Wander Minnesota: Sunny Spots For Cold Days
It's cold. Very cold. That's to be expected in Minnesota in January. But when cabin fever strikes, where can you go that will at least give you the illusion of sunniness and warmth?
Turns out there are quite a few places across the Twin Cities to do that. What follows is a sampling.
It's hard to beat St. Paul's Como Conservatory for a reprieve from winter. Lush plantings, warm and humid air, reflection pool--all in fully exposed daylight. The best of indoors and outdoors in one place.
Edina's Edinborough Park is a great option, which combines plenty of indoor physical activity options (giant playground, swimming pool, running track and fitness area) with landscaped pathways that give you hope for spring.
You can go tropical with a visit to Bloomington's Water Park of America. Warm air, lots of light, and water slides. Note: It's a good idea to order wristbands ahead of time; when the park reaches capacity, it closes to walk-in visitors.
You might think of the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum as an outdoors place, but the spacious visitor center, complete with art gallery, will give you a sense of brightness and cheer. Go upstairs to the second-floor café and enjoy a cup of coffee near the windows, which look out on all things nature.
Speaking of visitor centers, check out the offerings from Three Rivers Parks. Silverwood Park in St. Anthony has an art gallery and café, and the Eastman Nature Center at Maple Grove's Elm Creek Park Reserve gives you a beautiful way to envision what nature will look like when the weather is better.
There are several museums that offer beautiful views from warm perches as well.
The Minneapolis Institute of the Arts has a public space on the first floor, with tall windows and a gorgeous view of downtown. Grab a cup of coffee and relax for a bit before entering the galleries.
The restaurant Fika, in the new addition at the American Swedish Institute, is situated near tall windows looking out at a courtyard and the grand old mansion itself. Bonus: excellent food.
In St. Paul, the Science Museum of Minnesota takes full advantage of its situation near the river. Huge windows in the cafeteria and elsewhere overlook the water.
The Minneapolis Central Library is a wonder of natural light and space. Bonus: lots of great books.
Or, if you just can't stand being indoors one more day, the Ice Castles installation is tentatively scheduled to open on Jan. 9 (keep an eye on the website for updates on the final opening date). This year it's located in Eden Prairie's Miller Park.
What else is happening in our state? Be sure to check out the 10 p.m. Sunday night WCCO newscasts, where you can learn more in the weekly segment, Finding Minnesota.
