Attractions

Architectural Highlights

Minneapolis is quickly developing a reputation for attracting some of the most interesting architecture in the country. Jean Nouvel's new Guthrie Theater, 818 S. 2nd St., is a 2006 addition; its dark blue steel exterior is illuminated with visions of past productions. Other gems include Herzog and de Meuron's Walker Art Center, 1750 Hennepin; Cesar Pelli's Minneapolis Central Library, 300 Nicollet Mall; and Frank Gehry's Frederick R. Weisman Art Museum, 333 E. River Rd.

In St. Paul, don't miss a stroll down Summit Avenue, just west of St. Paul Cathedral, one of the finest collections of Victorian residential architecture in the nation. The area has been home to such authors as F. Scott Fitzgerald, Sinclair Lewis, and Garrison Keillor. Take a quiet stroll on your own, or join a guided walking tour. Tours depart from the James J. Hill House, 240 Summit Ave. (tel. 651/297-2555).

Parks

St. Paul's Como Park, 1250 Kaufman Dr. (tel. 651/487-8200), is one of the busiest and most beautiful parks in the Twin Cities, best known for its free zoo and its flower conservatory with a half-acre domed botanical garden. There's also a golf course, ski trails, and footpaths, as well as paddle boats, canoes, bikes, and skates for rent. It's open daily from 10am to 6pm April through September, from 10am to 4pm off season. St. Paul's Landmark Plaza, adjacent to the Landmark Center at 5th and Washington streets, is home to four bronze statues of the Peanuts comic book characters. The statues pay homage to hometown artist Charles Schulz.

Best Bets for Kids

The Minnesota Zoo (tel. 952/431-9500; www.mnzoo.com), in Apple Valley, houses more than 2,300 animals. The Children's Theater Company, 2400 3rd Ave. S. (tel. 612/874-0400; www.childrenstheatre.org), presents plays for all age groups in one of America's best regional theaters. The Mall of America houses The Park at MOA (tel. 952/883-8600; www.theparkatmoa.com), the nation's largest indoor amusement park, Underwater Adventures Aquarium (tel. 888/348-3846; www.sharky.tv), and NASCAR (tel. 952/854-7700), an indoor race-car simulator, among other attractions.

In St. Paul

The Minnesota Children's Museum, 10 W. 7th St. (tel. 651/225-6000; www.mcm.org), offers popular features such as papermaking, a music studio, and a Rooftop ArtPark scheduled to open in 2006. Como Zoo, 1250 Kaufman Dr. (tel. 651/487-8200), inside Como Park, is Minnesota's only free zoo.