I grew up in a suburb of the Twin Cities and I've always admired seeing pictures of the beautiful Twin Cities. It came with great excitement that I chose a college that was located in there! I have always been very adventurous and you can find me exploring the cities on the weekend. I have compiled a list of some of my favorite things to do.
1. Target Field (1 Twins Way, Minneapolis, MN 55403):
Home to the Minnesota Twins! I have always been a huge baseball fan and I feel like Target Field is a second home to me. This beautiful park was opened in 2010 and is a site for all to see. Even if you don't love baseball there are lots of things to look at and wonderful food to try.
2. Minnehaha Falls (4801 S Minnehaha Drive, Minneapolis, MN 55417):
A waterfall that is beautiful at any time of the year. Whether it is summer or winter, you will always find people exploring the falls. Minnehaha Falls is located in Minneapolis and can be accessed via the light rail. Take a trip with friends and enjoy a beautiful sight and some exercise.
3. Lake Calhoun (2707 Lake Street W, Minneapolis, MN 55416):
Take a walk around the largest lake in Minneapolis! The trail around the lake is over 3 miles long. There is a trail for bikers and skaters as well as a trail for walkers/runners. You'll enjoy sites of nature and the Minneapolis skyline along the way.
4. Glam Doll Donuts (2605 Nicollet Avenue S, Minneapolis, MN 55408):
Who doesn't love a good donut? This adorable donut shop is located on Nicollet Avenue in Minneapolis. They also deliver via Rock-It Delivery, a locally grown bike delivery service. Each donut recipe was handcrafted in Teresa Fox's kitchen and she prides herself on creating a truly memorable donut. Stop by and try a donut (I suggest the Cosmopolitan Girl!) and a cup of coffee.
5. Stone Arch Bridge (100 Portland Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55401):
Located near Gold Medal Park in Minneapolis! Every person who lives in Minnesota needs to attend the Stone Arch Bridge at some point. It's a great location to view the gorgeous Minneapolis skyline and take a walk. Just take a trip on a warm Saturday afternoon and you'll see half the state there!
6. Rice Park (109 W 4th Street, St. Paul, MN 55102):
Located near Xcel Energy Center in downtown St. Paul. Rick Park is a sight to behold around the holidays. They decorate the trees with lights and host the Minnesota Winter Carnival. At the carnival you can rent skates and look at the amazing ice sculptures.
7. Insomnia Cookies (402 14th Ave SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414):
Open everyday until 3 a.m. They even deliver! I don't need to say much about this place, they have the best cookies. Insomnia Cookies was originally started in a college dorm room at the University of Pennsylvania but has expanded to more than 85 locations.
8. The Minneapolis Institute of Art (2400 3rd Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55404):
Located in the Whittier neighborhood in Minneapolis. The institute was opened in 1915 and it contains artifacts from as far back as 40,000 years ago. This museum contains over 89,000 artifacts.
9. Minnesota State Fair (1265 Snelling Ave, St. Paul, MN 55108):
It only comes once a year but it is truly the Great Minnesota Get Together. It's the largest state fair in the United States by attendance. It runs from late August through Labor Day lasting 12 days. Come hungry and eat everything on a stick!
10. Izzy's Ice Cream (2034 Marshall Ave, St. Paul, MN 55104):
Opened in St. Paul in 2000 by two Hamline alumni (Go Pipers!). Open 7 days a week with an additional location in Minneapolis. In 2005, Reader's Digest named Izzy's the Best Ice Cream shop in America.
