Although I've been inside this beautiful edifice many times, I've only just used it as an actual…read moretrain station for the first time. Such a grand building looks like it could do with a lot more passenger train traffic than it actually gets. But I love coming here, no matter what the reason! There are two busy multi-state Amtrak lines that pass through here. It is also served by local bus routes (Metro Transit, etc.) and national ones like Megabus and Greyhound. The bus platforms are close to the train platforms and are easy to negotiate, and the light rail station is out on 4th Street directly in front. There is a pickup-dropoff area on Kellogg, one floor down from the main hall, where it's easy to get taxis and rideshares, and there is a Hertz rental car place down there as well. There are some shops and a restaurant! Check out my review of 1881 Eating House on their separate Yelp page, but there is a bike shop, a book shop, a toy train shop, and a travel store to check out. And there are often very lively events going on, especially during the holidays. Even if you just show up to stroll through the building I think you will enjoy your visit. It's such a beautiful building that I'm proud of how well it represents Saint Paul to travelers.

Went to the Union Depot for the Boonion Depot Halloween event. Free event! 10am-2pm…read more Activities: *Inside: trick or treating, coloring, drawing, face painting, balloon making, exploring the stores in the depot, DJ dance party/games, game area: connect 4, jenga, chess, checkers, pictures with princesses, spider man and other characters. *Outside: riding a small train, looking at construction equipment, playground across the street Concessions available- coffee, chips, pastries, hot dogs, drinks and more- plus they are affordable! Parking: $ ramps available, paid metered street parking Stores: book store, train store, 1881 restaurant is inside the Union Depot. It's so cute and a cool vibe!

I love Midtown Global Market with all of my heart. I went…read morelast Friday for the first time in a while and have already been back 2 times already since then (it's now Monday). Midtown Global Market has been such a staple in my life. It does such a good job of having food options from so many cultures and parts of the world. The food is reasonably priced and the workers are all so kind and knowledgable. Beyond just food, there is a huge selection of art, groceries, clothing, and more. MGM has always felt like the ideal of what Minneapolis is and can be. I am sad to see a lot of booths closed right now. My heart aches for my neighbors and community. I hope (and know) that MGM can bounce back and continue to be a place of diverse community. Love MGM always.

I feel like it used to be much livelier years ago. I went this year to Volunteer and noticed a lot…read moreof places were vacant/closed. Seems like they are trying to bring people back by hosting more events (they've always had events but really pushing for the community to out). They still have some decent food options. Sad about Slice closing before I had to a chance to check them out. Still a few shops and produce vendors. I was born and raised for a bit in South Mpls and I find this area to be a bit challenging sometimes especially with them narrowing Lake Street down to single lanes. Makes me avoid the area as a whole. Definitely not MGM fault but generally unfortunate. You do have to pay for parking, ramp or metered. Or you could be lucky and find a spot around the neighborhood and walk over.

This is the best Art gallery in Minneapolis. Every time we visit we have to go here. It's like a…read moremuseum. They quality of the artwork is amazing.

A great place to find one of a kind and unique hand made items. The craftsmanship is beautiful and…read morethe selection is diverse. There's an attached gallery, service is excellent, and its a great place to browse. Prices run a little high (but you are paying for the quality).

We got a family membership as a gift last year (2024) and both of our kids love coming here…read more There are a variety of interactive activities for kids (and adults) of all ages. Our boys' favorite activity is the one you get to race against professional athletes, T-Rex or TC Bear! It's great that the Omnitheater shows are included in our membership.

One star less only because the science museum had "event rates" for the Grand Casino Arena, when…read moreyou're clearly going to the Science Museum as a family... Anyway, it was a great day with plenty of old staples like viruses and physics and weather. We visited the Skin exhibit which was pretty cool and they had a new sports exhibit too that the kids and adults had a blast at. Perfect for a winter escape!

Allen Christian opened his studio to the Urban Sketchers for an afternoon sketching event. There…read morewere so many things that caught my eye. I loved these figures that were formed from piano parts. Much of the art was created from things we might consider trash but to Allen it transforms into beautiful, and sometimes odd, works of art. Allen's imagination is limitless. I enjoyed seeing something from afar then stepping close to it to see individual screws, bolts, brushes, computer keys, or syringes. So cool. I also enjoyed meeting Allen and seeing him practicing his craft. What a fun place and gracious host.

Stopped here during Doors Open '26. I've never really adventured out to this area but was curious…read moreto see what this place was. It's an art gallery full of random oddities. Looks like most of the materials are recycled or thrifted which was cool to see some retro signs or parts. Never ran into the owner/person running the place to ask questions but I'd definitely like to know more about how some of the pieces come together and how they source items. Also not sure if pieces were for sell or it was strictly for show. Cool nonetheless.

So much fun! Lots of learning and fun activities. Went for an event…read more Had a child with me. So many activities for kids! She had so much fun, learned a lot about animals, constellations, the environment and more Food: catered by event- Delicious tacos and dessert. Multiple meat options, veggie, Vegan options and gluten friendly as well Parking: Metered parking - had discounted parking. There are a few lots you can park at. One at museum and a few others. We had a shuttle pick up available at the further lots through the events Highly recommend for children but also very interesting for adults! Don't miss the planetarium or the Woolly Mammoth!

Love this museum! My two six year old twins really love this place. I also love this museum. It was…read moreso much fun so many cool things to see. Planetarium was fun as well Minnesota night skies was very interesting. Thank you!

What a beautiful State Capitol! So rich in art, sculptures, history & knowledge! Amazing! It was…read morerecently renovated & they had many insight & antidote of the before & after. Really a beautiful property to tour if in town.

Went on the Shadow & Spirits Tour at the State Capitol and had a grand time. The acting done by…read moreeveryone involved made it a fun and informative experience.

It is no wonder that I love to visit the Conservatory in the dead of winter. There is no better…read morefeeling than going there when it's below zero, and your body does not even remember what humidity feels like. Sure, going to Hawaii is great, but if you want something closer and thousands of dollars less expensive (it's actually free, but they suggest you give them a small donation upon entry), I recommend a quick trip to the indoor conservatory. Save the zoo for a nice summer day. My two favorite areas are the topics, and the Sunken Garden. The tropics is the place to go for a hot, steamy reprieve from the Minnesota winter. It has lots of fun swimming animals, a sloth that is about as lively as a stuffed bear, but the biggest attraction, for me, is the incredible hot, moist area. But that's just one area of the Conservatory. Don't miss the larger part that includes jungle-type foliage, wonderful plants, and a display of orchids. We were there the weekend after the orchid show, but we were treated to the award winning and amazingly beautiful orchids. The highlight however, is the seasonal changes that take place in the Sunken Garden. This is an ever changing variety of seasonal flowers and can cheer up the crankiest of us who are just trying to make it through to Spring.

Visit here at least once a year Love that it is feee to the…read morepublic although it's nice to give a donation so it helps maintain the grounds Lots of good animal exhibits and the sunken garden is just beautiful every season! The conservatory dome is the perfect place to visit in the heart of winter , I'm talking negative temperatures because the dome is humid and hot (think Florida) because it helps the tropical plants Fun fact- Valentine's Day they do dinners in the gardens but sell out fast!

The Reading Room is an excellent space for an intimate wedding. There were about 150 guests and the…read moreceremony took place in the front of the room, with elegant tables behind for the plated dinner reception. Waitstaff circulated with hors d'oeuvres as we waited in the receiving line, keeping everyone engaged. I loved the library theme, from the Save The Date library book cards to the tables identified by famous authors. We were seated at Dickens, our dinner preferences printed out on beautiful bookmarks. The three-story ceilings are reached by massive bookshelves with upstairs hallways for reaching those high books. The flowers were gorgeous and organic and the catered food was delicious from salad to dessert. It's not an inexpensive venue, but it is warm and intimate once you get here. We ran into detours, slow trains, and closed roads so we had our Uber let us out about a 1/4 mile away because we were about to be late. We literally made it in as the ceremony started. Road construction, closed roads, detours, and slow freight trains don't show up on your travel map!

A stunning interior historic space and building. If I were doing research here, I think I'd find it…read morevery enjoyable. Using it as a meeting space wasn't the greatest, since the speakers had power point presentations with lots of writing, and because the seating had to be deep and narrow, it was hard for those in the back. Sound also was splotchy, and the bathrooms are small and at the front, so you have to walk in front of everyone to reach them. As a stop to see something beautiful--it's a must if you're in this city.