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 A Taste of the Bigs! |
Metrodome 34 Kirby Puckett Place Minneapolis, MN 55415 United States +1 866 619 1748 / +1 317 534 2475 http://www.bigleaguetours.com info@bigleaguetours.com |
The crack of the bat never sounded so good. If you're an avid baseball fan who's ever dreamed of visiting that historic stadium, or desired to watch that favorite childhood team you never got to see, Big League Tours will set you up with an exclusive baseball package that not only gets you a ticket to the ballgame, but also offers one-of-a-kind baseball opportunities. When you go on a Big League Tour, you might find yourself dining with a Hall of Famer or taking batting practice with an All-Star. With tours available in all 30 stadiums, you can customize your own memorable trip, or join a group on one of Big League Tours regional excursions. Whether your plan is to bond with the family at the ballpark or to spend a weekend with the guys, this unique tour company will provide an unforgettable experience that gets you up-close and personal with the Big Leagues. These tours are available during the regular baseball season. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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 Photo: wcities |
 Historic setting for indoor ice rink |
225 Third Ave South Minneapolis, MN 55401 United States +1 612 375 1700 http://www.thedepotminneapolis... |
When the last train left the Milwaukee Road Depot in 1970, a monstrous structure occupying multiple city blocks was left behind. Seemingly doomed to meet the wrecking ball, the National Register of Historic Places stepped in and declared it a Minneapolis landmark. As the building was being used primarily for overflow parking, ARC Ice Sports & Entertainment, Inc. of McLean, Virginia brought forward a plan for an indoor ice rink and restaurant in 1995. Now there are shops, restaurants, a hotel, a fully enclosed water park and an indoor ice skating rink. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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 Photo: Katy Szapa |
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Open & Airy Design |
300 Nicollet Mall Minneapolis, MN 55401 United States +1 612 630 6000 http://www.mpls.lib.mn.us/newc... |
An architecture-buff's dream, this library is an all-purpose learning center and inviting haven for Minneapolis residents and visitors alike. Completed in the spring of 2006, the building immediately garnered rave reviews for its innovative use of light and existing surroundings, making it one of the best examples of the city's varied architectural style. The library itself houses the fourth-largest collection of any metropolitan library in the country, as well as large special collections, public art, and educational centers (it even has its own coffee bar!). Be sure to check out the website for updated classes and activities that keep this public complex bustling year-round. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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 Photo: Amanda Kovattana |
 Photo: Kitty DuKane  |
 Photo: Mitch Rossow |
 Photo: Aneel Gursahaney |
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Polished design houses trade |
400 South 4th St Minneapolis, MN 55415 United States +1 612 321 7101 http://www.mgex.com/ |
In 1881, the Minneapolis Chamber of Commerce formed an association to help facilitate the buying and selling of wheat, oats and corn. The purpose of this organization was to make sure both parties were arriving at a fair price based on the quality of the product being brought to market. Gaining notoriety and becoming a national force in the growing grain industry, the Chamber of Commerce commissioned the construction of a building in downtown Minneapolis to house the daily activity of the grain business. It was not until 1947 that the building was officially christened the Minneapolis Grain Exchange and commodity trading became a separate entity from the Chamber of Commerce. The building's turn-of-the-century design includes heavy use of stone, brick, marble and ornate wood. The terra cotta ears of corn and stalks of grain on the building's façade are particularly interesting and striking. Tours, including a glimpse of the always-rowdy trading floor. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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 Photo: jenni ripley |
 Photo: Mamluke |
 Photo: Brian Hayes |
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More Than 40 miles of Bike Trails |
Longfellow House Information Center 4800 Minnehaha Ave Minneapolis, MN 55415 United States +1 612 370 4969 mbarrick@minneapolisparks.org |
With an extensive network of bike paths crisscrossing the city, Minneapolis can't be beat for inner city biking. More than 40 miles of bike trails, most paved and designated solely for bike travel, the Grand Rounds system of parkways provides a complete circle of bike paths from which to view the city. The paths features some great views including Minnehaha Falls, the Mississippi River and the Minneapolis skyline. On the north side, bikers tour Victory Memorial Drive and Theodore Wirth Parkway, then the Chain of Lakes and Minnehaha Parkway on the south, and ride along the Mississippi River on West River Road. The Cedar Lake Trail, an abandoned railroad right-of-way running nearly four miles from downtown Minneapolis past Cedar Lake to suburban St. Louis Park, is the most recent addition to this scenic and breathtaking route. Contact the Longfellow House Information Center for additional information and a map of the Grand Rounds Bikeway. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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 Photo: Robert MacGregor |
 Photo: Robert MacGregor |
 Photo: Mike Ebert |
 Photo: Beth Brooks |
 View the final frontier |
300 Nicollet Mall Minneapolis Public Library Minneapolis, MN 55401 United States +1 612 630 6150 / +1 612 630 6155 (Office) http://www.mplanetarium.org/ |
While seated in one of the many interactive seats of the Space and Science Theater, visitors will be whisked away to the outer limits of the galaxy and the universe. The projected simulation of the night sky is crystal clear and the thousands of twinkling stars will quickly make you forget you are actually in the cozy confines of the downtown branch of the Minneapolis Public Library. With countless photographs and drawings on display, as well as multiple interactive exhibits, the planetarium is an astronomy buff's dream come true. Call or visit the Web site for additional facility information and a list of current exhibits, movies and show times. Ticket prices: Ages 12 & under $3; Ages 13 & over $4.50 All ages admitted for $3 on Thursdays Group Reservations $2.50 (groups of 10 or more) Review © 2007, Wcities |
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 Photo: wcities |
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Panoramic view |
1 Portland Ave Minneapolis, MN 55401 United States +1 612 333 5336 |
Located at the start of Portland Avenue South, the Observation Deck of the Upper St. Anthony Lock and Dam provides perhaps the best panoramic view of the Falls of St. Anthony. Visitors who visit the deck when the winter snows are melting, adding to the flow of the river, will witness the tremendous force of water that amazed the early settlers. Even the normal flow of the river and its awesome power around the falls and the Lock and Dam is breathtaking.Finished in 1963, the Upper Lock is the last of 29 locks and dams built between Minneapolis and St Louis. These engineering wonders form a 'ladder,' lifting and lowering boats as they navigate the river. Via this series of locks and dams, Minneapolis is linked with the Gulf of Mexico, the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway, as well as the Ohio and Missouri River systems. If you are fortunate, on the day of your visit you may see this lock and dam in operation, allowing a Mississippi River barge to bypass the roaring falls. Lock and Dam #1, located downstream, provides another excellent view of the river and the lock and dam operation. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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