Читать книгу Minnesota Day Trips by Theme - Mary M. Bauer - Страница 6

So you want to tour Minnesota, and who wouldn’t? After all, it is the birthplace of the mighty Mississippi River. It’s also home to the world-renowned Mayo Clinic, the Mall of America, 3M, and the childhood farm of American aviation hero Charles Lindbergh. Cheerleading, the black box and Spam are only a few of the creations invented in this Land of 10,000 Lakes. National Geographic Traveler included Minnesota’s Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in its “50 places of a lifetime” list in 1999. And no one should miss the spectacular fall colors as the leaves turn from lush summer greens to brilliant reds and golds.

Minnesota Day Trips takes the information overload out of planning an excursion. Each chapter offers a number of attractions based on themes such as train trips, family days, romantic getaways, waterfalls and so on. Simply turn to the chapters that appeal and bypass the rest if you’d like.

For an overview of Minneapolis and St. Paul, take the 3½-hour guided tour offered by metroConnections. From a deluxe motor coach, you’ll see the Skyway system, U.S. Bank Stadium, Historic Fort Snelling, State Capitol, Guthrie Theater, lovely Summit Avenue, residential areas and many more interesting sights. Call metroConnections at 612-333-TOUR (612-333-8687) or 800-747-TOUR (800-747-8687); www.awardwinningcitytours.com.

The Twin Cities have a metro transit system (metrotransit.org) that links many areas via bus, light rail and commuter train. Fares range from 50 cents to $3. Purchase tickets at vending machines located on station platforms. For more information, call 800-NEW-RIDER (800-639-7433) or 612-373-3333; www.metrotransit.org.

For more information about the Twin Cities, contact:

Minneapolis Regional Chamber of Commerce, 81 South 9th Street, Suite 200, Minneapolis; 612-370-9100; www.minneapolischamber.org

The Greater Minneapolis Convention & Visitors Association, 250 Marquette Avenue South, Suite 1300, Minneapolis; 888-676-MPLS (888-676-6757); www.minneapolis.org

St. Paul Area Chamber of Commerce, 401 North Robert Street, Suite 150, St. Paul; 651-223-5000; www.saintpaulchamber.com

St. Paul Convention and Visitors Bureau, 175 West Kellogg Boulevard, Suite 502, St. Paul; 800-627-6101 or 651-265-4900; www.visitsaintpaul.com

Minneapolis and St. Paul: Official Visitors Guide; www.visit-twincities.com

For information about greater Minnesota, contact the Minnesota Office of Tourism at 888-847-4866; www.exploreminnesota.com

Many attractions within Minnesota Day Trips include options of nearby things to see and do. There is also a select number of Western Wisconsin getaways. So go ahead and attend a Lion’s Club pancake breakfast, or have yourself a heaping helping of hot dish at a church supper. Tour Minnesota’s many museums and art galleries, hike the North Country or fish the River Valley’s clear trout streams. Enjoy the land and that good old Midwestern friendliness Minnesotans are famous for.