FAMILY FUN DAY at the The Bakken Museum!!! We had an unexpectedly great time. Each of us enjoyed a…read moredifferent aspect of this unique place: - My teen son loved the interactive, tech-inspired exhibits - I loved the beautiful Gothic/Tudor architecture and the history of the families that lived in the mansion throughout the years -Hubby loved the calming outdoor spaces and medicinal gardens - Our tween daughter loved her scavenger hunt for Lego people that were hidden throughout the museum From their website: The Bakken Museum inspires a passion for innovation by exploring the potential for science, technology, and the humanities to make the world a better place. Located on the West shore of Bde Maka Ska in Minneapolis, the museum features interactive exhibits for all ages and exceptional STEM education programs. Make movies in the Spark exhibit, meet the mother of science fiction in Mary & Her Monster, and test out some of Ben Franklin's favorite experiments in the Electricity Party Room.

This museum is great! My son and I loved learning about inventions and trying them out. It was very…read moreinteractive and the staff were friendly and helpful. The only downfall is that when we went in March and were waiting for our turn in the Frankenstein show a group of school kids on a field trip bypassed us forcing us to wait again. While I understand school field trips are important I also believe that paying customers should be allowed the same level of experience.

Nice museum focusing on north and west Lake Minnetonka and Mound in particular. The highlights for…read moreus were the Tonka toy exhibit, the Andrews sisters memorabilia, and information on local Native American burial mounds.

Another Hidden Gem: Noerenberg Memorial Gardens Review…read more Noerenberg Memorial Gardens is another secret I should have discovered sooner! As someone who lives nearby I stumbled upon it while planning a bike ride and it felt like I found a hidden oasis. The gardens really do live up to being a place of tranquility and fresh air and are a far cry from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The accessibility of the Noerenberg Memorial Gardens is a big plus. Being close to the Dakota Rail Regional Trail makes it a great destination for cyclists. I highly recommend incorporating it into a bike ride. The ride itself adds to the experience, you get to transition from the activity of cycling into the peacefulness of the gardens. This seamless transition makes for a more immersive and rewarding visit. The garden itself is beautiful. The attention to detail in the landscaping is obvious and it's visually stunning and calming. What struck me most was the quiet. Being right next to a busy road and yet it's so quiet. It's amazing how well the gardens filter out the noise and you can fully immerse yourself in the sounds of nature: birdsong, rustling leaves and maybe the gentle lapping of the nearby lake. It really feels like stepping through a "portal of tranquility" and instantly washing away stress and feeling peaceful. The atmosphere is what sets the Noerenberg Memorial Gardens apart. It's a place for quiet contemplation, a space to breathe deeply and reconnect with nature. Whether you want to read a book, meditate or just wander and take in the beauty around you this garden is the place. Feeling surrounded by beauty is both uplifting and restorative. Beyond the aesthetics the gardens offer learning and inspiration. Discovering places like this is valuable learning regardless of whether school is in session. Seeing the different plant species, appreciating the artistry and just soaking in the peacefulness can spark curiosity and deepen your connection to the natural world. It's a reminder that learning can be found everywhere and not just in a classroom. The Noerenberg Memorial Gardens are more than a garden but it's an experience. It's a must see for anyone looking for a peaceful escape. Proof that nature can heal and inspire and a reminder to slow down and appreciate what's around us.

Located right by lake Minnetonka, the Noerenberg Memorial Gardens is a intriguing memorial which…read moreI had the opportunity to partake in a walking tour offered by Three Rivers Park. Through walking through and visiting the eye-catching boathouse architecture and the historic barn which is part of the estate, I learned about the history of the memorial which was originally developed around 1890 by Frederick Noerenberg, a brewer who was one of the first entrepreneurs to establish a year-round home at Lake Minnetonka. Although the family house was torn down and the will was to just preserve the estate the overall feel of the property is still defined by the non existent house. A little disappointed that there are no actual garden with flowers, but the landscape is still stunning and calming that I would like to revisit on my own time.

Love going here especially around the holidays for their lights displays. The café serves…read moreimaginative food and beverages. The building itself is architecturally interesting.

He Said: Overall, nice cafe/ restaurant. I sat outside…read morebecause it was a lovely day. Totally the right call. I ate pretty lite...ordered a salad with bread. My true score would be a little under 4 stars. Prices are high--$2 for 2 slices of bread?! The wait staff were not that attentive either, but they were nice. Pros: - Nice place to check out and grab a bite. - Ample parking Cons: - Higher prices - We waited a while to have our orders taken and to get the check

We took our granddaughter to the Mn History Center thinking that it would be fun. We were right…read more The exhibits are interactive enough to keep her entertained and informative enough to keep our attention. My favorite exhibit was a reenactment of the 1965 Fridley Tornado with radio coverage from WCCO's Boone and Erickson. You get to sit in a "basement" and feel what they felt...it was a lot of fun.

- Minnesota History Center…read more The Minnesota History Center was an interesting and worthwhile stop, especially for anyone who enjoys learning about state and regional history. Most of the main exhibits were located on the third floor, and I believe there were around five in total during my visit. The exhibits appealed to a wide range of ages, with some sections designed for children, others for young adults, and plenty of material that adults would appreciate as well. The museum covers a broad range of Minnesota history, including major weather events, the Greatest Generation, and different decades from the 1920s through the modern era. There was a good balance of historical information, artifacts, and interactive displays. Some of the more memorable items included a pair of the first original water skis ever invented and the steering wheel from the USS Minnesota. There were many other artifacts throughout the museum that helped connect Minnesota's history to larger events in American history. Overall, there is a lot to see and learn here. I would highly recommend the Minnesota History Center to anyone interested in history or wanting to better understand the people, events, and innovations that shaped the state.

I've been sorting through numerous items collected over the last three generations of the family…read moreand have taken a number of things to this museum. The staff has been very nice and welcoming and the displays of life in Dakota County of the past are terrific. I've really enjoyed finding information regarding the heyday of the Union Stockyards and the boom town that was South St Paul in the early twentieth century. I learn something new each time I visit.

You had me at giant blue rooster…read more But this sculpture garden has more to offer. Currently a gaggle of geese are loitering near the spoon cherry. The interplay of space and monolithic sculptures is impressive. There were also many people out just enjoying the lawns, playing games, and enjoying froyo from a cart. The mix of serious and playful sculptures makes for an experience of art at once fun and whimsical and heavy, thoughtful, striking. I have never seen anything like this in California, or any other place that I've visited, to my recollection. It's worth a stop! The lot has a 5.00 flat rate, and there are also street parking meters too. There is a bridge over the freeway to/from Loring park, I think it's called. We did not go over there. Highly recommend!

Appreciated my friend and her husband spontaneously taking me here on our way home from dinner…read moretonight. Just outside the Walker Art Center, this Sculpture Garden is both a greenspace and a celebration of artistry. Some of the pieces are newer but a couple have been since the beginning like the Spoonbridge Cherry and the blue rooster. You scarcely notice the highway close by as you walk amongst rabbits and geese and robins and people walking their dogs. It's peaceful, and fun, and free (except for parking, which was $1). Well worth a visit!

A must see in Twin Cities. It is a small museum that has a wealth of knowledge about American…read moreHistory. The museum is a start up composed of locals who want to share Minnesota's history. The museum is small so it is easy to fit into any schedule. The museum is free and parking is free. It is also on two bus routes and has a bike lane access. It is a 10 minute drive from downtown. Please visit and support their expansion.

I love going to museums and when I heard about this one opening, I added it to my list of places to…read morevisit. This is on the 4th floor of the 1265 building at the corner of Penn & Plymouth. It is FREE of charge but they do accept and run on donations. There's also free parking in the ramp below the building. It's a quaint room that's rich with African American history in Minnesota. I learned so much about black ingenuity, the way the Penn area has changed, and migration of African Americans to this area. There's a photo book that asks for people to identify those in the pictures. There are children's books in the corner, and cool art pieces. My favorite part was sitting down and listening to the documentary/interviews of different people who have lived and seen the changes in this area of town. These stories are so rich and it would be a shame to lose them. Don't let the size of the museum deter you: it's small but packs a punch in cultural information. Highly recommend it! Plus I love the MAAHG stickers!