6 Church of Saint Agnes
548 Lafond Avenue, St. Paul (from the State Capitol, take University Avenue west to Dale Street, turn north; then 5 blocks down turn east onto Lafond Avenue, go 1 block); 651-293-1710; www.stagnes.net
This gorgeous 1912 German church with its crystal chandeliers and marble columns still offers Solemn Mass, complete with Latin chants every Sunday at 10 a.m. Wheelchair accessible.
7 Church of the Assumption
51 West 7th Street, downtown St. Paul; 651-224-7536; www.assumptionsp.org
Church of the Assumption boasts twin steeples and beautifully manicured grounds. Wheelchair accessible.
OPTION
Don’t miss your chance for some tasty Mulligan stew at Mickey’s Diner, located directly across the street from Church of the Assumption on the corner of St. Peter and 7th Streets. The red-and-yellow streetcar building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1983. In business 24 hours a day, seven days a week since 1939, Mickey’s long list of satisfied customers includes actors Bill Murray and Arnold Schwarzenegger.
8 The Basilica of Saint Mary
88 North 17th Street, Minneapolis (along I-94, across from Loring Park); 612-333-1381; www.mary.org
Built in the early 1900s, The Basilica of Saint Mary is every bit as impressive as those found in Rome. Designed in modern Renaissance style with a Byzantine treatment of the dome—that is, the church has a massive, lantern-crowned dome lifted from the substructure. The ceiling in the nave is 75 feet high and made of carved ornamental plaster. The stained glass windows depict the life of the Virgin Mary, to whom the basilica is dedicated. Wheelchair accessible.
OPTION
Pull up a park bench in nearby Loring Park for some great people-watching, or take a leisurely stroll through the colorful gardens. Tour the many interesting cafes and boutiques in the area, then walk across the footbridge to explore the 11-acre Minneapolis Sculpture Garden.
The Basilica of Saint Mary, Minneapolis
Aerial Lift Bridge and ore boat
A harbor town with a population of just over 86,000, Duluth offers tons of outdoor activities, art and museum tours, a zoo, train and boat rides, gardens and parks, America’s only all-freshwater aquarium, live theater, a casino, great dining, shopping and so much more.
The twin ports of Duluth and Superior, Wisconsin, are the leading bulk-cargo ports on the Great Lakes–St. Lawrence Seaway. Lake Superior is the largest freshwater lake in the world and the final resting place for more than 350 ships, including the famous Edmund Fitzgerald. To help you get the most out of your Duluth trip, this chapter breaks down into several themes. Enjoy!
Duluth is 150 miles (2½ hours) north of the Twin Cities on I-35. Duluth Convention and Visitors Bureau: 800-4-DULUTH (800-438-5884) or 218-722-4011; www.visitduluth.com.
DULUTH
Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center
Option: Jay Cooke State Park
North Shore Scenic Railroad—Pizza Train
Fitger’s Brewery Complex Museum
Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum
S.S. William A. Irvin Ore Boat Museum
Option: Haunted Ship (around Halloween)
The Old Firehouse & Police Museum
Option: Grandma’s Restaurant
