I recently had the pleasure of attending an event first of its kind. Visit Saint Paul, Meet Minneapolis, Bloomington Convention and Visitors Bureau (BCVB) and Mall of America all came together to launch 30 Signature Experiences, the largest experiential tourism collection in the country.
The event was held at Mall of America in their newly added Parkview Meeting & Event Center. Guests were treated to refreshments and light snacks.
After checking in, you walked into a room full of experiences. Everything was represented from arts and culture to outdoor and active adventures.
As a lifelong resident of Minnesota, I would have never dreamed of half the activities and tours that were there. Who knew there were so many fun things to do? After going through the tables of representatives and pamphlets, I found three experiences that I will be trying out very soon.
This one immediately caught my eye. It is a guided walking tour right in the heart of downtown Minneapolis where you get to try some of the city’s best treats and learn about the history of downtown.
This seems like the perfect activity for sunny summer Saturday or Sunday. It is a 90-minute trip down the Mississippi River. You get to learn about Saint Paul’s historic downtown harbor while on a relaxing cruise. You can even spot the occasional heron or eagle.
Since its multi-million dollar renovation, Sea Life has become a must-see attraction. You get to go on a guided tour through the laboratory, food prep kitchen and even up on deck above the tunnel systems where you learn exclusive behind-the-scenes information.
But those were not the only noteworthy experiences in the state. Below is a complete listing all of the organizations participating:
- Above The Falls Sports
- American Swedish Institute
- Brave New Workshop
- Frank Lloyd Wright House
- Foci Minnesota Center for Glass Arts
- Guthrie Theater
- Midtown Global Market
- Minneapolis Institute of Art (MIA)
- Segway Magical History Tours
- Spoonriver
- Taste Twin Cities Food Tour
- Textile Center
- The Fit Tourist
- Walker Art Center
- Alexander Ramsey House
- Como Zoo
- Historic Fort Snelling
- Landmark Center
- Padelford Riverboats
- St. Paul Saints
- Hard Rock Cafe Mall of America
- Fire lake Grill House + Cocktail Bar
- Mall of America Scavenger Hunt hosted by Dick’s Last Resort
- Sea Life Minnesota Aquarium
- Vom Fass
Take my recommendation and get out of your comfort zone. Our state has so much to offer. It’s about time you go out and find your signature experience!
