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Minneapolis/St. Paul City Guide
Minnesota’s Twin Cities – Minneapolis and St. Paul – are separated by the Mississippi River, but together the area is home to 2.5 million people. Minneapolis is the more modern of the two cities while St. Paul is the more historic, capital city. The Twin Cities area offers abundant activities, attractions, nightlife, and dining options making Minneapolis a great vacation getaway for couples, singles, and retirees.
Even if malls aren’t your thing, you have to admit the Mall of America is pretty impressive. It is the largest fully enclosed retail and entertainment complex in the United States. You’ll find more than 520 retail and specialty stores, 40+ restaurants, over 10 movie theaters and several nightclubs. You can spend all day and night at this extravagant location!
For those who enjoy history and touring historic locations, there are many options in Minneapolis. Guided tours are available of the American Swedish Institute. Housed in a 1908 33-room mansion this exquisite home features a two-story grand entrance hall and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The museum showcases a wonderful collection of Swedish glass, decorative and fine arts, textiles, and other items from Sweden. The Minneapolis Institute of Arts ranks among the top ten comprehensive art museums in the country. The institute features an intriguing art collection representing all areas of the globe and every period of human history. Visit the Minnesota State Capitol Building and watch the legislature in action in the historic House and Senate chambers or take a free-guided tour featuring original furnishings.
During warm weather months, the Twin Cities’ area lakes provide visitors with lots of outdoor recreation opportunities. Fishing, boating, swimming and other activities are popular. If you’re a sports fan, try to catch a professional game while you’re in town. The Twin Cities are home to the MLB Minnesota Twins, the NBA Minnesota Timberwolves, the NFL Minnesota Vikings, the NHL Minneapolis Wild and the WNBA Minnesota Lynx.
When the lights go down in Minneapolis, you have an array of nightlife options to choose from. A local favorite is the Dakota Jazz Club & Restaurant. You can listen to local and national performers as you feast on an American entrée from their full menu. If you want a little more intimacy, make reservations at Sophia. This restaurant lies along the Mississippi River and offers vocalists along with a three-piece jazz ensemble to entertain you as you dine. They offer a dance floor and full bar for your enjoyment. If you desire a little more action, visit The Shout House Dueling Pianos or Club 3 Degrees. Whatever you are in the mood for, Minneapolis has the nightlife you desire!
No matter what brings you to the area – a convention, a trip to the country’s largest mall, a ballgame or just a weekend getaway, you’ll find yourself wanting more time to see it all. Adjust for the weather and plan ahead so you can enjoy every minute of your vacation time in the Twin Cities.
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Mall of America
60 East Broadway
Bloomington, MN 55425
800-879-3555
Even if malls aren’t your thing, you have to admit the Mall of America is pretty impressive. It is the largest fully enclosed retail and entertainment complex in the United States. You’ll find more than 520 retail and specialty stores, 50 restaurants, 14 movie theaters and seven nightclubs, but that’s not all. There’s also Camp Snoopy, the nation's largest indoor theme park, and Underwater Adventures, a 1.2 million gallon walk-through aquarium featuring 4,500 living sea creatures. Something for all members of the family.
American Swedish Institute
2600 Park Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55407
612-871-4907
Housed in a 1908 33-room mansion this exquisite home features a two-story grand entrance hall and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The museum showcases a wonderful collection of Swedish glass, decorative and fine arts, textiles, and other items from Sweden.
Minneapolis Institute of Arts
2400 Third Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN 55404
612-870-3131
The Minneapolis Institute of Arts ranks among the top ten comprehensive art museums in the country. The institute features an intriguing art collection representing all areas of the globe and every period of human history.
Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
3675 Arboretum Blvd.
Chaska, MN 55318
952-443-1400
Truly a feast for the eyes The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum includes 1,030 acres of beautiful rolling hills and 32 display and specialty gardens with roses and clematis, hostas, perennials, herbs, rock-embracing plants, annuals, shade plants, wildflowers, and more.
Minnesota State Capitol Building
75 Constitution Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55102
651-296-2881
On your next visit to the Minnesota State Capitol Building you can watch the legislature in action in the historic House and Senate chambers or take a free-guided tour featuring original furnishings.
Sibley House Historic Site
1357 Sibley Memorial Hwy.
Mendota, MN 55150
651-452-1596
The Sibley House Historic Site is a former trading post that features four limestone buildings that date back to the early 1800s. One of the buildings was the home of Henry Hastings Sibley, who was a regional manager with the American Fur Company during its heyday. Tour guides lead visitors through the buildings and provide stories of the fur trade era.
Canterbury Park Racetrack & Card Club
1100 Canterbury Rd.
Shakopee, MN 55379
800-340-6361
Place your bets with live summer horse racing, simulcast racing year round, and 24-hour card club dealing an array of poker and casino card games.
Alexander Ramsey House
265 S Exchange Street
St. Paul, MN 55102
651-296-8760
Visit one of the nation’s best preserved Victorian – Era homes. This is the home of the first territorial governor. Tour the home and sample some fresh cookies!
Padelford Packet Boat Co.
Harriet Island
St. Paul, MN 55107
800-543-3908
Fine dining, full bar and a scenic cruise. Daily public cruise in the months of June, July, and August. Dinner cruises, lunch cruises, Sunday brunch cruises and sightseeing cruises.
Hennepin History Museum
2303 Third Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN 55404
612-870-1329
One of the most unique social history museums in Minnesota. Excellent exhibits set in a historic mansion setting with priceless archival collections.
Weisman Art Museum
333 E River Rd.
Minneapolis, MN 55455
612-625-9494
This striking stainless steel building by architect Frank Gehry is a Twin Cities landmark and offers views of more than 16,000 works of art.
Nicollet Mall
Downtown
Minneapolis, MN 55403
612-370-9100
This 12-block pedestrian avenue is lined with several unique boutiques, department stores, restaurants and entertainment.
The Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome
900 S Fifth Street
Minneapolis, MN 55415
612-335-3370
Sports lovers this is the home to the Minnesota Twins, Vikings, and Gophers. Catch a game or tour the facility.
Chanhassen Dinner Theatres
501 W. 78th Street
Chanhassen, MN 55317
800-362-3515
Dinner and entertainment all in one! With four stages this is the nation’s largest dinner theater performing Broadway musicals and sidesplitting comedies.
ValleyFair
One Valleyfair Drive
Shakopee, MN 55379
952-445-7600
You can do it all! A wild theme park featuring more than 75 rides and attractions, including six roller coasters. Located adjacent to the park, and included in the price of admission, is the Whitewater Country Waterpark, featuring water adventure fun for all ages. ValleyFair also boasts an IMAX theater, singing and dancing performances and stage shows.
Minnesota Zoo
13000 Zoo Blvd.
Apple Valley, MN 55124
952-431-9500
The Minnesota Zoo covers 500 rolling wooded acres and features a lush tropical forest and aviary, a marine center, a boreal forest, and more than 3,000 animals representing more than 400 species.
Thunder Alley Indoor Speedway & Paintball
1100 Northland Drive
Princeton, MN 55371
763-631-7733
For family fun and adventure, head to the Thunder Alley Indoor Speedway. Go-kart tracks include both a family track and a high-performance track. The complex boasts 135,000 square feet of entertainment, including a large state-of-the-art arcade.
Minnesota Children’s Museum
10 West Seventh Street
St. Paul, MN 55102
651-225-6000
The Minnesota Children’s Museum is specially designed for children ages 6 months through 10 years. The kids and their accompanying adults will have a blast exploring the museum’s seven galleries full of hands-on activities.
Science Museum of Minnesota
120 West Kellogg Blvd.
St Paul, MN 55102
651-221-9444
Within its eight acres of indoor space, the Science Museum of Minnesota features many exhibits that are fun and interesting for all ages. Gallery topics include the human body, dinosaurs and fossils, science and the Mississippi River.
Historic Fort Snelling
101 Snelling Lake Road
St. Paul, MN 55111
612-726-1171
Historic Fort Snelling is a 1820s military outpost where visitors can learn about frontier life. The living history site features costumed guides who demonstrate crafts, present historical skits and practice military drill and weapons firings.
Como Park Zoo & Conservatory
1225 Estabrook Drive
St. Paul, MN 55103
651-487-8200
Exotic animals, conservatory gardens, tropical gardens, rainforest, restaurant and gift shop will immerse you in the wonders that are held here.
Como Town Amusement Park
1225 Estabrook Drive
St. Paul, MN 55103
651-487-2121
Let the kids to fly a plane, drive a car, fight fires, run, climb, laugh, and have fun at Como Town Amusement Park.
Gameworks
600 Hennepin Ave.
Minneapolis, MN 55403
612-656-7300
Get your game on and get ready to rumble at Gameworks with a full service restaurant, cosmic bowling, interactive games and attractions.
Underwater Adventures Aquarium
120 E Broadway
Bloomington, MN 55425
952-883-0202
Go14 feet underwater through a glass tunnel and view turtles, and sharks that are so close you can almost touch them. Visit Starfish Beach where you can actually touch the sharks and sting rays.
Water Park of America
1700 E America Blvd.
Bloomington, MN 55425
877-75-SLIDE
This is the biggest indoor water park in America! You can surf, swim, slide, tube, float, kayak, ride a raft, enjoy the interactive family arcade, and more!
The Bakken Library and Museum
3537 Zenith Ave South
Minneapolis, MN 55416
612-926-3878
A unique experience as you discover electricity and magnetism and how they are used. Interactive exhibits and many hands-on activities will surely delight the whole family.
The Park At Mall of America
Hwy. 494 & Cedar Ave.
Bloomington, MN 55425
952-883-8600
Inside the Mall of America, this thrilling 7-acre park is filled with exciting rides, games and rollers coasters.
January
Annual Winterfest
612-343-3390
Sample the best Winter/Strong beers in the Midwest all while enjoying live local jazz music! Food and other beverages available!
January/February
St. Paul Winter Carnival
651-223-4700
The St. Paul Winter Carnival proves that St. Paul residents remain active throughout the cold weather months. The carnival features a parade, ice sculpting, kite flying, exhibits, craft booths, food, and a softball tournament.
February
City of Lakes Loppet
612-604-5330
Celebrate winter in Minnesota with this cross-country ski event!
May
Heart of the Beast May Day Parade
612-721-7174
This parade will tell you a story! When it’s all over there is a festival with children and adult dances, an orchestra, and puppets.
Art-A-Whirl
612-788-1679
The community rallies around this citywide art showcase. Many types of art such as painters, tile makers, sculptures, photographers, printmakers, glassblowers and more display their work throughout the city.
June
Alive After 5
612-338-3807
Happy Hour brought to the businessmen and women in the Downtown area. Activities and exhibits include music of all varieties, beer, wine and food.
Stone Arch Festival of the Arts
612-673-5123
With over 200 artists displaying their creations one can browse these works for hours. Take some time to listen to poetry or a concert, get the children involved in one of the many activities especially for them, admire the vintage cars or take a trolley or paddleboat ride.
Twin Cities Jazz Festival
612-331-4090
Twin Cities Jazz Festival is a free event that attracts nearly 75,000 people and features excellent live jazz music on several stages, art displays, club crawls and food vendors.
Antique Motorcycle Festival
952-703-0373
Motorcycle and antique lovers alike will appreciate this event. The event will feature over 120 antique motorcycles on display from all over the world.
St. Paul Blues Festival
866-55-BLUES
Bring your lawn chair and settle in as many live blues bands entertain you. Grab a bite to eat a beer or a gift while you are there.
June/July
Taste of Minnesota
651-772-9980
Sample food and drinks from around the regional area. Enjoy live entertainment and music or hop on one of the crazy rides.
July
Minneapolis Aquatennial
612-376-7669
WOW! The Minneapolis Aquatennial is a 10-day event that celebrates the area lakes. The event features day and evening parades, a block party, live music, food, a craft fair, a tennis tournament, a boat race, a sand sculpturing competition, a youth fishing clinic, a sailing regatta, guided canoe trips on the Mississippi River, a fireworks display and more.
Basilica Block Party
612-317-3511
The Basilica Block Party celebrates community and benefits the ongoing restoration of the Basilica of Saint Mary. Nearly 30,000 people attend the event, and about 1,700 volunteers are on hand to keep things running smoothly. This bold block party features live bands, raffles and food vendors.
Highland Fest
651-699-9042
Get ready to light up the sky as this event features a live concert, a comedian to tickle your funny bone, a talent competition and fireworks on both nights.
August
Minnesota Fringe Festival
612-872-1212
Celebrate performing art with live theatre and dance performances, kid shows and visual arts.
Loring Park Art Festival
612-203-9911
Browse through a variety of art from a variety of locations and styles and get involved with one of the many hands-on activities that will be provided.
Powderhorn Festival of Arts
612-729-0111
A variety of creative fares from several mediums will be on display and for sale. Many proceeds help sponsor other community activities and organizations.
Irish Fair of Minnesota
952-474-7411
Get your green and have a ball at the Irish Fair. Celebrating the heritage and culture of Ireland and the Irish people with authentic foods, traditional music and dance and exciting family activities everyone want to come back every year.
August/September
Minnesota Renaissance Festival
800-966-8215
On guard! This annual festival features jousting competitions, outdoor stage entertainment, costumed townspeople, animals, magicians, jugglers, artisans, unique shops and scrumptious food.
Minnesota State Fair
651-288-4400
Never ending fun is to be had at the Minnesota State Fair with several live concerts, animals, thrilling rides, tasty food, monster trucks and more.
September
Oktoberfest on the Riverfront
612-341-4110
You don’t have to be German to celebrate like you are. With polka dancers, local musicians, a German choir and German wine and beer this is a party anyone will enjoy.
October
Harvest Jamboree
800-635-3037
Celebrate the end of the growing season as live performers entertain you, browse through the amazing arts and participate in other exciting events.
Annual Autumn Brew Review
612-343-3390
Who makes the best beer? You be the judge! Sample some of the best beer in the world produced right in the Midwest.
November/December
Holidazzle Parade
612-376-SNOW
Boost your Christmas spirit as you are enchanted by storybook characters, lighted floats, musical groups, marching bands and Santa Claus as they drift by.
Population:
Minneapolis: 390,000+
St. Paul: 285,000
Metro area: 2.9 million
Time Zone:
Central
Climate:
Pleasant summertime highs only reach the 70s and 80s, with lows cooling into the upper 50s and low 60s. The fall season is mild, with highs often remaining in the 70s through September and only falling to the upper 50s by October. Winter is known to arrive early though, bringing several feet of snow, wind and cold temperatures through March. April brings warm temperatures again, and the spring months are pleasant, with highs near 70.
Airport:
Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP)
Lindbergh Terminal
4300 Glumack Drive
St. Paul, MN 55111
612-726-5555
Humphrey Terminal
7150 Humphrey Drive
Minneapolis, MN 55450
612-726-5800
Getting Around Minneapolis:
Metro Transit
City Bus
612-373-3333
Taxis:
AAA Taxi Cab Service
612-379-1229
Minneapolis Taxi Cab Company
612-998-1555
Blue and White
612-333-3331
Yellow Taxi
Minneapolis, 612-824-4444
St. Paul, 651-917-9999
Visitor Information:
Meet Minneapolis
250 Marquette Avenue South, Suite 1300
Minneapolis, MN 55401
612-767-8000
Dining:
Campiello
1320 W Lake Street
Minneapolis, MN 55408
612-825-2222
This open-kitchen restaurant specializes in pasta dishes, salads, pizzas and more. For dessert, don’t miss the Italian cookie platter or the chocolate truffle cake.
Murray’s
24 South Sixth Street
Minneapolis, MN 55402
612-339-0909
Murray’s is a family-owned and operated eatery that sports a 1940s-theme décor. Steak and shrimp are among the favorites here, including filet mignon wrapped in bacon and topped with mushrooms. Salad lovers will enjoy the thinly sliced beef over baby greens and tossed with mushrooms, walnuts and capers. Strawberry pie or devil’s food cake should top off your meal nicely.
20.21
1750 Hennepin Ave.
Minneapolis, MN 55403
612-253-3410
Get an amazing view of the Minneapolis skyline as you dine at this uptown fine restaurant boasting a variety of dishes such as butterfish, short ribs, tempura shrimp, and roasted Cantonese duck and many fine desserts.
D’Amico Cucina
100 N. 6th Street
Minneapolis, MN 55403
512-338-2401
This upscale restaurant serves many fine dishes such as foie gras, veal duck, lobster and homemade pasta. Have a glass of one of the many fine Italian wines in their collection.
Al’s Breakfast
413 14th Ave. SE
Minneapolis, MN 55414
612-331-9991
Only open until 1:00p.m. This is known by locals as the best place in town to get breakfast. Menu items include pancakes of several varieties, omelets, eggs benedict, hash browns and just about anything else your breakfast heart could desire.
Café Brenda
300 1st Ave. North
Minneapolis, MN 55401
612-342-9230
If you are in the mood for or prefer a vegetarian or seafood meal this is the place to go. Specialty items include chilled soba noodle salad, fresh salmon or walleye and weekend croquettes.
Pizza Luce
119 N Fourth Street
Minneapolis, MN 55401
612-333-7359
These pizzas are made from scratch, and toppings run the gamut from seafood and chicken to eggplant and artichoke hearts. Their pasta, hoagies and salads are excellent and they also offer several vegetarian choices.
Nightlife:
Acme Comedy Company
708 N First Street
Minneapolis, MN 55401
612-338-6393
One of the top five comedy clubs in the nation! Weekly headliners offering laughs in an intimate Warehouse District location.
Club 3 Degrees
113 N Fifth Street
Minneapolis, MN 55403
612-781-8488
The largest nightclub in Minneapolis with three levels, extreme light and sound system, Live music, DJ’s, and more.
Dakota Jazz Club & Restaurant
1010 Nicollet Ave.
Minneapolis, MN 55403
612-332-1010
With a full menu and bar this American style hot spot features the best local and national performers laying soothing jazz.
Shout House Dueling Pianos
650 Hennepin Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55403
612-337-6700
Rock ‘n roll sing-a-long dueling piano bar with two pianos and singers! A non-stop party with no intermission!
Sophia
65 Main Street SE
Minneapolis, MN 55414
612-379-1111
This is the perfect romantic and intimate dining establishment that lies along the Mississippi River offering vocalists and a 3-piece jazz ensemble combo. They do have a dance floor and full bar.
400 Bar
400 Cedar Ave. South
Minneapolis, MN 55454
612-332-2903
The music of choice here is Alternative with live bands playing on a regular basis. Mixed drinks are strong and Pabst Blue Ribbon is always on special.
Bar Abilene
1300 Lagoon Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55408
612-825-2525
Head south of the boarder at this bar with its southwest theme with more than 100 types of tequila and 25 Margarita choices.