Killing a day in Minneapolis
 

I will have most of this Saturday the 23rd to kill in Minneapolis. Any suggestions? I'm up for things to do in the city or surrounding area, as well as anything within a couple of hours' drive.

Walker Art Center and the Sculpture Garden would be my first choice. Or if it is a nice day, spend some time around the lakes; Harriett, Calhoun, Lake of the Isles. Also Minneapolis Institute of Art, Mall of America, Minnehaha Park and Falls.

Minneapolis
 

There is always the Mall of America. It has good shopping and some nice restaurants.

Just bring your wallet. :D

With all due respect, the Mall of America is just a mall. Okay, so it's a big mall and interesting by virtue of having a small amusement park in the center, but essentially it's a mall like many others.

I would second DavidDTW's suggestions. Even if you're not interested in the Walker itself, the sculpture garden is a nice place to visit. And the lakes... personally, to me the lakes and the houses in the neighborhoods surrounding them epitomize so much of the character of Minneapolis and I've enjoyed countless hours walking around them.

Yeah, I've been to the MoA, and wasn't that thrilled with it. Like has been said above, it's a mall, for crying out loud. We have those here. :D

I'll check out the lakes and the sculpture garden for sure. Thanks for the ideas!

Just as an FYI, it is gay pride that weekend in Minneapolis. The sculpture garden is across the street from the park that pride is held at, so it could be quite full. There's usually alot of people over there relaxing and having some picnics and such.

If you're willing to drive out of the city, take the road along the Mississippi River from Red Wing to LaCrosse and then back on the Wisconsin side. It's one of the few areas in the upper Midwest that wasn't glaciated. Or else go straight west from St. Paul, turn left when you hit Wisconsin, and explore the St. Croix valley, with perhaps a stop in Stillwater on the way back.

Umm...Wisconsin is east of Minnesota...

Interesting ideas. I like scenic drives. What's in Stillwater?

Take a narrated 1.5 hour Mississippi Riverboat cruise. Only $13 if you book online. Not a bad deal, IMHO. Departs at noon and 2pm.
http://www.riverrides.com/Pages/publ...ly_cruise.html

Otherwise, if you like nature and walking around, consider the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum:
http://www.arboretum.umn.edu/

(In other words, if the weather cooperates, enjoy the outdoors... ;))

You'd be more than welcome to stop by and help with some yard work:D

For anyone who might still be looking for answers: Stillwater is a small Mississippi River city that is a quick afternoon refuge from the Twin Cities. It has a bit of an artist's colony feel to it, a great used bookstore and good (but expensive) antique shopping.

If you're into antiquing hit Red Wing (also a great river town - actually my favorite of the two) for better prices.

For something completely different, check out a St. Paul Saints minor league game. I think they still have their ball-pig, and nuns give massages in the stands. (Real nuns, real massages - it's their form of ministry). Good times, can be tough tickets to get.

Had fun several years ago taking a restored trolley/interurban through a leafy residential area (Lake Harriet, maybe?)...was a nice area for an afternoon and not very far from the airport.

Winter Day
 

Can anyone give some suggestions for a winter saturday in Minneapolis ?
I am there this weekend.

TYIA

Cheers

Thomas