pegoode

I have a free day while in the MSP area. Any feedback on the Minnesota zoo or Mystic Lake casino is appreciated. Staying in Bloomington but will have a car. Thanks,

julies

I'm from Minneapolis. I am not a casino person so can't tell you a thing about that other than the fact that a lot of people from around here go to gamble there. The zoo would make a nice afternoon trip. I know we all have our own tastes and preferences, but I have some other suggestions for you, especially since you have a car. Go see Minneapolis and its famous lakes and parkways. While there take in one of the museums (Walker or Art Institute). Get out of the car and walk around the lakes and creeks. Go to visit St. Paul. Grand Avenue and Summmit Avenue are also made for walking. The Minnesota History Museum in St. Paul is great as is the Science museum. Drive to the river town of Stillwater and spend the afternoon browsing the shops, enjoying the river, and walking. Tem miles north of Stillwater there is a beautiful state park (William O'Brien)with nice trails along the St. Croix River. I guess what I'm trying to say is that, if it were me and I had a day in the area I'd make some other choices.

Marie

There is a frequent joke about the Minnesota Zoo that the animals were already there, and they just put up fences to keep them in!

That's not really true. The joke sprang up because the largest use of land at the MN Zoo is by the Northern Trail and the Minnesota Trail - and you will see a lot of animals that are native to Minnesota or to the northern latitudes around the world. The animals on these trails are given quite a lot of land to wander around on - great for the animals because they have more freedom, but can make it hard to find the animals sometimes.

There is also an enclosed Tropical building. (The animals there aren't given nearly enough space and I feel sorry for them.) and a Marine Discovery Building.

To be continued on next post ....

Marie

If you go to the MN Zoo, here's my opinion of the best / not to miss things:

- The monkey exhibit (not sure what kind - spider monkeys maybe?) just outside the main building.

- The Northern and Minnesota Trails - especially the wolves and tigers exhibits

- The World of Birds Show (skip the Dolphin show)

- The tropical fish / coral reef tank in the Tropical building (go at 10:30 if you want to catch the feeding)

- Catch a 3D show at the IMAX theater (regular shows are OK, but 3D shows are AMAZING)

In my opinion, the MN Zoo is a great way to spend a half day (that's about all it will take). But if your interests extend at all towards theater, art or shopping, there are also MANY other options are Julies said.

Kelly1212

I'm from Minneapolis and I agree with Julies. If you haven't explored Minneapolis or St. Paul before, seen the lakes, Uptown, downtown, Walker Art Center, Stillwater -- those are far more "must sees" than the Minnesota Zoo and Mystic Lake. I've been to both of those, and do enjoy gambling on occasion, but they're not what I'd ever recommend to someone visiting the Cities for their first or second time. The Minnesota Zoo is a great zoo and Mystic Lake is fun, but you can get those experiences in a lot of different places. The Cities have so many other unique things to explore.
Best,
Kelly

pegoode

Thanks for the advice. I'm going to be alone and a bit timid about the city but may venture out now that you've given me some direction.

Kelly1212

Hi Pegoode,
Not sure where you're coming from, but the Cities are quite safe compared with other major U.S. cities (in my opinion). Of course, always take precaution and stay in well lit, busier areas. But you should be fine exploring them on your own -- especially if you're going downtown, to Uptown, the Walker Art Center, etc. I don't live in Minneapolis anymore, but I believe there's a light rail train that you can take from the Mall of America/Bloomington that goes into Downtown. That might be easier and cheaper than driving and parking.
Good luck -- and let us know if you need more suggestions.

pegoode

Thanks for the tip about the rail service. Parking at the Mall and hopping that might be my speed. I'm not a shopper so don't know how interesting I would find the Mall but maybe I'll be surprised. I did check out the rail service and see it stops at Fort Snelling. I do enjoy history - any feedback on that attraction?

jestroc

I moved to Rochester MN 3 y ago, about an hour s of the twin cities. I have children and have been to many zoos. I don't think the MN zoo is much to talk about. Try julies rec's, they are much more interesting than the zoo here. If your heart is set on the zoo, you can see it all in less than 2 hours. Then go to St. Paul or Minneapolis. The Mall of America is just that, a mall. Rather, it is more the size of 4 malls but who needs to see Pottery barn (times two), victoria's secret, abercrombie and fitch..... when you can see them at home.

Kelly1212

I agree with Jestroc about the Mall of America. It might be worth stepping inside for a half hour or so, just to say you've "been there, done that," but it's essentially just an oversized mall with lots of stores that you can find in other malls across the U.S. and overpriced amusement-park rides (if that's your thing). But it's certainly not where the locals shop!
As for Fort Snelling... It's been years since I've been there, but I remember it being rather interesting as a historical stop w/ reenacters recreating what it was like to be living in the fort in the mid 1800s(am I correct about that, fellow Minnesotans?). However, given its rather-distant proximity to other interesting sites in the Cities, I probably wouldn't recommend it unless you have a few days to spend there. I'd recommend heading into Uptown and Downtown Minneapolis, to really get the flavor of the area.
Hope this helps!

mikemo

If you're there from 15 Oct - 15 May and come from the South, you may be very chilly.
M

pegoode

Thanks for all the help. It sounds like I should head in to Minneapolis and get a tour of the city. I'll check at my hotel for more information when I arrive. You've all been very helpful.