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MINNEAPOLIS -ST PAUL Shayna Sappington finds there’s twice the fun in and around Minnesota’s capital. DON’T MISS TOP TRIO Whether you’ve spent the day at the Minnesota History Center (mnhs.org) or Prince’s Paisley Park (officialpaisleypark.com), be sure to unwind with a leisurely cruise down the good ol’ Mississippi. Climb aboard Padelford Riverboats Cruise docked at Harriet Island and mosey down the northern bend, scouting for bald eagles among the colourful autumn foliage. Tip: tickets are just $10 on Mondays. (205 DR Justus Ohage Blvd, +1 651 227 1100; riverrides.com) ELECTRIFYING The Bakken Museum started as Medtronic founder Earl Bakken’s collection of therapeutic electrical devices. Now, it’s a top STEM museum and library. Conduct experiments, try robotics and learn about Shelley’s Frankenstein in a spooky exhibit. Also, stay tuned for frequent Bakkenalia soirées, exploring the science behind food and drink, via a plethora of samples. (3537 Zenith Ave S, Minneapolis, +1 612 926 3878; thebakken.org) SHOPPING A trip to Minnesota’s Mall of America – the largest mall in the US, with more than 520 stores, 50 restaurants, an aquarium and its own theme park (Nickelodeon Universe) – is overwhelming in the best possible way. Box off a full day here and be sure to try FlyOver America, a wonderfully realistic flight simulator ride that seemingly whisks you across the country from coast to coast. (2131 Lindau Lane, Bloomington, +1 952 883 8800; mallofamerica.com)
EAT GALLIC Midwestern Minneapolis has Nordic, German and French roots, which result in modern European restaurants such as the bistro Barbette. Decorated with paintings and prints by local talent, its walls are as magnifique as the wine list and food menu. Brunch-goers can linger over a light and crispy vegetable hash, a creamy, whipped Brie omelette and pommes frites with saffron aioli. (1600 W Lake St, Minneapolis, +1 612 827 5710; barbette.com)
Clockwise from above right, a sunny Minneapolis skyline; Nordic eccentricity at the Renaissance Minneapolis Bloomington Hotel; the glorious US Bank Stadium, home to the Minnesota Vikings; a full-flavoured plateful at local favourite, Colita; a refreshing tipple of Surly Brewing’s Xtra-Citra Pale Ale.
MEX MAGIC Upscale Mexican cuisine with a smoky, American-South twist … locals can’t get enough of Colita. Lobster tostadas with corn butter, king mackerel aguachile (Mexico’s take on ceviche) and smoked Wagyu brisket tacos with handground Oaxacan corn tortillas. The kitchen is gluten-free and its tequila cocktails have a citrus kick. (5400 Penn Ave S, Minneapolis, +1 612 886 1606; colitampls.com) MALL HAUL Twin City Grill is the perfect place to refuel between shopping sprees. Try the local Walleye Fish Fry from the Northern Lakes, or popular picks wild rice and corn chowder, the peppercorn burger and hickory-smoked baby back ribs. But the bestseller, and deservedly so, is the mac ‘n’ cheese, smothered with stringy cheeses and topped with bacon and breadcrumbs. (130 N Garden, 1st Floor, Mall of America, Bloomington, +1 952 854 0200; twincitygrillrestaurant.com)