There are lots of guidebooks to Minneapolis, St. Paul and the Twin Cities.  

We developed this list to apply a little more locally... You might travel to Wisconsin to do Parasailing listed here (truth in advertising, that's a five hour drive!~), but it might never occur to you to ask if there is a gangster tour right here in town, instead of having to go all the way to Chicago!  

This is a work in progress, hope you find it helpful! 

You should be able to click on the web addresses below!

Please give us suggestions!

We put a lot of work into it so it is (c) 2012 Scott and Jenna Short Stay !

Minneapolis & St Paul Area
Activities and Attractions List

Family Vacation Activities

Amusement Parks

• Nickelodeon Universe   Mall of America Bloomington, MN 55425 http://www.nickelodeonuniverse.com
• Valleyfair Family Amusement Park One Valleyfair Drive, Shakopee 952-445-7600 http://www.valleyfair.com/

Other Amusements

• Water Park of America 1700 East American Boulevard, Bloomington 952-698-8888 http://www.waterparkofamerica.com/
• IMAX Theatre at the Minnesota Zoo 12000 Zoo Blvd, Apple Valley 877-660-4629 http://www.imax.com/oo/great-clips-imax-minnesota-zoo/
• St Louis Park Aquatic Park (952) 924-2540 http://www.stlouispark.org/aquatic-park.html
• Lake Calhoun and Lake Nokomis Bike and canoe rentals http://www.wheelfunrentals.com/Content/Home.aspx

Ice Skating

• Roseville Skating Center 2661 Civic Center Drive, Roseville 651-792-7007 http://www.ci.roseville.mn.us/index.aspx?nid=229
• The Depot Rink 300 S Washington Ave, Minneapolis 612-339-2253 http://www.thedepotminneapolis.com/ice-rink.php
• St Louis Park Rink http://www.stlouispark.org/indoor-ice-skating-hockey.html

Skateboarding

• 3rd Lair Roller Skatepark and Skateshop 850 Florida Avenue South Golden Valley, MN 55426 (763) 797-5283 ‎ http://www/3rdlair.com

Roller Skating

• Roller Garden 5622 West Lake Street, St. Louis Park 55416 (952) 929-5518 ‎ http://rollergarden.com
• Rollerdome At the Metrodome 900 South 5th Street, Minneapolis 55415 (612) 825-3663 ‎ http://roller-dome.com

Swimming

• There are so many options for swimming in the land of 10,000 lakes. See the fitness centers category for indoor lap pools, see the waterpark category for swim fun. To experience the Minneapolis Chain of Lakes check out this link: http://www.minneapolisparks.org/grandrounds/map_CL1.htm

Zoo and Animal Life

• Como Zoo & Marjorie McNeely Conservatory 1225 Estabrook Drive, St Paul 651-487-8200 http://comozooconservatory.org
• Sea Life Minnesota Aquarium Mall of America, Bloomington 888-348-3846 http://www.visitsealife.com/minnesota/
• Minnesota Zoo 13000 Zoo Blvd, Apple Valley 800-366-7811 http://mnzoo.org

Miniature Golf

• Centennial Lakes 7499 France Avenue South Edina (952) 833-9580 http://www.centenniallakespark.com
• Putt'er 1200 Midway Parkway Saint Paul (651) 488-0277 http://www.putterthere.com
• Adventure Gardens Miniature 6335 Portland Avenue South Richfield (612) 861-9169
• Medalist Management 601 Carlson Parkway Minnetonka (952) 476-2100

Museums and History

• The Science Museum and Omni Theater 120 West Kellogg Boulevard St. Paul 55102 651.221.2550 http://smm.org
• Mill City Museum 704 South 2nd Street Minneapolis 55401 612.341.7555 http://millcitymuseum.org
• James J. Hill House(historic mansion) 240 Summit Ave, St Paul 651-297-2555 http://mnhs.org
• Minnesota Children's Museum 10 7th Street West, Saint Paul (651) 225-6000 http://mcm.org
• Hennepin History Museum 2303 3rd Avenue South, Minneapolis (612) 870-1329
• The Bakken Museum 3537 Zenith Avenue South, Minneapolis (612) 926-3878 http://thebakken.org
• Historic Fort Snelling Hwys 5 and 55, St Paul 612-726-1171 http://historicfortsnelling.org
• Oliver H. Kelley Farm (living history farm) 15788 Kelley Farm Rd, Elk River 763-441-6896
• Minnesota State Capitol   75 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., St Paul 651-296-2881
• Minnesota History Center 345 Kellogg Blvd W, St Paul 888-727-8386 http://minnesotahistorycenter.org
• The American Swedish Institute 2600 Park Ave, Minneapolis (612) 871-4907 ‎ http://americanswedishinst.org

Sightseeing Sights

• Minneapolis Highlights http://www.minneapolismn.gov/visitors/visitors_landmarks
• Minneapolis Sports http://www.minneapolismn.gov/visitors/visitors_sports
• Ideas on what to see in Minneapolis http://www.minneapolis.org/
• Mississippi River , St Anthony Falls, Lock and Dam System, Hennepin Avenue Bridge, Stone Arch Bridge – create your own walking tour of this area – start at Nicollet Island http://www.nicolletisland.org/
• Trolley/streetcar tour http://www.trolleyride.org/  view part of the chain of lakes via a short streetcar ride – a nice little historical trip
• Minnehaha Falls 4801 Minnehaha Ave, Minneapolis (612) 724-5453 http://minneapolisparks.org
• Minneapolis Downtown Council (612) 338-3807 ‎ · http://downtownmpls.com  
• Explore MN Metro ideas http://www.exploreminnesota.com/where-to-go/minneapolis-st-paul-area/index.aspx
• Explore MN Metro online guidebook http://www.vacationfun.com/ebrochures/MinneapolisStPaul/iBrochure/Metro.html?id=1697

Arts & Entertainment

Outdoor Concerts, Movies, and Art

• http://www.minneapolisparks.org/default.asp?PageID=182
• Minneapolis Sculpture Garden 726 Vineland Place, Minneapolis (612) 375-7600 http://garden.walkerart.org  
• Art Shanty Projects on Medicine Lake http://www.artshantyprojects.org/artists

Art Museums

• Walker Art Center 1750 Hennepin Av. S. Minneapolis 612-375-7600 http://walkerart.org
• Minneapolis Institute of Arts 2400 3rd Av. S. Minneapolis 612-870-3131 http://artsmia.org
• Minneapolis College of Art and Design   2501 Stevens Ave S, Minneapolis, MN (800) 874-6223 ‎ http://mcad.edu

Live Theater and Music

• Guthrie Theater 818 S. 2nd St. Minneapolis, MN 55403 612-377-2224 http://www.guthrietheater.org
• Orpheum Theatre 910 Hennepin Av. Minneapolis, MN http://www.hennepintheatretrust.org
• Brave New Workshop 824 Hennepin Avenue Minneapolis, MN 55403 612.332.6620
• Minnesota Orchestra 1111 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis (612) 371-5600 http://minnesotaorchestra.org
• St Paul Chamber Orchestra 408 Saint Peter St # 300, Saint Paul (651) 291-1144 http://thespco.org
• Minnesota Opera 620 North 1st Street, Minneapolis (612) 333-2700 ‎ · http://mnopera.org
• http://www.minneapolismn.gov/visitors/visitors_musictheater Other tours and options

Cinemas / Movie Theaters

• Landmark in Minneapolis and Edina – show independent and foreign films http://www.landmarktheatres.com/market/minneapolis  The Uptown Theater is a part of this chain and the current structure was built in 1939 and has a large screen and balcony http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uptown_Theater_(Minneapolis)
• Showplace Icon Park Place Boulevard St. Louis Park (612) 568-0375 http://www.showplaceicon.com/NowShowing2.aspx?TheaterID=8863
• Heights Theater 3951 Central Avenue NE Columbia Heights (763) 788-9079 http://www.heightstheater.com
• St Louis Park Aquila Park http://www.stlouispark.org/city_map/aquila_park.htm (outdoors)
• Minneapolis Loring Park 1382 Willow St. Minneapolis 55403 612 370-4929 (outdoors Summer)

Outdoors in the Summer

Rafting & Kayaking

• Stand Up Paddleboarding and Paddleboarding tours http://standupmn.org/
• Rent canoes and multi person bikes http://www.wheelfunrentals.com/Content/Home.aspx
• Kayak the Mississippi - Above the Falls Sports 120 North 3rd Avenue Mpls 55401 612.825.8983
• MCA – Minnesota Canoe Association – http://www.canoe-kayak.org
• Rapids Riders – www.rapidsriders.com
• Mississippi National River and Recreation Area – http://www.nps.gov/miss
• Mississippi Whitewater Park – http://www.whitewaterpark.canoe-kayak.org
• Midwest Mountaineering – Outfitter for everything outdoors http://www.midwestmtn.com/

Sailing

• Lake Calhoun Sailing School 3010 East Calhoun Parkway, Minneapolis (612) 927-8552 ‎ http://lakecalhoun.org
• Lake Minnetonka Sailing School 19500 Park Avenue, Wayzata, MN (952) 404-1645 ‎ http://lmss.us

Boating

• Lake Calhoun, Nokomis, Harriet, Mississippi
  • http://www.wheelfunrentals.com/Content/Home.aspx
  • http://www.minneapolisparks.org/default.asp?PageID=797
  • Lake Minnetonka
    • Rockvam Boats rents pontoons and fishing boats http://www.rockvamboatyards.com/Boat-Rentals-Lake-Minnetonka.asp
    • http://www.lakeminnetonka.com/1boatrental.html

Parasailing

These are both a drive from Minneapolis

• Castle Rock Water Sports N7265 Shacks Rd, Mauston, WI (608) 847-4488 ‎ · http://castlerockwatersports.com
• Holiday Shores Watersports 3901 River Road, Wisconsin Dells, WI (608) 254-2878 ‎ · http://holidayshoreswatersports.com

Jet Skiing & Waterskiing

Water skiing began in 1922 when Ralph Samuelson used two boards as skis and a clothesline as a tow rope on Lake Pepin in Lake City, Minnesota!

• Lake Minnetonka
  • Bay Rentals. Inc. Jet skis available for rental 952-474-0036
  • Tonka Tubing - tubing, water skiing, water boarding, knee boarding, cruising and touring or swimming and floating. 952-255-9940 http://www.tonkatubing.com

Snorkeling

• Scuba Classes – Scuba Center two locations 5015 Penn Avenue South Minneapolis (612) 925-4818 and 1571 Century Point Eagan (651) 681-8434 http://www.scubacenter.com
• You can snorkel Lake Minnetonka and the Minneapolis Chain of Lakes! Expect to see some of these types of fish http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/fish/index.html

Mountain Biking (see also Biking)

• Traillink – rails to trails conservancy http://www.traillink.com/?gclid=CJmQtq6W0K0CFUYDQAodGi2-nA

Swimming

• There are so many options for swimming in the land of 10,000 lakes. See the fitness centers category for indoor lap pools, see the waterpark category for swim fun. To experience the Minneapolis Chain of Lakes check out this link: http://www.minneapolisparks.org/grandrounds/map_CL1.htm

Hot Air Ballooning

• Aamodt's Hot Air Balloon Rides 6428 Manning Avenue North, Stillwater, MN (651) 351-0101 http://aamodtsballoons.com
• Balloon Ascensions Unlimited 18129 East Sioux Vista Drive, Jordan, MN (952) 492-5331 ‎ http://balloonridesminnesota.com

Sightseeing by boat

• Lake Minnetonka Boat tours
  • http://www.twincitiescruises.com/
  • http://www.al-almas.com/
  • Mississippi River Boat tours
    • Padelford Riverboats http://www.riverrides.com/
    • http://www.twincitiescruises.com/
    • Excelsior historic boat
      • http://www.steamboatminnehaha.org/

Golf

• Public Courses in Minneapolis http://www.minneapolisparks.org/default.asp?PageID=73
• Meadowbrook Golf Course, 18 holes over 6,529 yards with a par of 72 (Municipal), 201 Meadowbrook Rd, Hopkins, MN 55343 (952) 929-2077 http://www.minneapolisparks.org/default.asp?PageID=96&parkid=294
• Columbia Golf Course 3300 Central Ave. NE Minneapolis, MN 55418 612-789-2627   http://www.minneapolisparks.org/default.asp?PageID=73&parkid=181
• Columbia Driving Range 445 St. Anthony Pkwy. Minneapolis, MN 55418 612-370-4949 http://www.minneapolisparks.org/default.asp?PageID=98&parkid=295

Outdoors in the Winter

Cross Country Skiing

• Minneapolis Parks http://www.minneapolisparks.org/default.asp?PageID=676
• Hyland Park, Bloomington MN http://www.threeriversparks.org/parks/hyland-lake-park/hyland-ski-and-snowboard-area.aspx
• MN Dept of Natural Resources trail finder http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/skiing/index.html

Downhill Skiing

• Buck Hill – Burnsville http://www.buckhill.com/winter/index.html
• Trollhaugen - Dresser, WI http://www.trollhaugen.com/
• Hyland Park, Bloomington MN http://www.threeriversparks.org/parks/hyland-lake-park/hyland-ski-and-snowboard-area.aspx

Snowmobiling

• MN Dept of Natural Resources trail finder http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/snowmobiling/index.html
• Snowmobile Rental
  • Hitching Post Motorsports www.hponline.com 350 17th Avenue North Hopkins (952) 933-9649
  • Tousley Motorsports Inc www.tousleymotorsports.com 1400 East County Road E, White Bear Lake (651) 483-8296
  • Waconia Farm Supply 801 Minnesota 284 Waconia (952) 442-2126

Snowboarding

• Minneapolis Wirth Park http://www.minneapolisparks.org/default.asp?PageID=936
• Buck Hill – Burnsville http://www.buckhill.com/winter/index.html
• Trollhaugen - Dresser, WI http://www.trollhaugen.com/
• Hyland Park, Bloomington MN http://www.threeriversparks.org/parks/hyland-lake-park/hyland-ski-and-snowboard-area.aspx

Sledding / Tubing

• Buck Hill – Burnsville http://www.buckhill.com/winter/index.html
• Trollhaugen - Dresser, WI http://www.trollhaugen.com/

Winter Recreation

• Minneapolis Parks http://www.minneapolisparks.org/default.asp?PageID=183
• Buck Hill – Burnsville http://www.buckhill.com/winter/index.html
• Trollhaugen - Dresser, WI http://www.trollhaugen.com/
• Three Rivers Parks http://www.threeriversparks.org/parks/hyland-lake-park/hyland-ski-and-snowboard-area.aspx
• State Parks that offer Snow shoe Rental http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/snowshoeing.html

Outdoor Activities (and some indoor activities) Year Round

Hiking / Trails / Geocaching

• St. Louis Park Trails http://www.stlouispark.org/parks-trails.html
• MN Dept of Natural Resources trailfinder http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/hiking/index.html
• Geocaching http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/geocaching/index.html

Fishing

• Ice Fishing Info http://www.minneapolisparks.org/default.asp?PageID=1106
• Fishing Licenses and Lake Finder http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/fishing/index.html

Hunting & Trapping

• MN Dept of Natural Resources http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/hunting/index.html

Wildlife Viewing And Birding

• MN Dept of Natural Resources http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/nature_viewing/index.html

Rock Climbing

• Vertical Endeavors Indoor Rock Climbing Facility 2540 Nicollet Avenue, Minneapolis 55404 (612) 436-1470 ‎
• Vertical Endeavors Indoor Rock Climbing Facility 855 Phalen Boulevard,Saint Paul, MN 55106 (651) 776-1430 http://www.verticalendeavors.com/
• Minnesota Climbing Coop http://www.mnclimbingcoop.com/
• Where to climb near the Twin Cities http://minneapolis.about.com/od/healthsportsrecreation/a/rockclimbing.htm

Spelunking

• Urban exploring http://www.minnesotamonthly.com/media/Minnesota-Monthly/October-2007/Rocking-the-Underground/
• Great Article on Urban exploring http://www.minnesotafunfacts.com/minnesota-geography/subterranean-minnesota-secrets-of-the-caves/
• Spelunking in MN http://traveltips.usatoday.com/spelunking-minnesota-60495.html

Wildlife Viewing And Birding

• MN Dept of Natural Resources http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/nature_viewing/index.html

Dog Parks Off-Leash

• Locations and Non-Resident Rules here - http://www.minneapolisparks.org/default.asp?PageID=851

Horseback Riding

• Three Rivers Parks http://www.threeriversparks.org/activities/horseback-riding.aspx
• Karen Hup Riding 1425 Tamarack Drive, Long Lake, MN- (952) 270-8911 www.karenhuppriding.com
• Seventh Farm 583 Dayton Avenue, Saint Paul, MN 55102 (651) 458-1007 ‎ http://www.seventhfarm.com/

Fitness Center / Gym / Racquetball / Basketball Court

Call to Verify policies on travelers

• St Louis Park Life Time Fitness Offers: basketball courts, squash courts, racquetball courts, Indoor Swimming, Café, Spa, Massage     http://clubs.lifetimefitness.com/St-Louis-Park/11256/
• YWCA open to women and men. Offer indoor swimming, basketball, group fitness courses, weight training machines, free weights, cardio machines and more. Locations in Uptown, Downtown, and Midtown https://www.ywcampls.org/
• Life Time Fitness – this links to list of MN clubs http://clubs.lifetimefitness.com/Minnesota/102/
• LA Fitness – this link is to club finder https://www.lafitness.com/Pages/findclubresultszip.aspx?state=MN&zipCode=55405

Biking (see also Mountain Biking)

• Minneapolis http://www.minneapolisparks.org/default.asp?PageID=907
• St Louis Park http://www.stlouispark.org/parks-trails.html
• Blaine Velodrome- Track based Cycling http://www.nscsports.org/sports/cycling/index.htm
• Biking site – includes great bike maps and rental and repair shops https://www.niceridemn.org/bike_rental_shops/
• http://www16.co.hennepin.mn.us/forms/maprequest  GET YOUR FREE Henneping County Bike Route Map before you get here... order online!

Tennis

Outdoor Tennis

• St Louis Park - Aquila Park 4 courts: http://www.stlouispark.org/city_map/aquila_park.htm
• Loring Park 1382 Willow St. Minneapolis 55403 612 370-4929

Indoor Tennis   

• Reed Sweatt 4005 Nicollet Avenue South, Minneapolis (612) 825-6844 http://www.rsftctennis.com/

Soccer

• World’s largest Soccer Facility http://www.nscsports.org/index.htm
• City of Plymouth has a domed field house http://plymouthmn.gov/index.aspx?page=119
• During the Summer many local parks have fields including Lyndale Farmstead http://www.minneapolisparks.org/default.asp?PageID=4&parkid=241

Adult Friendly Amusements

• Canterbury Downs (Horse Racing-live in summer and simulcast from other tracks year round) and Card Club 1100 Canterbury Road, Shakopee 800-340-6361 http://www.canterburypark.com/
• Mystic Lake Casino 2400 Mystic Lake Blvd, Prior Lake 800-262-7799 http://www.mysticlake.com/
• A.C.E.S. Flight Simulation Mall of America, Bloomington 952-920-3519 http://www.flyaces.com/location.html  
• Drive a Tank! 550 West Cherry Street Kasota, MN 56050 507-461-0628 http://www.driveatank.com

Sports- Professional and College

• Minneapolis Sports – links to youth sports and other teams also can be found at this link! http://www.minneapolismn.gov/visitors/visitors_sports
• Gopher Sports http://www.gophersports.com/
• MN Lynx women’s basketballhttp://www.wnba.com/lynx/
• MN Timberwolves NBA http://www.nba.com/timberwolves/
• MN Twins http://minnesota.twins.mlb.com/index.jsp?c_id=min
• MN Vikings http://www.vikings.com/
• MN Wild Hockey http://wild.nhl.com/
• St Paul Saints Minor League Baseball http://www.saintsbaseball.com/entry/
• MN Swarm Lacrossehttp://www.mnswarm.com/
• MN Thunder Soccer http://www.mnthunder.com/

 Sightseeing Sights

• Minneapolis Highlights  http://www.minneapolismn.gov/visitors/visitors_landmarks 
• Ideas on what to see in Minneapolis http://www.minneapolis.org/
• Mississippi River , St Anthony Falls, Lock and Dam System, Hennepin Avenue Bridge, Stone Arch Bridge – create your own walking tour of this area – start at Nicollet Island http://www.nicolletisland.org/
• Trolley/streetcar tour http://www.trolleyride.org/  view part of the chain of lakes via a short streetcar ride – a nice little historical trip
• Minnehaha Falls 4801 Minnehaha Ave, Minneapolis (612) 724-5453 minneapolisparks.org
• Minneapolis Downtown Council (612) 338-3807 ‎ · downtownmpls.com
• Explore MN Metro ideas http://www.exploreminnesota.com/where-to-go/minneapolis-st-paul-area/index.aspx

Explore MN Metro online guidebook http://www.vacationfun.com/ebrochures/MinneapolisStPaul/iBrochure/Metro.html?id=1697



Sightseeing Tours

• Segway Magical History Tour 125 Main St. SE, Minneapolis, MN (952) 888-9200 ‎ · http://humanonastick.com see the Stone Arch Bridge, St Anthony Falls, Mississippi
• Minneapolis Ghost Tours http://realghosttours.com/
• St Paul Gangster Tour http://www.wabashastreetcaves.com/gangster.html
• City Tours http://www.awardwinningcitytours.com/
• Twin City Tours http://www.twincitiestours.com/
• Grayline Tours http://www.grayline.com/Minneapolis

Shuffleboard

• The Bulldog, Lowertown 237 East Sixth Street St. Paul, MN 55101 651.221.0750 http://www.thebulldoglowertown.com/location/
• Herkimer Pub & Brewery‎ 2922 Lyndale Avenue South Minneapoli 55408 (612) 821-0101 http://www.theherkimer.com ‎

Shopping

• Mall of America Bloomington, MN 55425 952.883.8800 http://www.mallofamerica.com/home
• Downtown Minneapolis http://www.downtownmpls.com/page/show/227787-shop
• 50^th and France, Edina http://www.50thandfrance.com/business.php?businesscat=ShopsBoutiques
• Calhoun Square http://www.calhounsquare.com/shopping/
• Antiques
  • Hopkins Main Street has many shops to choose from http://www.thinkhopkins.com/antiques/
  • Mall of St. Paul – many different vendors of antiques http://www.mallofstpaul.com/

Health / Beauty Spa

• Aveda Institute – discount services by students 400 Central Avenue Southeast Minneapolis 55414 (612) 331-1400 http://www.avedaservices.com/mn/
• Sudz Salon - 2400 Hennepin Avenue South, Minneapolis (612) 377-3010 http://sudzsalonmpls.com
• Sabai Body Temple 2753 Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis(612) 872-8354 ‎ http://sabaibodytemple.com
• Massage Envy Spa - Lake Calhoun 3254 West Lake Street, Minneapolis 55416 (612) 455-9000 http://massageenvy.com
• Raze Mens’s Haircuts, St Louis Park West End http://www.razeformen.com/salondetail/default.asp?salonid=62387
• SportClips Mens Haircuts 1730 New Brighton Blvd Minneapolis (612) 788-6330 http://www.haircutmenquarryminneapolismn.com/

Night Clubs

• Kit Cat Klub 313 14th Avenue Southeast Mpls. 55414 (612) 331-9800
• Congo Latin Bistro 501 E Hennepin Ave Mpls. 55414 (612) 331-3360
• First Avenue and 7^th Street Entry 701 First Ave Mpls (612) 338-8388



Call 612-701-0900 or 612-801-0444; email sjshortstay@gmail.com