Accommodations

We’re excited to host you in Austin, Minnesota, for the 7th Annual Global Cancer Consortium Conference. Located south of the Twin Cities, Austin represents the absolute best in what southern Minnesota has to offer and shows that research is rural.

Conference Location

The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota
801 16th Ave NE
Austin, MN 55912

Hotels

The Hormel Institute partners with three local hotels for Global Cancer Consortium Conference attendees. All three hotels are conveniently located less than two miles from the Conference location.

When booking, mention “GCC Conference” for an exclusive rate.

Airports

The two closest airports to the conference are the Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (95 miles) and the Rochester International Airport (34 miles). Minneapolis offers more flight options and amenities, and is in the heart of the “Twin Cities.” Rochester is smaller and offers only connector flights to and from Minneapolis and Chicago O’Hare, but is closer to Austin and the conference.

Both airports offer rental car, rideshare, and taxi services.

Transportation

You will need a car to get to and from Austin and the conference. Some rideshares providers will bring you to Austin from the airport, but they do not operate in Austin. This includes Uber, Lyft, and taxi services. For those flying in, we recommend either renting a car or carpooling.

Parking

There are two parking lots available for conference attendees. A smaller lot directly next to The Hormel Institute offers accessible parking and EV chargers and is reserved parking only. A larger lot is located to the west of the Institute.

About Austin

If you’re energized after the conference and ready for more, Austin has you covered. Downtown Dish, a music, food, and street festival, will be held the evening of June 13 in Downtown Austin, and is the perfect opportunity to take in the sights, sounds, and flavors of Austin with your fellow conference attendees.

There’s even more to see, do, and experience while you’re in Austin for the conference. Come early or add a day or two to your visit to experience all that Austin and southern Minnesota has to offer.

Explore the Jay C. Hormel Nature Center and surrounding trails, both of which are free and open to all. The trails offer a mix of forest and prairie landscapes that provide the perfect opportunity to watch for birds. Take a short drive to access the Cedar River State Water Trail where fishing and exploration await.

If history is more your thing, don’t forget to check out the Hormel Historic Home to learn about what life was like during Austin’s early days or catch a movie or live show at the Historic Paramount Theatre.

You can’t go far in Austin without running into art, and that includes taking a Statue Tour or bringing home something special from the area’s local artists. While you’re downtown, be sure to indulge in our restaurants, check out local shops, play retro arcade games, or simply walk down Main Street and find your own adventure.

Of course, no trip to Austin is complete without a visit to the SPAM Museum® where the most delicious history (and a few SPAMples) await.

With so much to see and do in Austin, you might never want to leave!

Getting to the Institute

Driving Directions to The Hormel Institute
801 16th Ave. NE, Austin, MN 55912

From Minneapolis:

I-35W South (approximately 94 miles)
In Albert Lea, exit at I-90 East and follow to Austin (approximately 20 miles)
In Austin, exit at 178B
Left at exit (6th Street NE)
Right on 16th Avenue NE
The Hormel Institute on left (look for driveway entry and visitor parking on west side of building).

From Rochester:

I-90 West to Austin (approximately 30 miles)
Exit at 178B
Right at exit (6th Street NE)
Take immediate right on 16th Avenue NE
The Hormel Institute on left (look for driveway entry and visitor parking on west side of building).