You will need to travel to Duluth the day before your course starts (Day 0) and book a hotel room for the evening.  We recommend staying at the Country Inn & Suites as it is the meeting place for the course start.

Please meet in the lobby of the Country Inn & Suites in Duluth, Minnesota at 8 am the day your course begins (Day 1).  Look for OB staff with Outward Bound signs.  They will greet the group, give out important information, and set plans for the morning.

• If you are arriving by airplane: The Country Inn & Suites provides a free airport shuttle to the hotel.  Call them at the number below and ask for a pickup.
• If you are being dropped off by car:  Please meet at the Country Inn & Suites at 8 am for Day 1 transportation to VOBS Homeplace. Please arrive early so we can depart on time.
• If you are staying in a different hotel before your course:  Please arrange for a shuttle service or cab to bring you to the Country Inn & Suites for the Day One 8 am meet-up. Please arrive early so we can depart on time.

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. 

Outward Bound staff will pick up the group at the Country Inn & Suites at 8 am on the first day of the course and transport you to the course-start location.  The drive will be about 2+ hours, so please be sure to have eaten a good breakfast beforehand.

If you experience travel delays that will affect the Day One 8 am meet-up, contact our Travel Coordinator at 218-491-6799 and we will do our best to coordinate an alternative plan with you.

Meeting Place Info:

Meeting Place 
Country Inn & Suites
4257 Haines Road, Duluth, MN 
Phone: (218) 461-3312 

Shuttle Service: While making your reservation ask about the free airport shuttle to the hotel.

Other Arrival Day Information:

• It is important for you to note if a student tests positive for COVID-19 on their course an alternate travel plan will need to be made.

Students will be transported back to Duluth, Minnesota at the end of their course.  If you are picking up your student you can meet them at the Duluth International Airport at 1:00 PM.  

If you are choosing to book a flight home at the end of the course, please do not book any flights departing before 1:00 PM from the Duluth International Airport. If you're having difficulty finding a departing flight after 1 PM, please speak with your course advisor and we'll work to accommodate your request.

• It is important for you to note if a student tests positive for COVID-19 on their course, an alternate travel plan will need to be made.

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 for cooler fall temperatures. Boots or tennis shoes, wool socks, and comfortable/warm layers work best on the first day. Please see the provided packing list for further information about appropriate luggage, clothing, and layering principles.

As pick-up will be in the Country Inn and Suites Lobby at 8 am on Day 1 of your course, we recommend you stay at:

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Duluth North, MN: 4257 Haines Road, Duluth, MN. 55811

Phone: 218-461-3312

If you prefer different lodging, there are many options near the Duluth International Airport. You'll need to meet Outward Bound in the lobby of Country Inn & Suites on Day 1 of your course at 8am.

Other options: 

• Days Inn and Suites: 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: 901 Joshua Ave. Duluth, MN

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