Once the largest flour mill in the world, the Mill City Museum aims to showcase the ins and outs of the intricate process of milling. The flour milling industry was one of the top industries in Minneapolis and the museum will show visitors the vast history of flour production. Walkthrough the old factory and take in the sights. Don't forget to check out their classes, lectures and many other special events that take place throughout the year.
Housing a collection of more than 100,000 objects and 500,000 documents, this is a must-stop for residents and tourists alike. The dramatic setting alone is worth the trip. Inside the History Center, past times are alive and well. 'Minnesota A to Z,' an ingenious depiction of various aspects of Minnesota life over the past 150-plus years, will jog the memories of longtime residents. Kids can climb inside a full-size boxcar and replica of a grain elevator. Changing exhibits use interactive techniques, recordings and videos to make history lessons interesting.
A great place to hike, bike, ski, fish, canoe, or just take in the views of nature, Fort Snelling State Park offers a wealth of outdoor activities. Filled with trails that link the Minnehaha Park and the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge, other attractions here include Gun Club Lake, Snelling Lake, and Pike Island, which sits at the convergence of the Minnesota and Mississippi Rivers. The park also hosts numerous events, and one popular trail leads hikers to the historic Fort Snelling. A day-use-only park, it is best explored by a tour that begins at the park's visitor center.
The Summit Brewing Company has come a long way since it first came into business in 1986 - its beers are now some of the most popular in St. Paul. Some are seasonal (such as the Summit Maibock and the Summit Oktoberfest), while others are available all year round. You can tour the brewery from Thursday to Saturday, but reservations are required for group weekend tours.
Founded in 1879, this is one of the country's finest contemporary art museums. At the center of Twin Cities' cultural life, Walker often books highly regarded traveling exhibitions. The museum's large collection of paintings, sculptures, prints, drawings and multimedia works are displayed in nine galleries. The permanent collection includes important works by notable artists, such as Willem de Kooning, Mark Rothko, Franz Marc, Stuart Davis, Andy Warhol, Joan Mitchell, Roy Lichtenstein and Dan Flavin. Apart from its regular exhibits, the museum also plays host to innovative theater, music, dance, film, video, performance programs, and also sponsors numerous classes, workshops and lectures. The Walker Book Shop here on the premises sells a variety of gifts and museum-related items.
This nightspot is considered by many to be the top rock club in the Twin Cities. The best of the local talent and many national acts headline each and every night. By the shape of the building, which looks like a large caboose, you would think the acoustics would be poor. Quite the contrary, as the overflow crowds will attest. Along with a great beer selection, wine, liquor and soft drinks are served. Stick with the burgers or appetizers to satisfy your hunger. Pool tables, foosball and darts provide a definite working-class atmosphere. Arrive early for local bands and even earlier for the big acts, otherwise you will be standing or miss getting in at all. Advance sale tickets are available at select locations. Price varies according to act. Doors generally open an hour or two before showtime.
Located within the University of Minneapolis-St Paul Campus, the Elizabeth Lyle Robbie Soccer Stadium is a popular sporting venue for several soccer fans of the region. Usually hosting matches for the university's women's soccer team, the stadium is a state-of-the art venue that has a seating capacity of 1000. What's more, the stadium is furnished with spectacular lights and acoustics, making it ideal for concerts and major local events.
Founded in 1870, the Minnesota Boat Club Boathouse on Raspberry Island is primarily a rowing club that encourages healthy living through the sport. Being the oldest sports organization in the state, its building was enlisted in the US National Register of Historic Places in 1982. The club also maintains a banquet hall which is available on rent for private events.
The renowned Octagon House Museum is also referred to as the John S. Moffat House and was established in 1855. The exquisite house, located in Hudson, is an aesthetic structure with tremendous monumental value. Constructed by the then renowned architects Andrews Brothers, it is a stellar model of the Greek Revival and the Octagonal Mode styles of architecture. Operated as a history museum at present, the house was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974.
The Warden's House Museum is a monumental museum site which was home to the wardens of the Minnesota Territorial Prison, also known as the Minnesota State Prison, in the past. The house stands stern on 602 North Main Street and was constructed in the year 1853. It housed as many as 13 wardens from the prison between 1853 to 1914. The building is a fine example of Italianate, Federal and the Greek Revival styles of architecture. The 14 distinctive rooms are specially decorated in a manner depicting the late 19th century and early 20th Century. There exhibits related to the lumbering industry, Stillwater prisoners, and few other items at this place.
Designed by the widely renowned firm of Feick, Purcell and Elmslie, the Edna S. Purcell house is a classic example of the Prairie School-style architecture. Built in 1913, the Purcell-Cutts House (as it also popularly known as) served as the living quarters of noted architect William Purcell and his family. Located close to Lake Isles in Minneapolis, this historic dwelling was bequeathed to the Minneapolis Institute of Arts in 1985. Open for tours during the second weekend of every month, this historic house is the ideal spot for educational field trips as well as casual sightseeing.
Caydence Records and Coffee is the go-to spot for coffee and music enthusiasts. You can buy and sell old and new CDs and vinyl records here and later enjoy a hot mug of fresh Bootstrap coffee and baked delicacies at the specialty coffee bar. The bar also serves as a venue for live music performances.