Science Museum of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN

I have mixed feelings about this trip, but overall this is a great science museum. Looking back I made two critical errors and wound up spending too much money for it... but it was my first trip and I didn't know any better. I'll know better next time and can help you avoid any issues when you go.

 

To start, this place is quite big. Many floors of fun and exploration for kids and adults alike. The money I spent on the $28 ticket went to general admission, a 36-minute IMAX movie, and timed entry into a special exhibit. I hadn't done enough research going in (mistake #1) and basically blindly bought all the passes (mistake #2).

 

The IMAX and special exhibit were on the Maya. Now, I have nothing against the Maya as a culture and people, but do I really need a double-dose of the Maya history in a single 2-3 hour visit? Sorry, I don't. Looking back, I would choose to do the Maya IMAX movie and forego the seemingly sparse special exhibit.

 

I also did not have enough time to check out the normal exhibits in the museum in depth and would gladly go back, pay for general admission, and do that on a rainy (or snowy) day. I should have plenty of opportunities real soon.

Looking down from Level 5 (I think). The layout is inverted as you walk in from very high at street level and then go down in the museum to river level

You can just see the dino bones from here



Pretty intricate work for centuries old stuff

I don't vividly recall seeing dinosaur bones from my youth, but even if I did, they have an impressive display. One of their sets is one of only four complete sets known to exist in the world

And I had no real idea how HUGE Triceratops really was/is. This thing is massive. They do not like it when you try to "ride it like a bull", I found out later...

Quote of the Day

There is limitless strength and power from being positive, clear minded, organized, thoughtful, honest, and truly happy. Almost all experts agree, and clinical research supports it - Todd Schumlick - Perform X Racing

Goto: http://www.pinkbike.com/news/Carpet-Sweat-and-Brainwaves.html

 

Music: Foals - My Number

I like the 80's retro-sound... if that's what they were going for...

Walker Art Center, Minneapolis, MN

During a self-guided tour of the outdoor sculpture garden, we found this little guy hiding out in a garden display that we'd never seen in full bloom previously. He/She seemed hard at working, getting it done before the season changes. Oh, the flower also adds a great color to the images too...very pretty down this backstretch of the sculpture garden.

A little TV magic.

No strings attached...pure TV magic.

Minneapolis Farmers' Market Annex, Iron Creations.

If you stroll past the flower wholesaler and peek around the corner, you'll find a good sized yard of steel and iron creations, of many shapes and many subjects. You better ask yourself, "Is my yard/house missing that certain something?" This may be it.

Fly little piggies!

That's 'Merica, dammit!

This place got a little cheeky... look past the rooster to the "gal" on the wall... kind of risque for a farmer's market.

Minneapolis Farmers' Market, The Double Down.

Who doesn't often get the urge to put on an outfit that "matches" top to bottom? Instead of suppressing those feelings like the rest of us, these ladies took it to a new level. And make no mistake about it, these were not the only ones we found...but some people walk faster than I can get out my phone/camera.