Things Me and My Family Should Do When Visiting Minneapolis (Woodbury: hotel, home)

[Ghengis]

Originally Posted by Slig

I believe there is one off of 35W between the Cities and the casino, although I've never been there. Regardless, I want our visitors to have a good time and good impression of what we have to offer and I just can't see anyone coming from out of town and being impressed by the Albertville Outlet Mall. People talk about it like it's such an attraction but pretty much everyone I know who has been there didn't like it.

North Branch Outlets (use to be Tanger Mall) in North Branch, mile marker 147 - about 20 miles from northern metro 35W/35E split. Well maintained, good quality, good selections.

waaaaayyyy better than Albertville Outlet Mall

http://www.northbranchoutlets.com/

[tks243]

Thanks for your input everyone. Yes, we will have a car down there and we will be there from there from the 16-21 of August but the 21st will be spent driving back basically.

[DaPerpKazoo]

If you like history museums, there are three main places to check out:
--Mill City Museum, in downtown Minneapolis, is a museum about the history of Minneapolis and the Twin Cities in general. The museum focuses on the development of Minneapolis' milling industry, and is actually located in the ruins of an old flour mill in the riverfront mill district.
--Minnesota History Center, in downtown St. Paul is a museum focusing on... you guessed it, the history of Minnesota!
--Fort Snelling, overlooking the confluence of the Mississippi and Minnesota rivers, about 15 minutes from both downtowns, is a historic fort built in 1819 with renactors, exhibits, and such. They used to fire cannons once a day in the summer, not sure if they still do.

Of course, there's also the Minnesota State Capitol (dtwn St. Paul) and the James J Hill House (St. Paul, near downtown).

If you're interested in historic areas, the Minneapolis riverfront (around and across the river from the Mill City Museum) has some historic markers explaining the ruins, St. Anthony Falls, and the like. It would be a good idea to walk across the Stone Arch Bridge after going to the museum.

Minnehaha Falls (featured in Longfellow's "Song of Hiawatha"), in south Minneapolis, 10 mins from downtown, is another nice historic place to visit. Of course there is the waterfall itself, but there's also the Stevens House, the first permanent white settlement in what became Minneapolis and home to the founder of Minneapolis, John H Stevens.

[tks243]

Which would you guys prefer as far as water parks go, Valleyfair or The Water Park of America? Or are both worth it?

[tks243]

or the Cascade Bay in Eagon

[gearedtowardssalad]

The Albertville mall is a waste of time. Just go to MOA.

[golfgal]

The waterpark at Valleyfair is the largest of the 3, it will also cost the most since you buy park admission to go there, but then again, you can use the rest of the park as well. The Waterpark at MOA is pretty cool for an indoor waterpark but in the summer, I would hit one of the outdoor ones. Cascade Bay is a good option for the MUCH lower price and it is not far from the MOA (I am assuming you are staying somewhere near the MOA).

[Minnesota Spring]

Welcome to Minnesota! What part of Canada are you coming from. I always see alot of cars with Manitoba plates at places such as the MOA and Valleyfair. Valleyfair has an expanded waterpark this year and its always nice to be outside this time of the year vs. indoors IMO. I am not fimiliar with the park in Eagan. You should really check out Summit and Grand Avenues in St. Paul, lots of nice homes and restaurants. Also check out Uptown and the chain of lakes in Minneapolis. If you are bringing your bikes down with you, there are several excellent trails in the western burbs and around beautiful Lake Minnetonka. I highly recommend doing that. There are some good restaurants around Lake Minnetonka as well (Lord Fletchers etc.).
I second Stillwater, they have a real neat, historic downtown along the st. croix river. You have the Minnesota and the Como zoo to choose from. Most malls have "regular" and high end stores.
Check out the MOA, Southdale, and even the Eden Prairie Center (where Mall Rats was filmed, but has since been renovated).
Hopefully the weather will be nice for your trip. Its usually in the 80's and possible 90's and humid in August, but nice for water activities.
I really want to take a trip up to the lakes in Manitoba some day. Maybe you can send me some info on that area if you are familiar. (:

[DaPerpKazoo]

While the Soak City waterpark at Vallyfair is the largest around here, if your family doesn't like rollercoasters and amusement parks, it's probably not worth it, since it is one admission to get into the whole thing. If your family does like amusement parks, then you should maybe make a full day of it.

[tks243]

Thanks for your suggestions everyone, you have been very helpful.

This is a reply to Minnesota Spring, sorry I do not know how to quote properly, but we are from Saskatchewan. We are about 13 hours away from Minneapolis. Manitoba is a province that is east of Sask. I would give you info if I had any, but I have never been there. But I know if you contact Tourism Manitoba and Tourism Winnipeg and request info about things you want to see they will mail them to you. But I have heard it is very beautiful there as far as lakes and forests go.