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 Spectacular church on the Hill |
239 Selby Ave Minneapolis, MN 55102 United States +1 651 228 1766 http://www.cathedralsaintpaul.... info@cathedralsaintpaul.org |
One of the country's largest and most spectacular churches, the Cathedral of St. Paul sits high on a hill (aptly known as Cathedral Hill) overlooking downtown and the Mississippi River Valley. The structure opened in 1915, although extensive interior work continued for several more years. The massive copper dome is 300 feet above the nave's floor and the walls are covered in pale Minnesota granite. A pair of carillon towers flanks the building's Summit Avenue façade and the sanctuary seats 3,000 worshipers. Guided tours are offered on Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 1p. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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 Photo: Arlene M. Canlas  |
 Photo: Joe G |
 Photo: Marie Richie |
 Photo: lakshmi mareddy |
 Photo: lakshmi mareddy |
 Photo: Joe G |
 Photo: Kevin D. Hendricks |
 Photo: Matt Barton |
 Photo: Emily Schneider |
 Photo: mountain_top_high |
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Turn-of-the-century opulence |
240 Summit Ave Minneapolis, MN 55102 United States +1 651 297 2555 http://www.mnhs.org/places/sit... hillhouse@mnhs.org |
Once the home of railroad baron, James J. Hill, the Minnesota Historical Society now owns this mansion. Tours provide a glimpse into what astonishing wealth could buy at the turn of the 19th century. It contains 42 rooms including 13 bathrooms, 22 fireplaces and a 100-foot reception hall. Stained glass windows, an enormous pipe organ and intricately carved woodwork are just a few of the highlights. The two-story art gallery is worth the price of admission alone. Tours depart every half-hour. Admission: USD8 adults USD6 seniors USD4 children Review © 2007, Wcities |
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 Photo: wcities |
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First permanent settler's dwelling |
4901 Minnehaha Ave South Minneapolis, MN 55417 United States +1 612 722 2220 |
Located in Minnehaha Park, the Stevens House is the first permanent settler's dwelling within the original city of Minneapolis. Considered the birthplace of Minneapolis, history shows that meetings at this house lead to the naming of Minneapolis and the organization of Hennepin County. The Junior League of Minneapolis and the Minneapolis Parks and Recreation Board have restored it to its original 1849 appearance. Today the house functions as an interpretive museum, with exhibits, a parlor with furnishings from the era and video presentations. Guides dressed in period clothing describe the significance of the dwelling and the Stevens family. Children and adults can experience a number of educational activities centered on the founding of the city of Minneapolis. The museum is open Memorial Day through Labor Day. Group tours by appointment can be arranged during May, September and October. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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 Photo: Pete Sieger |
 Photo: Pete Sieger |
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History beckons! |
66 Saint Albans Minneapolis, MN 55105 United States +1 651 225 1505 |
This mansion illuminates the sophistication of the Gilded Age. You can tour this stunning home that is filled with 1880s furniture; they have some extraordinary collections that include President James A. Garfield memorabilia, Roseville Pottery and classic postcards. Walk down memory lane and take a quick history lesson. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Spectacular urban delight |
Hiawatha Ave at Minnehaha Parkway Minneapolis, MN 55417 United States +1 612 667 4800 http://www.nps.gov/miss/maps/m... |
This is one of the spectacular urban delights of south Minneapolis. Winding its way from the south shore of Lake Harriet, Minnehaha Creek cuts a 5-mile path along 50th Street on its way to the Mississippi River. Picturesque Minnehaha Parkway, running parallel to the creek, is a splendid drive featuring lush gardens and large shade trees. The route can also be traversed by foot or bike via the trails. The culmination of the gurgling and bubbling creek as it rushes to meet the mighty Mississippi is the cascading splendor of Minnehaha Falls, and 170-acre magnificent Minnehaha Park. One of the city's most-used stretches of parkland, it features several large picnic grounds, formal gardens, playing fields, hiking trails, and undeveloped natural areas. Four different staircases, made of local stone, lead from the uplands to various spots along the creek bottom. There they connect to a trail that follows the creek to its confluence with the river across from St. Paul's Hidden Falls Park. A separate paved trail connects the park to historic Fort Snelling State Park. Of special historical significance is the John H Stevens House Museum that was recently moved to park grounds south of the Falls. Contact the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board for additional information. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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 Photo: theCallowQueen |
 Photo: Matt Barton |
 Photo: bikepunk |
 Photo: Suzanne Boben |
 Photo: Suzanne Boben |
 Photo: Matt Barton |
 Photo: Derek Bakken |
 Photo: mfriemer3030 |
 Photo: theCallowQueen |
 Photo: Bradley Nelson |
 Photo: Bradley Nelson |
 Photo: Sara J. Lathrop |
 Photo: Jason Randolph |
 Photo: Dave Poortvliet |
 Photo: Jesse Reed |
 Photo: Matti Mattila |
 Photo: Megan Brown |
 Photo: Eric Hanson |
 Photo: Sean Garrick |
 Photo: Christopher Berry |
 Photo: Verena Jung |
 Beer lover's delight |
822 West 7th St Minneapolis, MN 55102 United States +1 651 228 9173 |
The Minnesota Brewing Company offers the avid beer drinker and non-drinker alike the opportunity to see how beer is created from the first grain of malt or wheat to the smooth-tasting finished product. Tours of this brewery are offered twice a week. See the creation of Minnesota's own Pig's Eye Pilsner, Grain Belt Premium and Yellow Belly Beer. Free samples are included. The hour-and-a-half tour is free, but arrangements need to be made for groups exceeding 15 people. Gift Shop on premises, open 8am-4pm Mon-Fri. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Panorama of state history |
345 West Kellogg Boulevard at John Ireland Boulevard Minneapolis, MN 55102 United States +1 651 296 6126 / +1 800 657 3773 http://www.mnhs.org/places/his... |
Housing a collection of more than 100,000 objects and 500,000 documents, this is a must-stop for residents and tourists alike. The dramatic setting alone is worth the trip. Inside the History Center, past times are alive and well. 'Minnesota A to Z,' an ingenious depiction of various aspects of Minnesota life over the past 150-plus years, will jog the memories of longtime residents. Kids can climb inside a full-size boxcar and replica of a grain elevator. Changing exhibits use interactive techniques, recordings and videos to make history lessons painless. Admission is free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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 Photo: sharyn morrow |
 Photo: Tiffany |
 Photo: sharyn morrow |
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Stunning state capitol building |
75 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Minneapolis, MN 55155 United States +1 651 296 2881 http://www.mnhs.org/places/sit... |
The State Capitol, considered by many to be the nation's most beautiful, is a spectacular structure designed by local architect Cass Gilbert. Opened in 1905, it took six years to build and cost $4 million. The building, modeled after St. Peter's in Rome, features a stunning, unsupported 220-foot marble dome and an extravagantly detailed interior. Built on a hill overlooking St. Paul, the top of the front steps yields a breathtaking view of downtown. Free tours are given on the hour with the last tour starting one hour before closing. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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 Photo: Holley St. Germain |
 Photo: Holley St. Germain |
 Photo: jglazer75 |
 Photo: Matt Barton |
 Photo: Aaron F |
 Photo: Jonathan Berry |
 Narrated cruises on the Mighty Mississippi |
Harriet Island Minneapolis, MN 55107 United States +1 651 227 1100 / +1 800 543 3908 http://www.riverrides.com info@riverrides.com |
In 1969, Captain William D Bowell, Sr. launched the Jonathan Padelford, an authentic replica of an 1880 sternwheeler riverboat. With this ship, the Padelford Packet Boat Company was born. Climb aboard one of the five riverboats operating on the Mississippi River and see the lights and the sights. Cruises operate daily from Memorial Day through Labor Day with some cruises going into mid-October depending on weather. Lunch, dinner and brunch cruises are available. The boats depart from Harriet Island in St. Paul and Boom Island in Minneapolis. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Caters to Kids |
891 Grand Avenue Minneapolis, MN 55105 United States +1 651 224 8320 / +1 888 224 8320 http://www.redballoonbookshop.com redballbks@aol.com |
Step past the black bear into the fanciful world of Red Balloon. This locally owned independent bookstore has been setting the standard for children's literary events in the Twin Cities for 16 years. You will find not just authors visiting, but costumed characters, storytellers, Bedtime stories in French, and Tea with Madeline. Almost every weekend there is a special event of some kind. Red Balloon has a great assortment of character toys, as well. An abundance of knowledgeable clerks are always available. Books for all ages, including young adult fiction, are well stocked. See website for online shopping, event announcements and more. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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 Photo: wcities |
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Good Old-Fashioned Fun |
215 Wabasha St S Minneapolis, MN 55107 United States +1 651 224 1191 http://www.wabashastreetcaves.com |
In the 1920s and 1930s, St. Paul was known as a safe haven for many of the country's most notorious hoodlums. As long as a gangster didn't commit any crimes in St. Paul, he or she was free to come and go as they pleased. Many of the clubs and speakeasies in downtown were frequented by mobsters and used to establish bootlegging and gun running operations in the city. Along the bluffs of the Mississippi across the river from downtown sit a number of caves created by sand mining. Legend has it that the gangsters had set up supply and escape routes from their clubs through the sewer system and directly to the caves. The 45-minute tour of the caves is a fascinating mix of geological history, St. Paul history, and good old-fashioned fun. As numerous bullet holes will attest, the caves saw their share of criminal activity. Other tours are offered, such as Ghosts & Graves in October, and the Gangster Tour of St. Paul via motorcoach. Call for information. A nightclub with a big band theme is open every Thursday night in the summer. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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 Photo: Tiffany Follett |
 Photo: SilasCrews.com |