Month: May 2018

Downtown Princeton, Minnesota Shopping, Strolling, Enjoying Ice Cream! CLICK HERE to See all Our Adventures in Princeton, Minnesota! The album below is just a few more random fun-with-photography shots of our afternoon in this cute little town! Check Out Our SPGFAN Princeton, Minnesota QUIKLIST! For ALL the Things to Do in Minnesota, CLICK HERE! See Everything Our Family Has Done in Minnesota! Click HERE or on Any Photo Below forIdeas on Planning YOUR Next Trip to Minnesota! Jodie’s Antiques and Treasures – Princeton, Minnesota Rocks and Things – Princeton, Minnesota Rocks and Things – Princeton, Minnesota

Louise’s Basement Vintage Furnishings & Vibrant Decor and Jodie’s Antiques & Treasures – Princeton, Minnesota Downtown Princeton offers up LOADS of shopping fun! Just a small town in Minnesota, with so many locally-owned antique, art, and treasure shops lining the streets! Local vendors, artists, and collectors offer up their unique wares at great values. Two of our favorites were Louise’s Basement Vintage Furnishings & Vibrant Decor and Jodie’s Antiques & Treasures. Most of the photos below are from Louise’s. Such a cute place! But be sure to click on the above links to see what each place has to offer! You never…

Santa Lucia’s Ice Cream – Princeton, Minnesota Santa Lucia’s has been serving up the sweetest ice cream in Princeton, Minnesota since 2009! They are a local, family-owned, seasonal business in a small town! With HUGE flavor the size of the hearts! And on this hot summer day, these frozen treats sure do hit the spot! Check Out Our SPGFAN Princeton, Minnesota QUIKLIST! For ALL the Things to Do in Minnesota, CLICK HERE! See Everything Our Family Has Done in Minnesota! Click HERE or on Any Photo Below forIce Cream Fun In Your Own Home!

Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge – Zimmerman, Minnesota Trumpeter Swans and Sandhill Cranes are two incredibly beautiful avian species that consider the Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge their home for part of each year. Each bird has a history of being threatened or endangered due to habitat loss and being overhunted. Thankfully the Sandhill Crane populations have stabilized and starting to increase. And the Trumpeter Swans, in most places, are considered to be a rehabilitated population! We are grateful for our National Wildlife Refuges, which not only protect lands for vulnerable species, but allow families like us to experience such AWESOME creatures…

Zimmerman, Minnesota Just a few random rural Minnesota shots as we spend our last day meandering through Zimmerman. From a sunrise hike, to the fog rolling in… To ponds, rivers, lakes, barns, and more… The simple life is a good life. Check Out Our SPGFAN Zimmerman, Minnesota QUIKLIST! For ALL the Things to Do in Minnesota, CLICK HERE! See Everything Our Family Has Done in Minnesota! Click HERE or on Any Photo Below toLearn More About Rural Minnesota Life!

Minnesota History Center – Saint Paul, Minnesota The Minnesota History Center, located in the Capital City of Saint Paul, Minnesota, offers exhibit after exhibit of hands on activities for kids to learn about the history, culture, weather, and people of this fabulous state! We’ve broken down our albums to focus on each exhibit! Click on any of the following links to explore our albums for each exhibit! Click on any other links you see to learn more about each item! Main Album Page: A SPGFAN Guide to Exhibits at the Minnesota History Center Minnesota’s Greatest Generation Weather Permitting Then Now…

Minnesota History Center – Saint Paul, Minnesota The Minnesota History Center, located in the Capital City of Saint Paul, Minnesota, offers exhibit after exhibit of hands on activities for kids to learn about the history, culture, weather, and people of this fabulous state! We’ve broken down our albums to focus on each exhibit! Click on any of the following links to explore our albums for each exhibit! Click on any other links you see to learn more about each item! Main Album Page: A SPGFAN Guide to Exhibits at the Minnesota History Center Minnesota’s Greatest Generation Weather Permitting Then Now…

Minnesota History Center – Saint Paul, Minnesota The Minnesota History Center, located in the Capital City of Saint Paul, Minnesota, offers exhibit after exhibit of hands on activities for kids to learn about the history, culture, weather, and people of this fabulous state! We’ve broken down our albums to focus on each exhibit! Click on any of the following links to explore our albums for each exhibit! Click on any other links you see to learn more about each item! Main Album Page: A SPGFAN Guide to Exhibits at the Minnesota History Center Minnesota’s Greatest Generation Weather Permitting Then Now…

Minnesota History Center – Saint Paul, Minnesota The Minnesota History Center, located in the Capital City of Saint Paul, Minnesota, offers exhibit after exhibit of hands on activities for kids to learn about the history, culture, weather, and people of this fabulous state! We’ve broken down our albums to focus on each exhibit! Click on any of the following links to explore our albums for each exhibit! Click on any other links you see to learn more about each item! Main Album Page: A SPGFAN Guide to Exhibits at the Minnesota History Center Minnesota’s Greatest Generation Weather Permitting Then Now…

Minnesota History Center – Saint Paul, Minnesota The Minnesota History Center, located in the Capital City of Saint Paul, Minnesota, offers exhibit after exhibit of hands on activities for kids to learn about the history, culture, weather, and people of this fabulous state! We’ve broken down our albums to focus on each exhibit! Click on any of the following links to explore our albums for each exhibit! Click on any other links you see to learn more about each item! Main Album Page: A SPGFAN Guide to Exhibits at the Minnesota History Center Minnesota’s Greatest Generation Weather Permitting Then Now…

Minnesota History Center – Saint Paul, Minnesota The Minnesota History Center, located in the Capital City of Saint Paul, Minnesota, offers exhibit after exhibit of hands on activities for kids to learn about the history, culture, weather, and people of this fabulous state! We’ve broken down our albums to focus on each exhibit! Click on any of the following links to explore our albums for each exhibit! Click on any other links you see to learn more about each item! Main Album Page: A SPGFAN Guide to Exhibits at the Minnesota History Center Minnesota’s Greatest Generation Weather Permitting Then Now…

Minnesota History Center – Saint Paul, Minnesota The Minnesota History Center, located in the Capital City of Saint Paul, Minnesota, offers exhibit after exhibit of hands on activities for kids to learn about the history, culture, weather, and people of this fabulous state! We’ve broken down our albums to focus on each exhibit! Click on any of the following links to explore our albums for each exhibit! Click on any other links you see to learn more about each item! Main Album Page: A SPGFAN Guide to Exhibits at the Minnesota History Center Minnesota’s Greatest Generation Weather Permitting Then Now…

Minnesota History Center – Saint Paul, Minnesota The Minnesota History Center, located in the Capital City of Saint Paul, Minnesota, offers exhibit after exhibit of hands on activities for kids to learn about the history, culture, weather, and people of this fabulous state! We’ve broken down our albums to focus on each exhibit! Click on any of the following links to explore our albums for each exhibit! Click on any other links you see to learn more about each item! Main Album Page: A SPGFAN Guide to Exhibits at the Minnesota History Center Minnesota’s Greatest Generation Weather Permitting Then Now…

Minnesota History Center – Saint Paul, Minnesota The Minnesota History Center, located in the Capital City of Saint Paul, Minnesota, offers exhibit after exhibit of hands on activities for kids to learn about the history, culture, weather, and people of this fabulous state! We’ve broken down our albums to focus on each exhibit! Click on any of the following links to explore our albums for each exhibit! Click on any other links you see to learn more about each item! Main Album Page: A SPGFAN Guide to Exhibits at the Minnesota History Center Minnesota’s Greatest Generation Weather Permitting Then Now…

Great River Road Visitor Center at Freedom Park – Prescott, Wisconsin Located at the confluence of the St. Croix River with the Mississippi River in Prescott, Wisconsin, this The Great River Road Visitor Center will tick, not one, but TWO National Parks off your list! Learn about the geography and human history of each river, as well as the wildlife that call this lush area home! Lots of Junior Ranger fun can be found here as well! Ask about (OR download via these handy links!) St. Croix National Scenic Riverway Junior Ranger ProgramLet’s Go Fishing! Junior Ranger Angler ProgramMississippi National…

Upper Landing Park – St. Paul, Minnesota If you are heading to the Science Museum of Minnesota, be sure to check out the sights and sounds of Downtown St. Paul and the Mississippi River! The shoreline of the Mississippi River through St. Paul is part of the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area, a unit of the National Park System. CLICK HERE for the Locations Our Family Visited Within the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area! This NPS Site offers a list of ALL the Locations you can visit within the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area! CLICK HERE for…

Mississippi River Visitor Center – Mississippi National River and Recreation Area – St. Paul, Minnesota The Mississippi National River and Recreation Area is a unit of the National Park System that encompasses over 72 miles of the Mississippi River throughout the Twin Cities of Minnesota and surrounding areas. There are at least 60 different parks, museums, visitor centers, and other areas you can visit that are considered to be within the boundaries of this National Park! This particular location, the Mississippi River Visitor Center, is located with the Science Museum of Minnesota in St. Paul. There are some great digital…

Towers of Tomorrow with LEGO® Bricks at the Science Museum of Minnesota Towers of Tomorrow with LEGO® Bricks at the Science Museum of Minnesota Towers of Tomorrow includes some of the most iconic architectural marvels from all over the world! From North America, you will find Toronto’s CN Tower; Philadelphia’s Comcast Technology Center; Los Angeles’ Wilshire Grand Center; Chicago’s Willis Tower; Atlanta’s Bank of America Plaza; New York City’s Empire State Building and the Chrysler Building; and more! Famous skylines across Asia and Australia come alive with LEGO creations of Taiwan’s Taipei 101; Kuala Lumpur’s twin Petronas Towers; Marina Bay Sands…

Science Museum of Minnesota – St. Paul, Minnesota Weighing the Evidence – A Special Exhibit at the Science Museum of Minnesota CLICK HERE to check out ALL of the exhibits we were able to enjoy on our visit! Check Out Our SPGFAN St. Paul, Minnesota QUIKLIST! For ALL the Things to Do in Minnesota, CLICK HERE! See Everything Our Family Has Done in Minnesota! Click HERE or on Any Photo Below to Learn More withThese Science and Medical History Books!

Science Museum of Minnesota – St. Paul, Minnesota Exploring some of the regular permanent exhibits in the Science Museum of Minnesota – St. Paul, Minnesota. Most of these photos are taken in the Mississippi River Gallery, Collectors’ Corner, and the Human Body Gallery. CLICK HERE to see ALL the exhibits currently available at the Science Museum of Minnesota!And CLICK HERE to see ALL of the exhibits we were able to enjoy on our visit! Check Out Our SPGFAN St. Paul, Minnesota QUIKLIST! For ALL the Things to Do in Minnesota, CLICK HERE! See Everything Our Family Has Done in Minnesota!…

Garden Safari Gifts – Como Park Zoo & Conservatory – St. Paul, Minnesota Garden Safari Gifts at Como Park Zoo & Conservatory is actually one of the best zoo gift shops I’ve visited thus far. They have such a bright, colorful selection of unique souvenirs, as well as an impressive array of high quality gift ideas. A rotating selection of items corresponds with special exhibits in the zoo. If I lived in this area, I’d probably do most of my holiday shopping here! Mother’s Day, Birthdays, Christmas Presents… I’d be thrilled to give or get so many of the lovely…

Como Park Zoo & Conservatory – St. Paul, Minnesota After a lovely morning in the Como Park Conservatory, we headed into the zoo itself. I took so many photos of the beautiful flowers, my phone died before we made it all the way through the collection of animals. We were mesmerized with the polar bears, especially since we’re ultimately headed to Territorial Canada and Alaska on this trip. But, we also got a kick out of the gorilla’s ear! I mean, it’s not every day you’re inches away from the backside of a gorilla with nothing but a single sheet…

Como Park Zoo & Conservatory – St. Paul, Minnesota There are so many GORGEOUS plants and flowers in the beautiful glass conservatories of Como Park Zoo & Conservatory in St. Paul, Minnesota. Some of my favorite flowers ever include lilies and orchids, and they have each in a beautiful abundance. I am also fascinated with ferns, and they have some of the lushest fern plants I have yet seen. We learned about spices and other tropical foods and flavorings. And the bonsai exhibit was intriguing. I always thought of bonsai as being a particularly plant species, but I suppose it’s…

Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge – Zimmerman, Minnesota An evening cruise along the Prairie’s Edge Wildlife Drive in the Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge just outside of Zimmerman, Minnesota. A Sherburne Sunset With the Sandhill Cranes… Check Out Our SPGFAN Zimmerman, Minnesota QUIKLIST! For ALL the Things to Do in Minnesota, CLICK HERE! See Everything Our Family Has Done in Minnesota! Read More About the National Wildlife Refuge Blue Goose Passport Program! Click HERE or on Any Photo Belowfor Beautiful Nature Journals!

Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge – Zimmerman, Minnesota An evening cruise along the Prairie’s Edge Wildlife Drive in the Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge just outside of Zimmerman, Minnesota. A Sherburne Sunset With the Sandhill Cranes… Check Out Our SPGFAN Zimmerman, Minnesota QUIKLIST! For ALL the Things to Do in Minnesota, CLICK HERE! See Everything Our Family Has Done in Minnesota! Read More About the National Wildlife Refuge Blue Goose Passport Program! Click HERE or on Any Photo Belowfor Beautiful Nature Journals!

ViVi Bubble Tea – St. Cloud, Minnesota This was our first Bubble Tea purchase without Alysia in tow. And since I didn’t know exactly what I was doing, I didn’t order exactly what I thought I was getting… But, all in all, we ended up with a Peach Fruit Tea With Aloe. Very good, and quite refreshing. But, now I know that fruit teas and milk teas are two completely different things… And that aloe and tapioca boba are also two entirely different things! Ha! We all have to learn some how! Check Out Our SPGFAN St. Cloud, Minnesota QUIKLIST!…

St. Cloud, Minnesota Just a few random shots in St. Cloud, Minnesota Check Out Our SPGFAN St. Cloud, Minnesota QUIKLIST! For ALL the Things to Do in Minnesota, CLICK HERE! See Everything Our Family Has Done in Minnesota!

Clemens Gardens – St. Cloud, Minnesota Stopping to Smell ALL the Pretty Flowers – Clemens Gardens Check Out Our SPGFAN St. Cloud, Minnesota QUIKLIST! For ALL the Things to Do in Minnesota, CLICK HERE! See Everything Our Family Has Done in Minnesota! Do You Love Flower Gardening?Click HERE or on Any Photo Below for Great Book Ideas! Butterfly Memorial Gifts Butterfly Memorial Gifts Butterfly Memorial Gifts Butterfly Ornaments Butterfly Ornaments Butterfly Ornaments Butterfly Ornaments

Mississippi River at St. Cloud, Minnesota From the Gardens of Munsinger, meander the paths until you find yourself face to face with the Mighty Mississippi! Ducks and Geese float lazily past… Butterflies flutter by, and bumble bees buzz busily… Become one with all that surrounds you… Be a Mississippi River Rock Star! Check Out Our SPGFAN St. Cloud, Minnesota QUIKLIST! For ALL the Things to Do in Minnesota, CLICK HERE! See Everything Our Family Has Done in Minnesota!

Magical Fairy Gardens of Munsinger – St. Cloud, Minnesota Magic is all around you! Don’t forget to take the time to find it! As you stroll through the Munsinger Gardens of St. Cloud, look up, look down, and look all around! If you do, you, too, will find the Magic of the Fairies! Pull up an acorn, and take a sip of raindrop… Oh, the tales the fairies will tell! But, only if you believe! Check Out Our SPGFAN St. Cloud, Minnesota QUIKLIST! For ALL the Things to Do in Minnesota, CLICK HERE! See Everything Our Family Has Done in…

Munsinger Gardens – St. Cloud, Minnesota As the Mississippi River flows through St. Cloud, Minnesota, you can find fields of flowers lovingly embracing its picturesque shoreline. Munsinger Gardens is the more naturally occurring, lower Riverside collection of botanical beauties. And then, one block over, you can find the manicured gardens and ornamental fountains of Clemens Gardens. Be prepared to be mesmerized by ALL of nature’s creations! Check Out Our SPGFAN St. Cloud, Minnesota QUIKLIST! For ALL the Things to Do in Minnesota, CLICK HERE! See Everything Our Family Has Done in Minnesota! Do You Love Flower Gardening?Click HERE or on…

Zimmerman, Minnesota Memorial Day Parade The Zimmerman Memorial Day Parade features everything from firetrucks and tractors, to the community snowmobile arsenal! A town coming together to celebrate the lives of those that gave their all. It’s beautiful, no matter where you are. This Memorial Day, be safe, but enjoy the time with your family. Forever in memory of those we have lost, by appreciating what we have gained. Check Out Our SPGFAN Zimmerman, Minnesota QUIKLIST! For ALL the Things to Do in Minnesota, CLICK HERE! See Everything Our Family Has Done in Minnesota! Click HERE or on Any Photo Belowfor…

The Architecture of Minneapolis, Minnesota When cruising through the hearts of cities, I love trying to capture the juxtaposition. New versus old; modern rising from historic. Fast versus slow; from chaotic to casual… Natural versus manmade; organic emerging from the concrete jungle. Of course, some photos frame the elements better than others… But I try! Feel free to peruse some of our other Architecture Albums from cities across the US and Canada! We’ve seen some pretty fabulous stuff!

Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville at Mall of America – Bloomington, Minnesota From animatronic Rainforest Animals, to Minnesota Twins history, to Jimmy Page’s guitar… Mama always said, “It’s 5 o’clock somewhere!“ Check out this Dining Guide for your next family outing to the Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota! Just a few fun choices: Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.MargaritavilleRainforest Cafe (As of 2021, Hard Rock Cafe is closed) Love From MinnesotaMinnesota Twins MLB Team Site Check Out Our SPGFAN Minneapolis, Minnesota QUIKLIST! For ALL the Things to Do in Minnesota, CLICK HERE! See Everything Our Family Has Done in Minnesota! Dining Out With…

Minnesota Twins A Little Minnesota Twins baseball history right beneath your feet… Somewhere in Mall of America! Can YOU Find It? Check Out Our SPGFAN Minneapolis, Minnesota QUIKLIST! For ALL the Things to Do in Minnesota, CLICK HERE! See Everything Our Family Has Done in Minnesota! Click HERE or on Any Photo Belowfor Great Gift Ideas for the Minnesota Twins Fan in Your Life!

Nickelodeon Universe at Mall of America! From the twirling, whirling excitement of Dora the Explorer and the Backyardigans, to the loopty-loops of the giant coasters… From the pineapple under the sea, to the whooshing of zip lines overhead… Nickelodeon Universe at Mall of America! has crazy FUN for EVERYONE! And it’s all INSIDE! The LARGEST mall in the United States! You HAVE to see it to believe it! So, bring the kids to hang out with all their nostalgic Nickelodeon childhood besties, and enjoy almost 5 million square feet of dining, shopping, and riding the rails… All under one GINORMOUS…

The LEGO Store at Mall of America! Floor to ceiling awesomeness starts in the LEGO Store, and epic LEGO character adventure extends all throughout the Mall of America! Larger-than-life LEGO creations reign supreme far above your heads! Let YOUR Young Creator feast their eyes upon ALL THINGS LEGO, as they build to their hearts’ desires! Fashion custom outfits for Mini-Figs for the take-home, race bespoke vehicles with your new friends… And let all the colors and pieces transport you to a land only YOU can make-believe! Build It! And they will have FUN! The LEGO Store at Mall of America!…

Crayola Experience Mall of America Crayola Experience Mall of America Check Out Our SPGFAN Minneapolis, Minnesota QUIKLIST! For ALL the Things to Do in Minnesota, CLICK HERE! See Everything Our Family Has Done in Minnesota! Click HERE or on Any Photo Belowto check out Super Cool Crayola Products for Kids and Adults!

Bohemian Flats Park – Minneapolis, Minnesota The Bohemian Flats Park sits unassuming in its simple, yet lushly green beauty, along a bend of the West bank of the Mississippi River. However, the stories that this place could tell… Wow. Such an incredible history as an immigrant shanty town of the early industrial era of Minneapolis. The hardships of life, the beauty of community. But, for now, we lounge. Basking in the sun, reveling in the simplicity. The river traffic passes us by…. Feeling… Almost… As if these flats could talk. Listening… To their stories in the wind. Minneapolis Queen Paddlewheel…

The Historic Mill District of Minneapolis Many locations within the boundaries of the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area, a National Park Unit, offer fascinating highlights of the historic Minneapolis milling industry. Spend some time traversing both the East and West Banks of the Mississippi River to explore panoramic vistas of old mills, industrial ruins, historic bridges, natural falls, navigational structures, and protected National Landmarks, as they all give way to the modern amenities of today’s bustling Mill City. Area attractions showcasing some of the fascination history of this side of Twin Cities: Mill Ruins Park, Mill City Museum, Stone Arch Bridge, Father…

St. Anthony Falls Visitor Center and Lock and Dam St. Anthony Falls Visitor Center and Lock and Dam offers fabulous panoramic views of the St. Anthony Falls amongst the historic Minneapolis Mill District. Unfortunately, the falls were not accessible the day we were here, but definitely check this location out if you are in the Minneapolis area! This is a great place to learn about the Mississippi River’s navigational history, as well as the logging and milling industries from Northern Minnesota, down through Minneapolis. This location is within the boundaries of the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area, so be…

The Song of Hiawatha at Minnehaha Falls Regional Park Poet extraordinaire, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, gave us ‘The Song of Hiawatha’ in his legendary epic poem. Norwegian sculptor, Jacob Fjelde, captured the love of Hiawatha and Minnehaha in his renowned sculpture. Originally created for the Minnesota Building for the duration of the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair, the statue of the couple is now situated in perpetuity atop Minnehaha Falls in Minnehaha Regional Park in Minneapolis, Minnesota. “Over wide and rushing riversIn his arms he bore the maiden;Light he thought her as a feather,As the plume upon his head-gear;Cleared the tangled pathway…

Double Rainbow Minnesota Skies! An evening rain shower brings a double rainbow just before the sun sets! Check Out Our SPGFAN Minneapolis, Minnesota QUIKLIST! For ALL the Things to Do in Minnesota, CLICK HERE! See Everything Our Family Has Done in Minnesota! For kids’ science books about rainbows and weather, CLICK HERE or on any photo below!

Allen Ruppersberg: Intellectual Property 1968 – 2018A Special Exhibit at the Walker Art CenterMinneapolis, Minnesota From the late 1960’s onward, Conceptual Artist Allen Ruppersberg has truly changed the way we look at art. His earlier installations, such as Al’s Cafe and Al’s Grand Hotel, combine text and images to take the viewer on a participatory journey through his own personal narratives. Some of his later projects pull inspiration from a variety of media, such as commercial letterpress posters, ephemera, books, drawings, and films. His cynical views of mass media, as well as his often contemptuous self-portraiture, are likely to instigate thought-provoking introspection…

Jason MoranA Special Exhibit at the Walker Art CenterMinneapolis, Minnesota Jason Moran is an accomplished artist across many waves.  Musically, he is an American jazz pianist and composer. Visually, his theatrical installations and multimedia art encourage a journey of the senses, not just by hearing, but actually SEEING and feeling the music that surrounds you. To learn more about Jason Moran, check out his entire collection of music and art! Be sure to visit JasonMoran.com! Check Out Our SPGFAN Minneapolis, Minnesota QUIKLIST! For ALL the Things to Do in Minnesota, CLICK HERE! See Everything Our Family Has Done in Minnesota! Click HERE or on…

The Way Things GoA Special Exhibit at the Walker Art CenterMinneapolis, Minnesota Scavenged items, where the composition of every day life becomes art. Definitely a unique exhibit encouraging the viewer to find beauty in each moment, a sense of meaning in the mundane. Check Out Our SPGFAN Minneapolis, Minnesota QUIKLIST! For ALL the Things to Do in Minnesota, CLICK HERE! See Everything Our Family Has Done in Minnesota! Click HERE or on Any Photo Belowfor Ideas on Incorporating Art Museums Into YOUR Classroom Experience!

Walker Art Center – Minneapolis, Minnesota From the whimsical Sculpture Gardens stretching as far as the eye can see, to the remarkable architecture of the exterior, to the plethora of mind-expanding exhibits on the inside, the Walker Art Center is a place to behold! Come prepared! Leave enlightened! Check Out Our SPGFAN Minneapolis, Minnesota QUIKLIST! For ALL the Things to Do in Minnesota, CLICK HERE! See Everything Our Family Has Done in Minnesota! Click HERE or on Any Photo Belowfor Ideas on Incorporating Art Museums Into YOUR Classroom Experience!

Minneapolis Sculpture Garden | Walker Art Center From the iconic Spoonbridge and Cherry, to more thought-provoking pieces such as Rapture by Kiki Smith, the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden at Walker Art Center is a great place to spend an afternoon! Whether you are looking for all the super-hot instagram spots in Minneapolis, or perhaps you are hoping to engage ALL of your senses by enjoying everything the Walker Art Center has to offer, definitely check out our photo collection below! Check Out Our SPGFAN Minneapolis, Minnesota QUIKLIST! For ALL the Things to Do in Minnesota, CLICK HERE! See Everything Our Family…

US Bank Stadium – Home of the Minnesota Vikings NFL Football Team – Minneapolis, Minnesota Check Out Our SPGFAN Minneapolis, Minnesota QUIKLIST! For ALL the Things to Do in Minnesota, CLICK HERE! See Everything Our Family Has Done in Minnesota! Click HERE or on Any Photo Belowto Check Out Great Gift Ideas for the Minnesota Vikings Fan in Your Life!

Some of my favorite albums after the fact are just the random architecture shots from around the cities we explore! A glimpse into daily life. The juxtaposition between old and new, modern and historic. Industry, technology, infrastructure. It’s fascinating! And Minneapolis is definitely a beautiful city full of charming history and fun modern day vibes! Check Out Our SPGFAN Minneapolis, Minnesota QUIKLIST! For ALL the Things to Do in Minnesota, CLICK HERE! See Everything Our Family Has Done in Minnesota! Click HERE or on Any Photo Belowto Check Out Other Travel Books and Tools for Minneapolis!

A Taste of Scandinavia at FIKA Café Inside the American Swedish Institute. After your visit to the American Swedish Institute, be sure to stop by FIKA Café to indulge your senses in all things delicious! Thumbprint Cookies, Pepparkakor, Cardamom Buns, Kokostoppars, and MORE! See ALL Our Photos from the American Swedish Institute. CLICK HERE for more information about visiting the American Swedish Institute in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Click on any photo below to learn more about Scandinavian Foods! CLICK HERE to Check Out the Amazing Scandinavian Art and Wares Available in the American Swedish Institute Gift Shop!

Visiting the American Swedish Institute is an absolute plethora of educational experiences for everyone in the family! From the opulence of the Turnblad Mansion, to the ever-changing selection of Special Exhibits… But, for the littlest members of your family, they can enjoy all kids of hands-on fun in the Family Playroom! Serve up yummy pretzels in Ulla’s Bageri, score some hockey goals, create artistic masterpieces, or carve to your heart’s content in the woodworker’s shop! Let your child’s creativity soar with these amazing themed activities, perfect for tiny hands and HUGE imaginations! Be sure to check out the Calendar of…

Arts North – Arts in Harmony International Juried Art Show at the American Swedish Institute See ALL Our Photos from the American Swedish Institute. CLICK HERE for more information about visiting the American Swedish Institute in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Click on Any Photo Below for Fun Art Supplies to Create Your Own Masterpieces!

The Swedish Hospital School of Nursing Exhibit at the American Swedish Institute See ALL Our Photos from the American Swedish Institute. CLICK HERE for more information about visiting the American Swedish Institute in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Click on any photo below to learn more about Swedish Culture!

Throughout the Turnblad Mansion at the American Swedish Institute, you will find several Special Exhibits that rotate throughout the year. One such curated display available on our visit was the Fabric of Life, which is a Special Collections Exhibit from the ASIMN Artifacts and Archives. From handmade laces, to loom-woven rugs, to natural dyes, to hairwork jewelry, the Scandinavian treasures featured are each a testament to a culture that can weave such intricate beauty, from even the most practical of materials. Click on any photo to learn more about the arts and culture of the Scandinavian people! CLICK HERE for…

The Turnblad Mansion, at the American Swedish Institute, is one of the few remaining early 20th century structures from Minneapolis’ Golden Mile. The Turnblad Family only resided here for a short while, but today, “The Castle” stands as a testament to the city’s Park Avenue opulence of the late 1800’s and early 1900’s. Incredible details of the master craftsmanship can be found both inside and out, with impeccable stonework, gorgeous woodwork, and stunning stained glass features. Each of the 33 rooms boast unique style and decor, from Gustavian to Moorish. The ceilings, trim, mantles, bannisters, staircases, lighting, and other intricate…

The exquisite details of Swedish craftsmanship inside the Turnblad Mansion take on an entirely new depth of meaning when the post-apocalyptic beings of Finnish Sculptor Kim Simonsson take up residence for this VERY special exhibit! See our post about the Moss People Exhibit at the American Swedish Institute in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Click on any image below to learn more about The Fantastical Worlds of Finnish Sculptor Kim Simonsson CLICK HERE for more information about visiting the American Swedish Institute in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Explore the rest of the Turnblad Mansion with us in THIS POST. See ALL our photos from the…

Of all the art and sculpture exhibits with which we have engaged along our travels, this collection stands out the most. The day’s simple plan started out as just another trip to a museum. But, what actually transpired once we entered the American Swedish Institute in Minneapolis, was a fantastic journey into realms previously unimagined. It’s hard to describe the eerie sense of disquietude that washes over you while sharing space with The Moss People. Sculptures of young children, coated in green, earthen imperfection, existing amongst post-apocalyptic ruins, far beyond the depths of conventional dimensions. As you step slowly amongst…

Since 1881, over 220 Firefighters have lost their lives in the line of duty in the State of Minnesota. The mission of the Minnesota Fallen Firefighters Memorial Association is to ensure the sacrifices of these heroes is forever remembered. Take a moment, and Say Their Names. These heroes. Minnesota’s Fallen Firemen Minnesota Fallen Firefighters Memorial Association On the grounds of the Minnesota State Capitol Building in Saint Paul, Minnesota

After a day exploring the Minnesota State Capitol Building and Grounds, and the Cathedral of Saint Paul, we spent some time meandering through Downtown Saint Paul, Minnesota. Lots of unique architecture, historic and modern; fun street art pieces; monuments and memorials; and so much more… Saint Paul is a beautiful city, and Minnesota is a GREAT family-friendly destination to consider! Click on any photo for resources to plan YOUR family’s trip to Minneapolis and Saint Paul, Minnesota!

The Cathedral of Saint Paul in Saint Paul, Minnesota is the National Shrine of the Apostle Paul. It is the mother church of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis. The Cathedral is open to the public, and even offers guided tours. Inside, you will experience stunning materials and incredible architectural elements, all while witnessing the awe of this National Shrine of the Apostle Paul. It is a very humbling experience, indeed. To learn more about the architectural elements of the building visit the Cathedral’s website. Or, to learn more about Paul the Apostle, click on any photo below. Be sure to also view…

The Cathedral of Saint Paul in Saint Paul, Minnesota is the National Shrine of the Apostle Paul. It is the mother church of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis. To learn more about the architectural elements of the building visit the Cathedral’s website. Or, to learn more about Paul the Apostle, click on any photo below. Be sure to also view our collection of Interior Photos of the Cathedral of Saint Paul!

Roy Wilkins was a prominent American Civil Rights Activist from the 1930’s to the 1970’s, and his legacy beyond that is timeless. Wilkins’ most notable role was his leadership of the NAACP, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, from 1955 to 1977. In later years, Wilkins was frequently referred to as the ‘Senior Statesman’ of the Civil Rights Movement. “Spiral for Justice” Roy Wilkins Memorial, located on the grounds of the Minnesota State Capitol Building in St. Paul, is a complex representation of his life and accomplishments. Transcribed from the Historical Marker: The central element in this sculpture…

Charles A. LindberghThe Boy and the ManSculptor Paul T. Granlund 1985Saint Paul, Minnesota Another statue on the grounds of the Minnesota State Capitol Building, this lovely sculpture serves as an inspiring memorial to Charles Lindbergh, local hero, and well-known aviator. This statue features a young Lindbergh dreaming of flying, and Lindbergh again as a man, making his dreams a reality. The following Lindbergh quotes are memorialized in the monument: “I used to imagine myself withwings on which I could swoopdown off our roof into thevalley, soaring through the airfrom one river bank to another.” “The accumulation of knowledge,the discoveries of…

Hubert H. Humphrey was the American Vice-President under President Lyndon B. Johnson. He ran for president in 1968, but was unsuccessful against Richard Nixon. Known as The Happy Warrior, Humphrey’s lasting legacy is one comprised of civil rights and social justice. He is considered to be one of the more prominent and effective midwestern leaders from the 1940’s through the 1970’s. From Mayor of Minneapolis, to US Senator, to US Vice President, he never lost sight of making the world a better place for everyone. Some of his notable quotes include: “We have made progress. We’ve made great progress in…