Minneapolis, Minnesota

After so many weeks of remote areas and small towns we decided to head to the big city, the Twin Cities to be more precise.  We stayed in an Indian Reservation at a really nice casino campground south of Minneapolis.  It was kind of strange to be in a big city again.  Minneapolis is a very nice city (in the summer, not sure if we would enjoy the winter).  It seemed very clean and was also a very green city.  One of the first things we did was visit the Minneapolis Institute of Art.  There is no cost to tour the museum and there are over 100,000 pieces of art.  There is a little of of something for everyone including ancient Greek and Asian relics, Medieval arms and armor, an architecture exhibit, a beautiful view of the city and works of art from the 11th century to modern.  One could spend many hours going through the museum.  We went back a second day and still didn't see it all.

We then went to see the Walker Art center and sculpture garden.  It was free to the public on Thursday night, so all we paid for was parking.  The sculpture garden was mildly interesting, but we can't say that about the Contemporary Art exhibit in the museum.  We had a hard time appreciating the artistic value of a black rectangle and a white rectangle hanging on the wall.  It seems like the 'artists' thought "I'll just place this cube on the floor, there, now that's art!".  Needless to say we didn't spend much time there.  Thank goodness it was free, I might of had to ask for my money back. 

Minneapolis has many nice parks including Minnehaha Falls and over 50 miles of paved bike trails along the Mississippi River and Chain of Lakes.  We also visited the Mall of America.  Pretty amazing that they can fit all of the attractions and still have room for stores to shop in.  I guess it is a good place to hang out at on a cold winter day.

Minnehaha Falls Park

Cherry Spoon Bridge - Sculpture Garden in Minneapolis