I love sledding and watching pond hockey as much as my fellow native Minnesotans, I have lived elsewhere and I’m back because I really do love the 4 seasons. You’ll never find me living in a place that doesn’t get snow! I do however think it’s important to note that there are plenty of things to do here in Minnesota during the cold winter months that don’t require those who have recently re-located to dive in head first. Also keep in mind that, while it’s cold, the Twin Cities receive more sunlight hours in mid-winter than many other warmer parts of the country, including all of the Great Lakes states, the Pacific Northwest, parts of the South, and almost all of the Northeast.
1) Indoor parks – they’re not just for the kids anymore.
- With more than 6,000 plants, trees and flowers, Edinborough Park is Minnesota’s unique indoor public park. The completely enclosed, one-acre park features a junior-Olympic size swimming pool, a running track and fitness area, a huge indoor playground and a multi-purpose play area, all connected by meandering pathways through the densely landscaped interior.
- The Waterpark of America is the “America’s Biggest Indoor Water Park Hotel” and looms 90 feet above the city skyline. This place has its own spa, restaurants, and a nearly 6,000-square-foot arcade. Add in a day of surfing simulators, wave pools, and a 10-story-high, mile-long family raft ride and you’ve essentially got an entire beach resort vacation under one roof.
- Nickelodeon Universe in the Mall of America is the Nation’s largest family indoor theme park. Over 30 rides and attractions shape the seven-acre park which also features nine places to eat, entertainment and shopping.
2) Health Clubs – you don’t HAVE to run outside when it’s cold!
- My personal favorite is Life Time Fitness. This chain began with its first location in Brooklyn Park, MN in 1992. As of January 2010, there are 25 locations in MN and another 60 nationwide. Life Time Fitness hosts several events throughout the year. These events include a series of indoor Triathlons, and several 5K and 10K Runs.
- All the other big national chains: LA Fitness, Golds Gym, Ballys, etc. While they may not have local ties, they’re everywhere! You can’t drive more than a few miles in the metro without seeing one of the major chains.
- Let’s not forget the little guys; MN has so many non-chain gyms they’re hard to count. My favorite is The Firm. It’s located in Minneapolis and has some of the best classes around. Their mission is to ensure you had the time of your life while quite literally working your … butt off.
3) Entertainment – That’s what we’re all about afterall
- You’ve heard about the VIP movie theater experience, well it’s come to life in the Twin Cities. Kerasotes offers a premium experience at their St. Louis Park, MN location. They offer VIP Premium Seating for guests 21+ with custom-designed oversized loveseats separated by personal tables. They have the Lobby Lounge for guests 21+ to enjoy cocktails, wine, or beer with savory food made from fresh ingredients and most importantly reserved seating with print at home ticketing.
- We also have plenty of the more cultural theaters to enjoy as well. As you’ve read in a previous post we have more theater seats per capita than any other major metropolitan area in the US outside of New York. Right now you could choose between: Mamma Mia, Cats, Avenue Q, Dirty Dancing, and The Wizard of Oz to name a few.
- I may not partake as much as I did in college, but I can still appreciate the great nightlife in Minneapolis and St. Paul. A few great restaurants/bars are;
i. Bar Abilene for dinner, drinks and amazing guacamole
ii. The Local for great happy hours and a casual night out
iii. Escape Ultra Lounge for drinks, dancing and all things trendy
iv. La Belle Vie to impress a date
4) Last but not least I must recommend curling. If you’ve never played bocce ball on ice you’re not alone, but you should try it! There aren’t too many urban areas with their own indoor curling club!
