A Guide to the Twin Cities: St. Paul and Minneapolis

There are many interesting, fun and educational things to see when visiting the Twin Cities area of Minnesota. St. Paul, Minneapolis and the surrounding area offer a diverse array of possibilities for your visit, ranging from sporting events, to Broadway productions. There is no possible way to see it all in one visit or to include everything in this article, but some of the major attractions are listed for your convenience. Web addresses and additional information for each attraction are listed at the end of the article.

The Science Museum of Minnesota, located at 120 West Kellogg Blvd in St. Paul, is a fun and educational activity for the whole family to enjoy. With a wide range of permanent exhibits and several galleries that host different traveling exhibits throughout the year there is something there for everyone. The museums permanent exhibits include a display of Dinosaur fossils and other fossils, an exploration of the wonders of the human body, portions of the museums collected artifacts, hands on experiments, a seasonal outdoor activity area, a new 3-D Cinema, and an Omni-theater. Seeing everything the museum has to offer can easily take an entire day. The staff is very friendly knowledgeable and eager to help guests get the most out of the experience.

Anchored by Bloomingdales, Macy’s, Nordstroms and Sears, the Mall of America if your one stop shopping experience in Minnesota. With over 520 stores there is very little you cannot find in the largest shopping mall in America. In addition to shopping the mall offers many other things to do. In the interior courtyard is Camp Snoopy, the largest indoor amusement park in the world, complete with two full roller coasters, a flume and a Ferris wheel and many other rides and games. There is also a 14 screen multiplex cinema, dozens of restaurants and nightclubs, Underwater Adventures, one of the largest salt-water aquariums in the Midwest, and two state of the art simulator experiences for racing and flying. And it is located just minutes away from the international airport, so even if you are just in town for a few hours you can catch a shuttle over to the mall for a meal or shopping.

The Children’s Museum is a place geared just for children ages 0-10. It features hands on exhibits that focus on learning through play. Some of the exhibits include a giant anthill that kids can crawls through, a giant crane, a paper factory, a play shopping market, and a play area for toddlers. The museum also has two exhibit areas with changing exhibits and a rooftop park that is open during the summer.

Valleyfair features 90 acres of rides and attractions. Over 75 rides for all ages including a 3.5 acre water park included in the price of admission. Offers a picnic area just outside the gates, lodging, lockers, stroller wagon and wheel chair rental. Live shows are also held at the park throughout the summer. A great all day getaway for the family with something for everyone, if you can afford it.

The Minneapolis Warehouse District encompasses a large section of downtown Minneapolis between Hennepin Avenue and 10th Avenue North. Features restaurants, shops, nightclubs, bars and live music venues. Park nearby and walk the streets. This is the place to be to experience the nightlife of the cities and to catch local musicians and big name bands in intimate settings. Definitely a more mature atmosphere, especially at night, but a great place for young singles and couples looking for a fun night out.

Sporting Events and major concerts are held at a variety of places around the cities. Depending on the season you can watch Vikings football or Twins baseball at the Metrodome, and occasionally a concert as well. The Target Center in Minneapolis hosts many concerts throughout the year as well as Timberwolves NBA basketball games. And the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul is home to the Minnesota Wild NHL team and is also a common venue for concerts.

There are many more things to see in the Twin Cities than could possibly be listed here, and the friendly people of Minnesota invite you to come and explore them along with the attractions mentioned in this article. So come, enjoy, explore and have fun in one of the star cities of the Midwest.

Minneapolis Warehouse District
http://www.mplswarehouse.com/index.cgi

Valley Fair
One Valleyfair Drive
Shakopee, MN 55379
Regular 48″ and taller $33.95
3+ and under 48″ $17.95
2years and younger Free
Parking $8.00
http://www.valleyfair.com/

Children’s Museum
10 West Seventh Street
St. Paul, MN 55102
Ages 0-10
$7.95 for all visitors
www.mcm.org

Science Museum of Minnesota
Adults $8.50-$16.00 Exhibits only – Exhibits, Omni-theater and 3D Cinema
Seniors/Child 60+ 4-12 $6.50-$12.50
120 West Kellogg Blvd
St. Paul, MN 55102
http://www.smm.org/

Mall of America
60 East Broadway
Bloomington, MN 55425
http://www.mallofamerica.com/

Metrodome
34 Kirby Puckett Place
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55415
http://www.ballparks.com/baseball/american/metrod.htm

Target Center
600 First Avenue North
Minneapolis, MN 55403-1416
http://www.targetcenter.com/

Xcel Energy Center
199 West Kellogg Blvd.
Saint Paul, MN 55102
http://www.xcelenergycenter.com/