Attractions in Minneapolis
American Swedish Institute
2600 Park Ave. S., Minneapolis, Minnesota; Tel. 612.871.4907
Founded in 1929, Minneapolis' American Swedish Institute is a tribute to Swedish-American history and culture in the Midwest. The Institute, located in historic newspaper publisher Swan Turnblad's mansion, was completed in 1908 and is the Twin Cities' only castle. Inside the 33-room mansion, the museum is home to a large collection of Swedish artifacts including glass, arts and textiles, as well as the permanent "Swedish Life in the Twin Cities" exhibit, which houses historic photographs, journal entries and audio recordings. Guided tours are available for visitors and the illustrated family guide is narrated by Tomte, a 427 year-old elf who lives in the mansion's attic. At the end of the tour, the museum's gift shop boasts impressive handmade Swedish crafts and home decorations. Minneapolis' American Swedish Institute is dedicated to preserving Swedish heritage in the Twin Cities and creating a rich community among the Twin Cities' broad range of ethnic groups.
Bell Museum of Natural History
10 Church Street S.E., Minneapolis, Minnesota; Tel. 612.624.7083
The James Ford Bell Museum of Natural History, established in 1872, is dedicated to preserving and researching Minnesota's rich variety of wildlife. Located on the Minneapolis campus of the University of Minnesota, the museum displays an exceptional 4-million specimen including a wide range of mammals, birds, fish, plants, mollusks and insects. Two floors of lifelike dioramas of Minnesota's wildlife habitats and rainforest canvas aerial walkway are just some of the interactive exhibits at the Bell Museum. The children's favorite Touch-and-See Room, a predecessor of the Smithsonian's Discover Room, allows visitors to take exhibits out from behind the glass and try on a pair of antlers, touch animal furs, or play with a live turtle. The museum also offers monthly family activities for parents and children to explore nature together. Minneapolis' Bell Museum of Natural History is a fun, family-friendly and interactive collection of animal and plant life from around the globe.
Cathedral of St. Paul
239 Selby Ave., St. Paul, Minnesota; Tel. 651.228.1766
Inspired by French Renaissance architecture, the dome of the ornate Cathedral of St. Paul is a highlight of the downtown St. Paul skyline, sitting atop Summit Hill overlooking the state's capital. The Cathedral, which started holding services in 1915, is the co-cathedral of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Minneapolis and St. Paul, along with Minneapolis' Basilica of St. Mary. The Cathedral, as well as hosting religious services, is part of the National Historic Register and is beautifully decorated. The 96-foot dome is lined with gold leaf, columns and walls of Botticino marble accent the interior and 24 stained-glass windows depicting angelic choirs. There are also six chapels dedicated to the patron saints of major groups settling in the Twin Cities metro area—Italians, French Canadians, Irish, Germans, Slavs and Christian missionaries. The Cathedral of St. Paul is the center of the Catholic Church in St. Paul and is a spiritual home for Catholics as well as a historical landmark amid the hustle and bustle of Downtown.
Como Zoo
1225 Estabrook Dr., St. Paul, Minnesota; Tel. 651.487.8200
For over a hundred years, St. Paul's Como Park, Zoo and adjacent Marjorie McNeely Conservatory have been delighting visitors around the Minneapolis metro area. The zoo and conservatory are free, although a nominal donation is suggested, and the park offers many options for a day of family fun. Take a walk around the Big Cats Building, talk to monkeys in the Primate House and make sure to watch one of Sparky the sea lion's shows during summer months. After a picnic lunch, take a dip in the pool or take fun photos at one of the many sculptures of animals before ending with the obligatory ride on Cafesjian's Carousel, built in 1914. The zoo has also recently dedicated itself to going green and includes recycled wood interior walls and revised recycling and conservation measures. The zoo's nearby McNeely conservatory boasts an impressive half-acre display of plants from around the world, most notably, a bonsai gallery and fern room. St. Paul's Como Park, Zoo and Conservatory offer a variety of delightful events and displays in a family friendly, environmentally conscious setting.
History Center Museum
345 Kellogg Blvd. W., St. Paul, Minnesota; Tel. 651.259.3000
The Minnesota History Center Museum is a must-see for both first time visitors to the Minneapolis area and those curious about the state's past. Located in Minneapolis' sister city of St. Paul, the museum includes historical artifacts, curators dressed as historical figures and audiovisual presentations designed to make the museum experience both fun and educational. Open seven days a week, the History Center Museum showcases Minnesota's history in a wide range of interactive exhibits including a replica grain elevator and Weather Permitting, an exhibit dedicated to Minnesota's unique climate. The Minnesota Historical Center Library, located inside the building, is the world's largest collection of Minnesota materials and includes searchable databases for family history research. With specially designed field trips and a variety of hands-on programs, St. Paul's History Center Museum is a window to Minnesota's rich past.
Lake Calhoun
3000 Calhoun Blvd., Minneapolis, Minnesota; Tel. 612.230.6400
Minneapolis' 401-acre Lake Calhoun is an ideal venue for fishing, wind surfing, swimming, sailing, canoeing, walking, jogging, biking and rollerblading while visiting the Twin Cities. Lake Calhoun is part of a chain of lakes including Cedar Lake, Brownie Lake, Lake of the Isles and Lake Harriet, connected by a 12-mile stretch of pathways. Drawing over 5 million visitors a year, the Chain of Lakes is Minnesota's most popular attraction next to the Mall of America. The three-mile trail around Lake Calhoun is perfect for a beautiful Sunday afternoon bike or walk, and with three beaches along the route, a perfect place to stop for some summer sun. In the chilling winter months, ice-fishing houses pepper the frozen lake. Visitors and residents enjoy the natural beauty, paved trails and gorgeous beaches of Lake Calhoun, one of Minnesota's impressive 10,000 plus.
Mall of America
60 East Broadway Bloomington, MN 55425; Tel. 952.883.8800
Less than two miles from the Minneapolis St. Paul airport, the 4.2 million square-foot mall is a must-see for anyone with a long layover. Macy's, Bloomingdale's and Sears are among the 520 stores, smartly built in the shape of a square so you'll never feel lost. The center of the mall houses Nickelodeon Universe, a 7-acre amusement park beneath 1.2 miles of skylights with more than 30 remarkable rides and attractions. Kids and adults alike will discover the joy of the 4-story sculptures in the Lego Imagination Center. And if you've had too much mall, feel free to escape to one of the 14 movie theater screens or the largest aquarium in the state without ever leaving the building.
Orchestra Hall
1111 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, Minnesota; Tel. 612.371.5656
Orchestra Hall, a Minnesota architectural landmark, is home to the Minnesota Orchestra as well as concerts and other special events throughout the year. Located in Downtown Minneapolis on Nicollet Mall, the building stands out immediately with its clean glass and steel exterior, designed to defy conventions of traditional old-world orchestra halls. Attendees are not required to dress up for orchestra concerts and an aim of the building is to deformalize the concert experience to make it accessible for all. Since opening in 1974, the hall has hosted over 10,000 concerts and drawn more than 10-million visitors. The auditorium's ceiling, made up of over 100 cubes in a "falling rock" pattern as well as wood floors and stage create an incredible acoustic sound for listeners. Lovers of classical, pops, orchestra and holiday music enjoy Orchestra Hall's ideal location in Downtown Minneapolis combined with its aesthetic beauty and casual atmosphere.