The Place for Government Per Diem Rate Hotels

City Overview

Government rate hotels are plenty in the twin cities of Minneapolis and St Paul and offer great hotel per diem rates to all federal travelers and state government travelers. If you are in the military you will also reap the benefits of all the military per diem rates that are offered in the city too.

Spreading out from the banks of the Mississippi River, in the north-central US state of Minnesota, Minneapolis and St Paul are colloquially known as the Twin Cities.

With striking contemporary buildings, Minneapolis is the more cosmopolitan of the twins. St Paul, with its many restored 19th- and early 20th-century buildings and laid back attitude is more like a small town. Both are veritable melting pots with significant Hmong and Somali populations among its residents.

With 949 of Minnesota's 12,000 lakes lying within the metro area, outdoor recreation is a given. Both cities are rich in the arts and cultural entertainment. The quality, quantity and diversity of productions and facilities far surpass the norm for cities of this size, with The Walker Art Center and Guthrie Theater among the top cultural venues in the nation.

Getting Around

Airport

A number of airlines offer flights to Minneapolis-St Paul including Continental Airlines, Delta Airlines, KLM and US Airways.

Minneapolis-St Paul International Airport (MSP)
Tel: (612) 726 5555.
Website: www.mspairport.com 

Minneapolis-St Paul International Airport offers daily services to 25 international destinations, as well as 175 US cities. The Lindbergh Terminal handles most scheduled flights, while the nearby Humphrey Terminal handles charter flights. The airport is located south of the Twin Cities, on the state road, SR-5. Downtown St Paul is located 13.5km (8.5 miles) away, while Downtown Minneapolis is 19km (12 miles) north.

Approximate flight times to Minneapolis-St Paul
From London is 8 hours; from New York is 3 hours; from Los Angeles is 4 hours; from Toronto is 3 hours and from Sydney is 20 hours.

Airport facilities
Travelers Assistance booths (tel: (612) 726 5500), open daily 0800-2000, are located by the concourse entrances and on the baggage claim level. Volunteers provide information on airport services, tourist attractions, accommodation, transport, paging and translation services. Other airport facilities include ATMs, a barber and stylist services, arcade games, children’s play areas, internet kiosks, Wi-Fi internet, duty-free shopping, foreign currency exchange, lockers, lost and found, nursery, pet boarding services, postal service, luggage repair and storage, as well as restaurants and shops. Car hire is available from Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz and National. The Pierson M Grieve Conference Center (tel: (612) 794 4500) provides a number of business facilities and services.

Transport to the city
Information on transport to hotels, which is often complimentary, is available on the baggage claim level of the airport.

Super Shuttle USA (tel: (612) 827 7777 or 1 800 258 3826; www.supershuttle.com) provides inexpensive van shuttle service to Downtown hotels.
A light rail line, Metro Transit Hiawatha Line (route 55), also connects Downtown Minneapolis with the airport and the Mall of America. MTC bus 54 runs to Downtown St Paul every 30 minutes.

Taxi fares to Downtown St Paul are around US$28-34, while Downtown Minneapolis costs US$34-44. Driving times from the airport are about 20 minutes to Downtown Minneapolis or 15 minutes to Downtown St Paul.

Trains

Rail Services
The Amtrak Minneapolis-St Paul (MSP) railway station is located at 730 Transfer Road in St Paul's Midway area, about 10 minutes from either Downtown area. The station is on a major east-west line, called the 'Empire Builder', which runs daily from Chicago and points further east to Portland and Seattle. Facilities at the station are basic, with an enclosed waiting area, parking, vending machines and public telephones.

Rail Operators
Amtrak (tel: 1 800 872 7245/USA RAIL; www.amtrak.com) is the national railway operator, with comfortable and generally reliable services. Travellers should confirm reservations and check train times before departure. Amtrak information centres are located throughout Downtown St Paul, including City Hall and Courthouse, 15 West Kellogg Boulevard, and the Landmark Center, 75 West Fifth Street. Tickets are available for purchase at the Amtrak station, online or can be reserved by telephone and picked up at the station - a photo ID is required for this service. Journey times by rail from Minneapolis to Chicago, Portland and Seattle are 8, 36 and 37 hours, respectively.

Transport
Metro Transit (tel: (612) 373 3333) bus 16 serves the train station. The taxi fare is approximately US$15 to St Paul and US$20 to Minneapolis.

By Road

There is an extensive system of Interstate highways, which are the US equivalent of motorways. These are the fastest and most direct routes between locations. Some of these routes are toll-roads. The speed limit on Interstate highways is 105kph (65mph) for cars, unless stated otherwise. Speed limits are 48kph (30mph) in towns and 88kph (55mph) on highways, unless otherwise indicated. The legal driving age in Minnesota is 16 years. For UK nationals, a full UK driving licence is sufficient. Other nationalities are required to have an International Driving Permit, which must be accompanied by a full driving licence from their home country. Basic insurance is mandatory. Driving in the United States is on the right. The American Automobile Association (tel: 1 800 222 1333; www.aaa.com) provides information and might offer reciprocal benefits to members of automobile clubs in other countries.

Emergency breakdown services
AAA 1 800 222 4357/AAA HELP Car hire companies generally provide a number for customers in the event of an emergency breakdown.

Routes to the city
The Twin Cities are served by an efficient interstate highway system. I-35 runs north-south (south to Omaha and Kansas City) and has two branches – I-35E runs through St Paul, while I-35W runs through Minneapolis. The two branches meet again north of the city centre. I-94 runs east-west through both cities (on to Winnipeg, Chicago and Milwaukee) and intersects with both branches of I-35. The I-494 and I-694 form a large oval around the cities, called the 'Belt Line'. This intersects with most of the major highways in the area. Other state roads into the metro area include highways 10, 52 and 55, which run roughly southeast-northwest, as well as SR-36, which enters St Paul from the east.

Driving times to the city
From Milwaukee - 5 hours 30 minutes; Chicago - 6 hours 30 minutes; Omaha - 6 hours 30 minutes; Winnipeg - 6 hours 30 minutes; Kansas City - 9 hours.

Coach services
Greyhound (tel: 1 800 231 2222; www.greyhound.com) and Jefferson Bus Lines (tel: (651) 222 0508 or 1 800 767 5333; www.jeffersonlines.com) provide intercity coach services to and from the Twin Cities to destinations around the USA and Canada, including direct services from New York, Los Angeles, Winnipeg and Chicago. Both companies use the same city centre terminals. The Minneapolis Terminal, 950 Hawthorne Avenue (tel: (612) 371 3325), is opposite the Orpheum Theatre and is close to city bus routes along Hennepin Avenue and Seventh Street and Eighth Street. The St Paul Terminal, 166 West University Avenue (tel: (651) 222 0507), is located near the State Capitol building.

Local Transport

Public Transport

Metro Transit (MTC) (tel: (612) 373 3333; www.metrotransit.org) and Suburban Bus Lines operate over 100 bus routes and one light rail line throughout the Twin Cities. Single fares are available for purchase on the bus, in cash only. There is a set fare within the downtown districts.

Stored Value Cards and Go-To Cards are valid at any time of the day. A 31-day SuperSaver pass offers unlimited use of the Metro Transit buses. Passes are available online or from Transit Outlet stores, located at 719 Marquette in Downtown Minneapolis, the Downtown St Paul Skyway as well as some supermarket chains.

The Hiawatha light rail line connects Downtown Minneapolis with the Mall of America via the airport. There are 17 stations on the line. Services operate between 0400 and 0110.

Skyways
Both Minneapolis and St Paul are famous for their skyways, a unique system of enclosed city centre, second-storey walkways, which connect banks, department stores, office buildings and hotels, enabling people to avoid the inclement weather. Measuring 8km (5 miles), the skyways are open Monday-Friday 0630-2200, Saturday 0930-2000 and Sunday 1200-1800, although hours may vary.

Taxis

There are designated taxi ranks at the airport, the Mall of America and in Downtown Minneapolis and St Paul. Taxis must be telephoned in advance for all other locations. There are surcharges for extra passengers or airport runs. Taxi companies include Airport Taxi (tel: (612) 721 0000), Rainbow Taxi (tel: (612) 332 1615), Blue & White Taxi (tel: (612) 333 3333) and Yellow (tel: (612) 824 4444). Tip are around 15% of the total fare.

Driving in the City

Minneapolis and St Paul are laid out like a grid. With a good map, both cities are fairly easy to navigate. Traffic is heavy during morning and evening rush hours.

Winter present the biggest challenge to drivers. During heavy snowfalls, parking is banned on many main streets, or only allowed on even- or odd-numbered sides of residential streets, to enable snow ploughing.

Metered parking, which costs from 50 cents per hour and often is free at the weekend, is available on Downtown streets. Parking time is often limited to two hours. There are also parking ramps (garages) and lots, which are more expensive.

Car Hire

To hire a car, drivers must be 25 years old and hold a major credit card. For UK nationals, a full UK driving licence is sufficient. Other nationalities are required to have an International Driving Permit, accompanied by a full driving licence from their home country.

Car rental companies include Alamo (tel: 1 800 462 5266; www.alamo.com), Avis (tel: 1 800 331 1084; www.avis.com), Budget (tel:1 800 527 0700; www.budget.com), Dollar (tel: 1 800 800 3665: www.dollar.com) and Enterprise (tel: 1 800 261 7331; www.enterprise.com).

Bicycle Hire

The Twin Cities have extensive bike paths, including dedicated commuter lanes along some of the main thoroughfares, plus 85km (53 miles) of paved, interconnected paths, called the Grand Rounds, which run through parks and recreational areas. In Minneapolis, bicycles can be hired at Calhoun Cycle, 3342 Hennepin Avenue South (tel: (612) 827 8000; www.calhouncycle.com) or The Alternative Bike and Board Shop, 2408 Hennepin Avenue South (tel: (612) 374 3635; www.altbikeboard.com).

General Information

Location

Minnesota, central USA.

Time zone

GMT - 6 (GMT - 5 from the second Sunday in March to the first Sunday in November).

Electricity

110 volts AC, 50Hz; round two-pin plugs are standard.

Things to do

Sightseeing Overview

When it comes to sightseeing in Minneapolis-St Paul, there is enough to keep visitors busy for about four days. Do keep in mind that when the weather allows, both are great walking cities.

Head down to the mighty Mississippi River, which was the key to the area’s growth. Populated by immigrants from Sweden, Norway, Denmark and northern Germany, Minneapolis was founded on the west bank in 1855, opposite St Anthony Falls. The falls provided power for sawmills and flourmills, which by 1870, made Minneapolis the flour milling capital of the world. The mills are gone but food processing remains a leading industry.

In 1837, the state capital, St Paul, was established on the east bank. First named Pig’s Eye, after a saloonkeeper, it took four years before a chapel was erected and the town took the respectable name of St Paul.

It is difficult to stroll long without running into one of the city’s lakes or parks. Harriet Island Regional Park is particularly lovely.

Tourist Information

Meet Minneapolis
250 Marquette Avenue South, Suite 1300, Minneapolis
Tel: (612) 767 8000 or 1 888 676 6757.
Website: www.meetminneapolis.com 
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 0800-1700.

Visitor Information Minneapolis Convention Center
1301 Second Avenue South
Tel: (612) 335 6337.
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 0800-1630.

St Paul Convention and Visitors Authority
175 West Kellogg Boulevard, Suite 502, St Paul
Tel: (651) 265 4900 or 1 800 627 6101.
Website: www.visitstpaul.com

Attractions

Minnehaha Park
Winding along the Mississippi River, Minnehaha Park, one of the oldest and most popular parks in Minneapolis, contains the city’s first frame house, located west of the river. There are views over Minnehaha Falls and a statue commemorating the Native Americans, Hiawatha and Minnehaha, who were the subjects of Longfellow’s famous poem, ‘The Song of Hiawatha’.
Hiawatha Avenue and Minnehaha Parkway, Minneapolis
Tel: (612) 230 6400.
Website: www.minneapolisparks.org
Opening hours: Daily 0600-2200.
Admission charge: N.

Historic Fort Snelling
This 1820s US Army outpost has been restored to depict military life in the frontier era. Costumed guides on the site demonstrate musket and cannon drills, blacksmithing and other skills, while the history centre contains exhibits and videos.
Junction of Highways 5 and 55, Fort Snelling exit
Tel: (612) 726 1171.
Website: www.mnhs.org
Opening hours: Sat 1000-1700, Sun 1200-1700 (early May and late Sep-Oct); Mon-Sat 1000-1700, Sun 1200-1700 (late May-early Sep); closed (Nov-Apr).
Admission charge: Y.
Disabled access: Y.

St Paul City Hall
It is well worth your while to take a quick look-see at this interesting 1920s art deco structure. Dominating the blue marble lobby is Swedish sculptor, Carl Milles’, “Vision of Peace.” Erupting between five, peace-pipe smoking Native Americans is the 11m (36ft) towering white onyx “god of peace.” In the basement, walls are lined with carved glass murals, each signifying a chapter of St Paul’s past. A guided tour schedule is available.
15 Kellogg Blvd W, St Paul
Tel: (651) 266-8500.
Website: www.stpaul.gov
Opening hours: 0800-1630.
Admission charge: N.
Disabled access: Y.

Restaurants

Expensive

Cosmos
Cosmos has been credited with helping to develop Minneapolis’ fine dining scene. A sleek, modern interior and fine service add to the ambiance. Serving ambitious, eclectic dishes with a strictly contemporary feel and unhindered by tradition, it has definitely made its mark with such innovative creations as crab cakes with caviar or the sausage stuffed chicken breast with bok choy, kimchee cream cheese, peanuts, and pear ginger sauce.
601 First Avenue North, Minneapolis
Tel: (612) 312 1168.
Website: www.cosmosrestaurant.com

Moderate

Heartland
Sourcing its ingredients from small family farmers and artisanal producers, Heartland serves excellent food with a strong emphasis on natural, organic flavours. North American midwest regional dishes with ingeniously combined ingredients make for a unique and interesting culinary experience. The organic approach is reflected also in the earthy yet vibrant arts and crafts décor.
1806 St Clair Avenue, St Paul
Tel: (651) 699 3536.
Website: www.heartlandrestaurant.com

Kincaid's
An archetypical American eatery, Kincaid's is a traditional fish, chop and steakhouse offering generous helpings of traditional American fare with elegance and flair. Juicy beef from Omaha, salmon from Alaska, fish from Honolulu - the food here is unambiguously American. The menu also boasts classic cocktails, a good variety of wines by the bottle and the glass and several beer choices. Casually elegant, this is a place with atmosphere and a character of its own.
380 St Peter Street, St Paul
Tel: (651) 602 9000.
Website: www.kincaids.com

Cheap

Bar Abilene
Far more than just a bar, this place offers what it calls ‘Cowboy Fusion' cuisine, mixing Southwestern basics with ingredients and flavours from Asian, Mediterranean and other culinary traditions. In addition to the extensive and varied food menu, there are more than 25 freshly-made margaritas, over 100 tequilas and guacamole made by the table.
1300 Lagoon Avenue, Minneapolis
Tel: (612) 825 2525.
Website: www.barabilene.com

Black Forest Inn
Strudel, schnitzel, sauerbraten, spaetzel - authentic, handmade food in the mode of Old Europe and particularly Germany- is a specialty at the Black Forest Inn. Since 1965, this hearty, nourishing, robust and very tasty food has proved popular with both locals and visitors.
1 East 26th Street, Minneapolis
Tel: (612) 872 0812.
Website: www.blackforestinnmpls.com

Café Brenda
Café Brenda, located in the Minneapolis’ historic warehouse district, has been around for more than two decades. The cuisine, based on natural ingredients and offering an exciting and imaginative mix of flavours and textures is lip-smacking. Its reputation as an innovative gourmet vegetarian and seafood restaurant springs from offerings like southwestern mock duck tacos and savory wild mushroom pistachio pie.
300 First Avenue North, Minneapolis
Tel: (612) 342 9230.
Website: www.cafebrenda.com

Dakota Jazz Club & Restaurant
Both a jazz club and restaurant, this is the place for good music, tasty food and a very respectable wine list. Autographed photos of artists like Ahmad Jamal, who have performed here, decorate its brick walls while barrel-shaped benches line the walls. The food is as lively as music with hors d'oeuvres like beef and basil carpaccio for starters and star prairie trout ‘saltimbocca’ with prosciutto and brown butter.
1010 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis
Tel: (612) 332 1010
Website: www.dakotacooks.com

Fire Lake, Grill House & Cocktail Bar
Located in the Radisson Plaza Hotel, this sleek, earthy-toned dining room with open kitchen and barrel-style benches features regional ingredients. Such favourites as walleye pike and honey-cured pork chops are cooked over a wood-burning fire and are often accented with a strong touch of the Mediterranean. All is complemented by a fine wine list. Save room for dessert, like the black bottom cream pie.
31 South Seventh Street, Minneapolis
Tel: (612) 216 3473.
Website: www.firelakerestaurant.com

Hell’s Kitchen
Hell’s Kitchen may look like an eerie basement–black walls, ‘blood-splattered’ pictures and a ceiling-hung red cage with stuffed, black crows—but it serves mouthwatering fare. Though lunch and dinner are pretty awesome, this is a favourite place for breakfast which is served all day. Expect unusual fare like toasted sausage bread, porridge with hazelnuts, wild rice, dried blueberries and peanut butter with cinnamon and honey. Everything is made from scratch.
80 South Ninth Street, Minneapolis
Tel: (612) 332 4700.
Website: www.hellskitcheninc.com

Hoa Bīên
With so many Hmong people here, it would be a shame to come to the area and not try the local food. Basically this no-frills, family restaurant serves Vietnamese fare and it is delicious. Pho, a beef broth noodle soup comes with beef or chicken and lots of vegetables on the side. The spring rolls are heavenly as is the grilled shrimp and beef with vegetables and noodles.
1105 University Avenue, St Paul
Tel: (6851) 647 1011.

Mickey's Diner
A vintage dining car, Mickey's opened in 1939. It has yet to be remodelled which is part of its charm. Each red booth has its own juke box. This St Paul institution attracts everyone from tourists to locals who aren't particularly interested in counting calories. Order breakfast or burgers at any time and include a Mickey's specialty, Potatoes O'Brien - potatoes with peppers, onion, cheese, bacon bits and tomatoes. Open 24/7.
36 West Seventh Street, St Paul
Tel: (651) 222 5633.
Website: www.mickeysdiningcar.com

Pazzaluna
Meaning ‘crazy moon' in Italian, this restaurant combines casual and cool. The menu is effortlessly sophisticated in typical Italian fashion - at once robust and hearty and innovative and elegant. With choices like saffron risotto and chicken, gnocci or steelhead trout with horseradish salt, it is easy to please the palate. An attractive and highly popular place, Pazzaluna has an artfully designed and stylish interior and a welcoming atmosphere.
360 St Peter Street, St Paul
Tel: (651) 223 7000. 
Website: www.pazzaluna.com

Night Life

Nightlife in Minneapolis and St Paul is lively. The Twin Cities are on the touring circuit for many big-name bands and solo artists and several local musicians have risen to fame, most notably Prince. Blues and jazz are particularly big here but everything from rock to reggae can be found most nights of the week and cover charges for music venues are often free or inexpensive.

Downtown Minneapolis is a centre for nightlife, although popular bars and music clubs are located throughout the metropolitan area. The legal drinking age is 21 years old. Bars must stop serving alcohol at 0100 but are allowed to remain open until 0300.

Entertainment and nightlife listings appear in the Minneapolis Star Tribune, the St Paul Pioneer Press and the weekly free tabloid, City Pages.

Bars

Champp's
Sports bars with numerous TV monitors for watching sporting events are hot in the Twin Cities and one of the most popular include Champp's, which has locations in both.
100 North Sixth Street, Minneapolis
Tel: (612) 335 5050.
Website: www.champps.com

The Lounge
This is one of Minneapolis' more upmarket watering holes and also features live music. Expect to drink exotic cocktails against a backdrop of animal skins, plush velvet pillows, canvas art and film images.
411 Second Avenue North
Tel: (612) 333 8800.
Website: www.theloungempls.com

Patrick McGovern's Pub
Located in in a turn-of-the-century building, this spot is renowned for its friendly service and attracting sporty-minded drinkers.
225 Seventh St W
Tel: (651) 228 1868.
Website: www.patmcgoverns.com

Clubs

Great Waters Brewery Co
Beer lovers are spoilt for choice here. Over 85 different hand-crafted beers are served in this watering hole, with bosses claiming their secret ingredient is holy water; the building rests on the site of a former cathedral blessed with a natural spring water well. Located in the heart of Downtown St Paul, it boasts a patio open throughout the year.
426 St. Peter Street, St Paul
Tel: 651-224-BREW (2739).
Website: www.greatwatersbc.com

Bellanote
This s an upscale lounge with music, cool atmosphere and a dance floor.
600 Hennepin Avenue South
Website: www.bellanottempls.com

Gay 90s
This is a massive multi-room mixed and gay club, popular for its great house music, piano bar and drag shows.
408 Hennepin Avenue
Tel: (612) 333 7755.
Weebsite: www.gay90s.com

Envy
Formerly the Fahrenheit, Envy has contemporary atmosphere and state-of-the-art sound and lighting. It attracts a mix of celebrities, local athletes, and a cosmopolitan, fashionable crowds.
400 First Avenue North, Minneapolis
Tel: (612) 673 9694.
Website: www.envympls.com

Bootleggers
Located in the warehouse district, Bootleggers boasts a live DJ dance floor and lots of TVs. Declaring itself to be the modern day answer to the speakeasy of old, the bar also features a lounge area decked out with pool tables, a darts board and video games.
323 first Avenue North
Tel: (612) 338 4555.
Website: www.bootleggersmpls.com

Live Music

The Dakota Jazz & Supper Club
This place features some of the best jazz in the area and offers a packed calendar. Music lovers can also enjoy cheap bites.
1010 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis
Tel: (612) 332 1010.
Website: www.dakotacooks.com

First Avenue
Made famous in the film Purple Rain, First Avenue is the city's largest live music venue, booking top touring bands and artists.
701 First Avenue, Minneapolis
Tel: (612) 332 1775.
Website: www.first-avenue.com

The Cabooze
Another top venue, The Cabooze has a huge dance floor and nightly blues, rock and reggae acts.
917 Cedar Avenue, Minneapolis
Website: www.cabooze.com

Casinos

Mystic Casino Lake Hotel
Offers gaming tables, slots and bingo.
2400 Mystic Lake Blvd, Prior Lake
Tel: (952) 445 9000.
Website: www.mysticlake.com

Treasure Island Resort & Casino
Offers slots, a live poker room and table games.

5734 Sturgeon Lake Road Welch
Tel: (651) 388 6300.
Website: www.treasureislandcasino.com

Grand Casino Hinckley
It has over 2,000 slots and 28 game tables.

Hwy I-35, Hinckley
Tel: 800 472 6321.
Website: www.grandcasinomn.com

Shopping

When it comes to shopping in the Twin Cities, visitors are spoilt for choice. After all, this is home to US's largest shopping mall: Mall of America.

Markets
Midtown Global Market, on Lake and Tenth Avenue, is housed in the old Sears Roebuck building where tantalizing scents float through the air. The aromas emanate from ethnic restaurants and stalls that sell fresh baked goods, espresso, specialty groceries, flowers and plants. Other vendors sell gifts, crafts and clothing which come from places like Somalia, Mexico, Kenya and Sweden. The market is open daily.

From May to September there are farmers' markets on Thursdays and Saturdays at the Nicollet Mall, with fruit and vegetables, flowers, clothing and crafts. There is also a farmer's market in St Paul, at 290 East Fifth Street, on Saturdays and Sundays between May and November.

Shopping centres
Southdale Mall in Edina opened in 1956, as the world's first enclosed shopping mall. Adjacent this is the more upmarket Galleria shopping centre. The mother of them all, however, is the Mall of America, the country's largest shopping and entertainment complex, with more than 520 stores, theatres, cinemas and an indoor theme park with rides. It is located in the southern suburb of Bloomington.

Key areas
Nicollet Mall is a pedestrian thoroughfare covering a 12-block stretch of Nicollet Avenue in downtown Minneapolis. There are more than 400 retail outlets in this area. Gaviidae Common, an upmarket shopping complex with department stores such as Saks Fifth Avenue, as well as designer boutiques, and other complexes, such as the IDS Center Crystal Court are also in the area.

The Hispanic area called District Del Sol is located just across the river from downtown Saint Paul. It features a variety of traditional Latino shops, speciality food items, charming Mexican restaurants and colourful public artwork.

The Uptown area around Hennepin Avenue and Lake Streetcontains more than 200 primarily trendy, one-off shops such as those at Calhoun Square selling import and gift items, fashions, arts and crafts and jewellery. Grand Avenue between Fairview Avenue and Dale Street also contains attractive independent shops.

Shopping hours
Shop opening hours are generally Monday to Friday 0800-2100 or 0900-2200, Saturday 0930-1800 and Sunday 1200-1700.
There is no sales tax on clothing. Tax on other goods is 7.15%. Some shops that cater for tourists will not charge tax if goods are shipped out of the state.

Events

St Paul Winter Carnival
January
Expect parades, ice carvings, winter activities.
Downtown St Paul
Website: www.winter-carnival.com

Festival of Nations
April/May
Multicultural celebration with food, dance and folk art demonstrations.
RiverCentre, St Paul
Website: www.festivalofnations.com

Juneteenth Celebration
June
Celebration of black American culture.
Theodore Wirth Park
Website: www.juneteenth.com

Minneapolis Aquatennial
July
Water-themed summer festival.
Downtown Minneapolis and other venues
Website: www.aquatennial.org

A Taste of Minnesota
July
A weekend of food and music festival coinciding with 4 July celebrations.
State Capitol, St Paul
Wwebsite: www.tasteofmn.org

Minnesota State Fair
August/September
Entertainment, music, dancing, competitions, food and drink.
Minnesota State Fairgrounds, St Paul
Website: www.mnstatefair.org

Minnesota Renaissance Festival
August-October
Re-created 15th-century village, crafts, food, entertainment.
Shakopee
Website: www.renaissancefest.com/MRF

European Oktoberfest
September
Celebration of Minneapolis’ European roots with traditional foods, beer, music and dance.
St Anthony Historic District, Minneapolis
Website: www.minneapolisoktoberfest.com

Twin Cities Marathon
October
From the HHH Metrodome in Downtown Minneapolis to the State Capitol, St Paul.
Website: www.mtcmarathon.org

Holidazzle parades
November-December
Pre-Christmas festivities include choirs, marching bands and floats.
Nicollet Mall, Downtown Minneapolis
Website: www.holidazzle.com

History & Culture

From world-famous theatre and orchestra performances to intimate poetry readings, the Twin Cities have a plethora of arts and cultural entertainment. There are more than 30 theatres and nearly 100 theatre companies in the metropolitan area. Nationally, the area is second only to New York City in the number of theatre seats per capita and the amount spent on tickets for these.

Arts and entertainment listings appear in the Minneapolis Star Tribune, the St Paul Pioneer Press and the weekly free tabloid, City Pages. Ticket agencies include TicketMaster (tel: (612) 371 2000; www.ticketmaster.com) and Open Seats (tel: 1 866 789 1884; website: www.openseats.com).

Music
Orchestra Hall
This is the venue for The Minnesota Orchestra.
1111 Nicollet Mall
Tel: (612) 371 5656 or 1 800 292 4141.
Website: www.minnesotaorchestra.org

Northrop Auditorium
Located on the University of Minnesota's East Bank Campus, this venue attracts regular performances by leading jazz artists and also features concerts by St Paul Chamber Orchestra. The latter perform at a number of different venues including
SPCO Center, 90 Summit Avenue, (tel: (651) 291 1144), and Ted Mann Concert Hall on the University of Minnesota campus, 2128 Fourth Street South (tel: (651) 291 1144).
84 Church Street South East, Minneapolis
Tel: (612) 625 6600.
Website: www.umn.edu/umato

Theatre
Guthrie Theatre
The Tony award-winning Guthrie Theatre is the jewel of the Twin Cities, presenting critically acclaimed contemporary productions that draw a national audience. Its new building contains three stages, three restaurants and a cantilever terrace which provides extra space and scenic views.
818 South Second Street, Minneapolis
Tel: (612) 225 1100.
Website: www.guthrietheater.org

Ordway Center for the Performing Arts
The centre presents top Broadway hits and innovative multicultural performances, as well as shows from the Minnesota Opera.
345 Washington Street, Downtown St Paul
Ttel: (651) 282 3000 for information or 224 4222 for tickets.
Website: www.ordway.org

Orpheum Theatre
One of two of Minneapolis’ restored classic theatres, the Orpheum Theatre in Downtown Minneapolis' Theatre District often serves as the debut venues for large Broadway productions.
910 Hennepin
Tel: (612) 339 7007.
Website: www.hennepintheatredistrict.org

The Old Log Theater
Set in a rustic stable in Excelsior and opened in 1940, this is the oldest running theatre in the country.
5158 Meadville Street
Ttel: (952) 474 5951.
Website: www.oldlog.com

Chanhassen Dinner Theatre
With three auditoriums, Chanhassen Dinner Theatre is the nation's largest professional dinner theatre.
501 West 78th Street, Chanhassen
Tel: (952) 934 1525 or 1 800 362 3515.
Website: www.chanhassentheatres.com

Penumbra Theatre
This is one of only three professional African-American theatres in the country.
270 North Kent Street, St Paul
Tel: (651) 224 3180.
Website: www.penumbratheatre.org

Dance
O'Shaughnessy Auditorium
The Ballet Arts Minnesota (tel: 340 (612) 1071; www.balletartsminnesota.org) presents traditional and contemporary works here as well as the Northrop Auditorium.
College of St Catherine, University of St Thomas
Ttel: (651) 690 6700.
Website: http://oshaughnessy.stkate.edu

Ethnic Dance Theatre
This claims to be one of a handful of professional international dance companies in the USA dedicated to the preservation of world music, dance and song. Its repertoire of folk dance and music includes countries such as Albania, China, Costa Rica, Lebanon, Mongolia, Norway, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Tibet, Russia, Uzbekistan and Ukraine.
3507 Clinton South
Tel: (763) 545 1333. 
Website: www.ethnicdancetheatre.com

Comedy
Acme Comedy Company
The venerable Acme Comedy Company hosts national comedy acts and also offers dinner packages.
708 North First Street, Minneapolis
Tel: (612) 338 6393.
Website: www.acmecomedycompany.com

Brave New Workshop
This is the country's longest running satirical comedy theatre and also holds improvisation nights.
2605 Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis
Tel: (612) 332 6620.
Website: www.bravenewworkshop.com

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