Minnesota is known for a lot of things such as its lakes, parks, and friendly people, but it is also a great state for artists and those who appreciate the arts. Whether you're into painting, literature, theater, or museums, you can find a place in Minnesota that champions the arts. Check out the following wonderful cities for art lovers:
One of the very best cities in Minnesota for enjoying the arts is its largest metropolitan city, Minneapolis. Theater-goers will love the Guthrie Theater, which has featured famous actors like Mark Rylance and Patrick Stewart, as well as equally brilliant lesser-known actors. Recent plays include "Pericles," "The Music Man," and even the world premiere of the Tony Award nominee, "Scottsboro Boys". Public rush tickets are only $15 or $30. Season tickets are available. Minneapolis is also home to the renowned Loft Literary Center, a haven for writers and readers alike. Many events are free and annual memberships start at $60.The Walker Art Museum and Sculpture Garden are known for the famous Spoonbridge and Cherry sculpture, which was recently refurbished. Other museums include Minneapolis Institute of Arts, American Swedish Institute, Mill City Museum, Historic Fort Snelling, and many more.
If you like opera, you'll become a regular at the Ordway Music Theater in St. Paul. Tosca, anyone? In addition to opera, the Ordway Music Theater presents orchestral and chamber music, dance and choral performances, and musical theater. Ticket prices for "A Chorus Line" range between $30 and $91. Your kids will enjoy the Minnesota Children's Museum in downtown St. Paul where they'll be encouraged to play, touch, and explore seven different galleries focused on fun and education. If that's not enough culture for one day, you can scoot over to the Science Museum of Minnesota that is also right downtown. This museum has an omnitheater, loads of exhibits, and a musical staircase. St. Paul is also home to the Minnesota History Center where you can hear lectures, view traveling and permanent exhibits, and visit the expansive Gale Family Library. You will also find famous authors presenting lectures and readings at St. Paul's great universities such as St. Catherine's, Macalaster, and Hamline.
Duluth is simply one of the best cities in Minnesota due to its amazing location right on Lake Superior, but it is also a great place for the arts. The Great Lakes Aquarium contains only freshwater in its carefully-designed ecosystem and is the only aquarium in the country of its kind. Your kids will love the harbor cam and the 100 various species of aquamarine life. Children aged 3-12 only pay $10.50, and the price is discounted if you have a membership. Other Duluth museums include the William A. Irving floating museum and the Lake Superior Maritime Museum. A short drive up the north shore is the famous Grand Marais Art Colony, a great place for writers to get inspired and for young painters to take classes.
Have you heard of the Oscar-winning actress Amy Adams? It was in Chanhassen that she debuted her acting and singing abilities. The Chanhassen Dinner Theater is the largest of its kind in the U.S. It often owns the rights to state premieres like "Nunsense" and "Les Miserable". Whether you want to become a star or simply enjoy musical theater while enjoying a delicious dinner, you must visit The Chanhassen Dinner Theater. You can see "Beauty and the Beast" and have a great dinner for as little as $45 per person. Military discounts are available. Chanhassen has an amazing library that not only offers the best books you have and haven't heard of but hosts classes on everything from gardening to senior surfing. Take your kids to the Lego Lab; they'll ask for a reprise. If your little ones are into dance, or you just want them to learn what "graceful" means, enroll them in Chanhassen's Dance Art Centre.
The fact that there actually is an arts community in Anoka is one of the best-kept secrets when it comes to the best cities in Minnesota for the arts. First, there's the Lyric Arts Main Street Stage where both budding and seasoned local actors have been entertaining audiences since 1995. They also host musicians like the great G. B. Leighton and Martin Zellar, who got his start playing with the Gear Daddies in 1985. You can see Martin Zellar for $19.00 - $25.00, depending on where you want to sit. If you buy a home in Anoka, you can easily get to the Anoka County Historical Society. Admission is just $3 for adults and $2 for kids, or free if you're a member. Past and present exhibits include "The 1965 Tornado" and "Toyland." Anoka's proximity to the North West Company Fur Post, a project run by the Minnesota Historical Society, also speaks to its appreciation for culture. See an authentic birch canoe, meet a British trading clerk, and visit a real Ojibwe camp. Admission is free for members and those under four, $8 for seniors and students, and just $10 for adults. Group tours and field trips are also available.
