You'll have to travel a ways to get to this respected zoo in suburban Apple Valley, which is 20 miles south of Minneapolis. It has naturalistic habitats for its 400-plus species, with an emphasis on cold-climate creatures. Parking is $7.
Minnesota Zoo
Minneapolis
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
14.65 MILES
The first-class art center has a strong permanent collection of 20th-century art and photography, including big-name US painters and great US pop art. On…
14.75 MILES
This 19-acre green space, studded with contemporary works such as the oft-photographed Spoonbridge & Cherry by Claes Oldenburg, sits beside the Walker Art…
13.79 MILES
This museum is a huge trove housing a veritable history of art. The modern and contemporary collections will astonish, while the Asian galleries (2nd…
14.38 MILES
The Weisman, which occupies a swooping silver structure by architect Frank Gehry, is a university (and city) highlight. The airy main galleries hold cool…
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14.88 MILES
Head inside the cobalt-blue Guthrie Theater and make your way up the escalator to the Endless Bridge, a far-out cantilevered walkway overlooking the…
19.08 MILES
After Prince died in 2016, his family opened his 65,000-sq-ft home to the public for tours. Fans have been streaming to the mod, boxy white mansion ever…
14.97 MILES
The late, great Mary Tyler Moore (of '70s TV fame) put Minneapolis on the pop-culture map. The spot, at the corner of 7th St S and Nicollet Mall, where…
13.18 MILES
If the rides at the Mall of America aren't enough, drive out to this full-scale amusement and water park 22 miles southwest of Minneapolis in Shakopee…
Nearby Minneapolis attractions
6.45 MILES
The state's largest aquarium – brimming with sharks, jellyfish and stingrays – is in the Mall of America. Combination passes with the Nickelodeon Universe…
6.46 MILES
The amusement park in the Mall of America offers around 28 rides, including a couple of scream-inducing roller coasters. To walk through will cost you…
7.1 MILES
Fort Snelling is the state's oldest structure, established in 1820 as a frontier outpost in the remote Northwest Territory. Guides in period dress show…
4. F Scott Fitzgerald Birthplace
12.89 MILES
The Great Gatsby author F Scott Fitzgerald (1896–1940) is St Paul's most celebrated literary son. This Pullman-style apartment on Laurel Ave is his…
13.03 MILES
Tour the palatial stone mansion of railroad magnate James J Hill. It's a Gilded Age beauty, with five floors and 22 fireplaces. On Monday and Tuesday…
6. Science Museum of Minnesota
13.05 MILES
Even adults will be entertained by the wacky quackery of the 4th floor's 'questionable medical devices.' Has the usual hands-on kids' exhibits and Omnimax…
13.06 MILES
South of downtown and connected via Wabasha St, Harriet Island is a lovely place to meander. It has a river walk, paddle wheel steamboat cruises, concert…
13.16 MILES
Modeled on St Peter's Basilica in Rome, the cathedral presides over the city from its hilltop perch. Guided tours (suggested donation $2) are available at…