By Kyle Smelter

It’s that time of year again to roll out the red carpet for the city of Minneapolis and celebrate all that the wonderful the city as to offer with the Minneapolis Aquatennial. From July 19 to 22, the city will be brimming with activities for all ages to enjoy. Here’s what’s happening:

Blood Drive

Get in the spirit of giving and help donate blood to those in need. The American Red Cross will team up with WCCO-TV and CBS Radio July 19 through 21 to take your donations and help save lives this summer. Donators can stop by the day of or choose a time that’s convenient for them by registering ahead of time online. The locations for the blood drive are as follows:

Wed. July 19, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

WCCO, 90 S. 11th St., Minneapolis

Thurs. July 20, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Wells Fargo, 600 S. Fourth St., Minneapolis

Fri. July 21, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

CBS Radio, 625 Second Ave. S., Minneapolis

Tennis Classic | Thurs. July 20 & Fri. July 21, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

A collection of some of the best adult and junior players will bring their skills to Canadian Pacific Plaza for a shot at Aquatennial glory and prize money during the Aquatennial Tennis Classic. Championship rounds will be played on Thursday, July 20 and Friday, July 21. Grab some friends and visit one of the premier urban tennis events in the area. | The corner of Second Avenue S. & S. Fifth Street, Minneapolis

Food Trucks and Lawn Games | Wed. July 19, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Outdoor fun while soaking up the sun, and satisfying food truck cravings, these are a few of Twin Citians’ favorite things. And when you combine all three, it’s pure Minnesota summer bliss. Every Wednesday throughout the summer, Go Outside with Hennepin County converts Hennepin County Government Center’s South Plaza into a summer play land, complete with beanbags, yoga mats, food trucks and more. | Hennepin County Government Center, 300 S Sixth St., Minneapolis

Photo by Erica Loeks

Minnesota Twins Baseball

America’s greatest pastime is also one of Twin Citians’ greatest summer pilgrimages—Twins baseball at Target Field. Grab your glove, a brew and a “dog,” and cheer for the home team while the friendly staff, exciting atmosphere and the beautiful surrounding Minneapolis skyline knock your expectations out of the park. | Target Field, 1 Twins Way, Minneapolis

Wed. July 19, 12:10 p.m.

Minnesota Twins vs. New York Yankees

Fri. July 21, 7:10 p.m.

Minnesota Twins vs. Detroit Tigers

Sat. July 22, 6:10 p.m.

Minnesota Twins vs. Detroit Tigers

Loring Park Pre-Parade Family Fun Night | Wed. July 19, 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

A green haven in the heart of the city, Loring Park helps kick off the four-day celebration with a night of enjoyment for the entire family. Highlights include free tennis lessons by USTA, free canoe rides and paddling instructions by Wilderness Inquiry, booths by the Minnesota Zoo, Minnesota Valley Wildlife Refuge, Minnesota Timberwolves, Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board Environmental Team, food trucks and more. | Loring Park, 1382 Willow St., Minneapolis

Photo by Dusty Hoskovec. Courtesy of Minneapolis Downtown Council

Twin Cities Orthopedics Torchlight 5k | Wed. July 19, starting at 7:30 p.m.

Lace up those shoes and get out and enjoy a Minnesota summer evening with runners, joggers and walkers of all levels for a race through the city. Starting at the Basilica of Saint Mary and ending at the Mississippi riverfront, the course features downtown Minneapolis landmarks such as the Stone Arch Bridge and a post-race party that pulls out all the stops, featuring musical entertainment and complimentary refreshments. | Basilica of Saint Mary (race start), 88 17th St. N., Minneapolis

Photo by Dusty Hoskovec. Courtesy of Minneapolis Downtown Council

CenterPoint Energy Torchlight Parade | Wed. July 19, 8:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.

A celebration just isn’t a celebration without a parade. Here to provide that all-important piece is the CenterPoint Energy Torchlight Parade. Bring your friends and family for a night of celebrating complete with floats, marching bands and other displays as they make their way along Hennepin Avenue from the Basilica of Saint Mary to Fifth Street. | Basilica of Saint Mart (parade start), 88 17th St. N., Minneapolis

Downtown Farmers Market | Thurs. July 20, 6:00 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Who doesn’t love fresh produce and flowers? Fortunately for Twin Citians, those are two elements right in Minnesota’s wheelhouse. Stop by the Hennepin County Government Center South Plaza every Thursday through October to snag the freshest of ingredients for your culinary creations, or colorful flowers to spruce up your space at home. | Hennepin County Government Center: 300 S Sixth St., Minneapolis

MN Made Market | Thurs. July 20, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Minneapolis has become a mecca for artisan food and goods. So it only feels appropriate that we showcase all the hardworking talent and unique ideas that fuel the city’s creativity while we celebrate all the qualities that make Minneapolis great. Hosted by JB Hudson Jewelers, visitors to the marketplace will find hand-crafted goods, eats and brew from Minny & Paul, Kerry’s Donut Bites, Modist Brewing Company, Bench Pressed and more. Admission to the 21+ event is free, but you will need a ticket to get in the doors. | JB Hudson Jewelers, 901 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis

Candid Canines Film Fest | Thurs. July 20, 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Think your furry friend is funny and cute? So do a lot of other people; and now you can see just how funny and cute they are on Target Field Station’s big screen. The 40 minute film is a culmination of user-submitted videos as well as videos of dogs of online fame. Bring your friends and family (and, yes, that includes your canine companions) to any of the showings at 4:30 p.m., 5:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. | Target Field Station, 335 N. Fifth St., Minneapolis

Photo courtesy of the Minneapolis Downtown Council

Twin Cities River Rats Aquatennial Water Ski Show | Thurs. July 20, 7 p.m.

Post up on the banks of the Mississippi River between Broadway and Plymouth Avenues for a high-flying water show by the Twin Cities River Rats. The family-friendly event will feature stunts, barefoot skiing, human pyramids and more as the award-winning performers provide an entertaining and skilled show for all ages to enjoy.

Aquatennial Yoga Presented by CorePower Yoga | Fri. July 21, 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Yoga and the great outdoors, it doesn’t get any more relaxing—unless you’re sipping pina coladas on the beach. Whether you’re a first-time yogi or a nimble veteran, people of all skill levels and sizes are welcome to join this free—although you do have to provide your own mat—class taught by CorePower Yoga at Downtown East Commons adjacent to U.S. Bank Stadium. | The Commons, 400 Portland Ave. S., Minneapolis

Twin Cities Carifest | Sat. July 22, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Get a taste—literally—of Caribbean life at Twin Cities Carifest. Filled with authentic cuisine, music, arts, crafts and a carnival parade, this celebration located on West River Road between Plymouth and Broadway Avenues brings the tropical paradise to you—no cruise or plant ticket required.

AquaJam | Sat. July 22, 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.

If X Games Minneapolis doesn’t quite satisfy your action sports craving, then this Boom Island event is sure to be the cherry on top. Grab your skateboard for a chance to hone your skills on a skate course open to the public, and watch as professionals go head-to-head in a competition. Food and craft brew will also be served, so you can refuel and relax when you’re all tricked out. | Boom Island, 724 Sibley St. N.E., Minneapolis

Photo by Dusty Hoskovec. Courtesy of Minneapolis Downtown Council

Target Fireworks | Sat. Jul 22, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Capping off the celebration is a fireworks celebration regarded as one of the top five annual fireworks displays in the country. Show up early to stake your claim on some prime fireworks watching real estate (Gold Medal Park and the Third Avenue Bridge on West River Parkway are two of the best), and to partake in a range of activities—6 p.m. to 10 p.m.—including live music, food trucks and more before the show begins. | Gold Medal Park, Second St. and Eleventh Ave. S., Minneapolis

By Charles Brandt

Whether you live in St. Paul or are just visiting, diving into the history of our city can be quite entertaining and fun. If you do your research, you’ll hear about everything from the Union Depot railroad hub to madame Nina Clifford and her early 1900s brothel. Or how under both Police Chief John O’Connor and “Dapper” Dan Hogan, our city was a safe haven for gangsters between 1900 and 1935. John Dillinger, “Babyface” Nelson, Ma Barker and her Boys, have all left their mark on St. Paul’s history. Others, like railroad baron James J. Hill, played a large part in building our capital city into what it has become today. There may be numerous books and blogs on the subject that are worth checking out, but why read about it when you can see the remnants of history in person? For history buffs and the curious at heart, here are 7 places in St. Paul worth visiting to get a more hands-on introduction to this city’s rich history.

Image by Teemu008/flickr

James J. Hill House

Builder of the Great Northern Railway, James J. Hill and his family were very prominent members of St. Paul. Today, the family’s large stone mansion is a historic landmark in Minnesota, and is a very unique tourist destination. The 75 minute tour begins every half hour, Wednesday through Sunday, and includes a 10-minute video history of James J. Hill. Though reservations are recommended, walk-ins are welcome. The Summit Avenue Walking Tour, which is a great way to see all of the beautiful architecture on Summit Avenue, understandably uses the James H. Hill house as a starting off point. Another way to experience the elegance of this house is by attending a special event hosted in the mansion, such as Victorian Ghost Stories, or a performance by the Hill House Chambers Players.

James J. Hill House Hours:

Sun: 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Mon/Tues: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (Art gallery only)

Wed through Sat: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

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Image Courtesy Minnesota Historical Society

Minnesota History Center

Home to the Minnesota Historical Society’s library and archive, this building has both a permanent collection and special exhibits. It’s not only for academics though, throughout the year the Minnesota History Center also hosts concerts, lectures, family days and special events. Live performances in the museum’s theater are a fun reason to come out for a visit as well. The museum also puts together bus tours that focus on a number of different topics, including the history of religion in our capital city, or my personal favorite, the Bars and Bootleggers Tour. Learn about St. Paul while having a few pints along the way.

Museum Hours:

Tues: 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Wed-Sat: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Sun: Noon – 5:00 p.m.

Union Depot

The original Union Depot was built near the edge of the Mississippi river in 1881. After being destroyed by fire, the newly constructed depot was built in 1913 in conjunction with James J. Hill, under the architectural vision of Minnesota-born Charles Sumner Frost. This was the largest construction project the city would see in the whole of the 20th century. With over a third of the passenger tracks ending at the Union Depot, and the remainder continuing on toward their final destinations, Union Depot in St. Paul became a hub for the area. It would also play out as a strategic location for the USPS in the midwest. More recently, the Ramsey County Regional Railroad Authority purchased the property and began extensive renovations in 2011. This was a massive undertaking, and the result is a fully restored Union Depot as it was in 1920, fitted to handle St. Paul’s modern transit system. The space is available for private event reservation, and is open to the public for game nights on Wednesdays and free yoga classes throughout the week. Either way, it is a unique piece of St. Paul’s rich history, and is worth a look around while you are downtown.

Image Courtesy Minnesota Historical Society

Fort Snelling

The fort strategically sits overlooking the crossing of the Mississippi River and the Minnesota River, making the hiking trails around it ripe with opportunities for some great summer pictures. Fort Snelling played an important role in the fur trade, Native American affairs of the time and in Minnesota’s military history. The fort itself is available for tours during the warmer summer months, and hosts symposiums and round table discussions on different topics throughout the year. It is currently closed for tours until May 27th, but is still hosting special events.

Image by Tony Webster/flickr

State Capitol Building

First off, the State Capitol has the second largest self-supported marble dome in the entire world. The building is quite stunning, has free admission and 45-minute guided tours at the top of every hour. Suggested donation for guided tours is $5. Whether you take a guided or a self-guided tour, there are some building features you shouldn’t miss. First up, The Quadriga, better known as “the golden horses”. You’ll only be able to get up close on guided tours, but you can also see them from afar from outside the building. The first floor rotunda gives a great view of the dome, and is surrounded by flags from the Civil War and the Spanish-American war. The Governor’s Reception room is another can’t-miss stop. It is heavily gilded and decorated with ornately carved woodwork. Also, make your way up to the second floor, where both the state’s House and Senate chambers are located. Lastly, don’t forget to tour the sculptures on the grounds surrounding the Capitol, including the Minnesota Korean War Memorial.

State Capitol Hours (tour hours vary):

Mon through Fri: 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Sat: 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Sun: 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Alexander Ramsey House

Built by Minnesota’s first territorial governor, Alexander Ramsey, the house is open for group tours during the Christmas season, on Saturdays in the summer from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. through Labor Day, and also plays host to special events throughout the year. These events, known as Ramsey After Dark, touch on different aspects of life throughout the Victorian era such as mental illness, crime and justice, angels and madams and Victorian superstitions. The house has preserved the glory it held in 1870, and is filled with thousands of original family heirlooms. The property has even been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1969.

Image by Bri Weldon/flickr

Landmark Center

The aged-copper roofs of the Landmark Center can be seen throughout Landmark Plaza and Rice Park. Inside, the building serves as a cultural center, and is no stranger to hosting a wide variety of activities, including public forums, dance, theater and music performances, museum exhibits and special events throughout the year. Though it is owned by Ramsey County, it is operated by the non-profit organization Minnesota Landmarks. Through them, you can check out different spaces in the center for weddings and special events. Some events at the Landmark Center worth noting for future St. Paul exploration are the annual St. Patrick’s Day Irish Celebration, Ballet Tuesdays, Trial Reenactments and the annual Ghost and Gangster Tour.

Landmark Center Hours:

Mon – Fri: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Thurs: 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Sat – 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Sun – Noon to 5:00 p.m.

Wabasha Street Caves

12,000-square feet of cavernous fun. The Wabasha Street Caves have been finished over with brickwork and stucco, but still have a truly unique feel. They are available for private event booking, and are offered for a number of public events. If you’re looking to have a blast, stop by on Thursday nights for Swing Night. The Caves open at 6:00 p.m., with free swing dance lessons at 6:15 p.m. by Arthur Murray Studios, and live music beginning at 7:00 p.m. The cover for live music is only $8, and be sure to remember the speakeasy password, “Gus Sent Me.” Want to see who’s playing? Check out the Wabasha Street Caves calendar. On top of that, the Caves also offer St. Paul walking and bus tours, including the famous Gangster Tour.

By Tammy Galvin

I’ve seen a hundred or more posts on social media in the past two weeks alone, asking where the displays of holiday lights are in the Twin Cities, and we’ve fielded no fewer than a dozen similar “Ask A Local” questions on this site.

So after much ado—and research to be candid—here are two great sites that showcase some of the most festive holiday light displays synchronized to music. Check out both Minnesota Holiday Lights and Prairie Lights.

Tune in to 91.5 FM on your car stereo and head down Holiday Lights on York Avenue in St. Paul to behold not just one—but 11—homes decorated with Christmas figures and more than 60,000 lights, choreographed to “The Rockin’ Rudolph,” or head over to Minnetrista for Trista Lights, which was one of three finalists featured on ABC’s recently televised “Christmas Lights Fight” vying for $50,000.

On your way to the latter, follow this recommended route courtesy of their FaceBook page that will take you by five additional displays of holiday lights.

Other honorable mentions culled from various web-based groups include treks through Tangletown, Victory Memorial Drive, Lake of the Isles and Mt. Curve Avenue. And for a truly Griswold-inspired inflatable adventure head out to Bloomington in the vicinity of Quinn Avenue South and 110^th Street. Don’t worry if the address isn’t exact—you simply can’t miss it!

Perhaps the best part about this time of year is that no matter where your travels take you, there’s nothing quite like the thrill of coming ‘round the next bend and seeing the brilliant holiday lights against the snow no matter how large or small the display. Travel safely!

by Kyle Smelter

They may not be the Great Wall of China, the Colosseum or Machu Picchu, but Minneapolis and St. Paul are great in their own right, so we came up with a list of the Seven Wonders of the Twin Cities. Out of all the exciting and inspiring attractions found throughout the metro, we have narrowed it down to these seven must- see and do’s that set the Twin Cities apart from other top towns across the nation.

Image by Hafiz Issadeen/flickr

Minnehaha Falls

Located just minutes from downtown Minneapolis is one of the Twin Cities most beautiful green spaces—Minnehaha Regional Park. And the centerpiece of it all is the iconic 53-foot waterfall. Each year this majestic tower of water draws more than 850,000 visitors as they watch the water tumble over the limestone bluffs and crash into the stream below. Take in the views from above on the bridge over the falls, or below on walking paths that follow the stream as it twists and turns through a forested area for almost a half-mile before joining the mighty Mississippi River.

Image by Richard Roche/flickr

Skyway System

While a skyway on its own is not really a wonder—just a fancy way of connecting two buildings above street level—an entirely connected downtown with more than nine miles of skyways in Minneapolis is a true marvel to behold. Not to mention, this climate-controlled environment is the world’s largest continuous system of pedestrian bridges in the world, making it one of the more unique Seven Wonders of the Twin Cities. This comes in especially handy during the famous subzero Minnesota winters. Visitors can leave their hotel in the morning, shop and dine at hundreds of boutiques, stores and restaurants, all without ever setting a foot outside.

Image by Jerry Huddleston/flickr

Minnesota State Fair

Although the Minnesota State Fair is not technically a state holiday, it should be. This week-and-a-half long event covers 320 acres and attracts more than 1.8 million people annually (the largest state fair in the U.S. by average daily attendance) during the waning weeks of summer. “The Great Minnesota Get-Together” features nearly 500 foods, including deep-fried candy bars, hot dish and more than 80 foods on-a-stick. Over 900 performances from more than 100 acts can also seen and heard at the numerous venues found throughout the fairgrounds. And this is just scratching the surface. We have not even mentioned the livestock barns, rodeo shows, carnival games and rides, shopping options and contests. It is not surprising that when you type the word “Minnesota” into Google’s search bar, the State Fair is the first recommended option, further cementing it as one of the Seven Wonders of the Twin Cities.

Stone Arch Bridge

Consisting of 23 arches and measuring 2,100 feet long, the granite and limestone Stone Arch Bridge is the only bridge of its kind that stretches over the Mississippi River. What was once a railroad bridge in Minneapolis’ milling heyday has transformed into a hotspot for walking, running and spending time with friends and family during the summer. Every June it plays host to the Stone Arch Bridge Festival, a weekend of art and music featuring more than 250 musicians and artists, and it serves as an extremely popular front row seat for a fireworks spectacular during our nation’s birthday.

Basilica of Saint Mary

You would be hard pressed to find a more beautiful architectural marvel than the Basilica of Saint Mary in Minneapolis. The beaux arts-styled wonder began construction in 1907, but did not finish until 1926, the same year Pope Pius Xl named the church the first Basilica in the U.S.—one of only 69 in the country today. An Italian-crafted marble altar and carved shrines of Saint Anne, Saint Joseph, the Apostles are just a few of the iconic features that can be found on the Basilica’s grounds. Every summer hordes of music fans line its steps and rock out to some of the hottest bands at the Basilica Block Party.

Image by Above the Falls Sports

Mississippi River

The longest river in the country begins as a tiny stream small enough to walk across at Itasca State Park in northern Minnesota before carving its way through the heart of the United States and ending at the Gulf of Mexico. Even though it does not play as big of a role as it once did during the Twin Cities’ milling empire, the river that separates the two cities continues to be an important lifeline of the metro for business and recreation alike. Paddle junkie’s can get their fix traversing the steady current either alone or during a guided tour, cruises are offered to those who want to relax and take in the breathtaking panoramic views, and commercial boats continue to make deliveries using the river’s system of locks and dams.

Chain of Lakes/Trail System

It would not be right to talk about the Seven Wonders of the Twin Cities without mentioning their award-winning parks and trails. Ranked No. 1 for city parks in the country by Trust for Land’s annual Parkscore index, the Twin Cities’ sprawling metropolis is covered with 50-plus parks and reserves and 340 miles of trails like a giant green blanket. The proverbial cherry on top is the chain of lakes: Brownie, Cedar, Lake of the Isles, Calhoun and Harriet. Combined, these five lakes and parks give residents and visitors of the metro the up-north-at-the-cabin feel without leaving the city limits.

Honorable Mentions

Mall of America
First Ave
Spoonbridge and Cherry
Minnesota Landscape Arboretum

Don’t feel like trying to squish through the doors—especially after seconds and thirds just hours prior—with the swarming masses on Black Friday? Leave the credit card, long cashier lines and lack of sleep behind in exchange for a new day-after-turkey adventure of the outdoor and family time variety.

Thanks to “Free Park Friday,” visitors to any of the 75 Minnesota state parks and recreation areas on Friday, Nov. 25 will have free park entry all day. So you can walk, run or hike and burn off that turkey while experiencing all the outdoor beauty our state has to offer.

If you’re looking for suggestions, try any of the guided hikes at Lake Bemidji, Lake Carlos and Sibley state parks, or catch a glimpse of the majestic trumpeter swans at Lake Maria State Park in Monticello.

For a full list of events, check out the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources’ website for more family-friendly ideas and suggestions, or to find a park near you.