Minneapolis, Minnesota Attractions

The Twin Cities and the surrounding areas are home to a variety of high-quality golf courses, perfect for players of all levels. Many of these courses feature pristine natural beauty, yet are set in a convenient urban location.

Hennepin Stages is a restored two-stage theater that has been home to Tony 'n' Tina's Wedding and other long-running shows.

Built in 1921 as a stage for vaudeville acts, The Orpheum was beautifully renovated and restored in 1993. As part of the Hennepin Theater district, it is home to a variety of top-notch productions throughout the year.

Locate on the Nicollet Mall and adjacent to a beautiful public plaza, Orchestra Hall is an architectural landmark in downtown Minneapolis and home of the Minnesota Orchestra. The hall, with its open glass structure and whimsical blue tubes, was designed to offer concert-goers a warm, welcoming ambiance and acoustical perfection.

This second largest mall in the world came in first place for its enclosed floor area and, as an American institution, opened its doors in 1992. With over 520 stores, 20 sit-down restaurants and 14 movie screens, there is not one shopper who is likely to walk away unhappy. With attractions such as the Underwater Adventures Aquarium, the LEGO Imagination Center, and the NASCAR Silicon Motor Speedway every visitor to the mall does not have to be a shopper, but a person who is seeking adventure. Why not come on in, grab a bite, catch a movie and shop for clothes all in one place?

The Minneapolis Pantages originally opened in 1916 as a vaudeville house and part of Greek immigrant and impresario Alexander Pantages' renowned consortia of theatres. Since then, the intimate Pantages has presented music, theatre and dance artists including Mikhail Baryshnikov, Vince Gill, Feist, Todd Rundgren, The Blenders and collaborative productions with Twin Cities' organizations including the Jungle Theater, the History Theatre, Chanhassen Dinner Theatres, Cantus and Theater Latte Da.

The State Theatre originally opened in 1921 and was then considered the most technologically advanced and elaborate theatre in the United States. One Minneapolis newspaper columnist described it as "a gilded pleasure palace, dedicated to the Hollywood dreams that captured America's heart in the roaring '20s." Since reopening in 1991, the State has hosted live Broadway touring productions and concerts, along with films including the world premieres of Minnesota-based films such as Grumpy Old Men.

Professional baseball in Minnesota dates back to 1884 with various teams and leagues. However since 1961, the baseball spotlight in Minnesota has focused mainly on the major league game and the Minnesota Twins, who have won three championships since then. The 2010 season is their first at Target Field - a new, improved stadium for both the team and their fans.

The Minnesota Vikings have been one of the most successful NFL franchises. They've won one NFL championship (pre-1970 AFL-NFL Merger), but subsequently lost 23-7 to the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl IV. The Vikings were the first team to play in four Super Bowls, though losing them. They have won their division 18 times, third most among teams currently playing in the NFL. No team has as many NFC or AFC Championship game appearances (nine) without a single Super Bowl title.

St. Paul is proud to call the Fitzgerald Theater its oldest stage in the city where live performances can still be seen. The Fitzgerald Theater has had quite a history since it was built in 1910 and is currently owned by Minnesota Public Radio. Originally, the theater was a tribute to Lee and J.J. Shubert's brother Sam. It was in 1994, after the theater had gone through a lengthy restoration process, that it was named for literary legend F. Scott Fitzgerald, who was originally from the city of St. Paul. Since then the theater still thrives with a variety of performances from plays to musical concerts and was even a set for the movie A Prairie Home Companion. The history of St. Paul as a city began here with the construction of this theater.

In the heart of downtown Minneapolis, appropriately located in a beautiful underground space, you'll discover Hell's Kitchen, a chef-owned restaurant known for its amazing food, described as "unique but not fancy; interesting but not fussy". Almost everything is made from scratch, from the award-winning peanut butter to even homemade ketchup.

Sanctuary, with its chandeliers and vaguely gothic ambiance - protected by gargoyles like the sanctuaries of Europe - is elegant, yet comfortable. Sanctuary serves New American cuisine, deftly combining immigrant influences from the Mediterranean to Japan into dishes that are delicious, beautiful and satisfying.

Vincent - A Restaurant offers contemporary French cuisine in an elegant setting with beautiful views of downtown Minneapolis. The ever-evolving seasonal menu reflects chef-owner Vincent Francoual's eclectic style.

La Belle Vie, one of the most lauded restaurants of the Twin Cities, is a chef-driven restaurant located in the historic 510 Groveland Building, sharing the neighborhood with the newly expanded Walker Arts Center. Tim McKee, executive chef, is nationally recognized for his fresh interpretation of traditional French Mediterranean cuisine.

Sweeping views of Loring Park, innovative American food, a captivating bar featuring 200+ wines with 30 by the glass make this restaurant a Minneapolis favorite.

Opened in 1999, Restaurant Alma is a casual fine dining restaurant, offering eclectic American cuisine and warm hospitality in a rustic historically preserved building. A high, open beam ceiling, exposed brick columns and concrete floors display the original space, while an open kitchen, banquette seating and gentle lighting contribute to an intimate and contemporary feel.

Saffron Restaurant and Lounge is a modern Mediterranean/Middle Eastern restaurant in the heart of Minneapolis warehouse district. Chef Sameh Wadi was nominated in 2008 and 2009 for a James Beard Award in the "Rising Star" category. Chef Wadi wows his guests with dishes like slow cooked lamb shoulder with lamb bacon and harissa and chickpeas.

Meritage is modeled after traditional French Brasserie culture and is located in the historic Hamm Building in the heart of downtown Saint Paul. The menu changes monthly to reflect the change of the seasons, and offers a mix of traditional French cuisine with seasonal New American.