Here in Minnesota, summertime is when our state comes to life. Sure, there's plenty to keep us occupied in the colder months. But the rare warmth and sunshine of summer mean that this season is one of the busiest. There are plenty of ways to enjoy the weather, from wandering gardens to hiking beautiful trails to visiting sunflower fields. Today, we want to add another option to your bucket list: a ride on Minnesota's charming lakefront streetcar. Better known as the Como-Harriet Streetcar Line, this fun excursion will help you enjoy the summer in a new way. Read on below to learn more:
The Como-Harriet Streetcar Line is a historic streetcar line in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Run by the Minnesota Streetcar Museum, it's a wonderful way to learn Minnesota history and enjoy the scenery of Minneapolis!
The line runs between Lake Harriet and Bde Maka Ska. That means there's ample opportunity to take in some lovely views! On a summer day, you're likely to see many people enjoying the water, including picturesque sailboats gliding across it.
Head to the Linden Hills Station or the platform at Bde Maka Ska to board the streetcar. It runs Saturday and Sunday from 12:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. throughout the summer. It also runs Wednesdays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
...and the inside is even better. Stepping inside is like taking a trip back in time! Staff can inform you about the history of the streetcars and how they used to run in Minneapolis.
Each ride covers 2 miles of track and lasts about 15 minutes total. You'll have beautiful sights from the big windows as you enjoy your ride on this historic lakefront streetcar line!
Have you ever ridden the Como-Harriet Streetcar Line? For more information, including times, history, and more, visit the streetcar's website. And if you're interested in more fun rides in Minnesota, check out our past list of scenic train rides in Minnesota.
Don’t let the fickle Minnesota weather deter you from having an epic day of fun. We found a great spot that has something for everyone. Nickelodeon Universe is an incredible indoor amusement park in Minnesota where you can spend the day enjoying thrilling rides, special events, and maybe even an appearance from your favorite character. Come with us to Bloomington to experience the largest indoor theme park in the country. Check it out:
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Nickelodeon Universe is located in the Mall of America.
The 7-acre indoor amusement park is one of two in the country. American Dream, Nickelodeon’s other amusement park is located in New Jersey, but this location is Nickelodeon’s first and only indoor amusement park.
From the moment you walk in until the second you leave, you’ll be smiling from ear to ear.
No one likes to be rushed! Be sure to check the Nickelodeon Universe website for hours of operation before you head over, they can vary from day to day!
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There are several rides for thrill-seekers and families to enjoy.
No matter your age, there's a ride here with your name on it. Nickelodeon Universe has rides for the youngest fans and families as well as adrenaline-pumping, thrill-seeking rides.
The Ferris Wheel is always a popular ride, and for good reason!
You'll have a wonderful view of the entire park below you. Of course, you can always enjoy blacklight mini golf, or the adventure course where you can put your own body to the test and complete a fun obstacle course.
You never know when your favorite characters will show up.
So, the next time you’re searching for a place where the entire family can let loose and have some fun, head to Nickelodeon Universe, the best indoor amusement park in Minnesota.
For more information about this massive indoor amusement park, including tickets and hours of operation, visit the Nickelodeon Universe website. For even more family fun, check out this park in Minnesota with a zoo, waterfalls, hiking trails, and more.
The Land of 10,000 Lakes is full of wonders - natural and otherwise - for us to enjoy, but we were wondering what the absolute must-visits were. So, we put out the call on our Only In Minnesota Facebook page, and you, our readers, responded. According to the results, here are 15 attractions in Minnesota that everyone must check out.
Hawaiians eat the most of it, but it was invented right here in Minnesota. Visit the SPAM museum to learn all you need to know about this amazingly versatile meat product.
One of two national monuments in Minnesota, Pipestone is a geologic wonder - an upwelling of Sioux quartzite on the prairie with a natural waterfall - and rich in history. All Minnesotans should visit this amazing place at least once.
The headwaters of the Mississippi River is one of the best-known natural attractions in Minnesota. You'll find it at Itasca State Park - the oldest in Minnesota and one of the oldest state parks in the country.
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7. Big Ole and the Kensington Runestone - Alexandria Museum
In western Minnesota, you'll find the statue of a Viking named Big Ole, and he holds a shield proclaiming that Alexandria is the "birthplace of America." How is this possible? You'll have to visit the nearby Kensington Runestone Museum to find out.
8. Grand Portage National Monument and Pigeon River High Falls - Grand Portage
Grand Portage is another two (or more!) for one attraction. You've got Minnesota's other national monument - Grand Portage - as well as Grand Portage State Park. The latter is home to the High Falls on the Pigeon River, which are the tallest in Minnesota, and the reason for all the portaging going on up here.
The most visited state park in Minnesota is home to one of the (if not the) most photographed waterfalls in Minnesota. A stop by Gooseberry Falls is a must during your time in the North Star State.
Another giant muskie? Yes, but it's not a tiger muskie - and this one gave birth to a restaurant, the aptly named Big Fish Supper Club. You may recognize it from the opening credits of National Lampoon's Vacation.
The other contender for most photographed waterfall in Minnesota is Minnehaha Falls, which is located in the regional park of the same name in Minneapolis. This cascade is particularly striking in the winter when it freezes.
Not to be outdone by fish, lumberjacks, and Vikings, Pelican Rapids is also strong in the outsized statue game. Pelican Pete is probably the biggest concrete pelican you'll ever see.
Other popular answers included your houses, yards, and porches - but we didn't have images of those, so they weren't included. (Kidding!) You could definitely string a few of these attractions together and make a weekend road trip or two out of them.
Which of these 15 attractions in Minnesota have you visited? Which are your favorites? What did we miss? Let us know in the comments!
