Arboretum all aglow for holiday light experience
The Holiday light shows are getting underway across the Twin Cities and one in the west metro has both indoor and outdoor displays to explore. The University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is bringing back the Winter Lights Experience. It is a one-mile walk through botanical themed light display. Inside the visitor center is a giant poinsettia tree along with 50 themed Christmas trees. There are theme nights and live music planned. The event runs through Dec. 31st.
Historic mansion decked out for the holidays
It is year 75 for the holiday experience at the American Swedish Institute. The Turnblad Mansion is decked out. Each room takes visitors on a journey that explores the Swedish legends of winter. There will also be markets, live music, reindeer visits and Fika Café is serving a seasonal menu with breads, buns and plenty of traditional Christmas cookies.
Fall open studio event showcases four floors of art
An iconic arts complex in Northeast Minneapolis is opening the doors to the public. The Northrup King Building is hosting Art Attack. The studios on all four floors are open giving folks a chance to see the studios and meet the artists. Art Attack begins on Friday, November 14th from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. On Saturday, the doors will be open from noon to 8 p.m. and on Sunday you can visit from noon to 5 p.m.
'Night Trains' returns to Twin City Model Railroad Museum
One of the most nostalgic holiday events in Twin Cities has returned for the season. Night Trains will run on Saturdays from 3pm to 7pm through February. During the event, the lights are dimmed as the trains and miniature towns glow with holiday cheer. Admission is $15 per person and free for children ages four and under. The museum is located at 668 Transfer Road, Suite 8 in St. Paul.
Arthur Anderson cargo ship replica at Model Railroad Museum
The Twin Cities Model Railroad Museum features a replica of the Arthur Anderson cargo ship, which was the last ship to have communication with the Edmund Fitzgerald.
Snooki the sea turtle settles into her new home
The Minnesota Zoo has a new resident with quite the story of perseverance. Snooki the Loggerhead Sea Turtle is not quite ready for her public debut, but she’s currently getting acclimated in a smaller pool connected to Shark Reef. She’s between 40 and 45 years old, weighs 310 pounds and has spent nearly a decade receiving rehabilitation care in North Carolina. She needed a bigger pool, and that’s what the Minnesota Zoo can provide. Her new home will be 50 times the size of her pool at the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center.
Big improvements for Bloomington Ice Garden
The Bloomington Ice Garden is more than 50 years old, but a modernization project just wrapped up with a Grand Opening celebration planned for the weekend. The facility has a new roof, new rinks, high school locker rooms, temperature-controlled seating areas, improved parking and new ice system. The grand opening celebration will be held on Saturday, November 8th from 12-5 p.m. There will be a free open skate session plus free admission to the first two games on the new high school rink. Bloomington Ice Garden is located at 3600 West 98th Street.
Rooftop cabin experience returns to downtown Minneapolis
The holiday events are underway in the Twin Cities including the return of Nordic Village. The cabin dining experience takes place on the rooftop of the Four Seasons hotel in downtown Minneapolis. There are private cabins in different sizes to reserve for a four-course dinner. The lodge is a newer addition that seats up to 24 people and is open to the public. There will be a weekend market as well on Saturdays and Sundays from 11am to 3pm through December 21st.
New exhibit explores amazing adaptations of our skin
A new exhibit at the Science Museum is exploring our living armor, skin. It showcases skin in humans and animals including its ability to support aerodynamic feathers and insulating fur. The Science Museum of Minnesota is open Tuesday through Sunday. It’s located in downtown St. Paul at 120 W. Kellogg Boulevard.
Animales Barbeque Co. opens in Minneapolis
Animales Barbeque is another food truck success story. After seven years on wheels, they’ve opened a permanent space in the Harrison Neighborhood just west of downtown Minneapolis. There will be live music nightly and a kids playroom. They’ve also added a pastry room to make all their own bread and desserts. The barbecue portion of the menu is only served from 4 – 9pm, and once it sells out, it’s gone for the day. They’ve added an anytime menu that will still be available. They’re open Thursday through Sunday at 241 Fremont Ave N.
Spellbinding show tells Dracula's story through dance
The dancers of Collide Theatrical Dance Company are bringing Bram Stoker’s ‘Dracula’ to the stage. The dance musical taps into well-known tunes to tell the story from the perspective of the Mina character. Dancers showcase a wide variety of styles and even hang from the rafters utilizing aerial silks. The show is playing at the Luminary Arts Center through November 9th.
Light experience debuts at Basilica of Saint Mary
A light show that turns the walls of some of the world’s most famous buildings into living canvases is making its first stop in North American. LUMINISCENCE is illuminating the nave of the Basilica of Saint Mary in Minneapolis thanks to 360° video mapping . There’s also live music and local choirs with narration that tells the story of the Basilica. The show will run through the end of the year.