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Sightseeing // Twin Cities, MN
From the host library: Here are the descriptions of "places to see in the Twin Cities", broken down into categories.
Fine Art Museums
Minneapolis Institute of Arts
From the website: In 1883, twenty-five citizens of Minneapolis founded the Minneapolis Society of Fine Arts, committing them to bringing the arts into the life of their community. More than a century later, the museum they created, the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, stands as a monument to a remarkable history of civic involvement and cultural achievement.
Walker Art Center
From the website: Formally established in 1927, the Walker Art Center began as the first public art gallery in the Upper Midwest. Since 1940 the museum collectors have focused on building a premier modern art collection. Adjacent to the Walker is the FREE Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, one of the nation's largest urban sculpture parks.
Saint John's Bible
From the website: The Saint John's Bible is a work of art and a work of theology. A team of artists coordinated by Donald Jackson in Wales and a team of scholars in Central Minnesota have brought together the ancient techniques of calligraphy and illumination with an ecumenical Christian approach to the Bible rooted in Benedictine spirituality. The result is a living document and a monumental achievement. To follow on Facebook, click here.
Saint John's Bible requires additional travel as it is located approx 1 ½ hours west in Central MN.
*hidden gems
The American Swedish Institute
From the website: The American Swedish Institute is a historic house, museum, and cultural center located near downtown Minneapolis.
The Museum of Russian Art
From the website: The Museum of Russian Art, located in Minneapolis, Minnesota, is the only museum in North America dedicated exclusively to the preservation and presentation of Russian art and artifacts. Housed in a beautifully renovated historic building, the museum's multi-level galleries provide a tranquil and intimate setting that is perfect for viewing the artistic treasures of Russia.
Performing Arts
Guthrie Theater
From the website: The Guthrie Theater, founded in 1963, is an American center for theater performance, production, education and professional training. By presenting both classical literature and new work from diverse cultures, the Guthrie illuminates the common humanity connecting Minnesota to the peoples of the world.
Minnesota Orchestra
From the website: The Minnesota Orchestra, now in its second century and led by Music Director Osmo Vänskä, ranks among America's top symphonic ensembles, with a distinguished history of acclaimed performances in its home state and around the world.
Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra
From the website: The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, now in its 51st season, is the nation's only full-time professional chamber orchestra and is widely regarded as one of the finest chamber orchestras in the world.
*on the lighter side
Comedy Sportz
From the website: ComedySportz is improvisational comedy played as a sport! It is Fun enough for a bachelor party. Clean enough for your Grandma.
Family Fun
Como Park Zoo and Conservatory
From the City of Saint Paul website: For over 100 years, Marjorie McNeely Conservatory and Como Zoo in Saint Paul, Minnesota has charmed, educated and entertained millions of children and adults while fostering an appreciation of the natural world. Como Zoo was established in 1897 with the donation of three deer. Today Como has 25 animal habitats featuring orangutans, gorillas, giraffes, lions, tigers and more. A new polar bear exhibit is to open in 2010. In addition, The Marjorie McNeely Conservatory occupies one full acre under glass, managing six indoor gardens and three outdoor gardens and annually manages 50,000 plants from 1,684 separate species.
Underwater Adventure and Nickelodeon Universe
From the website: Travel 14 feet underwater where sharks, stingrays and giant sea turtles swim so close, you'll feel like you can reach out and touch them! With over 1.2 million gallons of water, this Aquarium features a 300 foot-long curved tunnel, complete with a moving walkway that simulates a SCUBA diving adventure - but without getting wet! The aquarium, located in the Mall of America, boasts 5,000 sea creatures including sharks, sea turtles, stingrays, octopus, jellyfish and more!
Nickelodeon's seven acres of rides and attractions include gentle rides suitable for toddlers and preschoolers as well as high-speed thrill rides for older children. In addition to the thrilling new Nick-themed rides, there is also a food court featuring healthful and tasty international foods and snacks, and four new stores selling Nick merchandise, clothes, toys, and more.
Minnesota Zoo
From the website: Founded in 1978, the Minnesota Zoo exists to connect people, animals, and the natural world. Cutting-edge exhibits provide exciting experiences with animals and their habitats introducing guests to species from around the globe. Education programs engage audiences at the Zoo, throughout the region, and around world. Conservation programs protect endangered species and preserve critical ecosystems.
Historic Fort Snelling
From the website: The U.S. Department of the Interior designated Fort Snelling as the state's first National Historic Landmark in 1960, and since then both public and private funds have been used to rebuild the fort. Within its impressive walls costumed guides present a vivid picture of early military, civilian and American Indian life in the region. The adjacent Fort Snelling History Center provides orientation films and changing exhibits on aspects of Minnesota's past, while Fort Snelling State Park below offers dozens of hiking trails and natural settings.
Science Museum of Minnesota
From the website: The Science Museum of Minnesota, founded in 1907, is a large regional science museum located on the banks of the Mississippi River in downtown St. Paul. The Science Museum's programs combine research and collection facilities, a public science education center, and an Imax Convertible Dome Omni theater to provide science education to our audience of more than a million people per year. The museum also hosts special exhibits. There will be an officially scheduled tour to the Science Museum of Minnesota, with tickets and transportation provided through the ACL Conference, on Friday June 11 at 9AM. CLICK HERE NOW to see this special tour information page.
Minnesota Children's Museum
From the website: Minnesota Children's Museum is dedicated to providing children with a fun, hands-on and stimulating environment to explore and discover. The Museum helps to instill a life-long love of learning by nurturing the real-world skills children need to become engaged citizens in the future.
*hidden gems
Gibbs Museum of Pioneer and Dakota Life
Visitors can tour the home of the Gibbs family, missionaries to the Dakotahs, as well as visit the Dakotah style tipi and replica bark lodge allow visitors to explore the traditional lifeways of the Dakotah. Observe a native prairie, a Dakotah medicine garden, and traditional Dakotah and pioneer crop gardens.
James J. Hill House
From the website: Completed in 1891, the red sandstone residence was the setting of the public and private lives of the Hill family. Its rugged stone, massive scale, fine detail, and ingenious mechanical systems recall the powerful presence of James J. Hill, builder of the Great Northern Railway. Guides lead tours that help you imagine family and servant life in the Gilded Age mansion.
Saint Paul Capitol and the Capitol View
While in Minnesota take an opportunity to visit the stunning state capitol, a much praised "study of Italian Renaissance architecture." Extend your capitol visit by taking in a couple other sites that are within easy view and walking distance. Enjoy a visit to the Minnesota History Center, an opportunity to explore Minnesota's past through museum exhibits that feature large-scale objects, hands-on experiences and multimedia presentations. Finish off your introduction to the state with a visit to the beautiful Cathedral of Saint Paul. An architecturally stunning place of worship, the cathedral also houses "The Shrines of the Nations... [a] testament to the important roles that immigrant communities have played in the history of the Cathedral [and the City of Saint Paul]."
Libraries
James J. Hill Reference Library
The James J. Hill Reference library, founded by the railroad tycoon James J. Hill, opened in 1921. Since the 1970's the library had been specializing in Business reference services. Step back into a great library of the past with a visit to the awe-inspiring reading room.
Saint Paul Public Library, Central Library
The Central branch of the Saint Paul Public Library shares a structure with the James J. Hill Reference Library. Last remodeled in 2002, the library features a blend of historic preservation and modern amenities.
Minneapolis Central Library
This $134 million marvel of postmodern architecture opened in May, 2006, featuring a green roof and encompassing an entire city block. It is a must see for librarians visiting the Twin Cities.
Minnesota Historical Society Library
From the website: The Minnesota Historical Society preserves and makes available a wide range of artifacts and materials chronicling Minnesota's history since 1849.
Spectator Sports
Minnesota Twins
On October 26, 1960, Calvin Griffith, president of the Washington Senators, made the historic decision to move his club to the Minneapolis/St. Paul area, thereby giving birth to the "Minnesota Twins," named after the two Upper Midwest cities. Take in a bit of history with the Twins in 2010 as they play their first season in the new open air Target Field.
Saint Paul Saints
Founded in 1902, the Saints are Saint Paul's very own professional baseball team; the team became a part of the American Association of Independent Professional Baseball in 2005.
Active Endeavors
Centennial Lakes Park
From the website: Take a stroll around the 24-acre park and pond, rent paddleboats, fish in the ponds for sunfish, bass and bullheads, watch remote control sailboat races, or try your luck on the bent grass putting course or croquet and lawn bowling courts.
Minneapolis Parks and Urban Trails
Minneapolis means the City of Lakes, but you'll also find a variety of inviting paths, regional parks, neighbor parks, recreation centers and more. There's so much to see and experience, from the Grand Rounds Parkways, to our enticing Chain of Lakes, plentiful parks, beautiful gardens and activity-filled Recreation Centers.
Saint Paul Walking and Biking Trails
From the website: Saint Paul Parks and Recreation features more than 170 parks and open spaces, Como Zoo, Marjorie McNeely Conservatory, 33 City operated Recreation Centers, a 9-hole and three 18-hole golf courses, more than 100 miles of trails, indoor and outdoor aquatic facilities, and a public beach.
Shopping
Mall of America
From the website: Since opening its doors in 1992, Mall of America has revolutionized the shopping experience and become a leader in retail and entertainment. With 4.3 miles of store front and 520 shops from which to choose everyone is sure to find something to catch his or her fancy.
Grand Avenue
From the website: Rich in local character and tree-lined charm, Grand Avenue invites you to meander down its sidewalks and take in the historic and the hip, the small-town and the urbane, the engaging contradictions that are Grand Avenue.
Rosedale Center
Just a few minutes from Northwestern's campus, Rosedale will meet a variety of your shopping wants and needs.
Stillwater
Chosen as one of Midwest Living's "Best Small Town Getaways," historic Stillwater is a picturesque town located in the St. Croix Valley. Whether you're in the mood for antique shopping, dining, or taking a stroll or steamboat ride along the river, there is something for you in Stillwater!
Stillwater requires additional travel as it is approx 30 minutes east, right on the border of MN and WI.
Dining
The Twin Cities area boasts a wide array of dining experiences; from familiar chains to fun and funky independents. The following sites will give you a peek at all that is available:
Open Table
Urbanspoon Twin Cities
Twin Cities Dining Guide
Ice Cream
What's an ACL Conference without an ice cream run (or two)?
Grand Ole Creamery
Each day, the Grand Ole Creamery offers 32 flavors of "super-premium" ice cream, featuring homemade, malted waffle cones. On summer evenings, there is often a long line spilling out the door of this popular St. Paul ice cream spot.
Izzy's
Another St. Paul ice cream favorite, Izzy's offers homemade ice cream in a variety of unique flavors (including their signature flavor, "Norwegian Chai"). Each ice cream cone features an "Izzy scoop" – a tiny scoop of another ice cream flavor on the top of the main scoop – so you can try a sample of another flavor in addition to the one you ordered.
Sebastian Joe's
Named in honor of the owner's grandfather, Sebastian Joe’s offers a daily selection of 24 flavors of homemade ice cream from a rotation of over 80 unique flavors. Their newly remodeled outdoor patio is a delight on a summer evening.
See you there!