Mary’s Pence is arranging for transportation from MSP to Mount Olivet Conference and Event Center. We are renting a van that will be making stops at both the airport and the Mall of America. Van pick up times will be planned around folk's arrival times to the airport to mitigate waiting as much as possible. If you come in on an early flight feel free to visit the MoA via light rail or explore the cities and then meet up with the van at a later pick up time.
There is a Carbibou Coffee near both baggage claims at MSP.
On Sunday at the conclusion of the Grantee Gathering, Mary’s Pence has arranged for transportation from Mount Olivet Conference and Retreat Center to MSP or to the Mall of America. For those with a later flight who wish to explore the Twin Cities, both MSP and Mall of America connect to the Metro light rail system, which can be taken to downtown Minneapolis and also St. Paul. Mall of America has lockers available for rent where it is easy to safely stow luggage. Payment forms accepted are either cash or card and prices are: Regular, $6; large, $7; Extra Large; $9. You will be responsible for locker rental fees.
Relevant links:
https://www.metrotransit.org/metro
Yes, high-speed WIFI is available throughout the Youngdahl Lodge, the Cornell House, and the Chapel. The password will be provided when you arrive.
Absolutely! Please participate in the ways that make you most comfortable. There will be scheduled breaks. However, if you need to get up and/or move around during the session, please feel free to do so.
If you need time away from scheduled activities, you are more than welcome to step away. If you need a quiet place to decompress, there will be spaces available: a designated private quiet room, several lounge areas in the Cornell House, the Trillium Dining Room, the trails, and of course, your room.
Current government-issued photo identification (required to board all commercial aircraft)
Medical insurance card and all necessary medications, including over-the-counter medications
Masks and hand sanitizer to use while traveling to the Twin Cities (suggested)
Clearly and creatively marked luggage for instant identification (Note: bring only as much luggage as you can manage by yourself)
Casual clothes that can be layered. It is spring in Minnesota and temperatures fluctuate quite a bit, although it should be mostly warm. June is when we plant our our lettuce without fear of nighttime frost. For some, it might feel chilly, so you may want to pack sweater/sweatshirts or a light jacket/coat to wear after sundown
Comfortable walking shoes, so you can enjoy the labyrinth and trails
Swimsuit(s), for use if you wish to swim in the indoor heated pool, or use the whirlpool and sauna
Toiletry items, such as shampoos and conditioner, deodorant, skincare, sunscreen, cosmetics, flat irons, etc.
Your favorite tote bag, backpack, or purse to carry your 2026 Grantee Gathering materials
Reusable water bottle
Journal
Comfort items – the things that help you to feel comfortable and safe
The rooms are equipped with hand soap. For anything else, you should plan to bring items from home. Suggested items to consider are outlined in the packing list.
In the event that you forget to bring something, there are items available for purchase at the Mount Olivet Conference and Retreat Center gift store in the main lobby of the Youngdahl Building. There are no other stores nearby.
Will a hairdryer be available?
Yes, each room has a hair dryer.
Yes. Every building has ADA accessible bathrooms, wide doorways, and ramps. The trails are unpaved, but other outdoor recreation areas are paved and accessible by ramps - including the fire pit and picnic areas.
Dog waste bags are provided for service animals on trails. Dogs should be leashed.
Breakfast is at 8 am, Lunch is at 12:30 pm. Dinner is at 6:30 pm. Self-service snacks and beverages will be available day and night. Meals and snacks are available in the Trillium Dining Room, located on the main floor of the Youngdahl Lodge.
Menus are varied and feature Midwest comfort food with a healthy twist. Whenever possible, each delicious meal is prepared with ingredients from the on-site garden and locally-sourced foods.
Mount Olivet Conference and Retreat Center can accommodate most special dietary requests, such as gluten-free, lactose-free, nut-free, vegetarian, and vegan, with advance notice. Be sure mention any needs when registering for the Grantee Grantee.
Please note that Mount Olivet Conference and Retreat Center does not maintain a gluten-free, lactose-free, or nut-free kitchen environment.
All buildings are smoke free. Smoking is permitted in designated areas outside each building.
Am I allowed to consume alcohol while at Mount Olivet Conference and Retreat Center?
No alcohol is permitted at Mount Olivet Conference and Retreat Center.
Mount Olivet Conference and Retreat Center is an affiliate organization of Mount Olivet Lutheran Church that welcomes everyone. The staff are interested in compassion, not conversion, and they hope their unintrusive hospitality allows those from any religion or no religion to feel comfortable, relaxed, and free from worry. If there are ways Mount Olivet and Mary’s Pence would help you feel more welcome, please let Erin know right away!
The staff at Mount Olivet Conference and Retreat Center is committed to extending hospitality to all, especially those who have historically not experienced welcome within Christian institutions. Everyone deserves rest, renewal, healing, and wholeness.
There is an ICE and DHS presence in the Twin Cities. We know they are stationed in customs for international flights at MSP, and there are deportation flights that leave from the airport.
Mount Olivet is a 45-minute drive from the airport and is on a secluded private property.
We will monitor the situation and update those who are attending as needed.