We are going to the Twin Cities for a few days the first week of August. We are mainly going to do some college visits with D25 - St Olaf, Carleton, Macalester, and maybe University of Minnesota.
Is it better to stay in St Paul near Macalester or in Minneapolis (maybe Uptown)? What are fun things to do there? I’m guessing DH wants to do some outdoorsy/hiking things.
Thanks!
We stayed at The Graduate which is practically on the campus of UMN. It wasn’t bad, but pricey for what it was. There is definitely a different vibe to it in August than during the school year, so while really convenient for visiting UMN, it’s not going to give you a great picture of how vibrant the campus is. Since UMN is your only Minn. school, I’d probably stay in St. Paul. I had never been there are really liked the vibe. You are going to have to drive everywhere anyway, so it really doesn’t matter. St. P will be cheaper and less of a hassle to park. We liked exploring a couple of the neighborhoods, but I’m not sure which ones they were. We enjoyed the Science Museum of Minnesota on a rainy day and Lake Minnehaha is supposed to be a great place to hike.
I would probably stay in St.Paul somewhere near Mac so you can get a feel for the vibe of the neighborhood. Agree that Minnehaha Regional Park is a nice urban area to explore. People also like to walk around Lake of the Isles and then visit the nearby Walker Art Center (modern art) and its sculpture garden. If you like old mansions, the American Swedish Institute has a good one. Once you get to Northfield, Carleton’s arboretum is worth hiking in.
There are tons of things to do here. The Chain of Lakes in SW Minneapolis (Harriet, Bde Maka Ska,Lake of the Isles, Cedar Lake) is is a great place to walk/run/kayak (Harriet & Bde Maka Ska), bike etc.
Good point about staying near Mac to get a feel for the neighborhood. I’m more familiar with Minneapolis but we have been there and as I recall it is in a nice area. The cool thing about Twin Cities is that it is not such a spread out area and it’s never very far to get around to anything.
I live not too far from Macalester, and to be honest, there aren’t really any hotels in the neighborhood. The area around Macalester is great, but you have to go closer to downtown to find a hotel. There’s a Residence Inn about 3 miles East, and a few others along W. 7th, near Xcel Energy Center and the Science Museum. As far as things to do on the St. Paul side of the river, there’s Como Park, with a zoo, a conservatory, and a lake to walk around or to rent kayaks, pedal boats, etc.
We are going to stay at an Airbnb a couple blocks from Macalester.
Thanks for all of the suggestions!
I live in very close range of Mac/UMN. I think it’s great you found a close B&B. Perfect! That area is walkable and it will be nice to explore around there.
One thing that might be fun for a hiker to do that is interested is hiking right in the city. You could go to Fort Snelling Park, Minnehaha falls area, or the river bottoms - east river flats park (this is adjacent to the U of MN). Walking near the stone arch bridge area of downtown Minneapolis is fun and photo worthy. There is a little scramble trail down to the river on the north side.
There are sequeway tours available from this area. You can walk, bike or rent a canoe on the Minneapolis chain of lakes. I agree Como Zoo area is a fun place to explore. There are swan paddle boats, a small zoo and conservatory and walking/biking trails.
If you go down to Northfield for Olaf/Carleton, I recommend going downtown and walking around a little and having a coffee or something. It’s a cute little downtown! It’s less than an hour down there when traffic cooperates.
Anyway, there are a few outdoorsy things anyway, you are welcome to message me if you want. Have a great trip!
Another MSP resident here. Agree with @KaylaMidwest’s recs about checking out the trails right along Mississippi riverfront – lots of hiking trails, and it’s fun watch all the crew boats rowing up and down the river. Then eat at Sea Salt and check out Minnehaha Falls. That’s in Mpls but right across the river and pretty close to where you’re staying.
Or, if you have time to go further west into the lakes district of Mpls, eat while watching the sailboats on Lake Harriet at Bread and Pickle, or on Bde Maka Ska (formerly Lake Calhoun) at Lola’s on the Lake.
If you don’t have time for those (all of above options will have long lines if it’s nice day and none take reservations), Joan’s in the Park and Hyacinth are two great little restaurants in St. Paul really close to where you’re staying.
Finally, if you want to channel F. Scott Fitzgerald and ‘lumber baron’, old-money St. Paul, check out W.A. Frost (the prettiest patio in town, although the food’s not exactly ground-breaking) or Meritage in the beautiful and historic Hamm Building downtown.
I’m no help on the travel tips. But I do know a fairly recent grad of St Olaf’s - it seemed like a great fit for her, especially the vocal music opportunities.
If you search CC there are some very detailed reviews of St. Olaf (which is why I forced DS23 to add it to his list).
While you are in Northfield, try stopping at their excellent small indy bookstore (Content) and across the street is a desserts bakery called Cakewalk. It’s a great little town!
We are thinking of adding all of these schools to S24 BA music major’s list, can’t wait to hear your thoughts!
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