The Northland Inn Executive Conference Center
Minneapolis
What service can you provide to groups that they normally might not receive?
Group airline check-in and printing of boarding passes; central one-point of contact throughout their event; clerical/administrative/postal assistance; specialty items (team-building assistance, special bottle of wine, etc.); and group dinner reservations.
What are your group restaurant recommendations?
Our own America’s Harvest restaurant is always a hit! Other local favorites include The Claddagh Irish Pub, which also offers outdoor dining; Gasthof is a fabulous German restaurant; and Murray’s, which is best known for its Silver Butter Knife steaks.
What are your bar or nightclub recommendations?
For dancing and nightlife, you can’t beat The Shout House! The Lone Tree Bar & Grill and Drink are also popular. If you’re into the local music scene, Bunker’s Music Bar & Grill and First Avenue (featured in Prince’s movie Purple Rain) are your best bets.
Can you recommend a good place to take a stroll?
This is the land of 10,000 lakes: Lake of the Isles, Lake Calhoun and Lake Harriet are connected by sidewalks and make for a beautiful walk. Other favorite places to get out and explore the outdoors include RiverPlace, Theodore Wirth Park and Minnehaha Falls.
Are there any quirky places guests should check out?
The Bakken Library and Museum [of electricity and magnetism] is a unique experience. A trip to The Spam Museum is also one that you won’t soon forget. The House of Balls is a great spot for those who enjoy contemporary art. And, of course, there is always the World’s Largest Ball of Twine.
If we only have an hour or two, what should we definitely check out nearby?
The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, which is best known for its Spoon and Cherry bridge.
What is an unusual request you’ve had from a group?
We have hosted everything from a trout pond to a boxing ring in our Northland Ballroom. One of the most unusual requests was to build a doctor’s office in our prefunction area.
A party of 12 wants to have dinner right away. What restaurant can accommodate last-minute requests of this size?
America’s Harvest has private dining options and is always able to accommodate our groups. The Claddagh, Buca Di Beppo and Dave & Busters are always good to work with.
What’s a unique event that has taken place at your property?
There have been so many, but some of the staff favorites here at the Northland Inn Executive Conference Center are The Children’s Miracle Network Telethon, Wishes 'n’ More Black Tie Boxing Fundraiser and, most recently, the Department of Homeland Security’s Conference on Terrorism.