So, I’m going off to Minnesota for a brief trip. A friend of mine lives out in Chisago, and the two of us are going to a Twins game, and also probably going to make a trip out to the Mall of America.
So, beyond Target field and the MOA, is there any must see things in Minneapolis/St. Paul? I’d like to think I’m a blend of haute couture and low brow humor, so I’m wide open as to suggestions.
Also if there’s a killer bar/night club/steakhouse that you know of, I would also be happy for such recommendations!
The MOA is a waste of time, IMO. It’s just the same stores you see everywhere else, but more of them. It may not be something in your interest area, but a drive down the Wisconsin side of the St. Croix/Mississippi River is worthwhile. Some good pubs in the little towns along the way, if the motorcycle crowd is any indication.
The Science Museum in St. Paul is great, and if you can catch a show at the Guthrie I recommend it. I also favor the Minneapolis Institute of Arts (admission is free!), and the American Swedish Institute.
If you’d rather do the outdoor thing there’s Como Zoo in the midway area, and the chain of lakes in south Minneapolis. You can go for a walk around Lake Calhoun, look at all the pretty houses, and people-watch. I think you could even rent a canoe or paddle-boat.
If you’re going to a Twins game, you can bum around downtown. Quite a few things within a couple of blocks of the stadium - to the east (downtown) anyway. Head over to Nicollet and then up and down along there. A bazillion bars and restaurants, farmer’s market used to be Thursdays (dunno if it still is).
We were in Minneapolis for a week last month and we got to spend an evening checking the Sculpture Garden out. It was pretty amazing, and it can be done in an evening when it is cooler out but not dark yet. Also, I second the MOA being less than exciting. I only bought something at the Disney store in there, and honestly, I barely even went in another store. Just a lot of people buying the same junk…
Also, the Minnesota zoo is nearby, but we are cheap. We tried to check out the Como Zoo Conservatory. It is in the middle of a huge park, from what we could tell, but it was packed and we were on a tight schedule. I would definitely top by there if we weren’t on our way to the 14-16 hour drive that afternoon…
Sorry, nothing is fun in the Cities. All fun is in New York. Go now. Bring money and act like an asshole or you won’t get respect. That, today, is civilization.
Everyone already mentioned all of my ideas for fun things to do. As far as places to eat, the Ichiban steakhouse on Nicollet Ave. has some really good steak and excellent teppanyaki chefs. Dinner and a show…and they’re the same thing!
Psycho Suzi’s Motor Lounge is a great tiki bar and pizza joint in Nordeast. Sit outside if you can. If you’re looking for upscale cocktails, Prohibition is located on the 27th floor of the Foshay tower and has good (though pricey) cocktails, a good view and comfy atmosphere. For steak, you can’t beat Manny’s, but it’s very expensive. Jax (in Nordeast) and Porterhouse (in Lakeville) are also good for steak. If you like jazz, there’s usually someone good playing at the Dakota.
MAJOR disagree. The amusement park in the middle is kick-ass. Went there two years ago with my wife and kids and weren’t expecting to be there all day, but we just couldn’t bring ourselves to leave. We hardly shopped at all.
Tim R. Mortiss:
Unfortunately, I believe it is no longer there. What a shame. I was lucky to catch it on my first trip through Minnesota (12 years ago) and enjoyed it a lot. I have my phrenology analysis in a scrapbook.
Oooh, mrklutz, you can sooo beat Manny’s. Yes, their steak is good, but it’s way too crowded and loud and IMO overpriced to boot, even for an expensive place. Try Seven or Vincent’s for a much better experience.
Also be forewarned that it is so incredibly hot here right now. It’s 91 right now, at 5:30 in the evening. If you’re coming this weekend don’t plan out of doors stuff.
