Minnesota Vacation PackageKathryn Hoyt2023-06-19T11:00:43-05:00
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Travelkatz will put together a Minnesota Vacation Package custom tailored just for you. We handle all aspects of your trip so you can sit back, relax and enjoy. We provide three options for every state in the USA. If you have any questions or concerns please don’t hesitate in contacting us.
GARDENS
Minnesota Gardens
Minnesota Gardens – Minnesota is a midwestern U.S. state bordering Canada and Lake Superior, which is the largest of the Great Lakes. The state contains more than 10,000 other lakes. The “Twin Cities” of Minneapolis and state capital Saint Paul are dense with cultural landmarks like the Science Museum of Minnesota and the Walker Art Center, a modern art museum.
Minnesota Landscape Arboretum: This natural area offers 1,137 acres of scenic display gardens, trees, nature trails and sculptures. This garden was started in 1958 and has something special for everyone. The special events like the Christmas display are beautiful and the foods are delicious. The displays are such that they are seen but not so overpowering that you are not able to see the special designs. This garden is in Chaska.
Munsinger Gardens: Munsinger Gardens is adjacent to Clemens Gardens and are two distinct gardens on the banks of the Mississippi River. Munsinger Gardens is a shade-covered, tranquil oasis has a variety of flowers, a rock garden, greenhouse, and lily pond. The Gardens are free to enjoy, donations accepted. There is a nice additional path along the Mississippi to enjoy, with several swings and benches to relax on. The gardens are situated on a hill so is challenging for disabled or anyone in wheelchair. You would need to have assistance to get from one section to another. Not all paths are paved but the flowers are beautiful and worth a stop if you are in the area. The caretakers do an incredible job of making these gardens gloriously beautiful. You can go down toward the river to see newer gardens as well. There is so much beauty to take in. There are so many great photo spots if you need a backdrop for senior pictures, family, or engagement photos. It is free to visit, and parking is easy. Travel to St. Cloud to visit these gardens.
Now for Clemens Gardens: You will find these lush gardens along the river featuring brick pathways, fountains and over 70 varieties of roses. There are nice paths, huge arrangements of plants and flowers, growing bigger each year. You will find this garden peaceful. Ducks and geese like the area because it is right off the river. There are places to sit, benches to rest, open areas for picnic, pavilion, and children’s play area nearby. You’ll find a cute gift store on sight. A nearby park with a pavilion has parking if you’re able to walk the short distance. Attendance is free. I believe parking off road is as well. Additionally, this is one of the prettiest gardens in the in area of St. Cloud.
Marjorie McNeely Conservatory: This Conservatory is the centerpiece of Como Park. Designed and built in 1915, the conservatory was intended to serve two functions, as it still does today. The conservatory is both a show house where visitors can come in all seasons to enjoy tropical and semi-tropical splendors, and a shelter for the many plants the park displays in its indoor and outdoor gardens. One of the few remaining original Victorian style glasshouses in North America, the Conservatory displays five seasonal flowers shows annually in addition to the permanent botanical collections of palms, ferns, economic plants, orchids, bromeliads and select tropical plant species. Along with the behind-the-scenes horticulture production greenhouses, the Conservatory covers approximately two acres under ‘glass’. The zoo is a perfect combination with the botanical Gardens any time of the year. Close by in St. Paul.
The Charlotte Partridge Ordway Japanese Garden: This Japanese Garden is a living symbol of the peace and friendship that exists between Saint Paul and its sister city Nagasaki. Como Park Zoo & Conservatory is free and open to newcomers and frequent visitors alike all year long. Our mission is to inspire our public to value the presence of living things in our lives. With a strong focus on conservation and serving over two-million visitors annually, the expert staff is dedicated to the wellbeing of the many plants and animals that live here. This Japanese Garden is considered the best in the United States. They have many different programs for you to enjoy and some especially for children. This garden is also found in St. Paul.
Please give TravelKatz a call at 353-277-7300 so we can help you have a wonderful vacation in Minnesota.
STATE PARKS
Minnesota State Parks:
Minnesota State Parks: Minnesota is a midwestern state bordering Canada and Lake Superior, the largest of the Great Lakes. The state contains more than 10,000 other lakes, including Lake Itasca, the Mississippi River’s primary source. The “Twin Cities” of Minneapolis and state capital Saint Paul are dense with a variety of cultural landmarks like the Science Museum of Minnesota and the Walker Art Center. Minnesota boasts of 52 State Parks, 11 State Forests, and 9 State Wildlife Management Areas.
Glacial Lakes State Park: This is a small park with only two campgrounds, one group camp, and one for the horse lovers – an equestrian campground. The campsites are close. The Park rangers are very friendly and there is a camp host at this campground. You can stay in one of the camper cabins. It is very clean, and you’ll have no issues. They keep a 24 hold between renters to do proper sanitizing. The views were spectacular at all the lookouts on the trails! You must go down to the lake for a sunset. It was breathtaking!! This Park is about 5 miles south of Starbuck.
Fort Snelling State Park: You will find this park at the confluence of the Mississippi and Minnesota rivers. For many centuries, the area of the modern park has been of importance to the Mdewakanton Dakota people who consider it the center of the earth. This state park is conveniently located and is perfect for winter activities. There are lakes to snowshoe on and multiple cross-country ski trails that are well groomed. It is much busier in the summer but there is plenty of space for everyone. You can often see deer and even bald eagles. There is a fishing dock and access to the Mississippi. For the best views, go behind the education center and hike up underneath the mandota bridge, you will not find a view like that anywhere else. The only downside is that there is no camping. This is a perfect park for a day trip with the family. Found in St. Paul.
Flandrau State Park: This Park features a sand-bottom swimming pool, camping, a picnic shelter, hiking. This popular state park comprises 1,000 acres, including grasslands, marshes, and wooded areas along the Big Cottonwood River. It is not too far from the main street of town, but it sure lets you get away from ‘it all.’ It is not like any other deep woods or country experience. Quiet, solitude, and when you are alone on the trails, breathtaking. Found in New Ulm.
Glendalough State Park: This is a serene park around a lake, with opportunities for fishing, cart- and canoe-in camping as well as swimming. It had clean bathrooms, warm showers with no time limit and good water pressure. It is walking distance down a trail to a canoe outfitter in case you need a rental or if you forgot something. There were a scenic trails and great options for camping. Lots of wildlife, including deer, turkeys, pheasants and bald eagles. The bike trails are great for kids with geared bikes, but not too hilly. There is lots of good things about this park found near Battle Lake.
Temperance River State Park: This Park offers a vast lakefront with scenic river gorge trails and waterfalls as well as year-round camping and recreation. Nothing quite reminds you of the power of water like a narrow-carved canyon filled with rushing water. There is wonderful hiking along the waterfalls and river, extending to a decent trek up to a couple nearby peaks. Easy parking on the road for day hikes as well. You will find this park between the communities of Schroeder and Tofte on Highway 61 on the North Shore of Lake Superior.
TravelKatz is looking forward to hearing from you either by phone at 352-277-7300 or online at www.vacationnationradio.com. Plan your Minnesota vacation with TravelKatz.
MUSEUMS
Minnesota Museums:
Minnesota Museums – This midwestern U.S. state bords Canada and Lake Superior, the largest of the Great Lakes. The state contains more than 10,000 other lakes, including Lake Itasca, the Mississippi River’s primary source. The “Twin Cities” of Minneapolis and state capital Saint Paul are dense with cultural landmarks and many museums.
Grand Portage National Monument: Remarkably interesting to learn the history of fur trading and Voyageurs. There were many volunteers and ranger-led programs providing interesting facts about how life was in this special area. The interpretive center is interesting, and the workers are knowledgeable and eager to answer your questions. Take the free tour to hear about fur trading and a lot more. You also can hike Mt Rose that is a short one mile hike at the end of the parking lot and has beautiful views of the Lake. You will learn a lot about the Native Americans and how they crafted their vessels from birch. Pretty impressive!! This is a must do hike because of the history. Once you learn about it you will be glad you did. You are hiking on a trail used from the 1700s. Learn what the voyageurs carried. The guides do a good job of teaching you in Grand Portage.
North American Bear Center: The North American Bear Center is the only educational facility of its kind – it helps people learn from the bears themselves about bear behavior, ecology, and their relations with humans. There is a huge need for accurate information about bears worldwide and the mission of the non-profit North American Bear Center is to advance the long-term survival of bears worldwide by replacing misconceptions with scientific facts about bears. There is something for everyone to see and plan to spend a couple of hours. The live bears roam freely in a natural large space and are well cared for. They all have their own stories and are such a delight to watch. There is a behind the scenes tour (extra charge) that is highly recommend where you do get another chance to see the bears up close. There is an outside balcony which you can stand outside and watch the bears and take lots of pictures. There is a wealth of information and the guides are extremely knowledgeable and most helpful. The Bear Center is located in Ely.
Soudan Underground Mine: Minnesota’s first iron ore mine opened in 1882. Operations went underground by 1892 since the ore body continued deep into the ground. The mine’s value was in the special kind of ore it produced. The ore’s high oxygen content was used to make high-quality steel in open-hearth furnaces. When technology changed, the ore from the mine was no longer needed. Low-cost ores of the Mesabi Range took over, and Soudan Mine closed in 1962. Today, you can travel 1/2 mile underground and ride a train car back to the last area that the miners worked. This is an awesome tour and history lesson on the early days of mining in Northern Minnesota. The mine is clean and safe and you are with a guide. Hard hats are required and provided for the tour in Soudan.
American Swedish Institute: The Institute includes the historic Turnblad mansion. Completed in 1908, it is one of very few mansions remaining along Park Avenue. It is a spectacular place to visit. The workmanship is fantastic. Be sure to take the free tour that is offered several times a day. The craftsmanship and detail are extraordinary and provide a glimpse into the lives of the very wealthy at the turn of the 20th century. The new cafe, Fika, is a welcome conclusion for your visit. The signature Swedish meatballs and cardamom buns area a must. This museum is found in Minneapolis.
Science Museum of Minnesota: This museum is one of the state’s most popular, with a reach that extends well beyond its riverfront location in downtown Saint Paul. In addition to its beloved visitor place, which serves thousands of people each year with its engaging exhibits, breathtaking giant screen films, and engaging special events, Science Museum education programs touch students in all of Minnesota’s 87 counties each year, and its research programs span the globe. Discovery awaits in Saint Paul!
Give TravelKatz a call or a chat at vacationnationradio.com and we will answer all your question for your trip.
FESTIVALS
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PLACE OF INTEREST
Duluth
Duluth is a port city on Lake Superior in Minnesota. The waterfront Lakewalk trail passes along Canal Park, with views of the 1905 Aerial Lift Bridge. The most popular time to visit Duluth is summer (Jun–Aug), when the weather is warm during the day and cool at night. Winters (Dec–Feb) are very cold, with moderate snowfall. Snow is also common in early spring (Mar–Apr). Fourth Fest (Jul 4), the city’s Independence Day celebration, has food and craft vendors, a carnival and a firework display at Bayfront Festival Park. The Bayfront Blues Festival (Aug) features blues, soul and rock acts on open-air stages.
Spirit Mountain: Recreational mountain featuring wintertime downhill skiing & a summertime adventure park. The alpine slide was amazing! The twists, turns, ups and downs make this a fun ride for thrill seekers. The food and drinks are a bit overpriced but that’s expected at every resort. They also have great activities year-round like skiing and snowboarding. Even if you’ve never tried those activities, they provide quick lessons for beginners or staff that are available to answer questions or concerns.
Aerial Lift Bridge: The Aerial Lift Bridge is a landmark in the port city of Duluth, Minnesota. The span began life in 1905 as the United States’ first transporter bridge. In 1929–30, the span was converted to a vertical lift bridge and continues to operate today. Very cool free attraction to check out while in town. Look up the Duluth Shipping news so you can see when the ore boats are coming though. Parking in the area is limited in the summer. Fun to walk down and around the area.
Glensheen Historic Estate: This Historic Congdon Estate is a 20,000 square foot mansion in Duluth, Minnesota, United States, operated by the University of Minnesota Duluth as a historic house museum. No visit to Duluth would be complete without touring Glensheen. This is a historic 39 room mansion. The mansion itself is only exceeded in beauty by its surrounding property. This site is built into the fabric and history of Duluth and the surrounding area. You can’t hear about Duluth without hearing about Glensheen mansion. The view of Lake Superior and the surrounding area is magnificent.
Great Lakes Aquarium: Waterfront aquarium displaying fish, reptiles, birds & other animals, plus hands-on touch tanks. this is a place that everyone can enjoyed. From the hands-on water table to reading about and seeing the animals and fish. And the location!! The view is beautiful. Pack a lunch and eat on their lakefront deck!
North Shore Scenic Railroad: Seasonal narrated train tours follow a historic transport corridor for short, long & themed rides. This scenic railroad offers family train excursion rides up the North Shore of Lake Superior. The railroad operates in the summer and fall months and is the premiere attraction in Duluth with family friendly activities events and fun all summer long.
Lake Superior Railroad Museum: This museum has seven steam, 14 diesel, and two electric locomotives; and more than 40 other pieces of rolling stock. It’s a museum that you can spend hours at and not see everything. There were some guides that were very helpful and provided a lot of fascinating information and history. Highly recommended. The
museum is in downtown Duluth, in the platforms at yard of the original Historic Union Depot, built in 1892. From immaculately restored locomotives and rolling stock.
Give TravelKatz a call at 352-277-7300 and we will get you to Duluth and put a very special vacation together for you and your family.
Minnesota State Capital: St. Paul
St. Paul didn’t receive its elegant sounding moniker until 1849. Before that, it was called Pig’s Eye, after a local tavern owner named Pierre “Pig’s Eye” Parrant. Parrant was an unlikely inspiration for a town name: He had a bad reputation and was said to be a coarse, uncouth man whose bad eye lent his face a piggish expression.
But according to legend, a customer at Parrant’s tavern gave “Pig’s Eye” as the return address on a letter he was sending, and from then on, the town was known as Pig’s Eye.
St. Paul might have been known as Pig’s Eye forever, if not for the arrival of a Catholic priest named Father Lucien Galtier, who established the chapel of St. Paul in the region in 1840. Nine years later, the Legislative Assembly of the Territory of Minnesota, presumably weighing the pros and cons of naming the town after a licentious tavern owner or a Catholic saint, officially named the settlement St. Paul.
Como Park Zoo & Conservatory: The Como Park Zoo & Conservatory is truly a gem in St. Paul. It’s free to get in with a suggested donation of $3 for adults, $2 for kids. The amusement park is great for small children. The tropical conservatory has animals inside it as well. There’s a garden that changes for each season. The spring/Easter flowers were absolutely stunning. The zoo is a perfect size. They have all the basic animals, primates, giraffes, zebras, lions, tigers, an aquarium, arctic animals, etc. The primate house is especially impressing, they have a good variety of primates and 3 gorillas that are so interesting to watch.
Cathedral of St. Paul: The St. Paul Cathedral sits on a high bluff overlooking downtown St. Paul and the Mississippi River. Its architecture and dimensions rival the great cathedrals of Europe. The sense of spirituality that resides within its magnificent space is tangible and striking. The sculptures within the Cathedral are museum quality. It is worth at least a 30-minute visit if you are in the area. The parking is free and a visit to the Cathedral can be combined with a visit to the large and impressive James J. Hill house across the street. This is a National Historic Site. Even for non-Catholics (non-church goers too, for that matter), the Cathedral holds something to like for each and every one.
James J Hill House: This was once the largest and most expensive home in Minnesota. It is a wonderful tour and you can almost imagine what it was like to live in grandeur in the late 1800’s. The home features its own art gallery and a 2-story pipe organ. The tours are about an hour and 15 minutes long. The tour guides were dressed as servants and did a marvelous job of acting out the stories of the servants who once lived at the house. James J. Hill was the builder of the Great Northern Railway. The Minnesota Historical Society gives very informative tours and you can just get a sliver of the feeling of what it may have been like to have visited that grand house in it’s heyday. One also learns a little about the history of the Northern Pacific Railroad and St. Paul itself.
Science Museum of Minnesota: A great variety of displays and interactive learning experience are available at the Science Museum of Minnesota. Adults and children of all ages will find something that they are interested in and will learn plenty as they visit new exhibits, and revisit permanent ones. Plan on spending a good portion of your day here. Fun, well-organized museum! The Omni theater is definitely a high point of any visit, spectacular photography and great stories.
Historic Fort Snelling: This is the first military settlement in what was Minnesota Territory located on the banks of the Mississippi River near the confluence of the Minnesota River. The guided tours are worth the time and money. You will also have the ability to explore on your own. View everything from the symbolic firing of the cannon to the crude medical instruments and practices of the time. Guides in uniforms and clothing of the time will take you back to when it was an active facility. This is a really fun place to take the whole family. You get a feel for what life was like in the military during the Civil War and early Minnesota history. This fort has stone walls! It brings history to life, with the reenactors, providing a great atmosphere and a chance to step back in time. Barrack rooms, commanding officer’s quarters. medical center. plenty to look at, and the view from the round tower is great.
The Raptor Center: The Raptor Center had educational birds and many we did not see that were in their professional care. Omaha, the turkey vulture was feeding and sunning herself. An awesome site to see her powerful beak and wing span. The tour is of a small part for the birds’ benefits but well worth the time and small admission. Tours are every 30 minutes and led by trained volunteers who explain the mission of the Center and its inhabitants very well. Visitors can see an amazing variety of raptors up close and personal. These birds are amazing and beautiful. This is not a zoo. The raptors on display are permanently injured and cannot survive in the wild.
Minnesota State Capitol: An architectural masterpiece by Cass Gilbert incorporating exquisite materials with traditional classical design to enable functional space for the three branches of state government. The artwork reflects Minnesota’s history, values, and hopes. Truly a people’s building in a grand manner. It looks over the city of St Paul and symbolically the state. The memorials outside of the building are also very much worth seeing and reflecting on the noble past of some of our great citizens. Newly renovated back to its original beauty.
Minneapolis, MN – St Paul International Airport is the easiest one to get you to St. Paul from Tampa. There are numerous hotels and other types of accommodations. TravelKatz is here to help you have a wonderful time exploring our state capitols. Just give us a call at 352-277-7300.
MINNESOTA VACATION PACKAGE MADE EASY
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