Cool Schools — Our Favorite Minnesota Training Centers, Classrooms & Academic Facilities

Your assignment? Study up on the seemingly countless venues where you can host your next training event and learn which ones are the best. If that task seems like too much, we’ve got you covered. We’ve done the homework for you and are giving you a cheat sheet on 10 of the best training centers, classrooms, and academic facilities in Minnesota.

1. College of Saint Benedict Events & Catering

It’s common knowledge that for more than 100 years, CSB Events & Catering is simply one of Minnesota’s best. The campus offers 7 amazing facilities many of which feature multiple spaces for groups large and small. The on-site catering team will work with you to create memorable meals with menus that are completely customizable. CSB also invites guests to relax at the end of the day in any one of their ample on-campus residential halls or spacious 2- and 4-bedroom apartments.

2. MSP Airport Conference Center

When you’re looking for convenience, space, and amenities, the MSP Airport Conference Center really makes the grade. Located within MSP Airport Terminal 1-Lindbergh, you’ll find conference rooms and private workstations for up to 100, state-of-the-art AV equipment, administrative services, and voice conferencing capabilities. Best of all, with renowned on-site catering, your attendees won’t have to resort to stalking the vending machines during their well-deserved breaks.

3. Grand View Lodge

Located on the shores of sparkling Gull Lake, Grand View Lodge has stood the test of time. For more than 100 years, guests have flocked here to take advantage of the Lodge’s beautiful surroundings, luxurious guest rooms, fine dining, spa, and golf. Grand View’s new North hotel and conference center features 60 uniquely decorated hotel rooms and four contemporary meeting spaces along with a beer, wine, and coffee lounge.

4. Willmar Conference Center

Pop quiz — where can you find a newly renovated Conference Center with over 10,000 square feet of flexible meeting space and cutting-edge AV electronics for as few as 50 or as many as 1000? The Willmar Conference Center, of course. You’ll also find catering and bar service here, along with four great lodging options nearby all located in the beautiful Willmar Lakes area.

5. Continuing Education and Conference Center at the University of Minnesota

There’s no better place to learn a lesson than at the Continuing Education and Conference Center located on the lovely St. Paul U of M campus. Gather in one of four meeting rooms for up to 392 with multiple set up options for smaller groups or breakout sessions. Offering a full range of dining options plus help setting up meeting rooms, rental agreements, meal planning, and hotel arrangements.

6. University of Saint Thomas: Event and Conference Services

Located on campuses in both St Paul and Minneapolis, the University of Saint Thomas: Event and Conference Services earns an A+ when it comes to convenient amenities, exceptional catering, and attentive staff. Twenty-six amazing venues offer spacious and comfortable surroundings for as few as 10 or as many as 5000 attendees.

7. West End Conference Center

If you need to be schooled on the best space for your training time, then you need to know about the West End Conference Center. Offering small and large spaces for groups, rooms feature big screen TVs, whiteboards, projection screen projector, WiFi and flexible room configurations. Free covered parking and within walking distance of popular West End hotels, restaurants, a movie theater, and more.

8. Arrowwood Resort & Conference Center

Looking for class combined with convenience? Look no further than Arrowwood Resort & Conference Center in Northern Minnesota. Featuring sparkling lake views, an 18-hole championship golf course, indoor waterpark, and fine dining. There are 28,000 square feet of meeting space with 12 conference rooms for groups of any size. Accommodations include comfy guest rooms, cozy cottages, or spacious townhomes.

9. Crowne Plaza Minneapolis West

The Crown Plaza Minneapolis West makes choosing your training site as easy as ABC. With 35 meeting rooms, 38,000 square feet of meeting space for up to 450, on-site business center open 24 hours, state-of-the-art AV equipment, fine dining, indoor pool, and complimentary parking, you simply can’t go wrong.

10. Earle Brown Heritage Center

The Earle Brown Heritage Center makes the honor roll when it comes to beautiful surroundings, convenient location, and 40,000 square feet of meeting space for 15 to 1000, many with direct access to the lovely grounds. Discover on-site AV, expert staff, free WiFi, and a wide range of catering options from snacks to appetizers, entrees to desserts.