Local Attractions

Don't miss a thing when you're in town for RNC 2008. Minneapolis Saint Paul is full of flavorful adventure when it comes to outdoor treks; art and culture; area attractions; festivals and dining. We've assembled some quick links to major attractions to help you make the most of your time in The Land of 10,000 Lakes.

The Guthrie C / D

818 South 2nd Street
(8.9 miles from Xcel Energy Center / 15 minutes)
Minneapolis, MN 55415
(612) 377-2224

"Our Mission: The Guthrie Theater, founded in 1963, is an American center for theater performance, production, education and professional training. By presenting both classical literature and new work from diverse cultures, the Guthrie illuminates the common humanity connecting Minnesota to the peoples of the world. "

Mill City Museum C / H

704 S 2nd St
(9 miles from Xcel Energy Center / 15 minutes) Minneapolis, MN
(612) 341-7555

"An attraction for all ages, Mill City Museum chronicles the flour milling industry that dominated world flour production for roughly a half-century and fueled the growth of Minneapolis, recognized across the nation and around the world as "Mill City." Built within the ruins of a National Historic Landmark the Washburn A Mill the museum provides a multi-sensory, interactive journey. The story of flour milling and its impact on Minneapolis, the nation and the world comes to life through the eight-story Flour Tower and other hands-on exhibits."

Minnesota History Center C / H

345 Kellogg Boulevard West
(0.4 miles from Xcel Energy Center / 1 minute)
Saint Paul, MN 55102
(651) 259-3000
(800) 657-3773

"Explore Minnesota's past through museum exhibits that feature large-scale objects, hands-on experiences and multimedia presentations."

Minnesota Zoo O

13000 Zoo Blvd
(16.5 miles from Xcel Energy Center / 22 minutes)
Apple Valley, MN 55124
(952) 431-9200
(800) 366-7811

"2300 animals on 500 acres" Come and explore the Zoo's Minnesota Trail, Northern Trail, Tropics Trail, Discovery Bay, and the new Wells Fargo Family Farm on a virtual tour."

Nicollet Mall D / S / N / O

Nicollet Mall
(9.5 miles from Xcel Energy Center / 16 minutes)
Downtown Minneapolis

"'At the center of it all.' From Marshall Field's department store to the bronze figure of Mary Tyler Moore, Nicollet Mall in downtown Minneapolis is the ideal destination for top shops, sidewalk dining, culture (Orchestra Hall) and nightlife. Spend an hour or two wandering through the shops and skyways, then take in the nightclubs of the Warehouse district just a few blocks over."

The Ordway C

345 Washington Street
(0.4 miles from Xcel Energy Center / 1 minute)
St. Paul, MN, USA
(651) 224-4222

"Minnesota's Premier performing arts center, the Ordway Center is home to the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra, the Minnesota Opera, and other performing-arts groups."

Grand Avenue, Saint Paul D / O / S

Grand Avenue Business Association
867 Grand Avenue
(2.4 miles from Xcel Energy Center / 6 minutes)
St. Paul, MN 55105
(651) 699-0029

"Grand Avenue spans 30 blocks from the Mississippi River to downtown Saint Paul, passing the halls of academia, old homes burnished more beautiful by time, service storefronts that make a neighborhood hum, and shops - lots of original shops - all with decidedly unmall-like appeal."

The State Capitol H

75 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard
(1.1 miles from Xcel Energy Center / 4 minutes)
Saint Paul, MN 55155
(651) 296-2881

"See the legislature in action in the historic House and Senate chambers. Original furnishings and vivid colors of the restored Senate, House, Supreme Court and Rathskeller cafe add to your experience of this working masterpiece by acclaimed architect Cass Gilbert. Free guided tours begin on the hour until one hour before closing. Weather permitting, tour groups visit the Quadriga, or golden horses. Special events, tours and educational programs are available for modest fees throughout the year. Please call for more information."