Minneapolis HotelsWe went to Minneapolis for the first time a few years ago. For me, it was like going to Mecca, because it was the home of Garrison Keiller and the Prairie Home Companion show that airs weekly on PBS. For my wife and kids, it was a real highlight of our trip, because we spent a full day at the Mall of America and shopped and did all the amusement park rides inside. Minneapolis, along with its sister city St. Paul, makes up the largest metro area in Minnesota. But what really put the Twin Cities on the map is the Mall of America. Where else in the world are you going to find over 500 stores, an amusement park, an aquarium, a dance club and countless restaurants? If shopping doesn't hold your interest, Minneapolis is filled with museums and historic sites that can keep you busy for days. Go back in time to visit a working farm from the mid 1800s, take a tour of the home of the first governor of the territory, or wander along an 1880s stone bridge. Numerous cultural and arts offerings can be found every day of the year. Minneapolis loves its sports, too. Minneapolis is home to major league baseball's Minnesota Twins and the National Football League's Minnesota Vikings. So before you the leave the Twin City, try to take in a game. But make sure you are prepared for cold weather walking to watch the Vikings in the Dome, because highs in January average only 20 degrees F. Things to DoAlexander Ramsey House Take a tour of this exquisite Victorian home, the former residence of the first governor of the territory, Paul Ramsey.
Bell Museum of Natural History The most popular spot in the museum is the Touch and See Room. Here you can try on deer antlers and sheep horns. Anything you want to know? Just ask one of their knowledgeable staff. The mission of the museum is to educate about natural history using their collections and research.
Folsom House A former home of a state representative and senator, this charming house is a wonderful example of New England architecture.
Frederick R. Weisman Art Museum In 1934, Lotus Coffman, the former president of University of Minnesota envisioned: "This is a dream of long standing on my part... I would have every student at the University of Minnesota and every individual in this community, exposed as frequently as possible to the things that make life worth living, to the cultural inheritance of the human race." Completed in 1993, Mr. Coffman's dream had come true. The Weisman Art Museum is now home to the largest collection of American painters Marsden Hartley and Alfred Maurer. Also on display are works by Georgia O'Keefe and Max Weber among others.
Historic Fort Snelling Back in the 1800's, Fort Snelling was the last of the United States outposts. Now you can experience life the way it was in 1827: talk with some soldiers or even help mend clothes.
James J. Hill House Amazing! This house measures 36,000 square feet over 5 floors. Mr. James J. Hill was the man who developed the railroad system that connected the Canada to the Rocky Mountains and eventually to the Pacific Ocean. The secret of his success? "Work, hard work, intelligent work, and then more work".
Mall Of America This shoppers' destination has been open for a few years and is a great place for the whole family. With so much to do and see, everyone will be pleased with this choice. However, there's lots more to do than just go shopping including nightclubs, restaurants, movies and more. The best way to find out is to go see for yourself!
NASCAR Silicon Motor Speedway Ever wanted in the same "NAS-CARs" as the real ones? With the most sophisticated technology, that's just what is happening here. Now you can be the driver and race against others, just as real races are done, except there is no danger of accidents. You will feel the car jolting and the motion of spinning around but you can't get hurt. What could better?
Golf Mountain
Camp Snoopy
Under Water World
LEGO Imagination Center
Great Cars and Great Trucks
Minneapolis Planetarium See the stars as clear as can be! Just sit back, relax and enjoy the tour of the heavens.
Minnesota History Center A wonderful place for the whole family, the History Center lets you and your family learn everything "From A to Z" about Minnesota. There's also a tour through the museum and hands-on exhibits for all to enjoy.
Minnesota State Capitol Take tours of the Capitol Building, its art and architecture, learn about Minnesota's women in government and the Civil War. After you're finished touring, watch how a bill becomes a law. http://www.mnhs.org/places/sites/msc/index.php
Minnesota Institute of Arts The doors opened in the autumn of 1914 bringing culture to the newly founded Minneapolis. Almost 75 years later, a re-grand opening of the museum displayed 74 galleries containing 4,000 objects. Today, visitors find everything from Africa and the Pacific Islands, to Asia and the Americas. There is even a family center that includes children sized bathrooms, playing area and an eating area.
Minnesota Zoo Get your safari hat out and take a tour of the 2,300 animals from around the world. Explore the ocean for sharks, escape to the rain forest for a glimpse of the leopards, hike on the trail to observe the wolves. Afterwards, visit the IMAX theatre to let your imagination run wild in its comfortable seats.
Oliver H. Kelley Farm Learn how to farm! Experience working in the fields, plowing and planting seeds, as it was in the 1860s. Discover how technology changed the agricultural industry.
Science Museum of Minnesota The grand re-opening in 1999 invited visitors to a newly improved building that overlooks the Mississippi River. At the Human Body Gallery, you'll see what makes up a human being. Other exhibits include dinosaurs and fossils, a laser show and even an Omnitheatre. With so much to do and see, the whole family is sure to be pleased.
St. Anthony Falls Take a 2-mile self-guided tour of the riverfront. You'll see the only major waterfall on the Mississippi and discover the area's heritage of geography and industry.
Sibley Historic Site Explore the home of the first governor of the state of Minnesota . Built in the 1830's, the site shows how Mr. Sibley, along with his neighbor Jean Baptiste, helped define what Minnesota and St. Paul have become today.
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