This site of the Minnesota Transportation Museum is located in a tiny building at the Linden Hills Station of the Minnesota Streetcar Museum line. Purchase a postcard souvenir inside and walk up the street along the tracks to learn more about the Como-Harriet Streetcar line. Check the schedule and ride a historic trolley from Linden Hills to Lake Calhoun.
With almost 5 million square feet and more than 520 stores, the Mall of America is one of the largest malls in the U.S., and one of the most visited. Nearly 40 million people visit here each year, almost half of whom are tourists from outside the Twin Cities metro area. On any given visit, you will see people of all ages, from all walks of life. That's because it has something for everyone: retail from low-end to high, entertainment, fine dining—even a wedding chapel.
Must see/do at the Mall of America
Besides shopping, there are plenty of ways to entertain yourself here (or the other members of your group who aren't excited by shopping). You can visit the SEA LIFE Minnesota Aquarium, or spend an afternoon enjoying the attractions at Nickelodeon Universe (and the adjacent LEGO play area), or play some mini golf at Moose Mountain Adventure Golf.
Types of stores at the Mall of America
If you can't find it here, you probably can't find it anywhere. Anchor stores include both Nordstrom and Sears, and in between you've got everything from name-brand boutiques (Guess, Clark Shoes) to tech stores (Apple and Microsoft) to kids' clothing and toys to regional or single-item stores (including one that sells only socks).
Food at the Mall of America
The Mall has everything from food court counters to sit-down gourmet, chains and locally owned restaurants. American Girl enthusiasts will want to schedule teatime at the American Girl store, while those looking for something more grown-up will appreciate high-end Japanese restaurant Masu or FireLake Grill House. For the in-between meals, check out perennial favorites like Buffalo Wild Wings.
Parking and public transportation to the Mall of America
The Mall has extensive free parking ramps surrounding it, and flat lots adjacent to the ramps. There are numerous bus lines that come to the Mall from all over the metro, as well as Metro Transit's light rail trains from Minneapolis.
Other places to visit near the Mall of America
Across the street from the Mall is the Radisson Bloomington, which is home to the Water Park of America. If you need a break from the large scale of shopping here, in nearby Edina is the Galleria shopping mall, much smaller (and entirely upscale). Or if you need a nature break, Fort Snelling State Park is just a few minutes away, where you can see where the Minnesota and Mississippi Rivers merge.
Insider tip for visitors to the Mall of America
Before the stores open, the Mall is home to dedicated Mall walkers—a lap around each floor is .57 mile, and many people come early in the morning to get their daily walks in, particularly in less-than-delightful weather.
Author's bio: Amy C. Rea is the author of Minnesota, Land of 10,000 Lakes: an Explorer's Guide, and Backroads & Byways of Minnesota. Her third book, Camping Minnesota, will be published in 2016.
This site of the Minnesota Transportation Museum is located in a tiny building at the Linden Hills Station of the Minnesota Streetcar Museum line. Purchase a postcard souvenir inside and walk up the street along the tracks to learn more about the Como-Harriet Streetcar line. Check the schedule and ride a historic trolley from Linden Hills to Lake Calhoun.
Whether you're visiting the Twin Cities for a weekend, or you've lived in the Twin Cities your entire life, Minnehaha Falls is for you. This park features walking trails, surrey rentals at Wheel Fun Rentals, seasonal seafood restaurant: Sea Salt Eatery, sweet treats, hiking areas and of course the gorgeous waterfall. Whether you're looking for a workout and want to hike through the ground around the waterfall, or you're looking for a relaxing day of laying in the sun, Minnehaha Falls has got what you're looking for.
Parking and Public Transportation at Minnehaha Falls
Parking at Minnehaha Falls is simple. There's a large, main parking lot for the area with very inexpensive hourly rates. There is usually spots available in the main lot. During peak busy times in the summer, fall-goers can park on the street where there is metered parking just blocks from the falls.
Best and Worst Time to go to Minnehaha Falls
If you're looking to have a meal while visiting Minnehaha Falls, then you'll want to go during summer months. Sea Salt Eatery is open April through October. If you're just looking to spend a day at the falls, weekdays tend to be less crowded than weekends.
Admission to Minnehaha Falls
One of the many great aspects about Minnehaha Falls is that it is completely free to the public. Just show up and you're in.
Must See/Do at Minnehaha Falls
There's a small bridge that crosses over right in front of the falls. When visiting, it's always fun to take a photo on that bridge with the waterfall as your all-natural background.
Other Places to Visit Near Minnehaha Falls
What's the best thing after spending a day in the sun? Ice cream of course! Luckily for you, Bridgeman's Ice Cream is just a block away from the waterfall, right on Hiawatha Avenue. If ice cream's not your thing, there's many other attractions in the area, including: Fort Snelling, Lake Nokomis, Hiawatha Statue and the Longfellow House and Gardens.
Insider Tips for Visitors to Minnehaha Falls
If you're looking to rent a surrey from Wheel Fun Rentals, right in Minnehaha Park, look online for deals before you head over. There's often coupons and deals on surrey rentals online.
Author's Bio: Jessica Vaysberg is a journalist and Twin Cities native who is always up for exploring the city and capturing her adventures in writing.
