Sightseeing Tips from David Holliday…
Explore Minneapolis – Estimated time is 2-4 hours
Catch the METRO Blue Line at the Mall of America. Get off at the 50th Street/ Minnehaha Park stop and walk 10 minutes to see the beautiful falls. If you have time, explore the trails below the falls that will bring you to the Mississippi River. Get back on the METRO Blue Line going North. Once you enter downtown, there are several stops and attractions.
From the US Bank Stadium Station (home of the Minnesota Vikings) you can walk to the Guthrie Theater (check out the neverending bridge inside for FREE), Gold Medal Park, Mill City Museum, Mill Ruins Park and the Stone Arch Bridge.
From the Nicollet Mall Station you can explore the pedestrian mall featuring restaurants and shopping and visit the Mary Tyler Moore Statue.
Hop off at the Hennepin Ave Station for more shopping and restaurants, Target Center (home of the Minnesota Timerwolves and Lynx), First Avenue (iconic music venue featured in Prince’s Purple Rain), Target Field (home of the Minnesota Twins), and the North Loop Neighborhood.
Extend your adventure and visit St. Paul – additional 2-4 hours
From any downtown METRO Blue Line stop, get on the METRO Green Line heading East.
The West Bank Station stop features the West Bank of the University of Minnesota including the Arts Quarter, Mondale Law School, and Humphrey School of Public Affairs. The East Bank Station stop is home to the central campus of the University of Minnesota where you can visit the Coffman Memorial Union, Northrop Auditorium, and Weisman Art Museum. Hop off at the Stadium Village Station to see Mariucci Arena (hockey), Williams Arena (basketball), and Huntington Bank Stadium (football).
From the Snelling Avenue Station, see Allianz Field (MLS Soccer) and “The Calling” Loon Sculpture. From the Capitol/Rice Street Station, it is a 5 minute walk to the Minnesota State Capitol. And the Union Depot Station stop features the historic Union Train Depot.
Explore the Twin Ports
Those attending the October 10 familiarity tour may consider spending more time in the Twin Ports by staying an extra night or two. Duluth/Superior is located on the western tip of Lake Superior, has an amazing outdoor scene, iconic historical sites, and is an active shipping port. Duluth is also considered the gateway to the Minnesota North Shore which offers stunning vistas and views along the shores of Lake Superior. Go to Visit Duluth to learn more about this unique corner of the world. Transportation back to the MSP airport is available through Groome Transportation. Duluth also has an international airport (DLH) that has daily direct flights to Chicago and Minneapolis. Questions about extending your stay in Duluth/Superior can be directed to Cheryl Skafte.
Helpful Links
Minneapolis Cultural Districts
National Student Exchange 