Beginner's Guide to Minnesota

Fun Facts About Minnesota

Tue, 25 Apr 2006 22:50:32 +0000

• The Mall of America in Bloomington is the size of 78 football fields --- 9.5 million square feet
• The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden is the largest urban sculpture garden in the country
• Minneapolis’ famed skyway system connecting 52 blocks (nearly five miles) of downtown makes it possible to live, eat, work and shop without going outside.
• The nation’s first Better Business Bureau was founded in Minneapolis in 1912.
• Minnesota has 90,000 miles of shoreline, more than California, Florida and Hawaii combined.
• The nation’s first Better Business Bureau was founded in Minneapolis in 1912.

Winter Wonderland

Tue, 25 Apr 2006 22:51:20 +0000

With an average annual snowfall of 36 inches in the southwest to more than 70 inches along the Lake Superior “snow belt,” Minnesota is a veritable “Winter Wonderland.”

The southern half of the state is generally warmer and more humid in summer than the northern half, and yet the average July temperature in Minneapolis-St. Paul is a mild 74F). Occasionally there are hot, cloudless days, and these are often accompanied by thunderstorms that may bring heavy downfalls and an occasional tornado.

The average annual rainfall in Minnesota ranges from nearly 18 inches in the far northwest to more than 32 inches in the southeast.

Law and Government

Tue, 25 Apr 2006 22:52:03 +0000

Minnesota's government is similar to that of most other states. Its constitution, adopted in 1857, provides for a government of three branches.

The state's executive branch is headed by the governor. The legislative branch consists of two houses, a senate and a house of representatives. In 1972, voters approved a constitutional amendment permitting the legislature to hold a session every year instead of just in odd-numbered years. The judicial branch is headed by the Minnesota Supreme Court, consisting of a chief justice and eight associate justices. The state's major trial courts are called district courts.

Sources:

factmonster.com
lmnc.org
americanhospitals.com
minneapolis.areaconnect.com
wikipedia.org
census.gov
getmyhomesvalue.com
worldalmanacforkids.com
dnr.state.mn.us/climate/faqs.html

Minneapolis - One to Three Day Vacation Itinerary Overview

Wed, 21 Jun 2006 21:10:14 +0000

Come visit the beautiful Land of 10,000 Lakes! From cultural attractions to nature trails and snow skiing, Minnesota is the perfect place to take a family vacation. This three day travel itinerary will mainly explore the Minneapolis, St. Paul, and the surrounding areas.

Day One - Minneapolis

Wed, 21 Jun 2006 21:11:48 +0000

See the best that Minneapolis has to offer—here’s what we suggest:

• The Walker Art Museum and Sculpture Garden
Spend the morning wandering through the art center to see 20th-century American and European works that include paintings, sculptures and prints. Across from the Art Center, you will find the Sculpture Garden which boasts several unique pieces such as: the colossal Spoonbridge and Cherry Fountain, The Irene Hixon Whitney Footbridge, Frank Genhry’s Standing Glass Fish and a 300-foot vine stainless steel arbor surrounded by colorful plantings of perennial and annual flowers. Be sure to eat lunch in one of cafes located on the grounds!
1750 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis, Minnesota 55403; 612.375.7600
Art Museum: $8/adults, $5 children; Sculpture Garden: FREE

• The Stone Arch Bridge
Stop at this Minneapolis landmark! Today the Stone Arch Bridge is a cultural icon, representing the vital role the Mississippi River plays in Minneapolis' social and economic fabric. Made of native granite and limestone, it measures 2,176 feet by 28 feet, with 23 arches. It is the only stone arch bridge ever constructed over the Mississippi River.
Sixth Avenue SE and Main Street SE, Minneapolis; 612-627-5433
Admission: Free

• The Minnesota Orchestra
Cap the day off hearing a live performance by the Minneapolis’ renown Minnesota Orchestra! And while you’re downtown, be sure to take a walk through the world’s largest skyway which includes 63 bridges and crisscross 72 blocks of downtown Minneapolis. If you’ve never been to Minneapolis, this really is a must-see.
1111 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis; 612.371.5656
Ticket prices vary.

• Buca di Beppo
What’s for Supper? Experience Immigrant Southern Italian Dining at it’s best. Minneapolis is the home to the first Buca di Beppo restaurant. Reminiscent of the supper clubs from Little Italy circa 1950, the restaurant takes pride in being known for its family-style dining, but at Buca di Beppo, family starts with two. So whether you need a plate overflowing with marinara-covered spaghetti and half-pound meatballs or our new Dinner for Two, a complete meal combining a signature salad, choice of two pastas and a entrée selection that is perfect for two, Buca di Beppo has a menu to satisfy any craving. Their unique pizza topped with olive oil is a must-try!
1300 Nicollet Mall Suite 5003, Minneapolis; 612.225.3400

Day Two - St. Paul

Wed, 21 Jun 2006 21:12:27 +0000

Don’t miss the other twin city, St. Paul!

• Minnesota State Capitol
See the legislature in action in the historic House and Senate chambers. Original furnishings and vivid colors of the restored Senate, House, Supreme Court and Rathskeller café add to your experience of this working masterpiece by acclaimed architect Cass Gilbert. Built in 1905, the capitol building features stenciled ceilings, murals, marble and sculptures. Free guided tours given by the Minnesota Historical Society, begin on the hour until one hour before closing. Weather permitting, tour groups can visit the Quadriga, or golden horses. Special events, tours and educational programs are available for modest fees throughout the year.
75 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, St. Paul; 651.296.2881

• Cathedral of St. Paul
Tour this relic of Saint Paul history, placed on the National Register of Historical Buildings in 1974. A classical Renaissance-style structure, this Cathedral dates back to 1915. The Cathedral of Saint Paul was actually the fourth Cathedral of Saint Paul; and was the dream of Archbishop John Ireland, who secured the site in 1904. The Archdiocese was growing and Ireland saw the need for a "great Cathedral" to replace the third Cathedral, which was 46 years old at the time and too small for the growing congregation.
It features a splendid interior of six chapels, imported marble columns, large statues of the four evangelists and beautiful rose windows. The Cathedral dominates the Saint Paul skyline and is situated on the highest point in downtown Saint Paul, Minnesota.
239 Selby Ave., St. Paul; 651.228.1766
Free tours, call ahead.

• Science Museum of Minnesota
Considered Minnesota’s most popular museum, this exciting, hands-on museum offers exhibits, exhibitions (which change quarterly), an Omnitheater and a 3D Cinema. Visit with polar bears, explore the human bloodstream highway and take a boat trip down the Mississippi River at this interesting and innovative museum.
120 West Kellogg Blvd, St. Paul; 651.221.9444
COMBO TICKET (Exhibits, Omnitheater & 3D Cinema): $16.50/adults; $13.00/students; $12.50/child
Exhibits & Omnitheater: $13.50/adults; $10.50/students; $10.00/child
Exhibits & 3D Cinema: $12.50/adults; $10.00/students; $9.50/child

• St. Paul’s Grill
Located in the historic and posh St. Paul Hotel, the Grill is high energy. It's popular with the dressed-up pre-theater crowd, and a gathering spot for political powers-that-be. First-time visitors should peek inside the hotel's fancy lobby (circa 1910) before stepping into the dining room's moneyed atmosphere--mahogany woodwork, gleaming brass, booths topped with frosted-glass partitions and tables set with heavy linens. Service is casually competent and friendly, but since it’s always crowded, don’t forget to make your reservation ahead of time. Stick with the standard grill offerings and you won't be disappointed--nothing beats the succulent beef tenderloin with a side of the Grill's rich and creamy au gratin potatoes. Likewise, the signature bourbon pork chops are consistently good. The pepper-crusted tuna is an exciting, spicy flavor study. The humongous chocolate cake is truly a grand finale. Chefs seem to come and go, but the food is always stellar.
350 Market St, St. Paul; 651.224.7455

Day Three

Wed, 21 Jun 2006 21:13:08 +0000

• The Mall of America
Stretch your legs on East Broadway, North Avenue, West Market or South Avenue, and see why people come from as far away as Europe and Asia just to shop at Mall of America. Department stores? They’ve got four of them. And over 500 other stores. If you want it, chances are you'll find it here.

The Mall of America spans more than 80 acres of shops, restaurants, nightclubs and entertainment, featuring Camp Snoopy, an indoor amusement park (including a roller coaster!) and the LEGO Imagination Center featuring 90 gigantic displays made out of legos including a 25 foot tall clock tower, a giant blimp, dinosaurs, spaceships, and more. The themepark is free, but the rides aren't. You can buy an unlimited ride one-day wristband for $24.95 or a "points" that works like a debit card. pass (Each point costs $.80)
Located in Bloomington, Minnesota, at the crossroads of Interstate 494 and Highway 77

• Fort Snelling State Park
Follow the Mississippi River for a stop at historic Fort Snelling where there is something for everyone to see and do. Located on Pike Island, in the heart of the Twin Cities, this scenic state park offers extensive hiking, bike and ski trails that link to Minnehaha Park and the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge. Canoe on Gun Club Lake, play golf, swim in Snelling Lake, or hike on Pike Island where the Mississippi and Minnesota rivers converge. Interpretive exhibits and films on display in the Thomas C. Savage Visitor Center give visitors a good background on the history and resources of the park and area. Trails also allow visitors to hike up to the historic Fort Snelling for a view of military life in the 1820s. This is a day-use only park; no camping is available.
Post Rd & Hwy 5, St. Paul; (612) 725-2724.
Daily entrance fee per vehicle: $7.00

• Take Me Out to the Ballgame!
Finish the day by catching a Minnesota Wild hockey or Saint Paul Saints baseball game in St. Paul, or a Twins baseball or Timberwolves game in Minneapolis.
Minnesota Wild tickets can be purchased at: www.wild.com
Saint Paul Saints tickets can be purchased at: www.saintsbaseball.com
Minnesota Timberwolves tickets can be purchased at: www.nba.com/timberwolves/

Sources:
www.cathedralsaintpaul.org
www.twincities.citysearch.com
www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us
www.twincities.citysearch.com
www.mallofamerica.com

Minneapolis - One to Seven Day Vacation Itinerary Overview

Wed, 21 Jun 2006 21:14:42 +0000

Come visit the beautiful Land of 10,000 Lakes! From cultural attractions to nature trails and snow skiing, Minnesota is the perfect place to take a family vacation. This Seven day travel itinerary will mainly explore the Minneapolis, St. Paul, and the surrounding areas.

Day One - Minneapolis

Wed, 21 Jun 2006 21:16:12 +0000

See the best that Minneapolis has to offer here is what we suggest:

• The Walker Art Museum and Sculpture Garden
Spend the morning wandering through the art center to see 20th-century American and European works that include paintings, sculptures and prints.
1750 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis, Minnesota 55403; 612.375.7600
Art Museum: $8/adults, $5 children; Sculpture Garden: FREE

• The Stone Arch Bridge
Stop at this Minneapolis landmark! Made of native granite and limestone, it measures 2,176 feet by 28 feet, with 23 arches. It is the only stone arch bridge ever constructed over the Mississippi River.
Sixth Avenue SE and Main Street SE, Minneapolis; 612-627-5433
Admission: Free

• The Minnesota Orchestra
Spend the evening with the Minnesota Orchestra. And while you=re downtown, take a walk through the world=s largest skyway .
1111 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis; 612.371.5656
Ticket prices vary.

• Buca di Beppo
Experience Immigrant Southern Italian Dining at it=s best. Minneapolis is the home to the first Buca di Beppo restaurant. Reminiscent of the supper clubs from Little Italy circa 1950, the restaurant takes pride in being known for its family-style dining
1300 Nicollet Mall Suite 5003, Minneapolis; 612.225.3400

Day Two - St. Paul

Wed, 21 Jun 2006 21:17:04 +0000

Don”t miss the other twin city, St. Paul!

• Minnesota State Capitol
See the legislature in action in the historic House and Senate chambers. Free guided tours given by the Minnesota Historical Society begin on the hour until one hour before closing. Weather permitting, tour groups can visit the Quadriga or golden horses.
75 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, St. Paul; 651.296.2881

• Cathedral of St. Paul
Tour this relic of Saint Paul history, placed on the National Register of Historical Buildings in 1974. It features a splendid interior of six chapels, imported marble columns, large statues of the four evangelists and beautiful rose windows. It dominates the Saint Paul skyline.
239 Selby Ave., St. Paul; 651.228.1766
Free tours, call ahead.

• Science Museum of Minnesota
Considered Minnesota=s most popular museum. Visit with polar bears, explore the human bloodstream highway and take a boat trip down the Mississippi River at this interesting and innovative museum.
120 West Kellogg Blvd, St. Paul; 651.221.9444
COMBO TICKET (Exhibits, Omnitheater & 3D Cinema): $16.50/adults; $13.00/students; $12.50/child

• St. Paul=s Grill
Located in the historic and posh St. Paul Hotel, the Grill is high energy with it's popular, dressed-up, pre-theater crowd and a gathering spot for political powers-that-be.
350 Market St, St. Paul; 651.224.7455

Day Three

Wed, 21 Jun 2006 21:17:44 +0000

The Mall of America
Stretch your legs on East Broadway, North Avenue, West Market or South Avenue, and see why people come from as far away as Europe and Asia just to shop at Mall of America. Featuring:

Over 500 stores
The Lego Imagination Center
Camp Snoopy indoor amusement park

The themepark is free, but the rides aren't. You can buy an unlimited ride one-day wristband for $24.95 or a "points" that works like a debit card. pass (Each point costs $.80)
Located in Bloomington, Minnesota, at the crossroads of Interstate 494 and Highway 77.

Fort Snelling State Park
Follow the Mississippi River for a stop at historic Fort Snelling where there is something for everyone to see and do. Located on Pike Island, in the heart of the Twin Cities, this scenic state park offers canoeing, swimming, hiking and golf.

This is a day-use only park; no camping is available.
Post Rd & Hwy 5, St. Paul; (612) 725-2724.
Daily entrance fee per vehicle: $7.00

Take Me Out to the Ballgame!
Finish the day by catching a Minnesota Wild hockey game or a Saint Paul Saints baseball game in St. Paul, or a Twins baseball game or Timberwolves football game in Minneapolis.
Minnesota Wild tickets: www.wild.com
Saint Paul Saints tickets: www.saintsbaseball.com
MinnesotaTimberwolves : www.nba.com/timberwolves

Day Four

Wed, 21 Jun 2006 21:19:09 +0000

• Minnehaha Falls Park

After a bite for lunch, drive past the picturesque lakes in the Minneapolis Parkway System and enjoy the scenery at Minenehaha Falls. The City of Minneapolis Parkway System was developed over 100 years ago and has evolved to include thousands of acres of land and water, 39 miles of walking paths, 38 miles of off-street bicycle and skating paths and approximately 50 miles of parkways. Minnehaha Falls, named by famous poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, is 53-feet tall! Enjoy a picnic lunch at the park and see the other sites that are connected with Minnehaha Falls.

• The Longfellow House of Hospitality
• The John H. Stevens House
Adults $2.00 and Children 5-18 $1.00.
• Longfellow Gardens
• The Princess Depot
Admission: FREE
• Pergola Gardens
Admission: FREE
All of the above are located at 488 Minnehaha Ave. S., Minneapolis; 612.230.6400:

Day Five

Wed, 21 Jun 2006 21:19:45 +0000

• Stillwater
Travel 30 minutes east of the Twin Cities to the historic river town of Stillwater and walk through its quaint streets that range from magnificent mansions of the lumber barons to the graceful churches on the "Street of Spires." In between, visit an amazing variety of shops including boutiques, antiques, crafts, jewelry and art galleries. Take a trolley ride for a description of the area.

• Northern Vineyards Winery
If you like wine, be sure to visit the Northern Vineyards Winery on Main Street. Enjoy a tour of the winery and observe wine being made and aged.
223 North Main Street, Stillwater; 651.430.1032

• Taylors Falls
After lunch at one of the delicious eateries in Stillwater, travel north 30 minutes on highway 95 to Taylors Falls, MN. Enjoy a leisurely walk around this charming town that was settled by Scandinavian immigrants more than 100 years ago. Enjoy the scenery of the St. Croix River on a paddleboat cruise or visit Interstate Park on the Minnesota or Wisconsin side of the river for a hike around the bluffs.

• Napa Valley Grille
Continue the romantic mood with a glass of wine and dinner at The Napa Valley Grille. Voted “Best Wine List” every year since 1993!
Mall of America, 2nd Floor,
Located between Macy’s and Nordstrom; Bloomington; 952.858.9934

Day Six

Wed, 21 Jun 2006 21:20:30 +0000

• Como Park Zoo
Located in historic Como Park, this popular zoo, especially known for its California sea lion exhibit, also features a great cat display, gorillas and giraffes. Hours are 10-4 in the winter and 10-6 in the summer.
Admission: Free
1225 Estabrook Drive, Saint Paul; 651.487.8200

• Wild Mountain
Want to cut loose for some fun with the kids? Visit Wild Mountain, 10 minutes north of Taylor Falls, for its water park in the summer and snow skiing/snowboarding in the winter.
Liftticket Prices: Adult daytime-$34 Adult nighttime-$20
Child daytime-$25 Child nighttime-$18
Waterpark Prices: Adults--$29
Children--$18
P.O. Box 235, Taylor Falls; 1-800-447-4958

• The Drive Inn
Cap the day off with a burger and root beer at the popular The Drive Inn on the way back to Taylors Falls and give your order to the carhop!

Day Seven

Wed, 21 Jun 2006 21:21:13 +0000

End your trip with more fun at The Mall of America.

• NASCAR Silicon Motor Speedway
Get your adrenaline flowing at the NASCAR Silicon Motor Speedway! This speedway gives you the opportunity to fly around the racetrack at 200 mph.
Admission: $9

• A.C.E.S. Flight Simulation
A.C.E.S. Flight Simulation gives you the rush of being a fighter pilot in either a modern day jet or classic WWII aircraft.
Thirty minute flight: $29.95
One-hour flight: $44.95

• Underwater Adventures Aquarium
Feel like you're under the ocean at Underwater Adventures Aquarium, voted the world's best shark encounter by Discovery Channel.
Adults: $14.95
Children: $9.95

• Dinosaur Walk Museum
See over 60 life-sized dinosaurs, including a 40-foot T-Rex at Dinosaur Walk Museum.
Adults $7.95
Children $5.95

Sources:
www.travel2.nytimes.com
www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us
www.cathedralsaintpaul.org
www.twincities.citysearch.com
www.fws.gov/midwest/MinnesotaValley
www.minneapolisparks.org
www.flyaces.com/store