Jerry Lee

I am in Minneapolis for 4 weeks this winter for training. I wanted input on things to do during the weekends. Obviously, my outdoor activities might be limited (but I do have a "snowmobiling" day trip planned), so I wanted to get some ideas.

I have from my theater friends that the Performing Arts scene in Minneapolis is thriving. Any other suggestions?

ixly

You are right on with the theater. I've heard Minneapolis has the most abundant theatre presence outside of NYC and Chicago.

Also, try going to a Wild game. The new Arena is gorgeous.

loangalsal

I live in the suburbs of Minneapolis. Pick up a Minneapolis/St. Paul magazine as they have very good lists of things to do. Also the City Pages magazine (free at many locations like restaurant lobbies) has great schedules. You are right about the arts, they are excellent here. Minneapolis Institute of Arts is great, Excellent theater all over town (Guthrie is my favorite, but tons of smaller venues are just as good). A few favorite things we like on the weekend is Sunday Brunch at Famous Dave's in Calhoun Square, they have live blues music! Plus, Bryant Lake Bowl in South Minneapolis is a great place, has a bowling alley (retro style) and a wonderful inexpensive restaurant, plus a cabaret style theater with great comedy shows on the weekend. Best food in the city in my opinion is Lucia's in Uptown. Minnesota Zoo in Apple Valley is nice, plus they have an IMAX theater there. Comedy is also abundant here, if you can find where "Stevie Ray's Comedy Troupe" is playing, go see his group, mostly improv, very funny. Post again with any other questions!

mplsgrl

What NOT to do is the Mall of America unless you have kids with you for the amusement park. It's just a mall, only bigger.

Mary

Sadly, mplsgrl is correct.
I went to the MOA the week it opened (since I lived nearby) and I was so impressed. It was so unique and so many of the stores weren't generic.
These days, it's the same old tired stuff you find at the mall in Hicksville, USA. Too bad.

sj

Don't forget to visit the Walker art gallery. Also the Minnesota history museum in St Paul is very nice.

neal

check out www.startribune.com and their "freetime" link. It is a good resource. Some other things might include a trip to the casino in Hinkley, the sports bar at mall of america, walking through the skyway system downtown. Definately the mpls museum of art. Bring your longjohns!

David

Jerry,
I do not know where you are from but I have found people from Europe and the northeast sometimes enjoy a little time in the open country. So if that is you take a drive to Hastings, Duluth, or New Ulm for the weekend. Hope you enjoy Minnesota.

George

Up north of Duluth, on the Lake, is Two Harbors. And the old lighthouse there is a B&B. Go to www.lighthousebb.org for more information.

We stayed there about 18 months ago, and were absolutely delighted. And, though we had no time to stop, Duluth looks more than worthy of some exploration.

marilyn

Antiquing in the nearby town of Stillwater, on the St. Croix River is lots of fun, as is exploring the towns on the banks of the Mississippi. Red Wing, MN, has lots of antique stores and B&Bs (the Christianson's Red Wing Blackbird is my favorite), and there are also some cute towns on the Wisconsin side.