Downtown St. Paul
It has become somewhat of a tradition of ours to visit a different Midwestern state during the summer. Last year, we went to Northern Michigan. This year, we traveled with friends to Minneapolis/St.Paul to explore and experience the area. Roadtrips are lots of fun, and Avery is really good on them. She enjoys seeing the scenery and sleeps well in the car.
We left last Saturday morning, and met our friends in the Nokomis area, where we had rented a cottage for our week-long stay. The house was cozy and quaint, with a full basement and nice patio with a grill. I really think vacation rentals are the way to go when you want to leisurely explore an area. We were central to everything, were able to cook and do laundry, and it was much cheaper than a hotel would have been for both of our families.
On Sunday, we relaxed and then went to Matt's bar - a local establishment who claims to have invented the Jucy Lucy. But more on that in another blog post...
We started our Monday by visiting the Mall of America, which wasn't nearly as tacky as it might seem. I got some shopping in (they have a Bettie Page store!) and the kids rode all the rides at the Nickelodeon Universe theme park. We literally spent all day there - the kids were worn out! It was much less crowded on a weekday. I can't imagine going there on a Saturday.
Screaming puffer fish! Makes me laugh. Every time!
The next day, we went to the Minnesota Zoo. One of the best things about this zoo is the contact areas - Avery got to pet sharks and starfish. They also have LOTS of room for the animals - you really got the sense that the animals were respected and well-cared for. It really bothers me to see animals penned up in tiny holding areas. This wasn't the case at the Minnesota Zoo, and the staff was super friendly and knowledgeable. The following day, the SeaLife Aquarium and swimming at an indoor waterpark were the chosen activities, and it was lots of fun for the kids.
Stone Arch Bridge and Ruins of the Mill City Flour Mill
The rest of the week, we explored downtown Minneapolis and St.Paul. The two cities have some differences: Minneapolis feels more like a large city - with lots of skyscrapers and modern architecture. St. Paul, the birthplace of F. Scott Fitzgerald, is a little more hip and indie - think Brooklyn compared to Manhattan. Older buildings and Art Deco architecture abounds.There are lots of locally-owned restaurants and bars in downtown St. Paul, and the city is very pedestrian and bicycle friendly. There were bike paths and bike commuter kiosks everywhere. Both cities were eco-conscious - with recycling bins and conservation messages posted on street corners and incorporated in public art displays.
Art Car
Found Object Fish at the Science Museum
And talk about art! It was in abundance. The Walker Center for the Arts and its adjoining sculpture garden are beautiful modern art meccas. We spent one afternoon wandering through the gardens and conservatories. The Twin Cities are filled with green spaces, and the buildings and infrastructure have an organic feel to them. I think that is one of the nice things about a Midwestern city - we tend to build around the land instead of plowing over it. Old-growth trees shaded the streets and made the city seem less intimidating. If it weren't for the cold winters, I could see myself being a very happy citizen!
Glass Koi at Walker Conservatory
Spoonbridge and Cherry Sculpture at Walker Sculpture Gardens
"Front of Snowwoman"
Succulents!
We ate lunch at Mickey's Dining Car before visiting the Minnesota Children's Museum. This old rail-car served us the best pancakes we'd ever eaten, and had a fun, kitschy feel. It's been owned by the same family for 70 years! Talk about doing something small, really really well. ;)
The children's museum and the Science Museum provided afternoons of discovery. We learned a lot about the history and importance of the Mississippi River at the science museum, and even explored the helm of a tugboat. It was interesting to read about how the riverboat captains had to know every stretch of the river so that they wouldn't run aground. Our nation was truly built around this mighty waterway.
The Mississippi from the Science Museum Terrace
Avery loved painting my face at the Children's Museum
Face to Face with Triceratops!
Rooftop Gardens at the Children's Museum
One of my favorite activities was the afternoon we spent at Minnehaha Park. Minnehaha Falls was a gorgeous backdrop to the terraced walking trails and bicycle paths. We rented this bike buggy to explore the park, and got a nice workout as a bonus! The park was full of families, live music, and photographers. You get the sense that Minnesotans get the most out of their short summers.
We got *seven* people in this!
The Falls (They freeze over in winter!)
Minnesota was beautiful, the people were friendly, and there was plenty to keep our group of eight busy. It's a great place for families - clean and safe with options for all ages. Foodies and the downtown indie crowd will get their locavore fix as well. Minneapolis/St. Paul truly has something for everyone. I can't wait to go back someday.
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