minnelopis and st paul on a budget

[funkychunkymonkey]

were going to Minnelopis and st paul for 3 days for mine and moms birthday. What kinda of budget activites are there?

We plan on doing the fallowing;
Hard rock cafe
sculpture garden
ft. snelling
the zoo
ragstock
forhay tower
science meseum

 

[jgates]

The zoo does have a fee, however, Como Park/Zoo as far as I know is still free. We really like it there. It's a lot smaller & easier to navigate. Tons smaller than the zoo but a wonderful way to spend a few hours. They do have some pay items I believe such as a few kids rides. And they like a $2 donation to offset costs, but this is still far cheaper than the zoo. They do have a website if you google them.

(We did enjoy the regular zoo other than going when it was about 98 degrees lol).

It's not too hard to get to - the street that goes to it is directly across from the main entrance to the fairgrounds on Snelling.

Avoid times during big events depending on when you are going. Huge car show around 3rd weekend in June sells out the north end of town. State Fair will do the same.

 

[coupon2010]

That counter is kewl

 

[auralia]

if you enjoy shopping i'd head to the mall of america it is so huge and hubby and i always have fun there, we doing do the amusement park rides but they have some very interesting shops/resturants i always said i wanted to try the one that does unusual peanutbutters but we havn't been back in so long. 2 of my brothers live there and my parents are 3 hours north so when ever i go home i fly into mini. I also second como zoo to save money while the MN zoo is GREAT it is also HUGE if your not that into walking it can be alot you could maybe split a day at como and the mall of america instead of doing the huge zoo i know when i leave that place it is like spending a day at disney world walking wise

 

[jessrose18]

I'd say w/out kids you could skip the science museum, unless you were going to the special Dead Sea Scrolls exhibit. The everyday exhibits are more aimed at children. If you like museums the Minneapolis Art Institute is free and full of wonderful things. We like the MOA for a fun free day and the como zoo.

 

[tink_lover]

Ride the LRT - you can get on at Mall of America. We usually head into downtown Mpls, but I think it goes further north now as well. I'm sure someone else can comment. We don't live in the Twin Cities, but always find lots to do when visiting.

 

[EKW]

Skip the Hard Rock. The food sucks. Go to Mickey's Diner in downtown Minneapolis. It's more authentic Twin Cities and the food is actually good.

The Children's Museum is just across the street...if you happen to have anyone under the age of 10 or so traveling with you.

Take a tour of the capital if you can...it's not far from there.

Find somewhere to have a Jucy Lucy. Pizzaburgers forever! We used to get them at a little drive-in over on White Bear, but it's long gone!

As for the zoo, if you're a member of your local zoo, check to see if it's on the reciprocal list. If I remember correctly, it wasn't the last time we were there, but things change. If you go, be sure to check the show times for the dolphins so you don't miss them!

If you go to Mall of America, go down into the theme park area and look for the plaque for home plate from old Met Stadium! Personally, unless I had small children or money for a shopping spree, I'd skip the mall!

Do you know anyone who lives in the Twin Cities? If so, they can check out a visitor pass from the local library. It allows up to 4 people into various venues...they change from time-to-time but include museums and the zoo...for FREE! I don't know if out-of-town visitors can get a library card there to use this...you might call one of the libraries to find out.

If you're interested in free concerts in the park...the start in May...search for the Minneapolis Parks and Rec Board. They have free concerts a couple of times a week at various parks around the area.

I miss going to the Twin Cities. I lived there when I was young, then spent most summers there while I was in grade school. I visited regularly up until about 5 years ago. Sadly, my aunts and uncles who lived there have all passed away. It's a wonderful area to visit!

 

[funkychunkymonkey]

This will be mom's first hard rock experance. I have been to 4 others and collect the pins. Jucy lucy sounds good. Were planning on doing a little mall of america shopping. We like to shop

 

[MnMomtoboys]

Skip the Hard Rock. The food sucks. Go to Mickey's Diner in downtown Minneapolis. It's more authentic Twin Cities and the food is actually good. What your talking about is St. Paul. Minneapolis is a different city. The light rail goes through Minneapolis

The Children's Museum is just across the street...if you happen to have anyone under the age of 10 or so traveling with you.

Take a tour of the capital if you can...it's not far from there.

Find somewhere to have a Jucy Lucy. Pizzaburgers forever! We used to get them at a little drive-in over on White Bear, but it's long gone!

As for the zoo, if you're a member of your local zoo, check to see if it's on the reciprocal list. If I remember correctly, it wasn't the last time we were there, but things change. If you go, be sure to check the show times for the dolphins so you don't miss them!If I'm remembering right the zoo costs $14 per person and an additional 10 to park. Go to the Como Zoo in St. Paul

If you go to Mall of America, go down into the theme park area and look for the plaque for home plate from old Met Stadium! Personally, unless I had small children or money for a shopping spree, I'd skip the mall!

Do you know anyone who lives in the Twin Cities? If so, they can check out a visitor pass from the local library. It allows up to 4 people into various venues...they change from time-to-time but include museums and the zoo...for FREE! I don't know if out-of-town visitors can get a library card there to use this...you might call one of the libraries to find out.

If you're interested in free concerts in the park...the start in May...search for the Minneapolis Parks and Rec Board. They have free concerts a couple of times a week at various parks around the area.

I miss going to the Twin Cities. I lived there when I was young, then spent most summers there while I was in grade school. I visited regularly up until about 5 years ago. Sadly, my aunts and uncles who lived there have all passed away. It's a wonderful area to visit!

OP do you know where you are staying at yet? How good are you guys on navigatining freeways? And construction? You would not believe the construction we will be having this summe


Sorry I don't know how the first bolding came out so big. And I thought I put it under the State Capital sentance. All those sites are in St Paul and not to far from each other.

 

[theycallmered]

if you enjoy shopping i'd head to the mall of america it is so huge and hubby and i always have fun there, we doing do the amusement park rides but they have some very interesting shops/resturants i always said i wanted to try the one that does unusual peanutbutters but we havn't been back in so long. 2 of my brothers live there and my parents are 3 hours north so when ever i go home i fly into mini. I also second como zoo to save money while the MN zoo is GREAT it is also HUGE if your not that into walking it can be alot you could maybe split a day at como and the mall of america instead of doing the huge zoo i know when i leave that place it is like spending a day at disney world walking wise

The PB Loco Store closed a few years ago. You can still find the peanut butter in the local grocery stores however.

 

[crisi]

Take a walk around Lake of the Isles. Gawk at houses and people.

MIA is a really pretty decent art museum. And free. We combine it with a walk through Walker's Sculpture Garden.

Ft. Snelling combines well with some time at the Gibb's Farm in St. Paul. Both have admissions charges.

If you like to garden, the arboretum down in Shakopee is wonderful. The conservatory at Como Park is very good as well (along with the small Como Zoo, it makes for a very nice day).

I think you can still tour the lock and damn - if not you can take a paddleboat ride up the Mississippi for not too much money and go through the lock and dam.

 

[funkychunkymonkey]

driving isnt a big deal. Mom gets lost alot but thats more fun. We havent even looked into places to stay yet. We are planning on staying 3 days and will be comming in from the mall of america. Were planning two days in wi and then heading to mall of america on our way into the city.

 

[MnMomtoboys]

driving isnt a big deal. Mom gets lost alot but thats more fun. We havent even looked into places to stay yet. We are planning on staying 3 days and will be comming in from the mall of america. Were planning two days in wi and then heading to mall of america on our way into the city.

MOA is in the city. There are plenty of hotels surrounding the Mall. YOu can also get nice hotels at a cheaper price farther west on 494. MOA is really in Bloomington but that is suburb of the cities. You will find you are in and out of cities without even realizing it.

 

[MaumeeMom]

There is so much to do in the Twin Cities! I have been twice - once on a girl's trip with a sis and once with the family. Here is my list:

The Mary Tyler Moore sculpture & find the house used in the opening.

Get a Jucy Lucy at the 5/8 Club - YUM!

Mystic Lake Casino has the most penny slots in Minnesota.

The Sculpture Garden is beautiful and FREE!

The zoo is wonderful and if you have a membership to your local zoo they will most likely give you a 50% discount. Check for reciprocity.

The capitol is also beautiful and there are many other architectural gems - churches, etc.

Good luck planning and have a great trip.