Minnowbrook Conference Center

Located in the heart of the Adirondack Park in upstate New York, Minnowbrook offers a unique blend of natural beauty and modern conference facilities. The center provides an ideal setting for focused work and community building, with opportunities for outdoor recreation and informal networking.

Address: Minnowbrook Conference Center, Indian Lake, NY
Phone: 1-518-352-7200
Website: www.minnowbrook.org

Getting There

Airport Shuttle

  • Departure: Shuttle leaves from Albany International Airport (ALB)
  • Time: Specific time TBD (typically early afternoon)
  • Duration: Approximately 2.5 hours to Minnowbrook
  • Return: Sunday, June 1 at 11:00 AM

Driving Directions

  • From Albany: Take I-87 North to Exit 23, then Route 9 North and Route 28 West
  • From Syracuse: Take I-90 East to Route 12 North, then Route 28 East
  • Free parking available on site

Alternative Transportation

  • Some participants are coordinating carpools from Syracuse
  • Train service available to Albany via Amtrak

Accommodations

All participants will be housed on-site at Minnowbrook. Rooms include:

  • Private bathrooms
  • Shampoo, conditioner, soap, shower cap, body lotion, body wash
  • Fan and hair dryer
  • WiFi throughout the complex
  • Most areas have cell reception

Check-in: Wednesday, May 28 from 3:00 PM
Check-out: Sunday, June 1 by 8:30 AM

Facilities & Amenities

Meeting Spaces

  • Main conference room for plenary sessions
  • Multiple breakout rooms for small group work
  • Informal gathering spaces throughout

Dining

  • All meals provided on-site
  • Dietary restrictions accommodated (notify organizers in advance)
  • Coffee and tea stations available throughout the day
  • Boxed lunches available for outdoor activities

Recreation Facilities

Water Activities (7 AM - 7 PM, weather permitting)

  • Swimming in Blue Mountain Lake
  • Kayaking (equipment provided)
  • Canoeing (equipment provided)
  • Life vests and towels provided

Indoor Recreation

  • Game room with:
    • Billiards
    • Table shuffleboard
    • Ping-pong
    • Foosball
    • Board games and cards
    • Adirondack literature library

Outdoor Activities

Castle Rock Trail

  • Distance: 1.5 miles to summit
  • Difficulty: Moderate (one steep section near summit)
  • Elevation gain: 700 feet
  • Trailhead: Begins at Minnowbrook parking area
  • Views: Spectacular panorama of Blue Mountain Lake
  • Time: 1.5-2 hours round trip

Blue Mountain (for those with cars)

  • Distance: 2 miles to summit
  • Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous
  • Elevation gain: 1,523 feet
  • Features: Fire tower with expansive views
  • Location: 2 miles from Minnowbrook

General Hiking Tips

  • Trail maps available at the main lodge
  • Bring water and snacks
  • Wear appropriate footwear
  • Check weather before heading out
  • Inform someone of your plans

What to Bring

Essential Items

  • Warm layers for mornings/evenings (temps in 40s-50s°F)
  • Rain jacket (forecast shows possible rain)
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Activewear for hiking or water activities
  • Swimsuit for lake activities

Black Fly Season Preparation

The Adirondacks will be in black fly season. Recommendations:

  • Bug spray (DEET-based, apply to clothes not skin)
  • Head net if you own one (example)
  • Light-colored, long-sleeve clothing
  • Hat for sun and bug protection
  • Avoid perfumes and scented products

Note: We will have some head nets and bug spray available for those who need them

Other Useful Items

  • Water bottle
  • Sunscreen
  • Any prescription medications
  • Preferred snacks (though plenty available)
  • Books or crafts for downtime
  • Portable games

Local Weather

Typical Late May Conditions:

  • Daytime highs: Low 70s°F (21-23°C)
  • Nighttime lows: High 40s°F (8-10°C)
  • Precipitation: Possible rain showers
  • Black flies: Most active several hours after sunrise and 1-2 hours before sunset

Check Current Forecast →

Emergency Information

On-Site Support

  • Minnowbrook Main Lodge: 1-518-352-7200 (24/7 during events)
  • Workshop Organizers (text or call):
    • Ingrid: 1-650-451-8770
    • Josh: 1-617-320-5415
    • Jermaine: 1-386-848-1917

Local Services

  • Nearest Hospital: Nathan Littauer Hospital, Gloversville (45 minutes)
  • Urgent Care: Mountain Lakes Medical Center, Indian Lake
  • Pharmacy: Indian Lake Pharmacy (limited hours)

Sustainability & Environment

Minnowbrook is committed to environmental stewardship:

  • Located within the protected Adirondack Park
  • Practice Leave No Trace principles on trails
  • Recycling stations throughout facility
  • Locally sourced food when possible
  • Reusable water bottles encouraged

Please help us minimize our environmental impact during your stay!