Best Places For Last Minute Father's Day Gifts In Minnesota

Growing up, buying a new tie seemed to be the Father's Day gift of choice. Every year meant a new tie to work into the rotation–hardly seems fair to the dads to receive the same thing year in and year out. Father's Day is a pretty special day for the very special guys in our lives. It's a chance to say thanks and let our dads know just much we appreciate everything they've done for us. So why not take a chance this year and get him something as unique and memorable as he is? Check out our suggestions to get you started.

Introduce him to a local brew
Surly Brewing Co.
4811 Dusharme Dr.
Brooklyn Center, MN 55429
(763) 535-3330
www.surlybrewing.com

The Surly Brewing Company is making a name for itself as a high-quality micro-brewery right here in the Twin Cities. In the five plus years since its inception, it has gained a cult-like following of fans. Take the time this Father's Day to introduce dear old dad to something new and cool. The brewery offers tours that include free samples of their beer at the low, low cost of bringing at least one non-perishable food item to donate per person. Tours are popular and fill up fast, so check out these instructions for registering online, and then go pick out the very nice (but manly) card you're going to give your dad when you tell him you're taking him on a brewery tour. To check out where you can find Surly on tap or in the store in your neighborhood, check out their beer finder page.

Related: Best Beers In The Twin Cities

Happiness for a lifetime 
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
Division of Fish & Wildlife / License Center
500 Lafayette Road
St. Paul, MN 55155-4026
(651) 297-1230
www.dnr.state.mn.us

If your dad is an avid angler (like so many Minnesotan men), consider getting him the gift that will keeping on giving. What better way to treat your dad then to give him the gift of something he really enjoys doing? Since 2000, the state of Minnesota has allowed anglers to purchase a lifetime fishing license to replace the annual license that feels so like a rite of spring passage. Gift purchases are allowed, so this makes a great gift. Recipients must be Minnesota residents. Expect to pay $383 for dads under 50 and $203 for dads over 50, so if this is a bit steep, see if your siblings or relatives want to go in on the gift with you. You can apply in person at the License Center above, or visit the DNR website listed to download the application form, which can be mailed or faxed.

Take in a Twins game at Target Field
Target Field
1 Twins Way
Minneapolis, MN
(612) 375-1366 ‎
minnesota.twins.mlb.com

The Twins may not have lived up to their fancy digs last season, but the team is better than those injuries made them appear. Take your dad on a father-daughter or son bonding day with tickets to a Twins game this summer, and root on the home team while doing some relationship-building. Soak in the sights and sounds of a good game at a great stadium, set right in the heart of downtown Minneapolis. It's easily accessible via light rail, as well as several other public transit options, so plan head with these resources. Don't forgot to pack some extra cash for the beer and hot dogs or make a day of it and check out one of Minneapolis's great eating options.

Related: Restaurant Review: Peter's Grill

Indulge his golf habit
Braemar Golf Courses
6364 John Harris Drive
Edina, MN 55439
(952) 903-5750
www. braemargolf.com

If your dad is the golfing sort, consider hooking him up with a pass to his favorite green for a round on you. Not sure where to send him?  Consider the prestigious and well-reputed Braemar. With 500 acres within 20 minutes of Minneapolis, Braemar is a little slice of golf heaven. In addition to tee times, the course also offers lessons, a driving range and club rental, as needed. Lessons are lead by PGA professionals and are available at three skill levels.

Buy him a local book
University of Minnesota Bookstore
2017 Buford Ave.
St. Paul, MN 55108
(612) 624-9200
www.bookstores.umn.edu
See various locations

Embrace your Minnesotan side and get your dad a book with some local flair. We recommend "The Great Minnesota Fish Book" by Tom Dickson. Published by the University of Minnesota Press and featuring oodles of detailed information and pictures of the fish of Minnesota, this one's sure to please an angler or naturalist. Need something non-fish related?  University of Minnesota Bookstores offers many "local" sections in their stores, including books with Minnesota titles, signed first editions and ones penned by faculty members. Grab a friendly staff member, and tell them a bit about your dad to get steered in the right direction.

Sassy professional by day, men's style expert by night, Bethany Rein is a twenty-something living in Minneapolis. She loves baseball, coffee and the well-dressed male. An avid runner, Bethany also plays recreational sports with more enthusiasm than skill. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.