displays.
- Bell Museum – Natural history museum with exhibits on space, wildlife, and a planetarium.
Weather and packing guidance
October is one of the most beautiful months of the year in the Twin Cities, when leaves are ablaze and the air is crisp. However, late October could also bring unexpected cold or snow. It is recommended that attendees check the weather a few weeks ahead of time.