Minneapolis-St Paul, Minnesota — Attractions
Walker Art Center
Internationally renowned for its permanent collection of 20th century paintings, drawings, prints, photography and sculptures, the Walker Art Center is one of the country's leading contemporary art centers and is one of the most visited museums in the USA. It features works by top artists in a range of styles, utilizing various multi-media installations and educational programs. Contemporary art can also be experienced here through theater, dance, video, music and film. Next door is the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden with creative contemporary work spread across a huge area of parkland. It is the largest urban sculpture park in the country and includes the colossal Spoonbridge and Cherry Fountainby Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen, and Frank Gehry's Standing Glass Fish.
- Region/City Name
- Minneapolis-St Paul
- Address
- 1750 Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis
- Phone Number
- (612) 375 7600
- Email Address
- info@walkerart.org
- Website
- www.walkerart.org
- Transport
- Bus 4, 6, 12, 25 from downtown
- Hours
- Sculpture Garden: daily from 6am to midnight. Galleries: Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday 11am to 5pm, Thursday and Friday until 9pm
- Admission
- $10 (adults), concessions available; admission is free on the first Saturday of each month (10am5pm) and Thursday evenings (5pm-9pm): the Sculpture Garden is free
Mall of America
Located in the southern suburb of Bloomington, the futuristic superstructure of the Mall of America is recognized as the largest enclosed shopping and entertainment complex in the country. It welcomes over 42 million visitors each year and is the fifth most visited attraction in the USA with world-class shopping, family entertainment, nightlife and numerous dining options. There are over 500 stores and specialty shops including the Lego Imagination Center, international department stores such as Bloomingdales, more than 70 restaurants and fast food outlets, cinemas, theaters and nightclubs, a wedding chapel and a mini-golf course. Underwater Adventures is a massive aquarium with touch pools featuring sharks and stingrays. Mall of America's famous centerpiece is Nickelodeon Universe, an indoor theme park with thirty rides and adventures.
- Region/City Name
- Minneapolis-St Paul
- Address
- 24th Ave S. and Killebrew Drive, Bloomington
- Phone Number
- (952) 883 8800
- Website
- www.mallofamerica.com
- Transport
- Express bus 80 from downtown Minneapolis, or bus 54 from downtown St Paul. The Light Rail Transit links Downtown Minneapolis, the international airport and Mall of America
- Hours
- Mall open Monday to Saturday 10am to 9.30pm, Sunday 11am to 7pm. Hours for restaurants, nightclubs and other attractions may vary, as well as summer and holiday hours. The Park at MOA: Monday to Thursday 10am to 9.30pm, Friday and Saturday 10am to 10pm, Sunday 10.30am to 7.30pm. Aquarium: Monday to Thursday 10am to 8pm, Friday and Saturday 9.30am to 8.30pm, Sunday 10am to 7pm
- Admission
- Admission to Nickelodeon Universe is free, but tickets must be purchased for each ride. An Unlimited Ride Wristband is $29.95, valid for one day. Aquarium: $18.95 (adults), $12.49 (children 3-12)
Duluth
Situated on the westernmost end of Lake Superior, the largest freshwater lake in the world, Duluth's international harbor is filled with ships and the city bustles with sailors and the arrival of new wares. Although miles from either coast, Lake Superior is connected to the Atlantic Ocean via the St Lawrence River. The authentically restored waterfront can be explored along the Lakewalk Trail, or the scenic Skyline Parkway drive above the lakeshore on the bluffs, which affords magnificent views of the city and harbor. The spectacular Scenic Hwy-61 (North Shore Scenic Drive) follows the shore of Lake Superior for 150 miles (240km) from Duluth to the Canadian border, its precipitous cliffs interspersed with pretty little harbor towns, charming shops and restaurants, waterfalls and beautiful lake-view picnic sites. The Split Rock Lighthouse is popular for hiking, picnics, and photo opportunities. There are several state parks and hiking trails along the way, including the long distance Superior Hiking Trail, and the unspoiled beauty of immense Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness that draws canoeists from around the world to its pristine lakes and streams. Duluth is roughly six hours' drive from Minneapolis, the nearest major city and airport.
- Region/City Name
- Minneapolis-St Paul
Valleyfair
Valleyfair is the largest amusement park in Minnesota, with 125 acres of rides and attractions ranging from high-speed roller coasters to midway games and an IMAX theater. Valleyfair also has the Soak City Waterpark with a range of waterslides and pools, and Challenge Park, which features the RipCord SkyCoaster. The amusement park's most famous ride is the Wild Thing roller coaster, which travels at 74 mph (120kph) with a drop of 196 feet (60 meters). There is also a Berenstein Bears children's play area and a variety of restaurants and food court areas. Valleyfair hosts ValleySCARE Halloween-themed attractions every October.
- Region/City Name
- Minneapolis-St Paul
- Website
- www.valleyfair.com
- Hours
- Daily June-August, selected days in May, September and October with varying hours
- Admission
- $39.99 adults; $18.99 kids less than 48 inches tall; other concessions available
