Arrival Time and Location

Location: Duluth International Airport. 

VOBS staff will meet students in the baggage claim area. The Duluth airport is very small; our staff will be easy to find. 

Arrival Time: No later than 1:00 PM. (Please try to arrive before this time as we hope to depart from the airport by this time.)

• For drop-offs: Please plan to arrive between 10:30-11:30 AM.  This will help us check you in and avoid a rush right at 1:00 PM. If you plan to leave a car at the airport during drop-off or during your course, short and long-term parking are available in a secure pay lot.
• For flights: If you are unable to find a flight arriving in Duluth by 1:00 PM on your course start day, you will need to arrive the night before and stay in Duluth. Please see the Pre & Post Course Accommodations Tab for information about hotels in Duluth. If you arrive the night before, arrange to return to the airport between 10:30-11:30 AM on your course start day. 
• For shuttle service: Shuttle services are available between the Minneapolis/St. Paul Airport (MSP) and Duluth, which may be a good option for some travel plans. Services available include Landline Shuttle Services and Groome Transportation. Groome will pick you up at the MSP airport. Select your drop-off destination as the Duluth International Airport..

Additional Important Arrival Day Information:

• Recently, we have found that there are fewer flight options overall, and far fewer connecting flights into Duluth, MN. Many families have had a more positive and stress-free travel experience if they arrive the day before the course, spend the night in Duluth, and meet the group at the airport the next day. While not required, this can be a nice option to consider as you make your travel plans.
• Please eat lunch before meeting at the Airport. Also, plan to make any final phone calls before arriving at the airport. Expect to be at the airport until your whole group has arrived, at which time we will transport you an additional 2-3 hours to your course-start location.
• CLOTHING/DRESS ON ARRIVAL DAY – Please arrive at the meeting place already dressed in your expedition clothes. Boots or tennis shoes, wool socks, quick-dry pants, underwear, t-shirt, and an accessible warmer, long-sleeved layer work best on the first day. Please see the Packing List tab for further information about appropriate luggage, clothing and layering principles.

Travel Delays or Late Arrivals

If you experience delays or cancellations on arrival day, please contact our Travel Coordinator at: (218) 491-6799.

With so many people traveling on the same day, we anticipate some hiccups. If your arrival is delayed, don’t worry too much. Contact our Travel Coordinator and we will do our best to coordinate an alternative plan with you.

Outward Bound will transport you back to the Duluth International Airport on the last day of the course, arriving around 10:00 AM. To ensure adequate time to check in and navigate security, please do not book any flights departing before 11:00 AM.

• If you are departing by plane or shuttle, we will ensure that you make your flight or bus
• If you weren’t able to pre-pay for your return-baggage, please bring a credit card or $25 (in exact change) to check your bag on your return flight.
• If you are departing by car, you can access your car in the airport pay-lot or ask your pick-up to meet you near the departure check-in gates any time after 10:00 AM.
• If you are staying in a nearby hotel after your course, and have arranged a drop-off with us, we will ensure you arrive at your hotel.

MEALS AND MONEY ON ARRIVAL/DEPARTURE DAYS - Please bring a little cash for meals during your travel days.  Outward Bound will provide dinner on the first day, breakfast on the last day, and some snacks on both of these days.  There are minimal food options once you exit the security gate at the airport so plan to get something before you arrive or before you exit security. Remember to drink plenty of water throughout travel days!

MEDICATIONS – If you take a prescription medication, please ensure that you have enough to complete the entire course, and bring a back-up set if possible. If you use an inhaler or carry an Epi-pen, please bring 2 sets.

Remember to pack your medications and other important items (contacts, glasses, travel documents, money) in your carry-on luggage in case your checked bag is delayed or lost.

CLOTHING/DRESS ON ARRIVAL DAY – Please arrive at the meeting place dressed in warm layers suitable to below zero temperatures. Boots or tennis shoes, wool socks, long-underwear, and comfortable/warm outer layers work best on the first day. Please see the provided packing list for further information about appropriate luggage, clothing and layering principles.

If you are unable to arrive by 1:00 PM on the first day of the course, we advise that you arrive a day early. There are multiple hotel options in Duluth near the airport. Hotels may or may not offer a shuttle to the airport. If not, students can take an Uber between the airport and the hotel. 

Days Inn and Suites. Can accommodate 18+ students, no minors. Students must have credit card in hand when they arrive to complete the payment. 

909 Cottonwood Ave. Duluth, MN

218-727-3110 - Call this direct line to make reservations. If you are staying between November and May they will offer a special VOBS rate. 

AmericInn by Wyndam Duluth. Can accommodate minors with parents' authorization. 

901 Joshua Ave. Duluth, MN

218-723-8607 - Call to make reservations. A VOBS discount may be available depending on the time of year. 

If you are over 21 years old there are many other hotels near the Duluth airport that are available to you.