Minneapolis Saint Paul Official Visitors Guide to the Twin Cities 2013 : Page 13
MUSEUMS Experience many of Minneapolis Saint Paul’s cultural institutions without spending a dime. Admire the vast collection of paintings, sculptures and more at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts (special exhibits require admission) or the University of Minnesota’s Weisman Art Museum , both free any day of the week. Also on the University of Minnesota campus, the Bell Museum of Natural History offers free admission on Sundays. Thanks to locally-headquartered Target, carefully scheduled visits to the Minnesota Children’s Museum (third Sunday of the month) and Walker Art Center (Thursday evenings) can save you cash. The Walker is also free the first Saturday of every month and to all under age 18. Adjacent to the Walker, the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden , featuring Minneapolis’ iconic Spoonbridge & Cherry fountain-sculpture, is always free. Exhibits to Explore foshay tower oBservation deck SIGHTS Enjoying the View Ph OtOS ClOCkwiSe frOM tOP left: by tOdd buChanan; COurteSy Of walker art Center; COurteSy Of Meet MinneaPOliS; by brandOn StenGel For a bird’s eye view of downtown Minneapolis step out onto the Foshay Tower ’s observation deck (free for kids 12 and under). One of the highest points in Minneapolis, Prospect Park provides a stunning view of the downtown skyline at sunset. While you’re there, admire the Witch’s Hat water tower; built in 1913, it’s now a neighborhood icon. Stroll down Saint Paul’s historic Summit Avenue and enjoy the longest stretch of preserved Victorian architec-ture in the country, including the Governor’s Mansion and James J. Hill House . walker art center grand old day OUTDOORS Nature’s Playground EVENTS Taking it to the Streets Each June, Grand Old Day marks the unofficial start of sum-mer while celebrating Saint Paul’s historic shopping street. Minneapolis’ Aquatennial celebrates “the best days of summer” the following month with 10 days of fireworks, parades and concerts, many of which are free. Summer in Minneapolis Saint Paul means free outdoor concerts; check out Peavey Plaza out-side Orchestra Hall in downtown Minneapolis for free concerts of all genres put on by the Minnesota Orchestra (the recently renovated plaza and hall will reopen for the 2013-2014 season) and Saint Paul’s Mears Park for Thursday evening concerts all summer long. When the snow starts falling, Minneapolis gets in the holiday spirit with its festive Holidazzle parades down Nicollet Mall, while Saint Paul joins the action in January with the “Coolest Celebration on Earth”—the annual Winter Carnival . Use pedal power and a Nice Ride bike (free for the first half hour) to explore Minneapolis Saint Paul’s bike paths at a leisurely pace. For a day under the sun head to one of the 929 metro area lakes . There’s only one waterfall on the Mississippi River—St. Anthony Falls—and it’s just upstream of the historic Stone Arch Bridge . Take a walk out to the middle of this pedestrian-friendly landmark and wonder at the industrial history of Minneapolis’ birthplace. Head to Minnehaha Falls to see the city’s other natural water works; take a hike along the 53-foot waterfall to discover why it was the inspiration behind Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s Song of Hiawatha. Minnehaha falls visit-twincities.com | 13
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