Museum in a mill
Minneapolis may have been the flour mill capital of the world, but the ‘mill city’ is undergoing a major makeover, with most of its run-down mills and warehouses being turned into swanky restaurants, luxurious condominiums and state-of-the-art museums. For a taste of history, check out the Mill City Museum located on the banks of the Mississippi river. Opened in 2003, the museum lies within the ruins of the historic Washburn A Mill, which was closed down in 1965. Don’t miss the Flour Tower: a show where you’re seated within a repurposed freight elevator that takes you up the eight-storey building, with each floor showcasing the stages of production. Head to the rooftop for stunning views of St Anthony Falls and the Stone Arch Bridge.
Time for theatre
Did you know that the city of Minneapolis in the state of Minnesota has the second-most number of theatre seats (per capita) in the United States of America (after New York)? Now that you do, catching a play here should be on your must-see list in this city, that has earned itself the moniker, the Broadway of the Midwest, and for good reason. The Guthrie Theater (that opened in the year 1963) has an interesting line-up for the upcoming play season. Watch classic plays such as Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner by Todd Kreidler (directed by Timothy Bond) from April 7 to May 27 this year, or The Legend of Georgia McBride by Matthew Lopez (directed by Jeffrey Meanza) between July 14 and August 26, 2018.
Tour downtown Rapid City
Save this for the last leg of your trip. Known for its happening night life, fashion boutiques and hotels, the Main Street Square is where the party is at. Hop on a Sip-n-Cycle or head to one of the pubs here: Kōl, Murphy’s Pub and Grill, Vertex Sky Bar and Independent Ale House. Take a slight detour and walk through Art Alley (located between 6th and 7th Street) that’s lined with colourful graffiti, pop art, and abstract murals. As you walk through downtown, get a few clicks with the City of Presidents — life-sized bronze statues of the country’s past presidents — artistically placed on side walks and junctions.
Wall Drug Store
Who knew that just offering free ice water on a highway would help a small drug store become a million-dollar enterprise? What began in the year 1931 by couple Ted and Dorothy Hustead, is now a famous stop en-route to the scenic Badlands and Rapid City. The store comprises souvenir shops, cafés, an art gallery, restaurants, and apparel shops too, and is a perfect pit stop to stock up on mementos and artefacts. Leather accessories, Christmas ornaments and hunting collectibles depicting the Badlands Buffalo, Jackalope and Prairie Dog make for some great souvenirs. Their trademark five-cent coffee too is available at the Western Art Gallery Restaurant, also known for its home-made donuts, beef sandwiches and massive soft serve cones.
A page from history
Taking the farm-to-table concept a step further, the attraction is a stone’s throw from the Falls, so make sure you stop by. Developed within a horse barn of the 1800s, the Stockyards Ag Experience is a great way to learn more about the region’s agricultural history. Its staff is more than happy to show you around and narrate the history of the Sioux Falls Stockyards. See what happens to your food before it lands up on your table. But all the veggies you see around aren’t exactly edible... See if you can distinguish between a silicone potato and a real one. Also on the anvil is a Stockyards Plaza on an area of 3.7 acres, which will be created using original Stockyards remains: Morrell’s tunnel entry, the pump house and the Stockyards iconic pig.
On a garden trail
What better way to burn all that holiday fat, than to go power walking? A good way to start would be through the vast and beautiful Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, a 11-acre garden located by the scenic waterfront. Created in 1988, it is located to the west of Loring Park and the basilica of Saint Mary. Open all year round, it is dotted with as many as 40 art works from the adjoining Walker Art Center’s collections, including the massive Spoonbridge and Cherry and the electric blue Hahn/Cock. And while you are at it, you can also pick up a few wise quotes by American neo-conceptual artist, Jenny Holzer, that are carved on the 28 granite benches strategically spread across the Garden. Five acres of green spaces and 300 trees are the latest editions here.
At Sioux Falls
If you’re an art lover, you’ve got lots in store even in this quiet town that seems straight out of a Hollywood classic. Take the SculptureWalk, where you can see 56 outdoor sculptures across the downtown area. Started in 2004, SculptureWalk, located in South Dakota, is the largest annual exhibit of public art sculptures in the world. An annual affair, these sculptures keep changing every year and are available for sale or on lease. My top picks: Muse-IC by artists Lee Leuning and Sherri Treeby — a life-sized bronze sculpture of a woman, where her skirt doubles up as a xylophone, and Willow by Gregory Mendez, an interesting depiction of a tree in steel. Coming soon this year is the Arc of Dreams, a massive stainless steel sculpture.
A meal at the mall
If shopping is a priority for you, then head straight to the Mall of America. At the country’s largest mall, there’s nothing you cannot find in one of its 500-odd stores. Not enough? Then head to its giant aquarium or visit the Nickelodeon Universe. But don’t miss out on the fabulous food. For a taste of some authentic American fare, head to Cedar+Stone, Urban Table, where chefs give locally sourced farm produce a fresh and flavourful twist. Try the honey-glazed crispy Brussels sprouts (who knew they could taste so delicious?!), Minnesota cheddar cornbread, cauliflower platter and the 12-hour braised beef short rib. Pair these with signature handcrafted cocktails or even their local beer works just fine.
A twin capital
To get a glimpse of the State’s architectural marvels, head to Minneapolis’ twin city and take a self-guided tour of the Capitol building and Cathedral of Saint Paul. Sign up for a walking tour or just drive along Summit Avenue, home to historic mansions, churches and synagogues. The homes here, with their towering pillars, magnificent arches and manicured gardens, have been built in Colonial style. If you want to try something different, opt for the popular Gangster Tour. Learn more about the town’s infamous citizens like Baby Face Nelson and Alvin ‘Creepy’ Karpis. You can also choose from the Cave Tour, or the spooky Lost Souls Tour at the Wabasha Street Caves. Literature enthusiasts should take the F Scott Fitzgerald biking/walking trail.
