Last Updated on October 24, 2023 by Usama
The Minneapolis Convention Center is the largest indoor center in the Upper Midwest, and it’s located in downtown Minneapolis. The venue hosts a variety of events—sometimes, even a few at the same time, which is possible due to its volume and structure. Before major events, streets tend to get crowded, as well as car parking lots, so pre-booking a spot would be a smart move. Our guide will provide all Minneapolis Convention Center parking options, rates, and alternatives! Learn about the main parking ramps, downtown lots, and transportation before you head to the MCC so that you can have a worry-free day without any hassle.
Minneapolis Convention Center Parking Options
The most convenient event parking is available in the public parking ramps around the MCC that are connected to the venue via skyways. Several downtown parking structures offer lower daily parking rates, so such a facility would be ideal for budget-conscious visitors. Street parking is a decent alternative, and you may find a suitable metered parking space nearby, but street spots fill quickly before events. To discover what works for you, go through all the options, locations, and rates, which are listed below.
The 3rd Avenue Parking Ramp
This car parking facility is placed at 1401 3rd Avenue South, within a quick 6-minute walk of the venue. It offers plenty of covered parking spaces, and the height clearance for oversized vehicles is 8’ 2’’. The Minneapolis Convention Center parking ramp is safe and regularly patrolled by the MCC security officers. The list below shows the event parking rates, and you can pay by cash or major credit cards.
| Duration | Price |
| 1 hour | $5 |
| 1–3 hours | $8 |
| 3–6 hours | $10 |
| 6–12 hours | $15 |
| 12–24 hours | $20 |
There’s an Early Bird discount—if you enter the facility between 6 and 8 AM and exit by 5 PM, the cost will be $9. Whenever you arrive, be sure to keep your garage parking ticket in a safe place. The lost ticket fee is $25.
Century Plaza
This short-term parking facility is within easy walking distance—to get driving directions, use the following address: 330 South 12th Street. Both entrance and exit are on 12th Street, and the height restriction is 6’ 4’’. This Minneapolis Convention Center parking garage has the same rates on both event and non-event days, and it’s the most affordable option around the MCC:
| Duration | Price |
| 1 hour | $4 |
| 1–4 hours | $10 |
| 4–12 hours | $12 |
| 12–24 hours | $15 |
The Century Plaza parking structure offers an Early Bird special—arrive by 9 AM and exit by 6 PM, and you’ll pay only $6. For additional information, call 612-375-1301.
Plaza Municipal Parking Ramp
Plaza parking is right across the street from the MCC, and the address for GPS directions is 117 South 12th Street. It’s a 3-minute walk away and connected to the venue by a skyway system. Several city attractions and accommodations are also easily accessible. The ramp isn’t suitable for oversized vehicle drivers since the clearance is 6’ 8’’. See the list below to discover both the event and standard parking prices.
| Duration | Price |
| 1 hour | $7 |
| 6-12 hours | $18 |
| Event Parking | $10 to $25 |
Prices vary based on the event, and you can find out the exact amount by calling 612-369-3162 before you head to the MCC.
Accessibility & Accessible Parking
The convention center is fully accessible and offers various features and services that will make your visit stress-free. Easy curbside drop-off is available along 2nd Avenue, and all the MCC entrances have power-assisted doors. The facility offers several wheelchair-accessible restrooms, as well as elevators and escalators.
Handicapped parking at the Minneapolis Convention Center is available on a first-come, first-served basis in all parking facilities. A visitor has to display a disabled parking permit or license plate to occupy such a spot. Standard parking rates apply.
Parking Near the Minneapolis Convention Center
A wide selection of parking lots is available up to 10 minutes from the MCC. We looked into their rates on an event day to find out the prices. See the list below for more information, and feel free to try out one of these parking areas if the closest parking ramps are full or too expensive.
| Parking Area | Address | Daily Rate |
| Loring Garage | 1300 Nicollet Mall | $7 |
| Mar-Ten Garage | 921 Marquette Ave. | $9 |
| AT&T Forum Garage | 904 S 2nd Ave. | $10 |
| Central Lutheran Parking Lot | 333 S 12th St. | $12 |
| 11th & Marquette Garage | 1111 S Marquette Ave. | $12 |
| 11th Street Underground Garage | 1001 S Marquette Ave. | $15 |
Note that rates are subject to change. For instance, the 11th & Marquette Garage rates can go up to $22 for major events.
Transportation to the MCC
Using public transit allows you to reduce your expenses significantly, especially if you use the free bus service that operates across downtown. The travel time might be longer, but you won’t waste any time searching for a suitable spot! Metro Transit free buses run along Nicollet Mall and can take you from the convention center to 5th Street, where you can take a Blue or Green line tram. Other buses within the downtown zone charge only 50¢.
Minneapolis-Saint Paul Airport is only a 15-minute drive from the MCC, and you can travel between the two locations via the Minneapolis Airport shuttle. One of the leading shuttle providers is Super Shuttle Express, but you have an array of other options. Uber is a great choice, while trains are the most cost-effective. The LRT train ticket is as low as $2.00.
FAQs
- Where is the Minneapolis Convention Center?
The convention center is placed at 1301 2nd Ave S in downtown Minneapolis, half a mile from Nicollet Mall.
- How much is parking at the Minneapolis Convention Center?
Event parking rates differ based on the parking lot and event. They start at $4 and can go up to $22.
- Is parking in downtown Minneapolis free on weekends?
No. Downtown Minneapolis parking rates range from $2 to $3 per hour, and there’s usually a 2-hour limit.
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