Attractions Nearby Minneapolis, Day Trips and Excursions

(Minneapolis, Minnesota - MN, USA)

With Saint Paul located just across the river from Minneapolis, there is plenty more to see in the other 'Twin City', including several impressive architectural structures and a number of not-to-be-missed museum atractions.

However, Minneapolis' outlying attractions are not restricted to Saint Paul city center - the suburbs have their fair share of tourist drawcards and attractions, including America's second-largest zoo and a mall that will keep you shopping 'till you drop!

Como Park Zoo

Address: 1250 Kaufman Drive, St. Paul, Minnestoa MN, 55103, USA
Tel: +1 651 487 8200
Como Zoo is full of all the usual zoo animals and attractions, together with a gift shop, restaurant and regular shows throughout the day. Close to Minneapolis, other attractions at Como Zoo include picnic areas and a nearby amusement park.
Open hours: April to September, daily - 10:00 to 18:00, October to March, daily - 10:00 to 16:00
Admission: charge, discounts available for children

Mall of America

Address: 60 East Broadway, Bloomington, Minnesota, 55425 (MN), USA
Tel: +1 952 883 8800
Lying directly south of Minneapolis in the suburb of Bloomington is the gargantuan Mall of America, a shopping extravaganza dubbed the MegaMall for its 4.2 million square foot area of shopping and entertainment. Home to 520 stores, a seven-acre / 3-hectare fun park, 14 cinema screens and Minnesota's largest aquarium, the Mall of America is an experience not to be missed!
Open hours: Monday to Saturday - 10:00 to 21:30, Sunday - 11:00 to 19:00
Admission: free

Minnesota History Center

Tel: +1 651 296 6126
The history of Minnesota is traced and documented through the center's collection of artifacts and utilities, photographs and music and video excerpts. St. Paul's Minnesota History Center extends over three floors, with hands-on exhibits which include a simulated tornado guaranteed to get even the sturdiest heart beating faster.
Open hours: Tuesday - 10:00 to 20:00, Wednesday to Saturday - 10:00 to 17:00, Sunday - 12:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge, discounts for under 17s, students and seniors, children under six free

Minnesota State Capitol

Address: 75 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, St. Paul, Minnesota MN, USA
Tel: +1 651 296 2881
Located at St. Paul, Minnesota's official capital, the awe-inspiring Minnesota State Capitol building dates from 1905 and boasts the globe's biggest unsupported marble dome, topped by trademark golden horses. The inside of the building is a sight for sore eyes, with multiple marble staircases, a fabulous art collection and a maze of lavish chambers and halls.
Open hours: Monday to Friday - 09:00 to 16:00, Saturday - 10:00 to 15:00, Sunday - 13:00 to 16:00
Admission: free

Minnesota Zoo

Address: 13000 Zoo Boulevard, Apple Valley, Minnesota MN, 55124, USA
Tel: +1 952 431 9200
Ranked second in size among all US zoos, the Minnesota Zoo covers 485 acres / 196 hectares and is located in the sleepy suburb of Apple Valley, a short drive south of the Mall of America. The zoo is home to over 2,300 diverse creatures from all over the world and acts as sanctuary and breeding center for a number of endangered species. Minnesota Zoo is within easy reach of Minneapolis and other attractions include an on-site IMAX theater showing a variety of environmental productions.
Open hours: October to April, daily - 09:00 to 16:00; May, Monday to Friday - 09:00 to 16:00, Saturday and Sunday - 09:00 to 18:00; June to September, daily - 09:00 to 18:00
Admission: charge, discounts for children

Science Museum of Minnesota

Address: 120 West Kellogg Boulevard, St. Paul, Minnesota MN, 55102, USA
Tel: +1 651 221 9444
Featuring a number of top-notch permanent exhibits and an ever-changing program of temporary displays, the Science Museum of Minnesota is a must for any curious mind. With its exciting interactive gadgets and technological demonstrations, the museum is perfect for kids and adults alike. The Human Body Gallery, Fossils Gallery, Experiments Gallery and a 3-D laser theater are just a few of the Science Museum's permanent attractions and offerings.
Open hours: Sunday - 12:00 to 17:00, Monday to Saturday - 09:30 to 21:00
Admission: charge, discounts for seniors and children