Minneapolis is a thriving city with lots of awesome things to do for families. Instead of turning into one of the cities along the Rust Belt, the movers and shakers are positioning the city as a place to visit and stay a while. There are lots of fascinating cultural things to see, places to explore, and landmarks that should not be missed. Not one member of the family is going to deal with boredom while they check out any of these three reasons to visit Minneapolis.
Minnesota Children’s Museum
Image via Flickr by puroticorico
The Minnesota Children’s Museum is full of interactive play for kids up to 10 years of age. It’s a great place for little ones to learn about the world around them in a safe setting. The exhibits are so much fun that the kids don’t recognize that they’re actually learning as they go through each one. Keep in mind that the museum requires kids to wear socks in some exhibits and that they’re probably going to get wet at the “Forces at Play” and “Sprouts” exhibits.
Top off the visit with a stop at the Tomāto Tomäto Cafe. They serve up dishes such as pizza, mac and cheese, and crustless PB & J sandwiches that are geared towards the younger set.
Twin City Model Railroad Museum
This museum began life in 1934 when a group of model railroad enthusiasts formed a club and built an O-gauge system. Over the intervening decades, the museum grew and expanded to display a variety of model railroad lines. Volunteers have put in thousands of hours to recreate Minneapolis’ railway system in miniature.
Exhibits do change on a regular basis so make sure you go when a must-see like the Circus Train is put out on display. Perhaps the best part about viewing a display is the fact that each train layout recreates scenery and settings in different eras. There’s lots of detail to check out beyond watching the train go around its track.
Minnehaha Regional Park
Located in the middle of Minneapolis is Minnehaha Regional Park. It’s one of the oldest parks in the city and features a 53-foot waterfall. It’s one of the most popular parks in town and not just for the waterfall. There’s the Longfellow Gardens which is bursting with color from spring until fall. Slow down, look closely, and you might just catch the hummingbirds as they flit from flower to flower.
Don’t overlook Longfellow House, a historic home that’s been turned into a visitor’s center. Also be sure to check out Princess Depot, a fully restored Victorian-era railroad depot that was once located on the first railroad line west of the Mississippi to connect Minneapolis and Chicago.
Minneapolis has lots of things to do, sites to see, and places to visit for families. It’s loaded with cultural attractions, unique public art, and activities to partake in. The city has something for kids of all ages to enjoy and experience together. You’re sure to return home with lots of great memories!