Welcome to "The Cities"
LAC Chair Richard Geise, along with other local yokels, compiled this list of things to do around the Twin Cities (besides attend the AAPM meeting).
Within walking distance:
Walk a couple blocks East from the Convention Center and try lawn bowling or darts with your pint of the plain at Brits Pub or check out the Minnesota Orchestra to see what is going on at Summerfest. Going farther East down Nicollet Mall will take you to many shops and restaurants. If it’s raining, stay dry by taking the Minneapolis Skyway.
A walk Westward down the greenway takes you to Loring Park. From there you can cross the foot bridge to the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden. Across the street is the Walker Art Center. (Note: This is NOT your grandma’s art museum). A few blocks North from Loring Park is the Minneapolis Farmer's Market. Go early for fresh fruit and veggies or just people watching.
Greater Minneapolis and St. Paul and suburbs:
There is a lot to do within a short ride, but keep in mind you won’t be able to hail a cab to get back to your hotel as easily as in Chicago or New York. Public transportation is mostly by bus.
For an extended walk to enjoy some of the cities’ lakes, head to Lake-of-the-Isles or Lake Calhoun and catch the Como-Harriet Streetcar Line to Lake Harriet.
If you walk to the East end of Nicollet mall you can hop on the light rail to Minnehaha Falls/Park where you can picnic and carry your lover across the creek just like Hiawatha.
Baseball fans can watch the Minnesota Twins host the LA Angels at home in the dome (July 21-22), or for a more laid back, less predictable experience try the Saint Paul Saints.
There are many good venues for theater in the Twin Cities. The most famous of which, the Guthrie Theater, will be presenting Sherman Edwards’ musical “1776” in July. Unfortunately the Children’s Theater takes a break that month.
History buffs may like the Mill Ruins Park in Minneapolis or the Minnesota History Center in St. Paul.
Other interesting museums include the Minnesota Children's Museum, Science Museum of Minnesota and the Minneapolis Institute of Art.
If you like water, spend the afternoon “ridin’ down the Old Man” on a Paddlewheel Cruise, ride the antique steamboat Minnehaha, or enjoy a dinner cruise with Al and Alma on Lake Minnetonka.
The Como Park Conservatory/Zoo is a nice small zoo in St. Paul, good for a short trip. Plan to spend the day if you go to the Minnesota Zoo in Apple Valley.
Day trips South of the River:
Shop till you drop at the Mall of America, ride the Renegade at Valleyfair, play the ponies at Canterburry Park, or just stroll through the beautiful gardens at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum.
Out-state Minnesota:
If you have more time you can tour the Mayo Clinic in Rochester (about two hours drive from Minneapolis). For an extended weekend we recommend the “Norwegian Riviera” along the North Shore of Lake Superior. If you have a week and love roughing it, head for the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Outfitters in the area will set you up with everything you need for a price, but plan ahead.
… or you can just drive around the state looking for Lake Wobegon - not a bad deal, eh?