Other Art / Architecture / Musuems, Minneapolis

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I wrote about the church in a previous tip but this is a nice little bonus for Christmas fans of all ages. Upstairs on the second floor are glass display cases filled with 200 crèches from 80 different countries, lovingly collected by member Mary Spencer Rogers and given as a gift to the church in 2002. The wonderful variety of styles and mediums reflect the congregation's respect and acceptance of diverse races, lifestyles and cultures and are great fun for a look-see.

In the room outside the curator's office downstairs (just ask where to find it) are a few more as well as a delightful display of Noah's Arks that they're just starting to collect. Bring the kids - they'll love it!

(Sorry the shots are a little fuzzy - it was a pain shooting through the glass)

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This is an old and interesting downtown church that is actually the third building for this congregation. Built in 1897 and on the National Registry of Historic Places, the semi-circular sanctuary symbolically embraces the pulpit and altar, has a lovely, delicate skylight and beautiful windows. The largest Rose Window is 16 feet across and constructed of over 4,000 pieces of glass. Tucked away in another part of the complex is an intimate little chapel with nice windows as well. Along the hallways and in a gallery near the chapel are displayed works of art that reflect the church's commitment to a joyful, peaceful world - both locally and globally.

True to their mission, a press of the buzzer (most downtown churches are locked between services) had this curiosity seeker cheerfully admitted to enjoy the art and architecture to her heart's content. The curator even scurried around flipping light switches and pointing her in the direction of treasures not to be missed. One of those is a very large and absolutely charming collection of crèches from all over the world. They deserve a special mention so I'll follow up more on that in a separate tip.

Really nice people, these folks. Regardless of your affiliation or lifestyle, if you're in Minneapolis on a Sunday and looking for some fellowship, stop by: you'll find a warm welcome here. See the website for services and more information, and look for the self-guided tour brochure you can download before your visit.

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The Stone Arch Bridge spans the Mississippi River just south of the St. Anthony Falls and provides some spectacular views of the river, the downtown Minneapolis Skyline, the Mill City Warehouse District and sadly, the remains of the I-35W bridge collapse site.

Originally a railroad bridge, the Stone Arch is now open to pedestrians, bikers, Segways and the River City Trolley. You can also reach the two-mile St. Anthony Falls Heritage Trail from the Stone Arch Bridge where you can walk along the banks of the Mississippi and explore the beautiful islands and wooded areas surrounded by the riverfront.

James J Hill house tour. Fun, especially if you like old mansions. Tells the the early story of the Hills. Especially fun and spooky are the the Halloween activities- such as the ghost story reading by costumed employees, followed up with apple cider and a tour of the mansion!
Also consider one of the walking tours http://www.midwestweekends.com/plan_a_trip/history_heritage/historic_houses/summit_avenue_st_paul.html.

Great way to spend an afternoon with family or a friend. Culture & history right here in Minnesota!

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If in the downtown area, architecture lovers should make a stop through this historic landmark. Rand Tower is an Art Deco gem that was built in 1929 by WW1 aviator/businessman Rufus. R. Rand. The limestone exterior features hand-carved images that highlight Rand's love of flying and that same theme is carried throughout the interior detailing. "Wings", the statue in the small lobby (the only interior section open to the public), was crafted by Oskar J.W. Hansen - who was also commissioned to sculpt 40 colossal figures for Hoover Dam.

Rand Tower was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1994.

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This Byzantine-style chapel alone is worth a trip to Lakewood Cemetery. Built in 1908/09, it has brilliant interior mosaics that were artisan-created in Italy from Venetian glass. Art Nouveau windows and floor lamps, copper doors and marble floors add warmth and richness to the glittering rainbow of color from 10 million tiny tessalle of glass that cover the walls and dome. The chapel and administration building provide free pamphlets, with beautiful photography, that explain the symbolism behind the patterns, angels and other figures illustrated in the mosaics.

The chapel is usually open during regular Lakewood Cemetery hours but as it's used for funeral services, you may want to call ahead for that day's visiting schedule. Combine this with a walk in the cemetery (see previous tip) for a nice little bit of solitude.

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Minneapolis was once known as "Mill City" for it's impact on the world's flour industry. The museum not only pays hommage to this rich history, but it gives visitors an interactive museum experience.

You can even have a child's birthday party here, or hold a wedding in the Ruins.

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We love this place....spooky shells of exploded buildings...tales of horrible death..recreated explosions.....scary tours in elevators....the Pillsbury Dough boy....the baking lab (yum) and lots of playing in water.