Anyone from Minne-so-tah?

[catwoman]

I've always enjoyed going to the Minneapolis area for cat shows, but never had enough time for fun while there.
I have a 3-day weekend the end of July and have talked my husband into flying up there.
I've been to the Swedish Institute & Mall of America before. Anything else I can consider visiting/doing while there?
I'd even entertain getting away from the MSP area on Saturday -- maybe drive up to Duluth.

Any suggestions?

 

[MelissaM]

I no longer live in Minnesota, but grew up in Bloomington, and can recommend a few of my favorite spots:

- Minnehaha Falls
- Minnesota Zoo
- Como Zoo
- Historic Summit Avenue in St. Paul
- Gaavide Commons
- Minneapolis Sculpture Gardens
- Fort Snelling

See if you can catch a concert at any of the lakes - I think there is a bandshell at Lake Harriet (nice path around the lake, too!).

There are more theater seats per capita in Minneapolis/St. Paul than anywhere else in the US - always a good place to catch a show.

Rochester is a nice getaway from MSP.

 

[weekycat]

Me me me

Me me me

Yes, I am from Minnesotah...but I don't know what I can add to Melissa's list.

She pretty much covered it. A drive up the norh shore might be nice...but I don't know how much of it you would get to see in just one day.

Let me know if there is any more info I can find for you

 

[catwoman]

Melissa:

Thanks for all the suggestions. Will look into those.

Jean:

I **had** thought about driving up to Duluth -- is that the "north shore"?

 

[Kathleen]

Also MSP area

Also MSP area

We live about 10 minutes from the Mall of America. Melissa gave you a great list. Como Zoo is ok but the MN Zoo is 100 times better. Como does has a lovely flower building. A drive to Duluth would cut into the day since it is about 3 hours each way. Depending on your arrival date the Renissance Festival might be starting which is very fun. We also have the horse races right here in Shakopee at Canterbury Downs. If you love a home cooked buffet the food at Mystic Lake Casino is wonderful. That is right around Shakopee also. let me know if you need more.
Kathy

 

[KMB]

Fun times in the state of Minnesota!! I would also recommend going to the Duluth area. When someone says - "North Shore" they mean up past the Duluth area along the shore of Lake Superior. If you plan that, be prepared for many changes in temperature!! We were up there last weekend and it went from 90 to 60 in no time!!
If you are not in for the long drive - Stillwater is a wonderful town to hang out in. It is right on the river and a fun place to look at shops.

 

[weekycat]

Here's a Link...

Here's a Link...

to more info on the North Shore of Lake Superior.

Minnesota's North Shore of Lake Superior

As Kathleen pointed out, it would be a long drive back and forth in just one day, but the places I remember being best up there were Gooseberry Falls and the Split-Rock Lighthouse. It's been quite a few years since I was up there.

I was going to mention Stillwater too...it's a lovely little town. I guess it all depends on what you want to see. As far as I'm concerned, the Mall of America is over-rated. I've only been there 3-4 times since it opened.

BTW, I didn't realize we had so many here from Minnesota! Nice to meetcha!

 

[catwoman]

I've been to Mall of America maybe 5-6 times. Back in February 1997 or 98, they even had a cat show in a vacant restaurant in the mall, and I showed 2 cats. It was my first visit to MOA, but I had heard about MOA for a long time; my architect brother-in-law designed MOA's fire protection system.
MOA is toooooo big. When I go there, I hit the Sears (it's the best Sears I've ever seen and I'm **not** really a Sears customer) and a restaurant there.

Will check out about driving up toward Duluth. Travel guides are good, but can't match suggestions from locals!

 

[KMB]

Just an FYI about driving up to Duluth - it will take about 2 to 2 1/2 hours to get up there. There is a cool lift bridge, fun shopping, hiking before and after Dultuh - like Jay Cooke State Park (before Duluth) and just being by the shore of Superior is always a site to see!

 

[Kathleen]

Princeton

Princeton

I am surprised to see you are from Princeton, I lived in St Cloud for 52 years. My enitre family is there except my daughters and granddaughters. do you get to St Cloud often? Kathy

to more info on the North Shore of Lake Superior.

Minnesota's North Shore of Lake Superior

As Kathleen pointed out, it would be a long drive back and forth in just one day, but the places I remember being best up there were Gooseberry Falls and the Split-Rock Lighthouse. It's been quite a few years since I was up there.

I was going to mention Stillwater too...it's a lovely little town. I guess it all depends on what you want to see. As far as I'm concerned, the Mall of America is over-rated. I've only been there 3-4 times since it opened.

BTW, I didn't realize we had so many here from Minnesota! Nice to meetcha!

 

[weekycat]

Kathleen,

Kathleen,

I was born in St. Cloud! And almost all of my family lives there too. In fact we're off to St. Cloud right now to sing a little Karaoke...and maybe get me a birthday drink after midnight.

 

[Kathleen]

Happy Birthday Eve

Happy Birthday Eve

Have a great time and Happy Birthday to you! I have a huge family and tons and tons of friends in St Cloud. We should visit, we will probably end up related somethow. We may go up to St Cloud for the 4th. I will have to see how I feel since I had an open heart surgery ablation 2 weeks ago. My family is all saying come on up but only if you feel up to it. Perhaps at the end of the month when it will be my birthday. Kathy

I was born in St. Cloud! And almost all of my family lives there too. In fact we're off to St. Cloud right now to sing a little Karaoke...and maybe get me a birthday drink after midnight.