Spring is in the air, which means it’s time to start planting! Take a trip to Inver Grove Heights to stock up on spring planting supplies from Gertens, Minnesota’s destination garden center that has everything you need to make this season blossom.Photo Credit: Gertens Garden Center
Minnesota’s Destination Garden Center- Shop Locally Owned for Spring Planting Supplies
Gertens is a fourth-generation family business that has been supplying customers with high-quality plants and trees since the early 1900s. Not only does Gertens offer the largest selection of annuals, perennials, and nursery stock in the Twin Cities, they are one of only a handful of garden centers that grows the majority of the plants and trees they sell. Whether you’re looking for ornamental shrubs, fruit trees, succulents, hanging baskets, rose bushes, or annuals in almost any color, you’ll find it at Gertens. Since the Gertens retail store is over 40,000 square feet, it’s a one-stop shop for your garden, lawn, and outdoor living needs. You’ll find gardening supplies and tools, landscaping materials, patio furniture, grills, fire pits, and planters, plus gift items for garden lovers. Photo Credit: Gertens Garden CenterGertens is known for its excellent customer service. Trees, shrubs, and perennials are warrantied for one year from the date of purchase, and there’s also warranty coverage for roses, houseplants, and annuals. Customers can take advantage of the Gertens Rewards Program, which includes earning points that can be used on future purchases, warranty tracking, and special offers.
Restaurants Near Gertens
After you’ve stocked up on plants and gardening supplies, grab a bite to eat at these locally-owned Inver Grove Heights restaurants.Mallards focuses on globally-inspired, seafood-based cuisine, from jambalaya to Maryland-style crab cakes to fish tacos. There’s also a selection of sandwiches and salads. Check out the brunch menu on Sunday, which features sweet specials like brandy French toast and savory items such as shrimp and grits or lobster quiche.B-52 Burgers and Brew specializes in over-the-top burgers like the award-winning “Trashy” burger topped with deep-fried pickles and cream cheese and the Truffle Shuffle, which is loaded with pancetta, smoked gouda, mushrooms, roasted red peppers, and truffle aioli. The menu also includes salads, sandwiches, and ice cream shakes, and burgers can be made with a vegan patty or gluten-free bun by request.Photo Credit: B52 Burgers + BrewLos Portales Bar & Grill serves up a full menu of authentic Mexican food. Known as a quality and relaxing Mexican Bar and Grill with freshly prepared food specials including tacos and other popular Mexican dishes. Los Portales has regular weekend entertainment too including karaoke, live music, and DJs too. Salsa!
Stay in Inver Grove Heights
Inver Grove Heights isn’t just a great place to shop for gardening supplies, it’s also a great place to stay! Inver Grove Heights hotels offer excellent value and are conveniently located to downtown St. Paul, the Mall of America, Minneapolis, and the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. Enjoy amenities including complimentary breakfast, free parking, indoor pools, and more.Book your stay at these Inver Grove Heights hotels today!HolidayInn Express
Fall is here, and there are so many things to do and experience in Inver Grove Heights. Our charming town offers a relaxing and cozy feel when staying in one of the four affordable hotels. Need a reason to book a fall trip? Check out the top 10 fall activities to do below!
Photo Credit: VisitIGH
Catch a Fall Vikings Game at U.S. Bank Stadium
Want to see the Vikings play at home? Choose from one of the four affordable hotels in Inver Grove Heights and book your stay.
Photo Credit: Nowhere Escape Room
Experience the Nowhere Haunted House
Get your ticket for the Nowhere Haunted House. Choose your scare level. Options include Sunday lights on a kid-friendly tour, Saturday low-scary, the Nowhere Haunted House Main Halloween Experience, or the Nowhere 18+ nights. Nowhere Haunted House also has escape rooms, minigolf, and an arcade.
Photo Credit: Mississippi Pub
Oktoberfest celebration at Mississippi Pub
Celebrate Oktoberfest on Saturday, October 7th, from 3:00–10:30 p.m. at Mississippi Pub. Enjoy authentic German foods, a variety of beers, games, live polka music, stein hoisting, and a best-dressed contest!
Biking or Walk the Historic Rock Island Swing Bridge
Rock Island Swing Bridge was built in the 19th century and was used as a toll bridge until 2011. It was reopened for as a historic landmark. Take a bike ride or stroll along this beautiful trail with views of the Mississippi River.
Photo Credit: AMC Movie Theaters
Catch a Halloween Movie at AMC Inver Grove 16
It’s the season for spooky and scary movies. Currently playing at the AMC Inver Grove 16 are The Nun 2, Hunted Mansion, Meg 2, Talk to Me, and Christine’s 40th Anniversary. To see showtimes and other movies playing, visit their website.
Golf at Inver Wood Golf Course
Grab a group of friends and head over to Inver Woods. This course offers 27 holes and sits on 275 acres of rolling, wooded terrain. The championship course offers 18 challenging holes with features that utilize the area’s natural geography, such as multi-level fairways, multiple tee stations, varied-shaped U.S.G.A. greens, and picturesque par three holes that challenge your golf game as well as your senses.
Photo Credit: Drkulas
Bowling at Drakula’s 32 Bowl & Pub
Family fun can be found at Drakula’s 32 Bowl! This family-owned business is a local favorite for its bowling, arcade area, food, and drinks.
Photo Credit: Gertens
Gertens Garden Center
This fall, check out Minnesota’s destination garden center. Gertens offers everything you need for your outdoor space, including plants, soil, mulch, gardening supplies, hanging baskets, and more. Plan your trip and enjoy a stroll around their large store with so many options.
Photo Credit: VisitIGH
Heritage Village Dog Park
If you’re traveling with your pup, don’t forget to stop at Heritage Village Dog Park. This park is an off-leash park with areas for both big and small dogs. There is also a large bone to take a cute photo of your dog next to.
Photo Credit: Traveling with the Brunette
Grab a Bite to Eat!
Inver Grove Heights is home to unique dining spots for American, Asian, Italian, Mexican, fast food, or a sweet treat. There is something for everyone. See the full list of options on our Places to Eat page.
A Fun Fall Weekend is calling your name! Fall is the perfect season to embrace outdoor activities and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. In Inver Grove Heights, there are plenty of options for fun-filled weekends. Whether you’re a biking enthusiast, attending Inver Grove Heights Days, or simply looking to relax on a restaurant patio, this guide will help you make the most of your fall adventures in Inver Grove Heights.
Recreational Activities
Explore the scenic Mississippi River Trail by taking a bike ride. This paved riverside trail stretches approximately 13 miles, connecting Inver Grove Heights to neighboring communities. Along the way, admire the picturesque scenery and make a stop at Swing Bridge Park to enjoy the stunning view from the walking pier that extends 680 feet over the Mississippi River.
For those seeking a more challenging biking experience, the newly opened Mountain Bike Trail at Vista Pines Park offers an intermediate-level trail with rollable jumps and berms. It’s a great option for avid cyclists or anyone looking for an exciting biking adventure.
If golf is your preferred recreational activity, Arbor Pointe Golf Club and Inver Wood Golf Course are excellent choices. Arbor Pointe Golf Club is a beautifully laid-out Executive 9-hole course located amidst the trees and rolling hills of the Arbor Pointe Residential Development. Inver Wood Golf Course, on the other hand, offers 27 holes spread across 275 acres of wooded terrain. You can choose between the challenging 18-hole championship course or the 9-hole executive course, or play them both! Additionally, Inver Wood Golf Course has a driving range designed to simulate on-course conditions, providing a realistic practice experience. Both courses are open to the public, and you can easily book tee times online.
For a different kind of outdoor activity, try your hand at disc golfing at North Valley Park. The park features an 18-hole disc golf course with beautiful views, hilly areas, and wooded sections. It’s suitable for players of all skill levels, and you can purchase daily or seasonal passes online.
Photo Credit: Visit IGH
Admire Fall Foliage
Immerse yourself in the vibrant colors of fall and head to North Valley Park, one of the 27 parks in Inver Grove Heights. This 58-acre park is filled with wooded areas, providing ample opportunities to witness the stunning autumn hues. You can also make use of the available picnic tables and grills for a delightful autumn picnic.
Another fantastic spot to appreciate fall foliage is Pine Bend Bluffs Scientific and Natural Area. With its 200-foot bluffs, this location offers one of the best views of the Mississippi River in its natural state within the Twin Cities metro area. The hiking trails provide a perfect opportunity to observe fall colors and local wildlife.
Fun Fall Weekend Events
Inver Grove Heights has an exciting lineup of fall events that you won’t want to miss!
Photo Credit: Inver Grove Heights Days
IGH Days: Celebrate everything Inver Grove Heights has to offer at IGH Days! This community celebration takes place from Wednesday, September 7 to Sunday, September 11, 2022. It’s a fantastic opportunity to enjoy a wide range of activities suitable for families, couples, sports enthusiasts, food lovers, and more. From entertaining events to delicious food options, IGH Days has something for everyone. While many activities are free of charge, some may require an IGH Days button for access.
Photo Credit: Mississippi Pub
Don’t miss the 7th Annual Oktoberfest at Mississippi Pub in Inver Grove Heights! This lively event on October 1, 2022, from 3:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. brings the spirit of Oktoberfest to life. Enjoy delicious German foods, a variety of beers, and live German music all day. Join the fun with competitions like the stein hoisting contest for women, men, and co-ed teams. Dress up in your best dirndl or lederhosen for a chance to win. This family-friendly event is free to attend and celebrates the rich traditions of German culture.
Photo Credit: B52 Burgers + Brew
RESTAURANT PATIOS
Take advantage of the lingering warmth by grabbing a seat on one of the local patios and enjoying outdoor dining in the fall. Here’s our Top Seven Patios in Inver Grove Heights.It’s the perfect time to savor the crisp air while indulging in delicious food and drinks. Whether you’re looking for a rooftop patio with panoramic views or a cozy spot surrounded by nature, Inver Grove Heights has an array of options to suit every taste. Soak up the sunshine and relish the autumn ambiance while treating yourself to a memorable dining experience on one of the charming fall patios in the area. Grab a seat at a local patio while the weather is still warm.
Save the date for a summer full of fun events in and near Inver Grove Heights! Enjoy the great outdoors with family-friendly activities, take spin into the past with a hangar dance or classic car show, sample food truck eats, and more.
The annual youth fishing tournament at Simley Island Park will feature prizes for the largest fish, smallest fish, and most fish caught, plus all participants receive a fishing goodie bag. Register in advance online.
Photo Credit: Commemorative Air Force Minnesota Wing
Party like it’s the 1940s at the Commemorative Air Force Minnesota Wing’s Spring Hangar Dance. Enjoy big band music, a free swing dance lesson, aircraft tours, and food, and wear WWII-era clothes for a chance to win a prize.
Enjoy free family-friendly entertainment at Oakwood Park. This year’s schedule includes concerts, storytelling, and educational programming. Stick around after the concert to explore the park’s trails or play at the playground.
Over 10,000 classic cars will converge on the Minnesota State Fairgrounds for a retro fun-filled weekend. In addition to automobiles, the event includes music, a swap meet, craft fair, and model car contest.
Combine an evening of swimming with a screening of Pixar’s Luca at the VMCC. The movie will be screened on the water park pool deck, and popcorn will be provided.
Watch The Secret Life of Pets 2 under the stars at Oakwood Park. Before the movie starts at dusk, there will be pre-movie entertainment, a bounce house, games, and ice cream available for purchase.
Savor dinner or a snack from several local food truck vendors at Rich Valley Athletic Complex. There will also be music, entertainment, and family activities.
Deep-fried food, entertainment, livestock, shopping, rides—Inver Grove Heights is closer than you think to the Great Minnesota Get-Together! Whether you want to rock out at a Grandstand show or try the zaniest new foods, it’s sure to be a fun time.
The annual celebration of all things Inver Grove Heights includes a parade, family activities, and so much more. Check out the IGH Days website for the most up-to-date information.
In addition to summertime events, save the date for a stay in Inver Grove Heights! Inver Grove Heights hotels offer excellent value and are conveniently located to downtown St. Paul, the Mall of America, Minneapolis, and the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. Enjoy amenities including complimentary breakfast, free parking, pools, and more.Book your stay at these Inver Grove Heights hotels today!
If you’re looking to spend more time in the great outdoors this summer, Inver Grove Heights is the perfect destination. With miles of scenic biking and hiking trails, recreational activities, and a host of restaurants offering alfresco dining options, this charming city has something for everyone.
Photo Credit: Visit IGH
Whether you’re a casual rider or a seasoned pro, Inver Grove Heights is a hidden gem for avid bikers with its extensive network of trails and picturesque surroundings. One of the most popular routes is the Rock Island Swing Bridge, a former railroad bridge converted into a pedestrian and bike path. This iconic structure provides breathtaking views of the Mississippi River and is a popular spot for photos. Another must-see trail is the Mississippi River Greenway, which stretches 10 miles along the riverfront, offering riders a mix of paved and unpaved paths. For those seeking a longer ride, the Mississippi River Trail offers a scenic 26-mile stretch from Inver Grove Heights to Hastings. Additionally, Harmon Park Reserve Mountain Biking Trail provides a thrilling off-road experience, with a 4-mile loop that winds through dense woods, rocky terrain, and challenging obstacles.
Photo Credit: Inver Wood Golf Course
With a variety of courses and activities available, Inver Grove Heights is a great destination for golf enthusiasts. The Inver Wood Golf Course is a popular option, with its 18-hole championship course featuring rolling hills, tree-lined fairways, and water hazards. In addition to traditional golf, Inver Wood also offers Foot Golf, a combination of soccer and golf that is fun for all ages. Another nearby option is the Arbor Pointe Golf Course, which offers a challenging 9-hole course with beautiful views of the surrounding area. For those looking for a different kind of golfing experience, the North Valley Park offers a disc golf course with challenging holes set amidst a scenic natural setting.
Photo Credit: MN Bike Trail Navigator
Thanks to its abundance of stunning parks and outdoor recreational opportunities, Inver Grove Heights is a paradise for nature lovers. Salem Hills Park is a favorite among locals, with its winding hiking and walking trails that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes. Similarly, South Valley Park boasts a variety of trails, including paved and unpaved options, as well as an impressive array of pickleball courts. For those seeking a more rugged adventure, the Pine Bend Bluffs hiking trail offers a challenging trek through a mix of prairies and woodlands. Fishing enthusiasts can head to Smiley Island Pond, City Hall Pond, and McGroarty Pond, all of which are stocked with an array of fish species. These peaceful spots are perfect for a relaxing day spent casting a line and enjoying the scenery. The Heritage Village Dog Park (separate areas for large and small dogs) offers ample space, shaded spots, and water stations for furry friends to exercise, socialize, and have fun in a safe and controlled environment.
Photo Credit: B52 Burgers + Brew
When the weather is warm and sunny, there’s nothing better than enjoying a delicious meal while basking in the great outdoors. Inver Grove Heights offers a variety of excellent restaurants with outdoor dining options, perfect for a casual lunch or a romantic dinner. For those who crave burgers and beer, the Rooftop at B52 Burgers & Grill offers both, along with breathtaking views of the city skyline. At the Mississippi Pub, diners can savor delicious food while enjoying a front-row view of the mighty Mississippi River. Seafood lovers can head to Mallards Restaurant, where they can savor delicious seafood dishes while taking in the sights and sounds of the surrounding nature. For those who enjoy a cold brew, Inver Grove Brewing offers their brewed beer and woodfired pizza. Jerseys Bar & Grill boasts an outdoor fireplace for cool nights, while Drkula’s 32 Bowl offers casual dining and courtside views sand volleyball courts for some fun in the sun.
Make Inver Grove Heights your base for a weekend of exploring the great outdoors in the Twin Cities! Inver Grove Heights hotels offer excellent value and are conveniently located to downtown St. Paul, the Mall of America, Minneapolis, and the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. Enjoy amenities including complimentary breakfast, free parking, indoor pools, and more.Book your stay at these Inver Grove Heights hotels today!
Inver Grove Heights is a top-notch biking destination, thanks to its miles of trails, parks, and Bike King, a full-service bike shop. It’s also a convenient place to connect to some of the Twin Cities’ best regional bike trails and stop for a bite to eat along the way.
Mississippi River Trail Bikeway(U.S. Bicycle Route 45)
Minnesota’s segment of the Mississippi River Trail Bikeway runs about 620 miles from the river’s source in Itasca State Park to the Iowa border. Located mostly on the shoulders of paved and low-traffic roads, the route also includes segments of state and regional trails.
Photo Credit: Visit IGH
Inver Grove Heights’ portion of the trail passes through the heart of the city, running along Concord Boulevard, 80th Street, and South Robert Trail. Stop at Swing Bridge Park for panoramic views from the 680-foot walking pier that juts halfway across the Mississippi River. The park also has a trailhead facility with bike fix-it stations, restrooms, water, and benches.
Photo Credit: Mississippi Pub
Several locally-owned Inver Grove Heights restaurants are located on or near the Mississippi River Trail Bikeway. For river views and elevated bar fare, visit the Mississippi Pub, which has two outdoor patios overlooking the river and a glass-walled dining room. Other local favorites include Jersey’s Bar & Grill, Turitto’s Pizza, Iwa Sushi, and Dominick’s Pizza. In the mood for something healthful? Check out Oyevida Lifestyle Cafe for sandwiches and salads.
Mississippi River Greenway- Regional Bike Trails
Extending 27 miles along the Mississippi River from St. Paul to Hastings, the Mississippi River Greenway runs through Inver Grove Heights, with trailheads at Swing Bridge Park and Pine Bend Bluffs. The paved trail has scenic views of the river and is also connected to other local parks and trails.
Photo Credit: City of Inver Grove Heights
Salem Hills Park/Harmon Park Reserve Mountain Biking Trail
Looking for a beginner-friendly mountain biking trail? Check on the 4.3 miles of trails in Harmon Park Reserve. The one-way trail system includes three loops. A Loop (Singletrack Sawmill) starts from the parking lot, and is less than a mile long, with a twisting route through the trees. B Loop (Foul Pond) features two wooden bridges and goes in and out of the woods. C Loop (Prairie Fire) also incorporates both wooded and prairie areas, with a bridge and an optional rock obstacle.
Make Inver Grove Heights your base for a weekend of biking in the Twin Cities! Inver Grove Heights hotels offer excellent value and are conveniently located to downtown St. Paul, the Mall of America, Minneapolis, and the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. Enjoy amenities including complimentary breakfast, free parking, indoor pools, and more.Book your stay at these Inver Grove Heights hotels today!
Time to spring break in Inver Grove Heights! With budget-friendly accommodations, kid-friendly restaurants, and activities the whole family will enjoy, here’s your guide to fun spring break getaway.
DAY 1
Photo Credit: Inver Grove Heights Park & Recreation
Start off your spring break by splashing around at the VMCC Aquatic Center. The indoor water park has two large water slides, splash features, a dumping bucket, and a floating log crossing. There’s also a pool available for recreational swimming and a dive pool with regular and high dive boards. Day passes are available for open swimming. Check out the open swim schedule here.
Next, zoom across the ice at the VMCC Ice Arena. Day passes are available for ice skating, and skate rentals are offered for a small fee. Find the open skate schedule here.
Photo Credit: Visit IGH
Wrap up the day with dinner at a local restaurant that has something tasty for the entire family. Los Portales Mexican Restaurant serves up traditional Mexican favorites including street tacos, tortas, enchiladas, and fajitas. At Iwa Sushi, enjoy sushi and hibachi meals, with kid-sized junior hibachi meals available for kids under 10. Inver Grove Brewing has a family-friendly taproom with high chairs and carrier holders, kids’ games, and a kids’ menu with pizza, chicken tenders, burgers, and pasta. Adults can enjoy locally-brewed craft beer and a menu of elevated pub fare.
DAY 2
Photo Credit: Cahill Diner
Fuel up for another day of fun with breakfast at Cahill Diner, which has retro 1950s-inspired decor and serves breakfast all day. Specialties include the apple fritter French toast, Cajun omelet, and Tex Mex hash browns.
Photo Credit: AMC Movie Theaters
Catch a movie at AMC Inver Grove 16 and enjoy recliner seating, a full food and beverage menu, and special discounts on Tuesdays and matinee screenings.
Photo credit: Visit IGH
Swing by Hometown Sweets for ice cream, flavored popcorn, and bulk candy. Can’t decide which of the 16 flavors of ice cream to order? Get the ice cream flight and try six!
Photo Credit: Drkulas’s 32 Bowl
Try a new spin on bowling at Drkula’s 32 Bowl, which has a state-of-the-art Hyperbowling system that adds a video game-style element to the classic game. There are also automatic bumpers and ramps to make bowling accessible to bowlers of all ages and abilities.
Go out for a crowd-pleasing dinner at a local pizza spot. Dominick’s Pizza serves both the classics and creative pies like a gyro pizza, plus homemade chocolate chip cookies baked fresh daily. Serving up family recipes that date back over 50 years, Carbone’s Pizzeria menu is full of family favorites for everyone to enjoy, including pizza, hot hoagies, wings, soup and salads. Turitto’s Pizza & Subs has a menu with tasty thin crust pizzas, submarine sandwiches, and pasta.
With over a dozen interactive attractions, 500 stores, and 50 restaurants, it’s easy to spend a day (or more!) at the Mall of America.
This winter, book a stay in Inver Grove Heights! Inver Grove Heights hotels offer excellent value and are conveniently located to downtown St. Paul, the Mall of America, Minneapolis, and the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. Warm up with amenities including complimentary breakfast, free parking, indoor pools, and more.Book your stay at these Inver Grove Heights hotels today!
Stay warm and have some fun with these family-friendly winter indoor activities in Inver Grove Heights! Whether you want to burn off some energy, visit a museum, or enjoy a relaxing staycation, Inver Grove Heights has something for kids of all ages.
Indoor Activities in Inver Grove Heights
Photo Credit: Inver Grove Heights Park & Recreation
Visit the VMCC Aquatic Center’s indoor water park, where kids can zoom down water slides, play in the splash features, and scramble across a floating log crossing. The Aquatic Center also has a pool and diving area.
Photo Credit: HyperBowling
Check out Drkula’s 32 Bowlfor a fun new twist on bowling: HyperBowling! The game combines bowling with video game-style technology, and in addition to knocking down pins, you can take aim at colorful targets. HyperBowling makes bowling exciting for everyone, regardless of ability level. Drkula’s also offers automatic bumpers and bowling ramps for young bowlers.
Photo Credit: Perple Bunny’s Axe House
Try something new with your teens at Perple Bunny’s Axe House. An axe master will teach you how to throw axes and play games—whatever your experience level or physical fitness, everyone will have a good time! Note that you have to be at least 14 years old to throw.
Photo Credit: AMC Movie Theaters
Watch a movie in style at AMC Inver Grove 16, which offers recliner seating and tasty snacks like flatbread pizzas, nachos, and churros. Enjoy discounted prices during matinees and all day Tuesday.
Photo Credit: Commemorative Air Force Minnesota Wing
Get up close to WWII aircraft kept in flying condition at the Commemorative Air Force Minnesota Wing. In addition to aircraft, the museum is home to motor vehicles and WWII artifacts, and admission is free of charge.
Photo Credit: Holiday Inn Express
Treat your family to a staycation at one of Inver Grove Heights’ hotels, and grab a pizza from a pizzeria. The AmericInn Hotel and Suites has a pool and game room, the Holiday Inn Express offers a pool, and the Microtel Inn and Suites and Coratel Inn and Suites have great rates and complimentary breakfast.
Indoor Activities in the Twin Cities
Photo Credit: Children’s Theater Company
Attend a show at the Children’s Theatre Company, which stages entertaining, engaging productions that the whole family will enjoy. Current and upcoming shows include holiday classic Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (running through January 8, 2023) and Locomotion (January 24-March 5, 2023) which explores how poetry can bring you closer to others and yourself.
Photo Credit: Minnesota Children’s Museum
Visit the Minnesota Children’s Museum, a kid-centered space that utilizes the power of play to spark learning. The three floors of exhibits include a sensory space for babies and toddlers, a pretend town, and an “underwater” shipwreck. Special exhibits include the storybook-themed The Amazing Castle (through January 8, 2023) and Framed: Step into Art, where you can explore three-dimensional versions of well-known paintings (January 21-May 7, 2023).
Photo Credit: Science Museum of Minnesota
Make learning fun at the Science Museum of Minnesota. From dinosaurs and fossils to a real Mississippi River towboat and sports-themed experiments, exhibits are an interactive way to learn about science, math, and technology. Through January 22, 2023, check out the Nature All Around Us exhibit to discover the hidden natural worlds and ecosystems in cities and towns.
Photo Credit: Como Park Zoo
Travel to the tropics without leaving Minnesota at Como Park Zoo and Conservatory, where the indoor Tropical Encounters trail immerses visitors in the sights and sounds of rainforest plants and animals. Other indoor spaces include the Zoo’s large cats, African hoofed stock, primate, and aquatic buildings, plus the Convervatory’s Sunken Garden and Palm Dome.
Photo Credit: Twin City Model Railroad Museum
Discover a miniature world at the Twin City Model Railroad Museum, where kids will be entranced by the detailed layout complete with trains, towns, and more. Check out the Night Trains exhibit Saturday evenings through February 25, 2023, which features low lighting, special lighted model trains, and winter decorations.
Photo Credit: Sea Life Aquarium
Walk through an underwater ocean tunnel and watch thousands of tropical fish, sharks, and sting rays at SEA LIFE Aquarium, located in the Mall of America. The aquarium also features a kid-friendly touchpool inspired by the Pacific Northwest, rainforest exhibit, and jellyfish.
