The Landing is a historic and unique, outdoor living history museum that preserves and interprets…read more19th century life in the Minnesota River Valley. Wooded trails stretch along nearly one and a half miles of scenic river valley, which really brings alive the charm and challenges of life in the 1800's. Walking through this village, a person will firsthand witness the early days of the fur trade era. Back in a time when people traveled by footpath and canoes to the bustling village with its shops, homes, church, town hall and railroad depot. Some days there are costumed interpreters who are prepared to spin a tale, demonstrate their craft and explain the daily life of men, women and children. Many days, however, the park is unstaffed so it is primarily a self-guided tour, with occasional informational signs that describe a building's or area's historical significance. No cost of entry or parking, which is great!

The dogs and I have visited the park a number of times and always enjoy our strolls through the…read moregrounds. Lots of parking, many flat trails for easy walking, beautiful spots for photo opportunities, interesting building and history, nice bathrooms hidden in a building that matches the barns. Definitely will be going back.

This is a neighborhood gem! I took my two year old nephew there and we had the best time. Tons of…read morefire trucks, equipment used throughout the years and an awesome kids area with uniform items to try on and fire truck cabs turned into interactive spots for kids to drive while watching a video of a local truck driving out of the station on a call. As an adult, I'd go back on my own as well. It's an awesome local spot to check out with anyone into trucks or firefighting, young or old.

Perfect place for a child's birthday party and plenty of stuff for adults to see on the history of…read morethe Minneapolis fire department

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.

Had a great visit to the museum, Bob welcomed us and gave as a 45 minute tour, filled with…read moreinteresting information about the exhibits. His passion for the museum was obvious and contagious. Easy to recommend a trip here.

Absolutely amazing. It's the perfect size and the staff are all amazing. Tim was our guide and he…read morereally made a personal connection with all of us, including our two year old. You're never rushed and if you enjoy aircraft and/or military history, you have to, have to, HAVE TO, visit. They honestly could charge way more than they do and I would still say it is worth the visit. We will definitely be back again and again.

Small but peaceful! First time visiting the Japanese garden and it didn't disappoint. Super well…read moremaintained and great walk space. Look forward to visiting again!

This is such a cute little place behind a community college located in Bloomington, Minnesota. We…read morevisited on a nice autumn day and it was perfect for a photo shoot. Once inside the garden, you feel like you're in a different country. They also have beautiful koi fishes in the pond that you can feed using the fish food you can purchase from the dispensers outside the gate. It's so unique! If you haven't gone, please do!

What a great place to hang out for awhile! Family entertainment, museum library and if you have…read morehistory in Carver County a clerk can help start digging. There is a vast Microfilm library from the county's records of two weekly papers going back to the 19th century.

I love this art fair! It happens every fall in early…read moreSeptember. If you know where Centennial Lakes is (think mini golf, bocce ball, paddle boats) then you know where this art fair is. Even though it is located in upper class Edina it is filled with dozens upon dozens of fairly priced vendors. Let's just say I rarely buy a thing at the Uptown Art Fair but I sure as heck buy several goodies every year at this art fair. It is over for this year (boo) but please be sure to mark your calendar for next year. Buy a corn dog (and some cheese curds!), wander the booths and be glad you read this review!

Another masterpiece of a model railroad. The March flea market was a good show with excellent buys…read moreand plenty of vendors. The layout is fully operational and many trains operate at one time. The current size covers East Minneapolis Junction to Duluth, Brainerd and Staples. This is an incredible place to take kids who are about 4 and up. Kids will love the buildings where you can see the inside. You could spend many hours just watching trains pass by. For kids under 4 feet tall be prepared to carry them so they can see everything.