While most people recognize the importance of Swedish immigration to midwestern states like Minnesota in the mid-1800s, many people don't realize that there is still a very active and thriving Swedish community in the Twin Cities today! In 2020, Swedes made up about 7.3% of Minnesota's population. The American Swedish Institute functions both as a museum that holds a collection of Swedish and Swedish-American artifacts and a cultural center that offers courses in Nordic languages, handcrafts, and cooking.
Surprisingly, the first Basilica in the United States!
If you come into town early and are looking for something unique to do, Can-Can Wonderland has an incredible mini-golf course, with each hole designed by a local artist! For any gamers in the group, Can-Can Wonderland also features a large collection of vintage arcade games.
If you are renting a car during your time here, we recommend a day trip to downtown Stillwater! A former logging town, Stillwater is now home to tons of antique stores, restaurants, and lots of local history. Be sure to walk by the Warden's House Museum (where Abigail interned in 2016) or, if you are feeling adventurous, walk across the bridge to Wisconsin and check a new state off your list!
First Avenue, made famous by the movie "Purple Rain," is the longest-running independently-operated live music venue in the United States. Even if you don't have time for a concert, the venue is right down the street from our welcome party location if you want to stop by for a quick photo!
A former railroad bridge commissioned by James J. Hill in 1881, the Stone Arch Bridge is now a fully pedestrian walkway between St. Paul and Minneapolis. We highly recommend stopping by for great views of the Minneapolis skyline -- it is only a 7-minute walk from the hotel and reception venue!
If you are looking for a fun activity near our wedding church, we recommend driving down the street to visit this 36,000 square-foot Gilded Age mansion -- the former home of railroad tycoon James J. Hill.
This mall has everything -- 3 Caribou coffees, a Paul Bunyan-themed log flume ride, a 1.2 million-gallon aquarium, and a wedding chapel (in case you're feeling inspired)
Learn about the flour milling history of Minneapolis in the ruins of what used to be the world's largest flour mill. If you are still feeling active after going through the museum, take a walk around Mill Ruins Park near the river!
Home of the famous cherry and spoon sculpture, a walk around the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden is a great way to spend a morning or afternoon. Plus, it's free to the public!
If the weather is nice and you are looking for an outdoor activity, check out Minnehaha Falls and see all of the beautiful fall foliage and an urban waterfall!
Totally new to Minnesota history/culture? We highly recommend the Minnesota History Center as a good place to start -- at this museum, you can learn about a range of topics from the Native American communities in the Twin Cities to how Minnesotans throughout history have dealt with the cold weather. If you happen to be seated with a Minnesotan at the wedding, be sure to ask them about their first experience in the infamous Minnesota History Center "Tornado Room"!
While the MIA has art from all eras and regions in their permanent collection, a special exhibition featuring Parisian haute couture masterpieces from the Palais Galliera begins on October 4th. We definitely recommend checking out this exhibition and all of the other art that the museum has to offer!
Any Prince fans who will be joining us for the wedding might be interested in a tour of his estate and production complex, 30 minutes outside of Minneapolis. If you end up visiting, make sure to track down Lesley (Aunt of the Bride) to chat all things Prince during the wedding!
Looking for a fun educational experience? Visit the Science Museum of Minnesota to learn about the ecosystems of Minnesota, see a film at the Omnitheater, or get yourself the famous "Thunder Lizard" hoodie featured in season 2 of "Stranger Things"!