Minneapolis and Mankato

[Mouse13]

We're headed to Minneapolis at the end of this week and then on to Mankato for a couple of days at Vikings Training Camp. DH's a lifelong Vikings fan but this will be our first trip to Minnesota. Any thoughts on not to be missed attractions or places to eat?

 

[ShiPooOwner]

Mall of America (Bloomington) (IKEA nearby also)
MN Zoo (Apple Valley)
Como Zoo/Conservatory (St. Paul)
St. Croix Paddleboat Cruises (Stillwater) (Their luncheon is delicious!)
Cathedral of St. Paul/Summit Avenue (beautiful mansions)
MN Twins game ~ new Target Field (Minneapolis)
Mystic Lake Casino (Prior Lake) or Treasure Island Casino (Red Wing)
MN History Center (St. Paul)
Science Museum of MN (St. Paul)
Jonathan Paddleford riverboat cruise (St. Paul)
Stillwater, MN (fun little river town to walk around/shop)
State Capitol (St. Paul)
Valley Fair (Shakopee)

Three fantastic restaurants with excellent food:
Beirut (W. St. Paul on Robert St.) (Lebanese and it's superb)
Fabulous Ferns (Selby Ave. near the Cathedral in St. Paul)
W. A. Frost (Selby Ave. near the Cathedral in St. Paul~~sit on the patio in back)

 

[Mouse13]

Wow, ShiPooOwner! Thanks for all the ideas! Looks like there's more to do than we have time.....it will be hard to decide.

 

[disneymomofmyca]

Just a note if you are a Zoo person:

The MN Zoo in Apple Valley is kinda spendy and it really needs some updating.
The Como Zoo is free will donation to get in and is very well kept, and has the not to be missed Conservatory and new Japanese Garden

 

[mykidsand_i]

Yeah, I second the Como Zoo. It's well kept and they've got a lot of great animals there. There is a 'sparky the sea lion show' earlier in the day- either at 10:30 or 11:30- I don't remember which. The MN zoo is over $40 for a family of 4 (and that's with discounts and not including parking)...BUT, it's great because of the dolphin show...which you have to get there WAY early in the summer, or you won't get a spot!

There is a really good Japanese steakhouse off of 494- between the sheraton and Mall of America. I believe it's Osaka. They have a fun 'cooking your food' type of show and if you go at lunch, it's a GREAT DEAL and everyone will get stuffed!

We love Mall of America, because there are good places to shop there and you don't have to drive a bunch of different places.

We just did a tour of the MN state capital building and that was fun- downtown St. Paul. educational and very neat to see plus it's free.

We LOVE to eat down town Minneapolis, it's a place close to the Mall of America stadium called "spaghetti factory"...every meal comes with a drink, entree and some really yummy ice cream for dessert.

 

[DMGeurts]

Third vote for the Como Zoo - We love it!

Looks like you got some great ideas! Enjoy MN>

D~

 

[crisi]

What do you like to do?

Minneapolis St. Paul have some good museums on top of what has been mentioned. Wonderful theatre. The sculpture garden by the Walker is really good. If you are a Garrison Keilor fan if Prarie Home Companion is taping while you are in town, that's worthwhile.

Our favorite restaurant now is The Strip Club over in St. Paul. (seach strip club restaurant, not strip club, or you won't like your results). French Meadow in Minneapolis is another favorite.

 

[mgulsvig]

Have a great time at training camp, I am a huge Vikes fan as well! I went to college where the training camp is. I was a lifeguard at the pool and got to meet a lot of the players when they would come in to swim after practices.

It is a great smaller town, but it has been a long since I have been there. If you like mexican, we really liked Mexican Village.

Have a great trip!

 

[Zooey]

I'm from Mankato! I'm very familiar with it.

A few restaurants in town that I like are:

"Number 4" in the downtown area (American fusion)
"Neighbors Italian Bistro" near Sibley park on Riverfront Dr.
"Mazatlan" on Madison Avenue (Mexican)
"Tokyo Sushi and Hibachi" up near the River Hills Mall in a small mini mall across from Target. This place is my personal favorite.

I concur on all the Twin Cities suggestions that others have made.
If you like museums, the Minneapolis Institute of Arts is fantastic.


I hope you enjoy your time here.

 

[ToddRN]

Hey, I grew up in Mankato!

I'd HIGHLY recommend a sports bar called Tav on the Ave http://www.thetavontheave.com/ -all kinda MN team sports stuff, autographed jersey's on the wall etc. The Mexican Village is a decent mex restaurant. Get some Caribou Coffee. Sibley Park is a nice park to kick up your heels and relax. Drive the Judson bottom road... its very scenic (ask a local.) Also, Minneopa State Park is nice- about 5 miles outta town. Pagliai's pizza (pronounced "polly-eyes") is about the best pizza I've ever had http://www.pagliaismankato.com/ On the same block is Pub 500(sports bar.) If you're there Aug 5-8th check out Ribfest- good eating, outdoor live bands, lotsa fun!! Have fun!!!

 

[Mouse13]

Thanks to all for the tips and ideas! It's always nice to have a little experience in advance. With all of your great help and advice, I have no doubt that we'll have an incredible trip. Thanks again! DisBoard folks are the best!