Internationally known, the Guthrie was founded in 1963 by Sir Tyrone Guthrie, whose large portrait adorns an outside panel of the new Guthrie Theater, which opened in 2006 along the riverfront in downtown Minneapolis.

612-377-2224 // 818 S. Second St, Minneapolis, MN // Website

Featuring productions of Broadway favorites and top level entertainers, the Hennepin Theatre Trust operates three restored and historic theaters in downtown Minneapolis:  State Theatre,  Orpheum Theatre and  Pantages.  On stage in 2015: Pippin, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Annie, Jersey Boys, Kinky Boots and more.

800-982-2787 // Website

This is the destination for many visitors to the Twin Cities and for good reason: With 520+ stores, more than 50 restaurants and attractions like Nickelodeon Universe, an indoor amusement park, all ages love the MOA.

60 East Broadway, Bloomington, MN 55425 // Website

The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum belongs to the University of Minnesota and was established in 1958. With everything from family activities to cooking, painting and gardening classes and special events, the Arboretum is truly a gem.

952-443-1400 // 3675 Arboretum Drive, Chaska, MN 55318 // Website

More than 4,300 animals live on the Zoo’s 485 acres in Apple Valley, just a short distance from Edina. Popular attractions include Northern Trail, Russia’s Grizzly Coast, Tropics Trail, Discovery Bay and a variety of special exhibits and events, as well as an IMAX Theater.

952-431-9500 // 13000 Zoo Blvd., Apple Valley, MN 55124 // Website

The Ordway, one of the U.S.’s leading not-for-profit performing arts centers, is home to a wide variety of performances throughout the year that encompass the finest in American musical theater, world music, dance, and vocal artists.

(651) 224-4222 // 345 Washington Street, Saint Paul, Minnesota 55102 // Website

This museum located in downtown St. Paul has a long history in the state. Originally founded in 1907, the Science Museum has been in its current location, overlooking the Mississippi River, since 1999. Boasting 70,000 square feet of exhibit space, as well as an IMAX/Omnitheater, ongoing exhibits include the Mississippi River Gallery, Big Back Yard, the Dinosaurs and Fossils Gallery and the Experiment Gallery.

120 W. Kellogg Blvd, St. Paul, MN 55102 // Website

Home of the Minnesota Twins since 2010 – the same year ESPN The Magazine ranked the stadium as “the #1 baseball stadium experience in North America”‒ Target Field has become a popular go-to attraction.

(612) 338-9467 // 1 Twins Way, Minneapolis, MN 55403 // Website

This is a can’t-miss amusement park which provides thrills and chills with rides like Wild Thing, Steel Venom, High Roller and the Corkscrew. Coming in 2015: an expanded Soak City Waterpark, which will feature the Breakers Pipeline, the Breakers Plunge and Barefoot Beach, almost an acre in size.

952-445-7600 //1 Valleyfair Drive, Shakopee, MN 55379 // Website

Celebrating 75 years in 2015, the Walker will feature a special exhibit running through September 2016 highlighting the history of the Walker’s art collections. This is in addition to ongoing exhibits and events, including lectures, readings and special events for families.

1750 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55403 // Website

The “X” is home to Minnesota’s NHL team, the Minnesota Wild, and also hosts a variety of sporting events (including the Minnesota Swarm lacrosse team), exhibitions and musical performers each year.

(651) 265-4800 // 199 Kellogg Blvd. W, St. Paul, MN 55102 // Website