The striking Weisman Art Museum, designed by Frank Gehry is the place to be for modern art, while the Minneapolis Institute of Arts showcases classic works from the last 5,000 years. For the real enthusiast, a visit to the Walker Art Center with its Minneapolis Sculpture Garden should not be missed. International rock, pop and country stars perform at the Target Center and Xcel Energy Center and sports enthusiasts can enjoy games of the MLB Minnesota Twins, the NFL Minnesota Vikings, the NBA Minnesota Timberwolves or the NHL Minnesota Wild.
With the Guthrie Theater, Walker Art Center, Minnesota Orchestra, St. Paul Chamber Orchestra and many other venues, Minneapolis-St. Paul probably the main art center between the east and west coasts. Several theaters, art galleries and art centers throughout the province employ regional, national and international artisans and contribute to the state’s reputation as an arts destination. Well-known theater, music and arts centers make Minnesota home to one of the most vibrant arts scenes in the country. Museums throughout the state have scientific and history collections worth visiting.
Orpheum Theatre, Minneapolis
This theater was built in 1921 and has changed appearance several times since then. In the 1980s it was owned by Bob Dylan and his brother David Zimmerman. The largest space of the four rooms was restored in the 1990s and has approximately 2,600 seats. With a 2,000-pound chandelier, domed ceiling, and 30,000-square-foot aluminum top, the entertainment on stage is only part of the experience. The stage has welcomed many guests over the years including Benny Goodman, Tommy Dorsey and the Gene Krupa Orchestra to Heart, Brian Wilson, Janet Jackson, Chris Isaak, Diana Ross and Robert Plant.
Mille Lacs Indian Museum, North of Onamia
According to agooddir, the Mille Lacs Indian Museum features exhibits dedicated to the story of the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe. Live their experiences and discover how they tried to build a life in northern Minnesota. Videos, computers, listening stations and objects reveal information about the band’s life to this day. From dance traditions to music and sovereignty issues.
Minnesota History Center, St. Paul
Visitors can experience the intensity of a D-Day battle in a warplane, replenish ammunition in a replicated ordinance installation, and build up an M-8 armored vehicle at the St. Paul Ford factory at the Minnesota History Center during the “Minnesota’s” permanent exhibit. Greatest Generation: The Depression, The War, The Boom.’ It includes audio clips of men and women who lived through the war, the impact of the Pearl Harbor attack, and stories of Japanese-Americans trained at a Fort Snelling language school to work in wartime. The ‘World War I America’ exhibition runs from April to September 2017.
Minnesota History
Minnesota joined the United States of America in 1858, becoming the 32nd state. The state’s most important and largest cities are the Twin Cities; St Paul and Minneapolis. The history of this state can be divided into the period of the French fur traders, colonization and industrial development.
The fur traders
Minnesota’s main trading product was bond and Pierre-Esprit Radisson also found out. A French explorer and merchant, he probably discovered the state of Minnesota around the 1660s. He traveled with his brother-in-law Médard Chouart, Sieur de Groseilliers, who was also an explorer and merchant. Also known as voyageurs, they discovered the many lakes and rivers in the area. The fur trade became increasingly important after the American Revolution. Several forts came, but one has always been very important, the first American fort: Fort Snelling. This fortress was built in 1824. From Fort Snelling the region was better discovered and trade was conducted. In the 19th century, this fortress helped to protect the fur trade.
The Colonization
In the 1840s, Minnesota was colonized and important treaties were signed with the Native Americans. The Chippewa and the Dakota Indian tribes played an important role in this. Saint Paul became an official city in 1854 and the first constitution of the state of Minnesota was passed in 1857. At about the same time, there were about 150,000 people living in Minnesota. The struggle with the Indians has always been there, because despite the treaties they signed, they often wanted their land back. That is why the Dakota War has broken out.
Now
In the twentieth century, many Scandinavians emigrated to Minnesota. The industry developed rapidly and Minessota developed from a fur industry to a major player in global iron ore production. That era, too, is now over. Minesota has become very important in the tourism industry at this time. More than 20 million tourists visit this state every year and enjoy all the nature, art and culture of Minnesota.
Minnesota Historical Society
Founded in 1849, the Minnesota Historical Society has grown to become one of the nation’s largest and most prestigious historical societies. They offer educational and touristic events and play an important role in the preservation of monuments.
Transportation in Minnesota
Minnesota is easy to explore by car, for example via the 20 official ‘scenic byways’. These cover more than 4,500 km and range in length from a 15 km ride to the more than 900 km long Mississippi River route.
By car
There’s nothing like the feeling of freedom as the miles slip beneath you on America’s endless roads. Overlooking the rugged coastline, blooming hills and undulating farmland, the scenic routes of the state of Minnesota offer you a beautiful palette of natural greens and every shade of blue that exists.
Great Drives
Apple Blossom Scenic Drive – This seasonal route takes in the Mississippi Valley countryside roads and past farms and orchards.
Gunflint Trail
This route starts at Lake Superior, but then goes deep into the interior of the National Forest where there are no buildings left and the howl of wolves are sometimes the only sounds you hear!
North Shore Scenic Drive
One of America’s most spectacular routes is the North Scenic Drive, the 250 miles of which follow Lake Superior from Duluth and through Two Harbors to Grand Portage. Waterfalls and vistas of the vast expanse of water characterize the rugged coastline. Stop along the way at the striking Split Rock lighthouse and in the town of Grand Marais with its beautiful theater and many art galleries.
By bike, walking, or on inline skates
You can also leave the car at home and cycle, walk or rollerblade along the road. One of America’s most spectacular routes is the North Scenic Drive, the 250 miles of which follow Lake Superior from Duluth and through Two Harbors to Grand Portage. The Grand Rounds Scenic Byway is one of the few city routes that takes you past the diverse parks of Minneapolis.
Paddle the Lakes of Minnesota
What could be more relaxing than exploring the Lakes of Minnesota by boat? Paddle through the water with a canoe and feel the nature around you.
Sports & Leisure in Minnesota
Minnesota is one of the states in the USA that has a professional team for every major sport. With more than 10,000 lakes, vast forests and hiking trails, adventurers will have a great time here. For example, go kayaking on the wild rivers, follow the winding hiking trails or try the challenging mountain bike routes. In winter you can even follow impressive trails with a snowmobile. We have listed a number of active activities for you.
Spring Valley
Near the Historic Bluff Country National Scenic Byway, surrounded by the ranches of Minnesota. A picturesque area where you can see the peaceful farm life and the starting point of many walks.
Bloomington
Bloomington is home to the Mall of America®, the largest indoor shopping and entertainment complex in Minnesota in the United States. It is the perfect base to explore Minnesota and the Great Lakes region.
