While art may not be the first thing you think of when you consider visiting Minneapolis and St. Paul, the Twin Cities do have several quality art museums.  While you may like the traditional and ancient art at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts or visiting the Frank Gehry-designed Weisman Art Museum on the University of Minnesota campus, those who prefer modern art should head to the Walker Art Center.

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In an unassuming square, three blocks from better known Plaza Miguel Hidalgo, a soaring three-pronged metal sculpture marks a spot in the tiny village of Tequisquiapan, Mexico as the geographic center of the country. It is duly marked as such, with an official looking plaque authorized by one of Mexico’s earlier Presidents, so I had no reason to doubt the claim. But the more I traveled around Mexico, the more I heard Tequisquiapan’s claim disputed.

Monument proclaims Tequisquiapan to be the center of Mexico

In Guanajuato, the 70-foot tall Cristo Rey statue of Jesus sits atop Cerro del Cubilete, a steep-sided hill located about 10 miles north of the city; it too is said to mark the geographical center of Mexico. Lesser contenders for the honor include Zacatecas and Aguascalientes, although Read More »

When you think of a state capitol, you probably think of a building that looks somewhat similar to our nation’s capitol in Washington, D.C., with a big rotunda and two wings that extend outward.

If you’re from North Dakota, however, you think “Skyscraper on the Prairie.”

North Dakota’s capitol is one of just a few skyscraper capitols in the United States.  It’s not the tallest; I believe Louisiana has that honor, but that doesn’t matter, as it’s still unique and affords beautiful views of the cities of Bismarck and Mandan and the surrounding countryside from its upper-level observation deck. Read More »

Minneapolis and St. Paul have several quality theatre venues available, with the Guthrie, the Ordway, the State Theatre, and others presenting both Broadway shows and original productions. Did you know, however, that there are several theatres with quality productions just for kids?  The Old Log Theatre in Excelsior puts on seasonal children’s shows; Stages Theatre Company in Hopkins begins its new season Friday; and the Children’s Theatre Company is off and running with its current productions.

Children’s Theatre Company is located just south of downtown Minneapolis in the same building as the Minneapolis Institute of Arts.  It has two stages, where its fall productions will include The 500 Hats of Bartholomew Cubbins and Robin Hood.

When I took my kids to see Mulan Jr at CTC, we were impressed with the comfortable seats and excellent setup of the theatre.  Any seat in this theatre is a good seat.  The productions are produced locally with mostly local talent, but the quality is amazing, as good as I’ve seen in traveling Broadway productions in other theatres.  The experience is child-friendly, however, with concessions such as milk and ice cream in the lobby pre-show and at intermission, and seats where kids can actually see the stage.

For those with extra time before or after a production, a stop in the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, with its always-free admission, is worthwhile.  Check out the children’s room, or visit on a family day when special activities are planned.

If you live in Minneapolis, there’s no shortage of places to take your children or grandchildren to see quality theatre shows.

The Children’s Theatre Company

2400 3rd Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN
612-874-0400

Ticket prices vary by show.  Discount tickets are sometimes available on Goldstar.

Photo credit:  minnemom on flickr

Linda (minnemom) writes about family travel at Travels with Children.