Beyond The Mall, Minnesota Has Unique Spots Waiting For You

Have you ever had a friend or family member who had an upcoming visit to Minnesota reach out and ask you what they should be sure to do, visit, see, or try? I think the standard answer we give is to go to the Mall of America. Now, there isn't anything wrong with the Mall of America, but there are so many other places that people should experience when they are visiting, other than the 'Mall'. Here are 3 often overlooked destinations to visit when your family or friends come to visit.

(I tried to keep this list of 3 overlooked destinations close to the airport, as sometimes the visitors are just around for a day or two, and these are places they can stop and visit on their way to their final destination.)

Normandale's Japanese Garden - Bloomington

The Japanese Garden on the campus of Normandale in Bloomington is a great escape for someone visiting. It's beautiful during the spring, summer, and fall months. The garden is open during the winter as well, but many of the plants are hibernating. Check out these stills from the City of Bloomington, from a celebration at the Japanese Garden in May.

Here's the full video about the celebration.

Foshay Tower Observation Deck - Minneapolis

The Foshay Tower in downtown Minneapolis might be the most unique 'skyscraper' that dots the downtown skyline. The building is modeled after the Washington Monument in D.C. and was completed just for the stock market crash of 1929. The tower was one of the highest buildings in the US for 48 years until the IDS Tower was built in 1973. The observation deck tickets can be purchased in the lobby of The W Hotel, which moved into the space in 2008.

Wabasha Street Caves - St. Paul

The Wabasha Street Caves are pretty awesome, especially when you think about their history. The caves started as a mining venture in the 1800s, then were used during prohibition by real-life gangsters like Kid Cann. You can learn more about the caves and book a tour by heading here. 

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More than just a big mall

Minnesota is so much more than the home to the Mall of America, but we still love that too, so when your friends or family inevitably ask what they should do, you've got the ammunition for a fun time.