Tourism By Region

WHAT'S NEW IN MINNEAPOLIS Men's Health names Minneapolis one of the "Top five cities to find a mate." USA Today calls the Dakota one of the "10 great places to get jazzed about jazz." Guthrie Theater snags a Travel + Leisure award for "Best Cultural Space." Cooking Light: Minneapolis is the 4th best city to for eating and living well. FEATURED TRAVEL OFFERS 2008 U.S. Women's Open package Special offers at new cultural facilities Coupons for your trip Discount tickets AS SEEN IN “There's no shortage of smaller American cities attracting attention these days for cutting-edge art and architecture. But Minneapolis, it's fair to say, is leading the pack.” Travel + Leisure, January 2006 THINGS TO DO Minneapolis. It's a land of 10,000 things to do. The area enjoys four distinct seasons, offering a true variety of experiences. Take in an outdoor music festival. Be awed by ancient gallery artifacts. Dine at one of the many sidewalk cafés. Or, ice skate on one of the city's 22 lakes. Shopping in Minneapolis Find your style! Plan a shopping getaway--we've done the work for you with our fun itineraries. Find great deals, get the inside scoop, and keep up on the trends. Minneapolis can carry a tune Listen up-- from Bob Dylan and Prince to live venues like First Ave, the Minneapolis music scene is hot! Plan a Minneapolis culinary getaway Discover the culinary scene in Minneapolis. From celebrity chefs to down-home favorites, we're sure to have your tastes covered! Check out our Top Spots for Shots Getting the perfect picture has never been easier. We've done all the work for you, all you have to do is grab your camera and say cheese! Bravo! It's theater season Experience the vibrant theater scene in Minneapolis. Find out what shows are slated to hit the stage next! Plan a girls-only getaway Shop, pamper and generally have a blast with your gal pals. Visit this page for ideas and tips for fabulous fun. Check out The it List Find out what's happening in Minneapolis this month – concerts, theater, festivals and more – with these top picks from our editorial staff. Explore diverse neighborhood spots Get an inside look at 6 of Minneapolis' unique neighborhoods. Learn more about each neighborhood and what it has to offer. Minneapolis Arts Explosion Designs by international architects. More than $500 million in renovation. Celebrate Minneapolis' new and expanded 5 major cultural institutions. Discount tickets In Minneapolis there is always a great show to see and great music to hear. TC Tix has got discount seats just for you.

Grand fun. Grand shopping. Grand dining. Greater Grand Forks. Get away to the Red River Valley where the great outdoors meet the friendly towns of Grand Forks, ND and East Grand Forks, MN. Your two-state adventure will span both banks of the Red River as you enjoy grand dining, shopping, the great outdoors, UND and the heritage of the upper Midwest. For more information about the arts in Greater Grand Forks, visit the North Valley Arts Council’s web site at http://www.novac.org. For the Where to Go and What to Do in Greater Grand Forks Arts and Culture, check out http://www.culturepulse.org. Chester Fritz Auditorium Offers an array of national entertainment including country music, Broadway theatre, children’s and special performances. Yale and University Avenue UND Campus Grand Forks Phone: (701) 777-4090 Visit The Website Browning Arts This fine arts gallery features works in every medium by more than 50 area artists, including ceramics, painting, drawing, printmaking, photography, computer art, sculpture, jewelry and fiber arts. Open 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday- Friday. Call for more information. 23 S 4th St Grand Forks Phone: (701) 746-5090 Colonel Eugene E. Myers Gallery This gallery features regional and national artwork, as well as local shows by graduate art students and master students. Open 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday. Hughes Fine Arts Center UND Campus Grand Forks Phone: (701) 777-2257 Crimson Creek Collegiate Players Experienced performers recreate the most popular musicals of our time. For performance dates, see the calender of events. Phone: (701) 740-9203 Email: crimsoncreek@novac.org Fire Hall Theatre A season of plays in a small, intimate setting showcasing everything from musicals and dramas to classics and comedies. Call for more information. 412 2nd Avenue North Grand Forks Phone: (701) 746-0847 Visit The Website Grand Forks City Band This band, which was formed in 1886, performs year round at various locations and during the summer at the Myra Museum Gazebo in Grand Forks. Call for more information. Phone: (701) 746-1888 Alternate Phone: (701) 746-2335 North Dakota Ballet Company Performances include classical ballet works mixed with jazz, modern, comedy and theatrical dance pieces. Audience members often say that it is precisely this mixture of dance styles that makes a NDBC performance a unique and entertaining event that is fun for the whole family. Phone: (701) 775-7401 Visit The Website Summer Performing Arts Company (SPA) A summer arts program for students. SPA produces two musicals and a drama/comedy each summer with free evening performances in downtown Grand Forks. Phone: (701) 746-2411 Visit The Website The Dakota Collection Features fine art and lifestyle products exclusively by North Dakota artists, natural buckwheat- and millet-filled pillows and hand-felted wool items. Art pieces in soft pastel, acrylic, watercolor, metal and photography and three-dimensional work in pottery and wearable art. Open 9 a.m. to 8 p.m Monday-Friday, and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday. Inside Silverman's Clothing 3001 S Columbia Rd. Grand Forks Phone: (800) 284-1656 Burtness Theatre Productions by UND students throughout the academic year. Call the Box Office for information. Centennial Drive - UND Campus Grand Forks Phone: (701) 777-2587 Visit The Website View events at this location COMPAC The Community Performing Arts Center is used for many school shows and performances as well as a variety of other entertainment. Phone: (218) 773-2405 ext. 273 1420 4th Ave. NW East Grand Forks, MN Empire Arts Center Built in 1919, this recently restored theatre hosts performances, movies and other events and houses a visual arts gallery with exhibits open during performances. Call for more information. 415 Demers Ave. Grand Forks Phone: (701) 746-5500 Visit The Website GGF Symphony & Youth Symphony The Greater Grand Forks Symphony Orchestra, Grand Forks' 92-year-old symphony orchestra, performs classical concerts, pops and special events. Guest artists from the U.S. and Canada join the symphony for outstanding performances including world premieres of new music. The Symphony Association offers youth programs including a youth symphony, junior symphony, master classes, workshops and coaching in chamber music. Phone: (701) 777-3359 Visit The Website Grand Forks Master Chorale The Grand Forks Master Chorale was formed in 1983 and currently has 42 singers form the Greater Grand Forks area. This musical group performs a variety of concerts throughout the year. Call for more information. Phone: (701) 777-3376 North Dakota Museum of Art The North Dakota Museum of Art is "a cultural jewel on the prairie" receiving accolades nationally for quality visual arts, innovative programming, and strong leadership. In addition to the permanent collection, the Museum hosts frequent world-class traveling exhibits, serves as a venue for classical music concerts, sponsors lectures and workshops, offers art education to school children, and provides cultural space for community social functions. The museum's exhibition program brings art and artists from the region, across the United States, and around the world to North Dakota. The museum is located on the campus of the University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, on Centennial Drive. Hours are 9 AM to 5 PM on weekdays and 11 AM to 5 PM on weekends. Centennial Drive - UND Campus Phone: (701) 777-4195 Visit The Website Email: ndmoa@ndmoa.com The ARTSplace Open since 1990, The ARTSplace is a unique fine arts gallery and studio. Local, regional and national artworks are displayed ranging from original prints, paintings and photographs to computer images and digital photos. Open Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and by appointment. Call for information. 1110 2nd Avenue N. Grand Forks Phone: (701) 746-6479 UND Music Department Group performances throughout the year. Call for details. Phone: (701) 777-2644 Visit The Website

Ask anyone who's been here and they'll tell you there's nothing like a visit to Duluth. Scenic wonder, natural beauty, and an all-around great place to get away. But if you can't hit the road right now, just click on the quick -fact buttons, and you'll see what we mean. Largest freshwater lake in the world. 350 miles east to west, 160 miles north to south. 31,280 square surface miles. Average depth: 483 feet. Deepest point: 1,333 feet. 3 quadrillion gallons, or 2,900 cubic miles, of water. Elevation: 600 feet above sea level; not to exceed 602 feet, as ordered by the International Join Commission. Large enough to dramatically affect weather patterns in surrounding areas; in Duluth, that means warmer winters and cooler summers. Final resting place for over 350 shipwrecks, including the famous Edmund Fitzgerald. Shoreline length, including islands: 2,726 miles. Empties into Lake Huron via the St. Mary’s River. Is large enough to contain all the other Great Lakes, plus three additional lakes the size of Lake Erie. Water flows into the lake from a drainage basin area of 49,300 square miles. It would take 191 years for the rivers in the drainage basin to refill the lake. Named by French explorers as “le lac superieur,” meaning “upper lake.” Known for its clear, cold water and agate beaches. Average water temp.: 40°F. Could cover all of North America in water three feet deep. Seasonal storms can lead to waves over 20 feet high History Originally settled by Sioux (Dakota) and Chippewa (Ojibwa). Claimed for France in 1679 by Daniel Greysolon, Sieur du Lhut. Once home to more millionaires (per capita) than any other city in the world. Physical Data Population: 87,000; within 30-mile radius, population is 184,134. Located at the westernmost tip of Lake Superior, halfway between Minneapolis/St. Paul and the Canadian border. 2,342 freshwater miles from the Atlantic Ocean to Duluth via the Great Lakes/St. Lawrence Seaway. Area: 43,067 acres. Altitude: Ranges from 605 feet (at Lake Superior’s shoreline) to 1,485 feet above sea level. Terrain: City is built into a steep, rocky cliffside; almost mountainous for the Midwest. Rated by Money magazine as one of the top four Midwestern small cities, based on livability. Industry Industries include tourism, healthcare, financial/banking, mining, paper, communications, education and shipping. City’s harbor welcomes over 1,000 ocean-going and Great Lakes freighters annually. Seaway Port Authority of Duluth provides foreign trade zone and economic development services. Interlake cargoes of iron, grain, coal and stone combine to make this the top volume port on the Great Lakes with a total of $250 million in annual economic impact. Home to the College of St. Scholastica, the University of Minnesota Duluth, Lake Superior Community College, Fond du Lac Community College and across the bay, the University of Wisconsin-Superior. Regional medical center for surrounding states and provinces. Physician population of over 400; one of every seven residents is employed in healthcare. Rated first in the United States for quality healthcare in communities of its size. Weather Annual precipitation: 30.0 inches. Annual snowfall: 77.6 inches. Average January low temp.: -2.2°F. Average July high temp.: 77.1°F. Visitor Information 3.5 million tourist visitors per year accounting for a $400 million economic impact. 4,200 hotel rooms in the city. 50 restaurants in the downtown area. Extensive, climate-controlled skywalk connects downtown facilities. 23 city parks, sculpture gardens and rose gardens. "State of the Air 2002" report places Duluth among the top 10 metropolitan areas in the United States with the least smog pollution according to data released by the American Lung Association from EPA Air Quality Index research. 105 municipal parks totaling 3,264 acres, plus: - Two 27-hole golf courses. - 41 tennis courts. - 29 baseball/softball fields. - 22 neighborhood recreation centers. - 11 senior centers. - 45 miles of snowmobile trails. - 44 kilometers of cross-country ski trails. - 8 self-guided hiking trails. - Regional zoo. Dozens of rivers and creeks within the city. Secluded waterfalls throughout town. Hartley Park is 975 acres; Barton Peak Forest Park is 2,775 acres. By comparison, New York’s Central Park is just 860 acres. Rock–climbing opportunities throughout the city. Home to the North Shore Scenic Drive, designated a National All American Road 30-mile scenic drive follows ancient shoreline 600 feet above the city. Abundance of wildlife; including bear, deer and moose within city limits. Fishing opportunities: salmon, lake trout, sturgeon, walleye, other big-water fish, plus the annual “smelt run.” International sculpture garden features works from sister cities in Sweden, Russia, Canada and Japan. Rose garden blooms with more than 40,000 roses. Enger Tower overlooks the city and was dedicated by Crown Prince Olav of Norway. Park Point beach is the world’s longest natural sand bar, jutting seven miles into Lake Superior. Rated by Golf Digest (July ’98) as first in the nation for quality and accessibility in public golf. Recognized by the Audubon Society, Hawk Ridge acts as a “funnel” for tens of thousands of migratory hawks, eagles and other birds of prey. Some of the most vertical downhill skiing in the Midwest. Gateway to Lake Superior’s scenic north shore. - 2.5-hour drive to the Canadian border. - Split Rock lighthouse. - Gooseberry Falls State Park. - Tettegouche State Park. One-hour drive from the Iron Range. - Largest open-pit mine in the world. - Supplied the iron that built the nation. Just over one-hour drive to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness/Quetico Canadian Provincial Park. - Thousands of acres of untouched wilderness. - Much of the area is accessible only by canoe and portage. "State of the Air 2002" report places Duluth among the top 10 metropolitan areas in the United States with the least smog pollution according to data released by the American Lung Association from EPA Air Quality Index research.

Northern Minnesota's Brainerd Lakes Area offers a high quality of life. Whether you choose to vacation, work or move to our land of links, lakes and loons, you will be happy you did. The Brainerd Lakes Area boasts more than 465 lakes, clustered next to scenic forests. Retail, recreation and restaurant choices abound. In a backdrop of gorgeous lakes, world-class recreation and natural beauty, the Brainerd Lakes Area offers attractions, shopping, dining and outdoor activities that make a Minnesota family vacation, conference or weekend getaway memorable. There is something for every age and interest throughout the entire year. Cast a fishing line afloat from one of our 465 lakes. Rent recreational equipment so you can enjoy the water or trails. Join in a local neighborhood festival or event. Play more than 520 holes of golf on dozens of wonderful courses. Enjoy a colorful hike along the Paul Bunyan Trail — a 100-mile paved trail winding through lakes, rivers and forests. Glide through the winter’s powdery snow on a snowmobile or cross-country skis. Attend a theatrical or musical event. Enjoy food and drink atop a patio, overlooking the lake. Even rainy days bring plenty of options. Or, take a day-trip to see a wide variety of attractions and recreational options from within our five-county region. Whatever your pleasure, you’ll find it here in the Brainerd Lakes Area. Everyone is a kid at heart in the Brainerd Lakes Area. With the dozens of activities and attractions for families and friends to enjoy, you’ll wish you could stay longer! Paul Bunyan is still here, though the big boy has a new home. Take the plunge down a waterslide. Miniature golf courses are always a favorite of the young and old, as is the region’s largest racetrack -- Brainerd’s International Raceway. Area attractions offer plenty to do. Nature centers and historical parks allow the entire family to discover how fun learning can be. Summer and day camps also provide an extended opportunity for kids who just can’t seem to get enough. Indoor activities that are sure to please include trips to area museums and water parks. Recreational, community and athletic centers (including indoor ice skating rinks in Breezy Point and Brainerd,) provide additional fitness options. Outdoor amenities provide outdoor enjoyment for all ages. Swim at one of our stunning public beaches, burn off some calories at one of the numerous tennis courts, and be sure to spend a leisurely afternoon enjoying our beautiful city parks. And don’t forget about the arts just because you’re in the northwoods. From art galleries to art festivals to musical and theatrical performances, the Brainerd Lakes Area is teeming with opportunities and celebrations of arts and culture. Be sure to stop by the Franklin Art Center to watch artists at work in their studios. Even though you're getting away, do you need to stay in touch? Internet access can be found throughout the Brainerd Lakes Area. Click here to view a list of businesses that provide service. In addition, many lodging properties provide access for guests.

Arts/Theatre Minneapolis boasts more theater seats per capita than anywhere else but New York City. With a theater Minneapolis theater scene that is legendary, the city offers world-class broadway shows! Art Museums Bloomington Art Center 1800 W. Old Shakopee Rd., Bloomington 952-563-8587 Visit Bloomington Art Center The Bakken Museum 3536Zenith Avenue. S Minneapolis 612-926-3878 Visit The Bakken Museum Frederick R. Weisman Art Museum UM East Bank Campus 333 E. River Rd., Minneapolis 612-625-9494 Visit Wesiman The Minneapolis Institute of Arts 2400 3rd Ave. S., Minneapolis 612-870-3131 * 800-38-ARTS Vist Mpls Inst Arts Minneapolis Sculpture Garden 725 Vineland Place, Minneapolis 612-375-7553 Visit Sculpture Garden Minnesota Museum of American Art 2nd Floor Landmark Center 75 W. 5th St., St. Paul 651-296-6126 * 888-PAST-FUN Visit Minnesota Art Walker Art Center 715 Vineland Place, Minneapolis 612-375-7622 Visit Walker Music Halls The Minnesota Opera 620 N. First St., Minneapolis 612-333-2700 * 1-800-676-6737 Show Listings and Box Office The Minnesota Orchestra Orchestra Hall 111 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis 612-371-5656 *1-800-292-4141 Show Listings and Box Office The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra 408 St. Peter Street St. Paul 651-292-3248 Show Listings and Box Office Theaters Bloomington Civic Theater 1800 Old Shakopee Rd. Bloomington 952-563-8575 Show Listings and Box Office Brave New Workshop Comedy Theatre 205 Hennepin Ave. S., Minneapolis 612-332-6620 Show Listings and Box Office Chanhassen Dinner Theatres 501 W. 78th St., Chanhassen 952-934-1525 * 1-800-362-3515 Show Listings and Box Office Children's Theatre Company 2400 Third Avenue. S. Minneapolis 612-874-0400 Show Listings and Box Office The Fitzgerald Theatre 10 E. Exchange, St. Paul 651-209-1221 Show Listings and Box Office The Guthrie Theater 818 South 2nd Street Minneaapolis 612-347-2224 * 1-877-44-STAGE Show Listings and Box Office The Hennepin Stages 824 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis 612-338-9174 Show Listings and Box Office Historic State & Orpheum Theatres 805 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis 612-339-7007 Show Listings and Box Office Jungle Theater 2951 Lyndale Ave. S., Minneapolis 612-822-9408 Show Listings and Box Office Loring Playhouse 1635 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis 612-486-5757 Mixed Blood 1501 S. 4th St., Minneapolis 612-338-0937 Show Listings and Box Office Music Box Theatre 1407 Nicollet Ave., Minneapolis 612- 871-1414 Visit Music Box Old Log Theater 5185 Meadville St. Greenwood 952-474-5951 * 1-800-328-4827 Show Listings and Box Office Ordway Music Theater 345 Washington St., St. Paul 651-282-3000 * 651-224-4222 Show Listings and Box Office Pantages Theatre 710 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis 612-339-7007 Show Listings and Box Office Park Square Theatre 20 W. 7th Place St. Paul 651-291-7005 Show Listings and Box Office Plymouth Playhouse 2705 Annapolis Lane, Plymouth 763-553-1600 Show Listings and Box Office FREE Visitor Kit Keep Me Posted The Big Ticket Getaway Packages Calendar of Events Search Special Offers Contact

Aitkin Minnesota Welcomes You Throughout the year, the Aitkin area offers an abundance of outdoor recreational opportunities, a variety of cultural activities and shopping experiences. Hundreds of lakes, the Mississippi River and the Ripple River surround the community. 365 lakes (one for everyday of the year) are within 10 minutes (as the crow flies) of the only stoplight in Aitkin County, which just happens to be located in downtown Aitkin where Minnesota Highways 210 and 169 meet. Seasonal outdoor experiences include fishing, ice fishing, boating, swimming, biking, hiking, golf, birdwatching, snowmobiling, and hunting. Up North Adventure Country While visiting Aitkin, visit several inviting communities in our area… Aitkin, the Heart of Up North Adventure Country, is found at the junction of Minnesota Highways 169 and 210. Come and join us! Crosby is known as the “Antique Capital of the World”. This small town features many antique shops where you’re sure to find the item you have been searching for. Ironton is the home of the “pits”. The body of waters left after the days of the iron ore mining have become beautiful trout stocked lakes, perfect for entertaining a day of solitude and fishing. Hill City is found in Northern Aitkin County. It is the home of Quadna Resort/Park X where you will find downhill and cross-country skiing, trails for snowmobiling, hillsides for sledding and extreme sports activities. Driving and visiting throughout any of these areas, you will find the lakes, rivers, trees, and fields representing the beauty that is the legend of northern Minnesota.