Escape to the City

An urban getaway in Minnesota is perfect for exploring arts, great cuisine, nightlife, a romantic weekend or family vacation.

The Grand Rounds National Scenic Byway, in the heart of the Minneapolis, winds its way around the Chain of Lakes, St. Anthony Falls, and renowned architecture such as the Weisman Art Museum, Guthrie Theater, and Walker Art Center. The perennial Aquatennial celebration starts next week. And don't miss the global cuisines along Eat Street.

Saint Paul offers historic charm on Summit Avenue, exclusive shops on Grand Avenue, and waterfront activities. Take a gangster tour, visit the Children's Museum, Science Museum, or Como Zoo. Remember the Minnesota State Fair August 27-September 7.

The Twin Cities suburbs are home to Mall of America and Valleyfair Amusement Park. Waterparks, golf, arts, and gardens are great vacations.

Rochester is home of the famous Mayo Clinic. Tour Mayowood, the home of the Mayo family. Rochester loves baseball. Catch a game of the Rochester Honkers, the Rochester Royals, or the Rochester A's. Or take one of 5 city walking tours.

Duluth, Minnesota's largest city outside of the Twin Cities metro, has the urban amenities you expect with the grandeur of Lake Superior. View the lake from a variety of unique hotels, inns, and B&Bs, some with optional ship calls to your room. Duluth dining features your favorite flavors, local products and seasonal cuisine.

Get more ideas from other Minnesota travelers or e-mail our traveler counselors for custom travel information.

Tiger, Lefty & Lumpy Exploring Minnesota Golf in August

The countdown to the August 10-16 PGA Championship has begun. Hazeltine National has been toughened up and lengthened to challenge the likes of Tiger Woods, Anthony Kim, Phil "Lefty" Mickelson and Minnesota natives on tour: Tim "Lumpy" Herron, Cameron Beckman and Tom Lehman (if he gets an exemption!). Rich Beem, the winner when the tournament was at Hazeltine in 2002, returns, as will the '08 champion, popular Irishman Padraig Harrington.

Eighty percent of the tickets have been sold, so act quickly to take advantage of Bloomington's lodging/ticket package. And remember that adult ticketholders may bring two juniors to the tourney for free!

If playing golf is on your mind, find a metro course at www.mngolf.org. Coming early or extending your stay after the championship? Check out video of some of Minnesota's best golf resorts www.exploreminnesotagolf.com.

For information on activities and community events, or to request the Explore Minnesota Golf Guide, go to www.exploreminnesota.com.

AND Enter the "Wanna make you a Wanamaker Winner" sweepstakes by July 19 for your chance to win 2 Wanamaker tickets to the PGA Championship.