Around the world in three days

A 3 day tour of Minnesota
from our Northeastern issue,
Fall 2012.

	Photo: Experience Burnsville CVB
	American Swedish Institute is located in the only castle in the Twin Cities.

Experience learning about varied ethnic cultures in this fun-filled tour without leaving the Twin Cities of St. Paul and Minneapolis.

Use this hub-and-spoke out of Burnsville to visit.

Day One

After checking in to your Burnsville hotel, take a trip to Sweden via Minneapolis by touring the American Swedish Institute. 

The institute’s mansion is an example of early 20th century chateausque architecture. The 33-room mansion was built for newspaper publisher Swan J. Turnblad and features elaborate woodwork, Swedish porcelain tile stoves, immigrant artifacts and exhibits of Swedish art, glass and textiles.

Then take a self-guided tour of the Basilica of Saint Mary. The basilica is a national historic site and features French architecture and Italian marble sculptures and a 250-foot-tall dome. The first Mass was celebrated at the basilica in 1914.

In the evening, enjoy dinner at Roasted Pear.

Then, head to downtown Minneapolis for a show at the Theatre in the Round, where the stage is modeled after stages the ancient Greeks once performed on.

Day Two

Get an early start by exploring the Minnesota Zoo, home to Russia’s Grizzly Coast and the Penguins of the African Coast.  

The zoo is home to a lush tropical forest and aviary, a marine center, Boreal forest, tundra and a seasonal family farm complete with 2,000 animals representing over 400 species.

Enjoy lunch at the zoo, and afterward rest your feet while attending a show at the Great Clips IMAX Theatre at the zoo.  

On the third Saturday in June, spend the day back in town for the International Festival of Burnsville. Celebrate with entertainment, food and festivities. This event is held in the heart of the city at Nicollet Commons Park.

	Photo: Experience Burnsville CVB
	The Minnesota Zoo opened Penguins of the African Coast in 2011.

Day Three

Begin the day with a Down In History No Blarney tour at Wabasha Street Caves in St. Paul. 

A costumed Irish saint or sinner will guide you and teach you about St. Paul’s Irish heritage, including how Irish immigrants influenced architecture, politics and religion. 

While in St. Paul, venture over to the Cathedral of Saint Paul, which is modeled after Saint Peter’s in Rome. The cathedral is the first national shrine in honor of the Apostle Paul. 

No visit to St. Paul would be complete without a visit to the Minnesota State Capitol. 

Enjoy a guided tour of the working masterpiece by acclaimed architect Cass Gilbert. Highlights of the tour include the Governor’s Reception Room and, weather permitting, the Quadriga, or golden horses. 

On the return to Burnsville, make time to browse at AntiQues Minnesota, which has a gallery for antiques and vintage collectibles. 

Dine at The Mediterranean Cruise Café, complete with belly dancing and original delicacies from Jerusalem, Palestine, Lebanon, Jordon, Egypt, Morocco, Italy, Turkey and Greece.

GO
Burnsville, Minneapolis, St. Paul

SEE
American Swedish Institute
(612) 871-4907 
www.asimn.org

AntiQues
(800) 869-5879
www.antiquesminnesota.net

Basilica of Saint Mary
(612) 333-1381
www.mary.org

Cathedral of Saint Paul
(651) 228-1766
www.cathedralsaintpaul.org

Down in History Tours
(651) 224-1191
www.wabashastreetcaves.com

Minnesota State Capitol
(651) 296-2881
www.mnhs.org/statecapitol

Minnesota Zoo
(800) 366-7811
www.mnzoo.org

Theatre in the Round
(612) 333-3010
www.theatreintheround.org

EAT 
Roasted Pear
(952) 898-2800
www.roastedpear.com

Mediterranean Cruise Cafe
(952) 641-6222
www.medcruisecafe.com

ASK
Experience Burnsville Convention & Visitors Bureau
(800) 521-6055 
www.burnsvillemn.com

Tell us what you think or offer your culture & entertainment group travel itineraries to the editor.
Mail: 2465 112th Ave.
Holland, MI 49424
Fax: (616) 393-0085
Phone: 1-800-767-3489 between 8am - 5pm, EST.