Minneapolis, MN

A day spent at Lake Calhoun will make you appreciate Mother Nature just a little bit more. The beautiful lake is the city's largest and offers a perfect spot for swimming, fishing, canoeing, windsurfing, walking, biking, and more. Grab your bathing suit, towel and sunscreen and head for a wet day at Lake Calhoun.

Address: 3000 Calhoun Pkwy., Minneapolis, MN 55408 - MAP
Phone: (612) 230-6400
Web: www.minneapolisparks.org

Enjoy the scenic beauty of the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge. Although you probably won't be able to explore the 14,000 acres in one day, there's plenty for you to see along one of the trails that venture into the area. Hiking, biking and birdwatching are just a few ways you can get a closer look at the life thriving in the refuge.

Address: 3815 American Blvd. East, Bloomington, MN 55425 - MAP
Phone: (952) 854-5900
Web: www.fws.gov

Hang out at Minnehaha Park, one of the city's oldest, most popular parks. The 193-acre park is home to towering oak, elm, silver maple, and cottonwood trees, prairie woodland flowers, and a beautiful 53-foot waterfall. The park has plenty of recreation activities to keep you busy while you're enjoying the great outdoors.

Address: 4801 South Minnehaha Park Dr., Minneapolis, MN 55417 - MAP
Phone: (612) 230-6400
Web: www.minneapolisparks.org

Spend a day with the animals at the Minnesota Zoo, where you'll see environments like Northern Trail, Tropics Trail, Discovery Bay, Medtronic Minnesota Trail, and Russia's Grizzly Coast. These habitats are home to over 2,000 animals like moose, wolves, monkeys, crocodiles, dolphins, bald eagles, pumas, brown bears, and tigers.

Address: 13000 Zoo Blvd., Apple Valley, MN 55124 - MAP
Phone: (952) 431-9200
Web: www.mnzoo.com

Make a deep sea dive without ever leaving land or getting wet at Sea Life Minnesota Aquarium. You'll see sting rays, sea turtles, clownfish, regal blue tang, coral reef, sea horses, and much more. The aquarium boasts the largest shark exhibit in the world and the largest jellyfish collection as well. There are tons of opportunities to get up-close peeks at the animals, you'll have to see it yourself!

Address: Mall of America, 120 East Broadway, Bloomington, MN 55425 - MAP
Phone: (952) 883-0202
Web: www.visitsealife.com

Lose yourself in the escape from the city that is the Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden and Bird Sanctuary. Follow the trail into the garden oasis of Minneapolis, the 15-acre garden is home to over 500 plants species and 130 bird species offering plenty to see. Discover why the nation's oldest public wildflower garden is one of the most beautiful and quiet places to see in the city.

Address: Theodore Wirth Parkway " Glenwood Ave., Minneapolis, MN 55422 - MAP
Phone: (612) 370-4903
Web: www.minneapolisparks.org