Art Lover's Walking Tour Of Minnesota
Who doesn't love a walk in the park on a beautiful day? Adding some fantastic works of art to that walk makes it even more perfect. Minnesotans know how to appreciate art, and by strategically placing it in areas of attraction or popularity, those places become sacred. If you love art, or just have an appreciation for its beauty, taking a walk around the community and opening your eyes and mind to what the creativity of some can do for the souls of others can make the perfect afternoon.
Duluth Lake Walk And Canal Park
500 Canal Park
Duluth, MN 55802
(218) 722-4011
www.duluthmn.gov
The Lake Walk on the shores of Lake Superior is a popular attraction for its beautiful scenery, historic location, and quaint community. Aside from getting some great exercise while walking along the boardwalk and watching the ships sail by, fantastic pieces of community art and sculpture can also be visited in this area. Bronze statues mark the lake path and are even found along the sidewalks of Canal Park near the retail stores and coffee shops. Enjoy some fresh air and beautiful art in northern Minnesota when you travel to Duluth.
Nicollet Mall
Minneapolis, MN 55401
(612) 370-9100
www.minneapolis.org/shopping
In the heart of Downtown Minneapolis, the Nicollet Mall is famous for its retail, restaurants, and seasonal events. Thousands of people travel the mall every day and take no notice of the fantastic displays of art located right in front of them. Some of the more famous works include bronzed statues of birds, artist-designed fountains, painted manhole covers, and a sculpture clock on the main drag. A statue of Minnesota's iconic Mary Tyler Moore also stands along the Nicollet Mall and has posed for many pictures throughout the years. An initiative to increase the amount of public art in the city is also in the works, so there appears to be more to come. For now, add some culture to your walk downtown and take in the sights along the mall.
Urban Flower Field
Pedro Park
114 E 10th St.
St. Paul, MN 55101
www.publicartstpaul.com
Paint, park, color, and flowers make up the Urban Flower Field project at Pedro Park in St. Paul. Amanda Lovelee, the artist in residence, designed the park in order to bring some color and personality to the old corner of Robert and 10th streets. The installation piece invites a wide variety of flower species and levels of color arranged in fantastic spiral patterns along the walls and expanse of the park. The plan is to have the Urban Flower Field a temporary part of the St. Paul community until October of 2015, so check it out before it's too late.
Related: Best Art Walks In Minnesota
Centennial Lakes Park
7499 France Ave. S.
Edina, MN 55435
(952) 833-9580
www.centenniallakespark.com
Hidden in plain site is a beautiful place to walk, shop, play, and get some sun. Look around and find some fantastic forms of art lurking throughout the park as well. Centennial Lakes offers beautifully manicured and carefully designed landscaping that is a form of art in itself. Play mini-golf around the lake or rent a paddleboat and go out on the water. Artist designed fountains, buildings, statues, and swings surround Centennial Lakes. Walk around the awesome hedge maze and enjoy being outside and in the midst of art.
City Center Mankato
Downtown Mankato
Mankato, MN 56001
(507) 388-1062
www.citycentermankato.com
Check out the cool art scene in downtown Mankato if you're looking for an artsy afternoon. The entire city is mapped out as a City Art and Walking Sculpture Tour for an unusual and fun way to tour the city. Outdoor sculptures are displayed year-round throughout the city and each piece is on display for one year. The sculptures can be purchased and voted on to receive prizes. Enjoy the different statues each year and vote on your favorite.
Related: Best Hiking Trails In Minnesota
Andrea Wodele is a freelance writer who has lived in the Twin Cities for the last 10 years. Her hobbies include exercising, driving kids around, watching Minnesota sports, and reading self-help literature. Examiner.com.
