By Katie Keiger
Poultry Times staff
kkeiger@poultrytimes.com
MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — Attendees of the Midwest Poultry Federation Convention will have no problems filling their itineraries after hours with things to do in the “Twin Cities” of Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minn.
The cities boast various unique places to visit, stores to shop and places to eat for even the most seasoned traveler to enjoy.
Minneapolis
Mall of America
The biggest mall in America is a must see for many tourists. More than 500 stores are available for shoppers on multiple levels. There are also various restaurants to eat at after all the shopping is done.
Check what movies and events are occurring on specific days by visiting their website; https://mallofamerica.com/
Public murals and art displays
The city of Minneapolis celebrates art, not only indoors but outside as well, as testament by the various displays on various building walls. Some of these artistic expressions cover an entire side of the building, multiple stories high and are very detailed such as “Shark Attack,” which is located at 501 Cedar Avenue.
The art ranges in a variety of subjects from political to cultural and by many different artists. To see more and where to find specific pieces, visit https://www.minneapolis.org/things-to-do/arts-culture/murals-public-art/.
Dinner Detective
There’s a killer in the city of Minneapolis, and he/she strikes every weekday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays at 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Dinner Detective allows guests to take part in an interactive performance as well as enjoy a full course meal. The theatrical performance is comical and improvised with loud gunshots occurring as part of the act. All patrons should be more than 15 years of age and teenagers should be accompanied by adults.
For more information or to reserve seating, visit https://www.thedinnerdetective.com/minneapolis/.
St. Paul
Science Museum of Minnesota
Dinosaurs, robots and mummies oh my! There are plenty of subjects to intrigue even the most skeptical visitor at the Science Museum of Minnesota. Dream Big is a special exhibit that will be open from March 2 and will provide information through the big screen about humanity’s most innovative creations from the Great Wall of China to solar powered cars.
For more information, visit https://www.smm.org/.
Como Park Zoo and Conservatory
Though exhibitors will just miss seeing the Super Bold Flower Show, which ends March 11, the Como Park Zoo and Conservatory has ten gardens full of exotic and beautiful plants and scenery that are sure to impress. There are bonsai trees, palm trees and the Charlotte Partridge Ordway Japanese Garden which was designed as a special gift from the people of Nagasaki, St. Paul’s sister city.
Visitors can also see a list of incredible creatures from the Galapagos tortoise to tamarins. People can also see polar bears up close at 10:30 a.m. and view gorillas interact with their trainers at 2 p.m. For more information, visit http://www.comozooconservatory.org/plan/#/visitor-guide.
Mystic Lake Casino Hotel or Treasure Island Resort and Casino
For visitors who want to blow off some steam after working the booths all day, there are two options where gaming and casino entertainment is available. Treasure Island Resort and Casino is right on the Mississippi River and features more than 2,200 slots, 44 table games, a six-table poker room and a 550-seat high stakes bingo hall.
Mystic Lake Casino Hotel offers 24/7 gaming fun complete with blackjack tables, 4,000 slots and a 600 seater bingo hall. There is also a golf course and featured music entertainment.
Both hotels also have luxurious spa and swimming facilities for their hotel guests, along with bars and restaurants.
Wabasha Street Caves
For those who are interested in history but want a more compelling and provocative experience, the Wabasha Street Caves may be worth seeing. During prohibition, there were many speakeasies and this one is still open. It is inside an actual cave that was transformed in 1933, called the Castle Royal, where John Dillinger and the Barker Gang used to frequent.
It has been somewhat renovated with modern amenities, but the history and character of the location remains. Tours are available Thursday nights starting at 5 p.m., as well as Saturdays and Sundays at 11 a.m. There are also dance lessons hosted every Thursday night starting at 6:15 p.m.
Cathedral of Saint Paul
This religious monument can be appreciated by religious and nonreligious guests due to its impressive architecture and historical significance. Its construction began in 1907, taking more than seven years to complete, as a dedication to Paul the Apostle who was also the namesake of the city of Saint Paul. It is the third largest church in the U.S. as of 2018.
Tours are provided daily with varying hours for guests to learn about the history behind the building and see the interior and exterior of the cathedral. Groups of ten or more are encouraged to call 651-357-1327 to schedule a tour.
American Association of Woodturners’ Gallery of Wood Art
March 13 is the opening to the day of the Bound by Nature exhibit by Kimber Olson at the American Association of Woodturners’ Gallery of Wood Art. The exhibition features sculptural wood pieces which Olson said were inspired by symbiotic partnerships in woodland environments.
Displays in this unique museum typically include art ranging in size, some which can be handheld while others tower over people, and are made of wood. Admission to the museum is free and the hours are Tuesday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 3 p.m. Appointments can also be made on Sundays. For more information, visit http://www.galleryofwoodart.org.
