Meet Your Match — Top Minnesota Convention & Conference Centers

Looking for some new venues to explore for your next conference or convention? We’ve compiled a comprehensive guide to some of Minnesota’s most vibrant, spacious, and amenity-packed places for you to discover this year.

Location Alexandria.

Just a short drive from the Twin Cities metro area, Alexandria is known for its pristine lakes, world-class fishing, golf, fine arts, and shopping. Local attractions include wineries, distilleries, apple orchards, farmers’ markets, petting zoos, amusement parks, and historical sites. For more information on Alexandria events, activities, and attractions, go to Explore Alexandria.  

Venue:  Arrowwood Resort & Conference Center. With 200 guest rooms and suites, 16 three- and four-bedroom townhomes, and 28,000 square feet of meeting and exhibit space, Arrowwood Resort is the ideal place to host your event. Nestled on the shores of Lake Darling, the resort features an 18-hole championship golf course, indoor waterpark, full-service marina, indoor and outdoor dining, and so much more.

Location Nisswa.

This charming community draws in many travelers who appreciate the town’s unique shops, wilderness areas including the Paul Bunyan State Trail, ski and snowboard areas, spas, water sports, boating, and community events. For more information on Nisswa events, activities, and attractions, go to Nisswa Chamber of Commerce.

Venue:  Grand View Lodge. Welcoming guests to its year-round conference facilities on Gull Lake, Grand View Lodge boasts both indoor and outdoor meeting facilities. From the 1500-foot natural sand beach known as “Beach Lawn” to the 6400 square foot Grand Ballroom to Destiny Cruises on Gull Lake and more, there is a space that’s ideal for your group at Grand View.

Location Deerwood.

Set among lakes and forests, Deerwood blends rural charm with historical roots. Explore the large sports complex, gold club, fishing, camping, and more. For more information on Deerwood events, activities, and attractions, go to City of Deerwood.

Venue:  Ruttger's Bay Lake Lodge. Scenic and serene, Ruttger’s invites groups to revel in the quiet side of the Brainerd Lakes area. Beautiful meeting facilities feature all the 21st century amenities you require in a 19th century ambience. Golf, spa, fishing, and fine and casual dining means there’s something for everyone.

Location Two Harbors.

A stunning destination nestled on the area’s popular North Shore of Lake Superior. Many points of interest and activities, including Split Rock Light House, North Shore Scenic Railroad, Superior Hiking Trail, plus hiking, fishing, golfing, and rock picking along the shore. For more information on Two Harbors’ events, activities, and attractions, go to Two Harbors Area CVB.

Venue:  Superior Shores Resort + Conference Center. Enjoy 3700 square feet of flexible lakeside meeting space with accommodations that include rustic-chic lodge rooms and suites. Three unique properties are situated on 60 acres of Northwoods forest and over a mile of Lake Superior coastline.

Location St. Paul.

The state’s capitol city offers a wide range of attractions and things to do, including theater, arts, zoos, in addition to scenic tours of historic downtown and along the Mississippi River. Enjoy year-round festivals and fairs, including the Winter Carnival and Irish Fest. For more information on St Paul events, activities, and attractions, go to Visit St Paul.

Venue:  Continuing Education and Conference Center at the University of Minnesota. Far from being old school, this facility is a thoroughly modern venue with 16,500 square feet of meeting space, and 13 meeting rooms that can accommodate groups of up to 400. State-of-the-art technology, AV, and videoconferencing capabilities earns it top grades.

Location Willmar.

So much to do and see here year-round! Arts and entertainment including galleries, theater, and orchestras. Enjoy the outdoors with bird watching, biking, fishing, golf, swimming, hiking or just a stroll through the farmer’s market. For more information on Willmar events, activities, and attractions, go to Willmar Lakes Area CVB.

Venue:  Willmar Conference Center. You’ll find everything you need at the Best Western Plus and Willmar Conference Center. Flexible event space for up to 750 guests plus modern, comfy rooms, fitness center, indoor pool, business center, casual dining with fine dining close by.

Location Mankato.

Just 75 miles from the metro, Mankato is easy to get to and completely worth your while. Combines a small town feel with a big city vibe and is a hub for arts, entertainment, and nightlife as well as hiking, biking, fishing and boating. For more information on Mankato events, activities, and attractions, go to Visit Mankato.

Venue:  Verizon Center. Situated in the heart of Mankato’s city center, the Verizon Center is connected to two hotels and two parking ramps via climate-comfort skyway. With a 6500-seat arena, large conference center, event center and over 70,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, they’re sure to have room for your group.

Location Hinkley.

Located hallway between the Twin Cities and Duluth, Hinkley is filled with attractions and activities. Play a round at Grand National Golf Club, hike or bike the Willard Munger State Trail, visit the Hinkley Fire Museum, or grab a cinnamon roll at world-famous Tobies Restaurant. For more information on Hinkley events, activities, and attractions, go to Hinkley, Minnesota.

Venue:  Grand Casino Hinckley. It’s a sure bet your group will love gathering at Grand Casino. Featuring multi-functional meeting rooms, exceptional banquet services, 24-hour gaming, and on-site hotel with shopping, spa and golf, your group may never want to leave. 

Location Onamia.

Home to Minnesota’s second largest inland lake, Mille Lacs Lake, Onamia is known for its fishing, boating, and aquatic activities year-round. Stunning parks and trails, shopping, dining, theaters and more make it an ideal destination. For more information on Onamia and surrounding area events, activities, and attractions, go to Lake Mille Lacs.

Venue:  Grand Casino Mille Lacs. Choose from one of two Grand Ballrooms with either 14,000 square feet for up to 450, or 2400 square feet for up to 264. On-site gaming, mouthwatering dining, and exciting entertainment makes this spot a winner!

Location Brooklyn Center.

Close to the cities, there is much to do and see here with unique restaurants, local entertainment, shopping, golf, outdoor activities, and indoor too, including breweries and wineries. For more information on Brooklyn Center and surrounding area events, activities, and attractions, go to Minneapolis Northwest Tourism.

Venue:  Earle Brown Heritage Center. Rustic and historic with meeting space for up to 1000, Earle Brown Heritage Center offers top-of-the-line AV technology, spacious and beautiful surroundings, and a convenient location. On-site catering provided by a team of culinary experts.