Planning a trip to the Twin Cities? We’re sure you’ll love it here! In no particular order, here are 5 of our top favorite things to do in Minneapolis and St. Paul, MN!
COMO PARK ZOO & CONSERVATORY
If you like budget-friendly attractions, there’s no better place than the Como Park Zoo and Conservatory! This attraction only asks for a small donation of $2-3—but it offers tons of fun for adults and children alike. Plus, it’s open every day of the year! Como Park has an incredible array of plants and animals on display, including snow leopards and giraffes! Plus, art lovers will enjoy the amazing sculptures, and children can ride the carousel or visit the interactive Children’s Gallery! Find more information at http://www.comozooconservatory.org.
MINNESOTA CHILDREN’S MUSEUM
If you’re traveling with children 10 and under, this is a great, interactive museum that will educate, entertain, and delight kids for hours on end! Kids will have a blast playing as they learn about art, science, history, and more. As we write this blog (in March 2017), the St. Paul location is under renovation and a temporary location is open in the Mall of America. The newly renovated museum is set to open in June 2017 with new and better exhibits! Get more information about the Minnesota Children’s Museum at www.mcm.org.
MINNEHAHA FALLS PARK
If you want to get outdoors and enjoy nature, you won’t even have to leave the city! Explore nature and view the gorgeous 53-foot waterfall that’s the centerpiece of this beautiful park. Walk, bike, play disc golf, have a picnic, enjoy the public art exhibits and gardens, and more! Kids can enjoy the many playgrounds, and pets are welcome. If you get hungry from all that exercise, there are several restaurants at a walking distance from the park. Learn more about Minnehaha Falls Park at www.minneapolisparks.org.
GRAND AVENUE
It’s hard to find a more charming street than Grand Avenue in St. Paul! Get a taste for the Twin Cities’ unique local environment and support its small and locally owned businesses. Here, you can window-shop (or actually shop!) to your heart’s content. You can stop at a bakery or coffee shop for a treat, dine at one of the many fantastic restaurants, and stroll around and enjoy the beautiful old homes and buildings. At www.grandave.com you’ll find special events and a full list of the shopping and dining that St. Paul’s Grand Avenue has to offer.
MALL OF AMERICA
No list would be complete without the Mall of America, one of the Twin Cities area’s most popular attractions. People come from hundreds of miles around to visit the MOA, which is widely known as one of the Midwest’s best shopping centers. No matter your age or your interests, you’re sure to find something here for you. Find a full list of the Mall of America’s stores, dining, and attractions at www.mallofamerica.com.
