Things To DoThings To Do
Como Park Zoo & Conservatory Visitor CenterComo Park Zoo & Conservatory Visitor Center
This is our go-to for a "zen" moment or hanging out with some polar bears. The Sunken Garden is basically a real-life fairy tale—perfect for when you need to feel fancy without actually trying. Hours: Open daily, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM. Admission: Technically free, but they suggest a small donation ($4 for adults, $2 for kids) to keep the plants happy and the animals fed.
Cathedral of Saint PaulCathedral of Saint Paul
This massive Beaux-Arts beauty sits on the hill overlooking the city. Even if you aren't the religious type, the copper dome and the architecture are enough to make you feel very small in a very cool way. Hours: Daily 7 AM – 7 PM (Check for Mass times before wandering around!) I took mark here once when we first started dating. It was during mass, walked in like I owned the place and we were very quietly asked to leave. Whoops! Admission: Free
Science Museum of MinnesotaScience Museum of Minnesota
Come for the giant dinosaur skeletons, stay for the "Collector’s Corner" where kids trade actual rocks and bones. It’s right on the river and has a massive IMAX dome theater that will make you feel like you're flying. Oh, and DINOSAURS!!!! ( Dani and Mark love Dinosaurs, wait till you meet Hamilton.........) Hours: Sun–Thu: 10 AM – 5 PM | Fri–Sat: 10 AM – 8 PM Admission: Adults approx. $30 (Price varies by exhibit/movie)
Minnesota History CenterMinnesota History Center
It’s a museum that actually makes history fun. They have a "tornado" simulator and a house you can walk through that shows how people lived during the WWII era. It’s the perfect place to learn why we are the way we are. They also have a really cool website that allows you to explore and geek out without leaving your couch. Hours: Wed–Sun: 10 AM – 4 PM (Open until 8 PM on Thursdays) Admission: Adults $15
James J. Hill HouseJames J. Hill House
Take a tour of the "Empire Builder's" massive Gilded Age mansion. It has 13 bathrooms, 22 fireplaces, and a 100-foot reception hall. It’s basically the 1891 version of MTV Cribs. Hours: Thu–Sun: 10 AM – 5 PM Admission: Tours approx. $12–$15
Can Can Wonderland - St. PaulCan Can Wonderland - St. Paul
Imagine if an artist, a scientist, and a carnival worker got together in a basement and decided to build a mini-golf course. This is exactly that. It’s 18 holes of custom-made art-golf inside a massive old canning factory, featuring vintage arcade games and "boozy" milkshakes. All of the video game play is included in your admission. There is ALOT of games. This place is Chaos at its best. Hours: Tue–Thu: 4 PM – 10 PM | Fri–Sat: 11 AM – 12 AM | Sun: 11 AM – 7 PM Admission: Entry is usually $2–$10; Mini-golf is an additional fee.
Mall of America®Mall of America®
Yes, it’s a giant mall, but it also has a full-sized theme park in the middle of it. If you need to buy a last-minute wedding outfit or just want to ride a roller coaster while looking at a Lego store, this is your place. Josie and Dani LOVE this mall. Love, like really truly . Hours: Mon–Sat: 10 AM – 9 PM | Sun: 11 AM – 7 PM Admission: Free to enter the mall; attractions cost extra.