Must See Sights and Landmarks in Maple Grove Area

"Stroll outside to the adjacent Minneapolis Sculpture Garden to see perhaps the most-photographed feature in the city, Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen’s “Spoonbridge and Cherry.” Or head to the bustling Nicollet Mall to browse the shops or enjoy a cocktail al fresco before dinner at Butcher and the Boar (a James Beard semi-finalist) for exquisite house-cured meats and homemade pickles. If you don’t have reservations, don’t worry. The outside beer garden serves less casual fare with the same amazing ingredients."

"The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden displays sculptures of the Walker Art Center in a lovely 19-acre urban green space. One of the most famous pieces is Claes Oldenburg's Spoonbridge and Cherry. In addition to the sculptures, this popular tourist attraction is also home to the Cowles Pavilion & Regis Promenade and the Alene Grossman Memorial Arbor and Flower Garden with seasonal displays."

"This 19-acre green space, studded with contemporary works such as the oft-photographed Spoonbridge & Cherry by Claes Oldenburg, sits beside the Walker Art Center. The Cowles Conservatory, abloom with exotic... Top ChoiceMuseum in Minneapolis"

"Set within the beautiful Foshay Tower built in 1929, this exquisite hotel features a lavish and luxurious interior that looks very trendy and cool. While its arresting aesthetic draws many plaudits, it is just as highly thought of for its superb spa services and panoramic views from the 27th floor Prohibition bar and observation deck. In addition, it has sleek and modern rooms, a gym, a business centre and gourmet dining establishments."

"W Minneapolis - The Foshay symbolizes everything right about a luxury stay in downtown Minneapolis. A walk through the historic tower reveals careful attention to detail and some unexpected surpris..."

"What's also great is the observation deck you find on the 30th floor. This deck belongs to the most Instagrammable places in Minneapolis. View this post on Instagram"

"Towering more than 300 feet over the ground, the Cathedral of St. Paul is the perfect beginning to any sightseeing tour of the city. With stunning stained-glass windows and walls finished in Italian Botticino marble, the structure hearkens to the glories of European capitals yet it's also uniquely American in its neo-Classicist touches. With stunning statues and a massive organ, it's got all the finery that you would expect from a great cathedral."

"Even if you weren’t, you’ll absolutely appreciate the beauty and craftsmanship of this cathedral. So many stories were started here as couples celebrate their vows or babies get baptized or families come on a holiday to worship. Once again this is a prime spot for overseeing downtown St. Paul and pulling some of the rich histories of the State Capitol into your family portraits."

"Located on the top of the Ramsey Hill, it is the pride of Minnesota residents. It features a copper dome. It’s beaux-art style architecture is inspired by the world-famous French Cathedrale Sacré-Coeur (which is slightly more Byzantine), and from the Cathedral of Périgueux."

"About Fort Snelling: Today’s impressive Fort Snelling was started as a wooden barracks in the 1820s at the confluence of the Mississippi and Minnesota Rivers. It quickly grew into a large stone fort and the US Government’s first true stake in the pioneer region which was already occupied by local Native American groups for hundreds of years. The original purpose of Fort Snelling was to help secure the fur trade and make inroads with Native tribes, although the history wasn’t always rosy."

"Fort Snelling is the state's oldest structure, established in 1820 as a frontier outpost in the remote Northwest Territory. Guides in period dress show restored buildings and reenact pioneer life."

"This is the place where you could meet the Governor of Minnesota as this is where his office is located. This also includes the office of other prominent people including the Attorney General’s office. The brain child behind its fantastic design is a guy by the name of Cass Gilbert and is one of the big architectural marvels in the United States of America."

"Located close to the University club of St Paul, The MinnesotaState Capitol is a great place for engagement session. And attract visitors from Minneapolis area and beyond."

"The Minnesota State Capitol building covers a ton of ground and will inspire photographers with a love for architecture to get the perfect shot."

"Marvel at the seven-ton Father of Waters statue, the five-story Rotunda adorned with stained glass windows, the stately City Council Chambers, and million-year-old fossils. Explore the building with a self-guided brochure or join a guided tour every third Wednesday of the month, beginning at noon in the Rotunda (enter on 4th Street)."

"To the east of Nicollet Mall and Crystal Court is City Hall, also known as the Municipal Building. It was built in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Of note in the interior is the statue in the Rotunda, Father of the Waters, carved from a single block of Carrara marble."

"The Landmark Center is housed in the finely restored 1902 Federal Court Building, an impressive and photo-worthy building that now contains restaurants, galleries, function rooms, and performance spaces, which host theater and dance productions, as well as concerts. The building generally serves as a cultural center, but visitors can appreciate the history and architecture of the building by taking one of the several guided tours available. Visitors can also learn more about the center in Landmark Gallery, a permanent exhibit that outlines significant historical events that took place here, from Federal Court cases to community events."

"If you love history, then you’ll geek out over the Landmark Center. This castle-esque building in downtown Saint Paul began its legacy as a federal post office and courthouse. It's a place where famous gangsters were tried, two US Supreme Court Justices practiced, and the act that enforced Prohibition was written."

"You have to pay for the rides at the Mall of America, but window shopping is free. Credit: Jamie Bartosch/ Suburban TravelingMom. Mall of America is the largest fully enclosed retail and entertainment complex in the United States."

"Sadly, we don’t get a lot of fast and delicious Swedish cuisine in the Twin Cities (unless you want to count the cafeteria at IKEA), but this little café inside the American Swedish Institute has got it going on. Dine on a variety of smorgasar (Swedish open-faced sandwiches), salads, or small plates, which include delectable Swedish meatballs, gravlax, or country pate. Fika translates to “daily break,” so a quick bite is practically in the name."

"If you are in the mood for something different, you’ll want to check out Nordic-inspired Fika Café in Minneapolis. In Sweden, ‘fika’ is a daily break, traditionally involving coffee, treats, and socialization. The café blends delicious regional ingredients with Nordic cuisine traditions to create phenomenal dishes like the Swedish Hot Dog, the Braised Chicken Smorgas, Meatballs or the Potato Sausage."

"This elegant cafe inside the American Swedish Institute has a fantastic wine list and food that are both recognizable for kids and sophisticated for the discerning adult. Scarf a cardamom bun and wander the next door museum/mansion space - which is particularly fun for those that like to imagine what it’s like to live in a castle."

"A post shared by Jessica Sunny (@minnefoodiegirl) on Oct 21, 2019 at 3:14pm PDT. 4 Bells has a stylish patio, with dark woods and bright yellow chairs, which overlooks the green Loring Park. The restaurant and bar gets its name from the maritime tradition of letting sailors know it’s time for a break by ringing four bells."

"A post shared by Jessica Sunny (@minnefoodiegirl) on Oct 21, 2019 at 3:14pm PDT. 4 Bells, located in Harmon Place in Minneapolis is an award-winning restaurant that serves great-quality food using the freshest ingredients. A main highlight in their menu would have to be the seafood dishes!"

"Minneapolis has a lot of bars to watch football at, but not many sports bars. Peppers & Fries is a traditional sports bar offering pub eats and a big beer menu. And, they play the sound of the football games."

"This neighborhood favorite has a stunning back patio that’s made it the perfect spot to hang out with friends or read a book. If you’re looking for a sweet coffee treat, try their Thai style coffee with sweetened, condensed milk!"