Itinerary

A 21-day adventure in Minneapolis sounds like a fantastic way to explore the city and its surroundings. With your interests in zoos, aquariums, botanical gardens, kosher food, and amusement parks, I’ve crafted a fun and engaging itinerary for you. Let’s dive in!

## Day 1: Arrival in Minneapolis

• Morning: Arrive in Minneapolis and check into your hotel.
• Afternoon: Take a leisurely stroll around Lake Calhoun (Bde Maka Ska) to stretch your legs and enjoy the scenery.
• Dinner: Head to Holy Land Deli for some delicious kosher Middle Eastern food.

## Day 2: Minnesota Zoo

• Morning: Visit the Minnesota Zoo in Apple Valley. Explore the various exhibits, including the Discovery Bay and the Minnesota Trail.
• Lunch: Grab a bite at the zoo’s café or pack a picnic.
• Afternoon: Continue exploring the zoo, especially the underwater viewing area for the sea otters.
• Dinner: Enjoy dinner at Manny’s Steakhouse, which offers kosher options.

## Day 3: Como Park Zoo & Conservatory

• Morning: Head to Como Park Zoo & Conservatory in St. Paul. The zoo is free, and the conservatory is a beautiful place to explore.
• Lunch: Have lunch at the Como Dockside restaurant overlooking the lake.
• Afternoon: Spend more time in the conservatory, especially in the Japanese Garden.
• Dinner: Try Shalom Cafe for some kosher comfort food.

## Day 4: Minneapolis Sculpture Garden

• Morning: Visit the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden and take photos with the iconic Spoonbridge and Cherry.
• Lunch: Enjoy a meal at The Good ## Day Cafe nearby.
• Afternoon: Explore the Walker Art Center if you’re interested in contemporary art.
• Dinner: Dine at Kosh, a kosher restaurant with a great atmosphere.

## Day 5: Valleyfair Amusement Park

• All ## Day: Spend the day at Valleyfair Amusement Park in Shakopee. Enjoy the rides, games, and water park.
• Lunch: Grab lunch at one of the park’s food stands.
• Dinner: Head back to Minneapolis and enjoy dinner at The Jewish Community Center (JCC) which often has kosher options.

## Day 6: Minnesota Landscape Arboretum

• Morning: Visit the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum in Chaska. Explore the beautiful gardens and trails.
• Lunch: Have lunch at the Arboretum’s café.
• Afternoon: Continue exploring the various themed gardens.
• Dinner: Try Moishe’s for a kosher meal.

## Day 7: Day Trip to Duluth

• All ## Day: Take a day trip to Duluth. Visit the Great Lakes Aquarium and enjoy the waterfront.
• Lunch: Have lunch at a local café.
• Dinner: Return to Minneapolis and enjoy dinner at Holy Land Deli again.

## Day 8: Minnehaha Park

• Morning: Visit Minnehaha Park and see the stunning Minnehaha Falls.
• Lunch: Pack a picnic or grab a bite at the park’s café.
• Afternoon: Rent a bike and explore the trails around the park.
• Dinner: Dine at Kosh for a cozy evening.

## Day 9: Science Museum of Minnesota

• Morning: Head to the Science Museum of Minnesota in St. Paul. Explore the exhibits and IMAX theater.
• Lunch: Enjoy lunch at the museum’s café.
• Afternoon: Continue exploring the museum.
• Dinner: Try Shalom Cafe for dinner.

## Day 10: Nickelodeon Universe

• All ## Day: Spend the day at Nickelodeon Universe in the Mall of America. Enjoy the rides and attractions.
• Lunch: Eat at one of the many kosher-friendly options in the mall.
• Dinner: Dine at The Cheesecake Factory (check for kosher options).

## Day 11: Explore the North Loop

• Morning: Explore the trendy North Loop neighborhood. Check out local shops and cafes.
• Lunch: Have lunch at The Bachelor Farmer (check for kosher options).
• Afternoon: Visit the Mill City Museum to learn about Minneapolis’s history.
• Dinner: Enjoy dinner at Manny’s Steakhouse.

## Day 12: Lake Harriet

• Morning: Spend the morning at Lake Harriet. Rent a kayak or paddleboard.
• Lunch: Have lunch at the Lake Harriet Bandshell.
• Afternoon: Explore the surrounding park and gardens.
• Dinner: Dine at Moishe’s.

## Day 13: Day Trip to Stillwater

• All ## Day: Take a day trip to Stillwater, a charming river town. Explore the shops and enjoy the scenic views.
• Lunch: Have lunch at a local café.
• Dinner: Return to Minneapolis and enjoy dinner at Holy Land Deli.

## Day 14: Como Park Zoo & Conservatory (Second Visit)

• Morning: Return to Como Park Zoo & Conservatory to see any exhibits you missed.
• Lunch: Enjoy lunch at the Como Dockside.
• Afternoon: Spend more time in the gardens.
• Dinner: Try Kosh for dinner.

## Day 15: Explore the Arts District

• Morning: Visit the Nicollet Mall and explore the local shops and art galleries.
• Lunch: Have lunch at The Good ## Day Cafe.
• Afternoon: Visit the Guthrie Theater for a tour.
• Dinner: Dine at Manny’s Steakhouse.

## Day 16: Valleyfair Amusement Park (Second Visit)

• All ## Day: Spend another day at Valleyfair Amusement Park to enjoy any rides you missed.
• Lunch: Grab lunch at the park.
• Dinner: Return to Minneapolis for dinner at Shalom Cafe.

## Day 17: Minneapolis Institute of Arts

• Morning: Visit the Minneapolis Institute of Arts to explore its vast collection.
• Lunch: Enjoy lunch at the museum café.
• Afternoon: Continue exploring the museum.
• Dinner: Dine at Moishe’s.

## Day 18: Day Trip to Rochester

• All ## Day: Take a day trip to Rochester. Visit the Oxbow Park and Zollman Zoo.
• Lunch: Have lunch at a local café.
• Dinner: Return to Minneapolis and enjoy dinner at Holy Land Deli.

## Day 19: Explore the Chain of Lakes

• Morning: Spend the day exploring the Chain of Lakes. Rent a bike or walk the trails.
• Lunch: Have a picnic by the lake.
• Afternoon: Visit the Lake of the Isles and enjoy the scenery.
• Dinner: Dine at Kosh.

## Day 20: Relax and Reflect

• Morning: Take a leisurely morning to relax and reflect on your trip.
• Lunch: Enjoy lunch at a local café.
• Afternoon: Visit any favorite spots you want to revisit.
• Dinner: Have a farewell dinner at Manny’s Steakhouse.

## Day 21: Departure

• Morning: Enjoy a final breakfast in Minneapolis.
• Afternoon: Check out of your hotel and head to the airport for departure.

And there you have it! A fun-filled 21-day itinerary in Minneapolis that covers all your interests. Enjoy your trip, and don’t forget to take lots of pictures! If you have any questions or need adjustments, feel free to ask! Safe travels! 🌟