The Twin Cities boasts a plethora of fun activities and interesting attractions for visitors of all ages. Once known for its river ports and flour mills, the area has blossomed into one of the best tourist destinations in the country, drawing an average of 18 million visitors annually.
Here are some of the best things to do and places to visit in the Twin Cities:
Go Shopping at Grand Avenue
Avid shopaholics can indulge in endless hours of great shopping at this sprawling St. Paul street, which covers 30 blocks. Drop by and check out what’s in store in the wide selection of boutiques, get a spa treatment, or give your taste buds a treat at one of the many locally owned restaurants, including the popular Café Latte.
In addition to the shops and restaurants, there are plenty of interesting sights to see as well, as Grand Avenue features charming old homes and the campuses of University of St. Thomas and Macalester College.
Go On Nature Trips
Minneapolis has the most parkland acres compared to other major cities throughout the US. Nature lovers can explore and take in the gorgeous scenery at the Grand Rounds National Scenic Byway, which meanders past serene rivers, lakes, waterfalls, enchanting woodlands, and picturesque tree-lined neighborhoods. Along the way, visitors can also stop by famous destinations, including the Chain of Lakes Park.
Another great place to visit is the Minnehaha Falls Park, a sprawling paradise covering 193 acres. The park features river overlooks, gorgeous limestone bluffs, a bike/pedestrian trail, picnic areas, and outdoor concerts during the summer.
Check Out the Minnesota State Fair
The Minnesota State Fair is the Midwest’s most popular event, drawing more than 1.7 million visitors each year. Known as “The Great Minnesota Get-Together,” the 12-day extravaganza takes place late August to the early days of September.
Foodies are in for a treat as the fair foods are absolutely amazing. Sink your teeth into maple bacon funnel cakes, mac ‘n cheese cupcakes, or some stuffed Italian meatloaf – then burn the calories off by screaming your lungs out at the carnival rides or walking around the livestock barns. The Minnesota State Fair is definitely a must-visit event when you’re in the Twin Cities.
Visit The Museums
The Twin Cities has a great selection of museums which cater to many different interests. Take your kids to the Minnesota History Center, where they can don hard hats and walk through a recreated Iron Range mine, or the Minnesota Children’s Museum, which features seven Saint Paul galleries filled with interactive exhibits.
For science enthusiasts, there’s the Science Museum of Minnesota, a riverfront museum featuring permanent exhibits and the best traveling shows. Art lovers meanwhile will have no shortage of great art museums to visit as they can check out more than 80,000 works at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, or admire more than 20,000 fascinating paintings and sculptures at the Frank Gehry-designed Weisman Art Museum.
Searching for the perfect home in the Twin Cities? Get in touch with Scott Haubrich at 612-298-5400 or sending an email to Scott(at)BuyRentSell(dotted)com