From: john@newave.newave.mn.org (John A. Weeks III)
Newsgroups: rec.travel
Subject: Re: Need info on Minnesota and it's surroundings.
Date: 3 Oct 92 15:28:23 GMT
Organization: Newave Communications, Ltd, Lake Wobegon, MN

In <1992Oct3.002013.830@odin.corp.sgi.com> long@taurus.esd.sgi.com writes:
> I am planning a trip to Minnesota this 15th of October.  This will be my
> second state outside of California since my arrival to the US.  I have no
> idea on what to bring and where to go.  If any of you have ideas on what
> to pack for and what to do once I'm there, please drop me a line or two.

Bring a variety of clothes and at least a light jacket.  The temperature
could be anywhere between 20 degrees and 85 degrees (which it was yesterday).

There is a lot to see in the Twin Cities area.  Duluth is also fun.  The rest
of the state, especially the northern third, is great if you like the outdoors.
If you are flying in, there is tourist info available at the airport
information booth.

BTW, Wisconsin is only 12 miles from the twin cities if you want to add
a third state to your list.  8-)  If you are taking gifts back to anyone,
items with animals are the most popular, including Loons (they look like
Ducks but are way cooler), Timber Wolves, and Cows.

Here is a list of things I like...your milage may vary:
Minnesota Zoo -- the second largest zoo in the US
Como Park Zoo & Conservatory (St Paul) and Lake Superior Zoo (Duluth)
Science Museum Of Minnesota (St Paul--has an omnitheatre)
Grand Casino (Hinkley, has a great buffett for $4.99)
Mall Of America (Bloomington--largest mall in US plus Camp Snoopy theme park)
Valley Fair (Shokape, world class roller coasters)
Walker Art Museum (Minneapolis, has a neat sculpture garden)
Bell Museum Of Natural History (on the U of M campus, Minneapolis)
Planetarium (Minneapolis, daily star shows and nightly laser light shows set
	to rock or classical music)
First Avenue, Grand Slam (Minneapolis night clubs, schrines for Prince fans)
Planes Of Fame (Eden Prairie, nice collection of restored WWII aircraft)
Mississippi River Parkway (roads and parks on either side of Mississippi river
	are being turned into the first urban national park in the US)
Mississippi Live (New Orleans style entertainment mall in Minneapolis)
City Center/Gaviidae Commons/IDS Tower (downtown Minneapolis shopping all
	connected by skyways--great for a rainy day)
Lake St and Hennepin Ave (the real downtown area of Minneapolis that has been
	transformed into an upscale area.  Lots of shops, eating places, and
	recreation.  Check out Lake St between Lyndale and France, and 
	Hennepin between Lake St and I-94)
Fitgers Brewery (downtown Duluth, tourist shops & eating places)
Depot (railroad & history museum downton Duluth)
Cheers (visit the bar from the hit TV show at the MSP International airport)
Thompson's Hill (south end of Duluth on I-35.  This highway rest area and
	tourist info center has an incredible view at night of the Duluth
	and Superior city lights and a clear view of the stars.  Do not miss
	this if you happen to go to Duluth.)
St Croix River (from Hudson WI through Stillwater MN and Taylor's Falls has
	lots of tourits stuff and is a national scenic area)
Apple River Tubing (although it might be late in the season, you still might
	be able to foat down the Apple River, one of the best places in the
	US to go tubing.  Somerset WI)
Golden Gophers (see Big 10 college football at the Metrodome, Minneapolis) 
Ft Snelling (near the MSP International airport, 1800's frontier life is
	recreated on weekends a historic army fort)

-john-

-- 
==============================================================================
John A. Weeks III		(612) 942-6969		    john@newave.mn.org
Newave Communications, Ltd.			    ..!uunet!tcnet!newave!john