Are we Swedish? No. But the American Swedish Institute, located inside a gorgeous mansion, hosts lots of awesome events and workshops throughout the year. If you're a folk music fan, the Midwinter Folk Festival is being held there the weekend of our wedding.
Not as big as the Minnesota Zoo, but I (Lisa) grew up going here frequently. High points include the conservatory (incredible plants and also very warm and cozy in the winter) and the Tropical Encounters building where you can see Chloe the Sloth as she lounges in her tree.