Minneapolis Convention Center

1301 Second Avenue South

Minneapolis, Minnesota 55403

612-335-6000

Hilton Minneapolis

1001 Marquette Ave

Minneapolis, Minnesota  55403

Twin Cities Highlights Tour detail PDF

Experience a sampling of what makes the Twin Cities fantastic. During the three-hour tour, our guide will provide commentary on the downtowns of Minneapolis, Saint Paul, and surrounding areas.

Minneapolis:  Explore the famous Nicollet Mall, Skyway network, Block “E”, theater district, Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, Milwaukee Train Depot, Orchestra Hall, the television home of Mary Tyler Moore and St. Anthony Falls, the birthplace of Minneapolis.  A short stop will be made at Minnehaha Falls to see Minnesota’s oldest tourist attraction. 

Saint Paul:  Explore Rice Park, Ordway Center for the Performing Arts, Landmark Center, Children’s Museum, Mickey’s Diner, The Fitzgerald Theater, Minnesota History Center, the Minnesota State Capitol, and the magnificent Cathedral of Saint Paul.  Drive along Summit Avenue, one of the longest stretches of virtually uninterrupted Victorian architecture in the United States. This monumental boulevard of homes, churches, synagogues and schools attracts tourists and natives alike who stroll past its architectural curiosities and landmarks. Some homes to note along Summit Avenue are the James J. Hill House, the home of F. Scott Fitzgerald and the Governor’s Mansion.

Experience a wonderful cruise on Lake Minnetonka aboard a steam powered “street car boat” originally built in 1906, scuttled and sunk to the lake bottom in 1926, raised and restored to service by volunteers over half a century later

NOTE: This is a private cruise – group will not be joining a public cruise event.

Spend the day at Mall of America. Anyone who thinks Mall of America is just a big mall probably thinks that the Grand Canyon is just a big hole in the ground. Mall of America is the largest fully-enclosed mall in the nation hosting more visitors annually than Disney World and the Grand Canyon combined.  Anchored by Bloomingdale’s, Macy’s, Nordstrom’s, and Sears, there are over 400 retail outlets, including many of the most prestigious stores in the world and some of the most unique specialty shops.  There are restaurants, bistros and cafes galore, with food to suit every palate and budget. The entertainment district features nightclubs, sports bars, and a cinema complex with fourteen screens.  All of this around the centerpiece, Nickelodeon Universe where you can ride on a roller coaster (Nickelodeon Universe), explore the bottom of the ocean (UnderWater Adventures), drive 195 mph without getting a speeding ticket (NASCAR Silicon Motor Speedway), get married (Chapel of Love).

A trip to Stillwater is a trip to Minnesota’s yesteryear. Located on the sparkling blue St. Croix River, Stillwater lays claim to being Minnesota’s oldest town, and it was the birthplace of the Minnesota Territory in 1849. Stillwater is steeped in history and beautiful natural surroundings. It’s close enough to the Twin Cities to be practical, yet far enough away to feel like country living.  Go behind the scenes of history with anecdotes and incidents from bygone years which will illuminate the lives of immigrants and entrepreneurs as you view mansions built by wealthy lumber barons, beautiful old churches on the “Street of Spires,” landmarks on the National Register of Historic Places, and the beautiful St. Croix River.  Enjoy a delicious group lunch at the famed Lowell Inn. Since 1927 this famous “Mount Vernon of the Midwest” has been a hotel known to serve the very finest food. 

There will be time after lunch to explore the many boutiques and galleries and shops that line Stillwater’s historic streets.

Baby Face Nelson...Machine Gun Kelly...Kid Caan...Ma Barker...those are the names Americans--especially Minnesotans, St. Paulites in particular--were familiar with during prohibition. Alvin “Creepy” Karpis once said, “if you were looking for a guy you had not seen in a few months, you usually thought of two places: Prison or St. Paul.”  

This city tour with a unique twist will include a stop along the route at the Landmark Center, originally conceived as a post office, custom house, and courthouse, the building eventually became the headquarters for all federal offices in the upper Midwest.

Next stop is at the Wabasha Street Caves. The “Caves” were dug in the early 1800s out of a layer of rock known as St. Peter Sandstone.

While in St. Paul, hear commentary on Rice Park, Ordway Center for the Performing Arts, the Children’s Museum, Mickey’s Diner, and The Fitzgerald Theater, home to Garrison Keillor’s Prairie Home Companion.

Guthrie Theatre:  Behind the scenes tour of the new Guthrie Theatre with access to both public and private spaces. This tour promises to excite and surprise as you discover the stunning and expanded features of the new, state-of-the-art facility designed by French architect Jean Nouvel. On the tour, you will have the opportunity to learn about the unique building highlights and key architectural elements. Visit rehearsal rooms, workshops, dressing rooms, backstage, and the “underworld” of stage elevators and trap doors.

Mill City Museum:  An attraction for all ages, the museum chronicles the flour milling industry that dominated world flour production for roughly a half-century and fueled the growth of Minneapolis, recognized across the nation and around the world as “Mill City.” Built within the ruins of a National Historic Landmark — the Washburn A Mill — the museum will provide a multi-sensory, interactive journey. The story of flour milling — and its impact on Minneapolis, the nation and the world — comes to life through the eight-story Flour Tower and other hands-on exhibits.

Wednesday Social - Mississippi River Boat Dinner, July 28, 2010 (Back to top)

Time: 6:00 - 10:00 PM

Price per Person : $130

Child: Same price as adult for child above 2 years

Appropriate for all ages.

Cruise the majestic waters of the Mississippi River between the cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul in style aboard the majestic Mississippi River's only luxurious charter yacht, "Paradise Lady", serving the Twin Cities!  The dinner cruise departs from Boom Island Park in downtown Minneapolis.

This cruise travels through the Upper St. Anthony Falls Lock, a decent of 50 feet, and under both the Hennepin Avenue Bridge and the historic James J. Hill Stone Arch Bridge.  Enjoy the cruise amid the sounds of a performing jazz band.  A drawing for a special prize will be held at the end of the event.