10 Things to do Good for a Rainy Day in Metro Minneapolis-Saint Paul That You Shouldn't Miss

June 11, 2021 Hector Krause

Discover the best top things to do in Metro Minneapolis-Saint Paul, United States including Minneapolis Institute of Art, Wings of the North Air Museum, Minnesota History Center, Mall of America, Nickelodeon Universe, Lego Imagination Center, James J. Hill House, Minnesota State Capitol, Cathedral of Saint Paul, Science Museum of Minnesota.
Restaurants in Metro Minneapolis-Saint Paul

1. Minneapolis Institute of Art

2400 3rd Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55404-3506 +1 612-870-3131 http://www.artsmia.org/
Excellent
83%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 2,356 reviews

Minneapolis Institute of Art

Travel through 4,000 years of world history as you view more than 80,000 works of sculpture, photography, paintings, drawings and prints.

Reviewed By RedYoga - Benicia, United States

I was visiting Minneapolis for a conference, and saw an ad for the special exhibit of Native American women's art at MIA. Kudos to MIA for putting together such an amazing exhibit--it is fantastic! I walked through the special exhibit twice to better take it all in. I would encourage everyone to go see it! Not to be missed.

2. Wings of the North Air Museum

10100 Flying Cloud Dr, Eden Prairie, MN 55347-4016 +1 952-746-6100 [email protected] http://www.wotn.org/
Excellent
97%
Good
3%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 32 reviews

Wings of the North Air Museum

The museum features five beautifully restored World War II aircraft including an AT-6D Texan, a P-51D Mustang, and a Boeing N2S-1 Stearman that was flown by future President George HW Bush during his training as a Navy pilot, and a TBM Avenger. Other displays include aircraft engines, an ejection seat, a WWII Jeep built by Ford, and aviation art. Tours for groups of 8 or more by appointment and the museum is available for small group meetings and parties. Call for rates. We are often open on holidays. Call or check our Facebook page.

Reviewed By TimothyB173 - Minneapolis, United States

This is a great little air museum located at Flying Cloud Airport in Eden Prairie, MN with easy and short access from I-494. They don't have an extensive collection of aircraft, but what they don't have in quantity they make up for in quality and the knowledge of their volunteers. Unlike most museums, Wings of the North has a team of volunteer docents that guides you through the memorabilia collection inside and then then aircraft collection in the hangar. It's the volunteers that makes this such a unique experience. Their knowledge is exceptional and they take the time to answer all of your questions. The collection includes the Stearman in which President George HW Bush (41) earned his wings while he was a naval flight cadet in Minneapolis. If you're visiting the Twin Cities and are into aviation, I also highly recommend the Commemorative Air Force Minnesota Chapter Museum at Flemming Field in South St. Paul. Also the Northwest Airlines History Center has a wonderful little museum that's run by several of the NWA retirees. This is located in the Crowne Plaza Hotel on 34th Ave just off I-494 from MSP airport. And finally, if you're up for a drive, the Fagan Fighters Museum in Granite Falls, MN is simply top-notch. This is a very enjoyable 2-hour drive from the Twin Cities through the heart of Minnesota farm country.

3. Minnesota History Center

345 Kellogg Blvd W, Saint Paul, MN 55102-1903 +1 651-259-3000 http://www.mnhs.org/historycenter
Excellent
74%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 601 reviews

Minnesota History Center

An interactive museum with both permanent and changing exhibits, the Minnesota History Center hosts concerts, lectures, family days and other special events throughout the year. The building is also home to the Minnesota Historical Society library and archives, a research destination for schoolchildren, family historians and academics.

Reviewed By JoanieM620 - Grantsburg, United States

I spend 3 days doing research in the History Library. Their collection of materials is extensive and the staff is very helpful. They showed me how to use the microfilm reader and make copies from the digital copier. In the print materials room, it was easy to use the computer to find the materials I needed. The staff was quick in retrieving items from the archives that I wanted to read through. All-in-all, I had a very successful time doing research.

4. Mall of America

60 E Broadway, Bloomington, MN 55425-5510 +1 952-883-8800 http://mallofamerica.com
Excellent
52%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 5,855 reviews

Mall of America

Mall of America(R) is one of the top tourist destinations in the country! The Mall welcomes more than 40 million visitors a year from across the country and around the world to enjoy over 520 retail and specialty stores including Nordstrom and Macy's. Experience unique dining and entertainment at over 50 restaurants plus enjoy leading attractions like the nation's largest indoor theme park, Nickelodeon Universe(R) indoor theme park, SEA LIFE(R) Aquarium, LEGO(R), A.C.E.S. Flight Simulator, Moose Mountain Adventure Golf and more! By hosting more than 400 events each year, the Mall has become the place where fans can meet and greet their favorite celebrities or take part in interactive, one-of-a-kind events.

Reviewed By kevinhC5722CY - Mold, United Kingdom

Visited Mall of America for a second time and left just as impressed as my first visit several years ago. Great range of unique stores over a number of levels, clean and well maintained and enjoys a great food offer too. The centre piece though has to be the fun fair in the middle of what is a vast shopping centre. And car parking is easy with lots of space available. Also loved the many electronic find-what-you-are-looking for electronic stands that are easy to operate and guide you to any store, restaurant, fast food outlet or just the nearest rest room you may need to find. All in all a great shopping experience.

5. Nickelodeon Universe

5000 Center Ct Mall of America, Bloomington, MN 55425-5505 +1 952-883-8600 [email protected] http://nickelodeonuniverse.com
Excellent
55%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2,294 reviews

Nickelodeon Universe

Reviewed By cynthiamM7775VM - Saint Paul, United States

Bought an all-day pass for rides and the kids took off. Some rode the same ride three times in a row, a couple tried a "scary" ride for them and liked it and the usual Ferris wheel, swings, and carousel were favorites. It is a bright, noisy and exciting place for a day of fun. For the adults, it is great people watching and finding a bench to sit and have a cup of coffee while watching and visiting.

6. Lego Imagination Center

164 S Avenue Mall of America, Bloomington, MN 55425-5525 +1 952-858-8949 http://www.mallofamerica.com/attractions/view/lego
Excellent
55%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
14%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 902 reviews

Lego Imagination Center

Six thousand square feet of Lego models in the Mall of America.

Reviewed By 619douglasp

Amazing!! For anyone who appreciates the creativity and imagination that Legos stimulate, this store and exhibit is a must see. The exhibits on top of the store are mind boggling, utilizing millions of pieces to make. Inside the store, you can peruse thousands of kits or buy individual pieces in all colors and piece shapes you can imagine. I purchased a kit for my grandson but, could have spent thousands just buying fun kits for myself.

7. James J. Hill House

240 Summit Ave, Saint Paul, MN 55102-2194 +1 651-297-2555 http://www.mnhs.org/hillhouse
Excellent
67%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 497 reviews

James J. Hill House

Rugged stone, massive scale, fine detail and ingenious mechanical systems recall the powerful presence of James J. Hill, builder of the Great Northern Railway. Guides lead tours that help you imagine family and servant life in the Gilded Age mansion, the setting of the public and private lives of the Hill family. The James J. Hill House is a National Historic Landmark. The home also includes an art gallery, which features work from the Minnesota Historical Society's collections.

Reviewed By suebee220

I've been here three times and find it fascinating. It's my go to place when I have guests visiting from out of town. Not only is the house incredible, the tour provides historical information about the Hill family and the contributions James made. If you have time, make the short walk to the cathedral to check it out too.

8. Minnesota State Capitol

75 Rev Dr Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Saint Paul, MN 55155-1605 +1 651-296-2881 [email protected] http://www.mnhs.org/capitol
Excellent
62%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 375 reviews

Minnesota State Capitol

Connect with this landmark government building designed by Cass Gilbert through its amazing stories — and learn about its incredible architecture, art and history.

Reviewed By Madogfechan - Bishopton, United Kingdom

Such a beautiful building, marble pillars and staircases, breathtaking dome, somber official chambers, rich colours, warm woodwork, gilded details.......all brought to life by the informative guides with their unique stories to share. The guide we had on our tour pointed out so many details that we would surely have missed if left to our own devices. As visitors from Scotland we felt very welcomed here.

9. Cathedral of Saint Paul

239 Selby Ave, Saint Paul, MN 55102-1811 +1 651-228-1766 [email protected] http://www.cathedralsaintpaul.org/
Excellent
78%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,041 reviews

Cathedral of Saint Paul

This Classical Renaissance-style Cathedral dating back to 1915 features a splendid interior of six chapels, imported marble columns, large statues of the four evangelists and beautiful rose windows.

Reviewed By jerb2014 - Bristol, United States

The cathedral is perched on a hill with a commanding view of the city and the capitol building. There is street parking and a lot for the church itself. Inside, the cathedral is filled with stunning artwork including a replica of Michelangelo's Pieta and some colossal statues of the Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. Behind the altar there are small chapels representing various ethic groups that were so very nice to see. A huge vaulted ceiling soars to the heavens. Just so very much to see. A incredibly serene and peaceful setting for prayer and reflection in this hectic world Well worth a visit.

10. Science Museum of Minnesota

120 Kellogg Blvd W, Saint Paul, MN 55102-1202 +1 651-221-9444 [email protected] http://new.smm.org
Excellent
70%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,112 reviews

Science Museum of Minnesota

The Science Museum of Minnesota is one of the state’s most popular museums, with a reach that extends well beyond its riverfront location in downtown Saint Paul. In addition to its beloved visitor place, which serves hundreds of thousands of people each year with its engaging exhibits, breathtaking giant screen films, and engaging special events, Science Museum education programs touch students in all of Minnesota’s 87 counties each year, and its research programs span the globe. Discovery awaits at the Science Museum of Minnesota! You’ll find something fascinating around every corner. We love to see the fun that our visitors have! Tag us in your photos @sciencemuseummn, or use #ShareYourDiscovery!

Reviewed By AdrienneM61 - Wichita, United States

We were actually there to visit the Mississippi National Riverway - which is located inside the Museum foyer. The foyer had a few exhibits that you could do without purchasing tickets to the very extensive museum - we LOVED the musical stairs, seriously...so incredibly cool and unique. We were a little short on time, so we had no intention on entering the museum, except a lady with her child had won tickets from an auction and had 4 more than they could use and asked if we would enjoy them, we graciously agreed. Huge thanks to that sweet lady. The museum is HUGE, we didn't get to do everything because again, it's huge! And the tickets included the IMAX film on Apollo 11 which was great! What we did get to do was very enjoyable, with several volunteer run stations where kids could make their own crafts or be part of an exhibit - very well done museum, enjoyable for kids and adults of ALL ages. If ever in the Twin Cities again, we will DEFINITELY return, to finish the rest of the museum!

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