Giliane Mansfeldt Photography

You can let your wild ones run free at the Como Park Zoo and Conservatory. Admission is free, although donations are suggested. See exhibits and attractions that house the big cats, the primates, the exotic birds, the hoofed creatures, the wild wolves and even polar bears. Head over to the Conservatory afterward to see, smell and possibly taste plants from all over the world.

When a New York report in 1885 wrote that Saint Paul was "another Siberia, unfit for human habitation" during the winter months, residents were outraged and decided to put on the Saint Paul Winter Carnival to prove this statement wrong. See the festival that embraces the cooler side of Saint Paul culture and transforms the Capital City into a winter wonderland.

Dive into the Wilebski’s Blues Saloon, a huge dive bar and nightlife venue with live music, awesome food and strong drinks. By huge, we mean Wilebski’s spans five levels with three bars and two stages. And don’t worry, there is plenty of room to dance and move around even with the tables.

Fans of model railroads will not want to miss the Twin City Model Railroad Museum, home of the world famous O-Scale exhibit. Thousands of volunteer hours have been dedicated to faithfully reproducing the entire Twin Cities’ railroad system from the 1930s-1950s in O-Scale. In addition to this impressive model, the museum hosts other traveling exhibits, a toy train division and other special events.