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 Ride historic horses |
1360 North Lexington Parkway Como Park, adjacent to Zoo and Conservatory Minneapolis, MN 55103 United States +1 651 487 8200 / +1 651 489 4628 http://www.ourfaircarousel.org/ |
Bright, fanciful horses and carriages spin around to the calliope tune of the merry-go-round. It is as if the prancing horses could take you back to a simpler time. For 75 years, you could find this kiddie ride at the Minnesota State Fair. Housed in the same building at the same corner each year, it was a Fair tradition.When the Carousel was moved to Town Square in St. Paul, it was only by the generosity of several local philanthropists that it was not split up or sold to some fun park in New Jersey. It stayed in Town Square for several years, until the demise of that complex as a shopping center took its toll on the Carousel.The 86-year-old Carousel is now neighbor to the Victorian-era Como Park Conservatory, prominently displayed in a location where thousands of children will pass by it every year.The new building blends in well with its neighbor, and reportedly cost a cool $1.1 million. A fitting house for the 68 original hand-carved wooden horses, no two alike.Ride for only $1.50. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Ericka Bailie-Byrne |
 Photo: sharyn morrow  |
 Urban oasis |
1431 North Lexington Parkway Minneapolis, MN 55103 United States +1 651 488 9673 http://www.stpaul.gov/depts/pa... |
Opened in 1929, this course was redesigned and reopened in May 1988. The entire layout was redone, adding sand traps and water hazards. Hills, water and some heavily wooded areas make Como a challenging course. Water hazards come into play on six holes, the fairways are lined with oak trees, and there are many sand bunkers incorporated into the course's design. The signature hole is #8, a 515-yard par 5, affording a good opportunity to gamble and try for the green in two shots. However, a lake looms on the left, which guards the approach. In addition, the fairway tilts toward the lake, so beware the side hill lies as you decide whether to take the risk or not. Greens fees: 18 holes $26 9 holes $18 Tee times can be made a week in advance by calling the course. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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New life for an old favorite |
1360 North Lexington Parkway Minneapolis, MN 55104 United States +1 651 488 4920 http://www.comopark.com/pavili... |
Located on the eastern edge of Como Park, this old favorite has graced the shore of Como Lake for more than 100 years. Less than ten years ago, it underwent a complete renewal. It had been boarded up and steadily declining throughout the 1980s. The structure was actually torn down and completely rebuilt, though it has the same design as before. On its wide veranda stage overlooking the lake, free concerts and plays are offered during the summer months. The building houses Black Bear Crossings on the Lake, meeting rooms and banquet facilities. In the summer, paddle boats and canoes are available for rental use on the small lake. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Animals in the city |
1225 Estabrook Dr Minneapolis, MN 55103 United States +1 651 487 8200 http://www.comozooconservatory... |
This zoo offers a true old-fashioned family outing. Visitors can still see the old cages on the outside of the Zoodale Gift Shop/Restaurant building. Now the big cats, gorillas, other simians and the hoofed animals all have new homes. The Sparky the Seal Show delights all ages during the summer. And it is all free. Of course, you could buy treats for the seals and yourself, too. The adjacent amusement park provides kiddie rides and cotton candy during the summer. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Malinda Welte |
 Photo: Keng-Yu Lin |
 Photo: Malinda Welte |
 Photo: John Watne |
 Photo: Kevin D. Hendricks |
 Photo: John Watne |
 Photo: Daniel Flies |
 Photo: Keng-Yu Lin |
 Fun in Como Town! |
1301 Midway Parkway Minneapolis, MN 55103 United States +1 651 487 2121 http://www.comotown.com |
If your child needs an outing and you want some time to yourself, send them to Como Town or better yet, go along. With ample activities to choose from, like so many different kinds of rides, fire fighting games, driving cars and planes or just running around and enjoying yourself, Como town is a child's paradise. Have a birthday party here or a picnic with your entire family. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Michael Hicks |
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19th century farm |
2097 W Larpenteur Ave Minneapolis, MN 55113 United States +1 651 646 8629 http://www.rchs.com/gbbsDak1.htm |
Get a peek at life in the 19th century, when farms like this were common around St. Paul. Costumed interpreters demonstrate what life was like in this time gone by. Owned and operated by the Ramsey County Historical Society, the site includes the Gibbs' fully furnished 1854 farmhouse, two barns, plenty of 19th century farm equipment and fields with crops typical of the period. Also on the site is a period-furnished, one-room schoolhouse where children can register for a day at school in the summer. The farm is open mid-April through mid-November. Call the museum or visit the web site for the events scheduled throughout the season. Admission: $6.75 Adults, $5.75 Seniors, and $4 Children Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Maureen McGinn |
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Marjorie McNeely Conservatory at Como Park |
1225 Estabrook Dr St. Paul, MN 55103 United States +1 651 487 8200 www.comozooconservatory.org |
This Victorian beauty has recently been updated and refurbished. The glass-enclosed wings of the building are a horticulturist's dream. Each wing has a different theme with helpful placards naming each plant species. Most rooms have fountains or other water features. With its lush surroundings, this is a favorite spot for wedding photos. Do not miss the Japanese bonsai trees. It is adjacent to the Conservatory. Enjoy live music at Music Under Glass every Thursday. The gift shop has unusual cards and botanical gifts. Admission: USD1 adults, USD.50 children (5-12). Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: John S |
 Photo: John S |
 Photo: Kate Harrington |
 Photo: Steve / Kenny Landis / Evers |
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Great Minnesota get-together |
1265 Snelling Avenue North Minneapolis, MN 55108 United States +1 651 642 2200 http://www.statefair.gen.mn.us |
Folks, come to walk the mighty Midway (largest in the country), visit the three beer gardens or extreme thrill park. Heritage Square goes back one hundred years and you can shop the world in International Square. There are live music stages everywhere, and top national acts play at the Grandstand. The racetrack hosts the Miller Lite 300 ASA Stock Car race. Must haves: pronto pup, cheese curds, pork chop-on-a-stick and all-you-can-drink milk for fifty cents. Or choose from many sit-down restaurants. General admission: USD8 adults, USD7 seniors and kids (5-12), kids under 5 are free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Sarah |
 Photo: Steve Longus |
 Photo: Sarah |
 Photo: Jess Burke |
 Largest and oldest winter carnival |
Various Venues Minneapolis, MN United States +1 651 223 4700 (Saint Paul Festival & Heritage Foundation) http://www.winter-carnival.com/ rviking@winter-carnival.com |
The nation's oldest and largest winter festival is held over a 10-day period in late January-early February each year. King Boreas and his Vulcans reign over the fun. Rice Park in downtown St. Paul is home to the elaborate ice sculptures created each year. Special events include parades, a winter playground, a giant snow slide, an ice carving contest and a treasure hunt for the special Winter Carnival medallion, which is worth thousands of dollars to the winner. Many events are free to all. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Andy Cosgrove |
 Photo: Sara Drenner |
 Photo: Andy Cosgrove |
 Photo: Sara Drenner |
 Photo: stephanie |
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Wild birds are nursed back to health |
1920 Fitch Ave (University of Minnesota/Gabbert Raptor Building) Minneapolis, MN 55108 United States +1 612 624 4745 http://www.raptor.cvm.umn.edu/ raptor@umn.edu |
No, you will not find any dinosaurs; the raptors here refer to the winged variety. The Raptor Center is a medical center dedicated to treating, rehabilitating and reintroducing injured birds of prey to the wild. Eagles, hawks, owls and other wild birds are nursed back to health at this world-renowned center that can treat up to 600 birds at a time. Volunteer members of the 'flight crew' help recuperating birds learn to fly again and survive in their natural habitat.Located on the St. Paul campus of the University of Minnesota, the Raptor Center is open to the public free of charge and allows visitors to get a close view of the birds and the medical treatment rendered. There are several resident birds, including a red tailed hawk, osprey, a peregrine falcon, a great horned owl and eagles, all available for viewing at all times. There is lots of free literature available and a very nice gift shop features books, pictures and videos of birds throughout the world. Review © 2007, Wcities |