24 Hours In Minnesota
Are you ready for a 24-hour adventure in Minnesota? Fly in to Minneapolis–St. Paul International Airport or drive there and park your car in long-term parking. Jump on the Metro Transit and you are ready for adventure. You are now connected to downtown Minneapolis, downtown St. Paul, every major sporting facility and most cultural sites. Better yet, each downtown skyway system links major downtown destinations. You can visit these five outstanding venues or pick some of your own.
Metro Transit
560 Sixth Avenue North
Minneapolis, MN 55411
(612) 373-3333
www.metrotransit.org
Take the Metro Transit Blue line directly from MSP airport to the Mall of America, sporting venues, downtown Minneapolis or downtown St. Paul. You can shop at Macy's, go to the observation deck in the IDS Tower or see the Minnesota Twins. Jump on the Green Line at Target Field for a seamless ride into downtown Saint Paul.
Shopping
Mall of America
8100 24th Ave. S.
Bloomington, MN 55425
(952) 883-8800
www.mallofamerica.com
Forty million people visited The Mall last year—more than any other mall in America. Major retailers, unique specialty shops and fun entertainment await hardcore shoppers. Snorkel with the stingrays at Minnesota Sea Life Aquarium and get a t-shirt at Hard Rock Café. History buffs will want to stop at the Mall of America to find the plaque in the amusement park commemorating the former location of the Minnesota Twins Metropolitan Stadium's home plate, and then find an old seat placed the exact landing point of Harmon Killebrew's 520-foot home run.
Sporting Events
Minnesota Twins
Target Field
1 Twins Way
Minneapolis, MN 55403
(612) 375-7454
www.minnesota.twins.mlb.com
Come when your home team is playing at the site of the 2014 MLB All-Star Game. If NBA basketball is your preference, stop off at Target Center instead for a Timberwolves game. The St. Paul Saints play in a brand new Midway Stadium at the end of Green Line in St. Paul.
Related: Guide To A Long Weekend In Minnesota
Lunch at Lunds Downtown St. Paul
115 E. 10th St.
Saint Paul, MN 55101
(651) 999-1600
www.lundsandbyerlys.com
Pick up lunch at the extensive salad and hot bar at the new Lunds grocery store located two blocks east of the 10th Street Green Line Station. "It also has an amazing sushi counter where the chefs will custom make you a roll," says Mollie Mitchler, Director of Communications at the Saint Paul Area Chamber of Commerce. "I really enjoy taking a moment to relax and enjoy my lunch in the seating area it offers. It feels more like a café than a grocery store!"
Children's Museum of Minnesota
10 W. 7th St.
Saint Paul, MN 55102
(651) 225-6000
www.mcm.org
If you have the kids in tow, a sure stop is at the Children's Museum of Minnesota, located in downtown St. Paul just a block or two southwest of the same Metro Line Station. Budget driver's tip: Bring your parking voucher to the museum after you park in the World Trade Center parking ramp to receive three hours of parking for only $5.
Science Museum of Minnesota
120 W. Kellogg Blvd.
Saint Paul, MN 55102
(651) 221-9444
www.smm.org
It's four blocks from the Central Station & Platform, but it is worth the hike. There's always something exciting happening at the Minnesota Science Museum, especially the Omnitheater, with its 90-foot domed screen.
Barrio
235 E. 6th St.
Saint Paul, MN 55101
(651) 222-3250
www.barriotequila.com
Spice up your night and head into Lowertown Saint Paul to check out Barrio. "The atmosphere is eclectic and stylish," Mollie says, "and I like to try a bunch of small plates from the menu." Flying home the next day, there is also a location in Terminal 2 at MSP, where the margaritas are just as delicious.
Embassy Suites St. Paul - Downtown
175 E. 10th St.
Saint Paul, MN 55101
(651) 224-5400
www.embassysuites3.hilton.com
At the end of an adventurous day, stay in the newly renovated Embassy Suites in the heart of downtown St. Paul. Bound down the elevator in the morning to a complimentary cooked-to-order breakfast, including the famous omelets. Then admire the beautiful indoor courtyard pond for a feel of spring even on a Minnesota winter day.
Robin Johnson was born in Annandale, Minn. and graduated from Richfield High School and then the University of Minnesota where he studied Political Science, Business and Industrial Relations. A writer for Examiner.com, he also consults with a variety of organizations and individuals helping them develop and grow. His work can be found at Examiner.com.