Canoing city lakes and enjoying sidewalk cafes make a U of Minnesota visit a summer holiday

May 22, 4:07 PMChicago Midwest Getaways ExaminerJodie Jacobs

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A 'river runs through it' defines the Twin Cities  A JJ Photo

So many sights and activities spin off the great Miss that “a river runs through it” defines the Twin Cities metropolis and the University of Minnesota campus.

 Indeed, directions on this Big Ten campus often say  East Bank or West Bank. 

But some folk didn’t even realize the Mississippi ran through the Minneapolis -St. Paul cities until the I-35W bridge collapse, August 2007. Don’t worry, the new interstate bridge opened mid-September 2008. And the two towns are ready for summer 2009.

Speaking of the river, you can sleep and eat on it and not be in a houseboat (although, that too is available) if you check into the Nicolett Island Inn. An updated 1893 limestone structure with an old world flavor, the Nicolett faces the Guthrie Theater and downtown Minneapolis across one bridge. Its back side overlooks a bridge to historic St. Anthony Main’s sidewalk cafes and Water Power Park.

Summer is a great time to stay at Nicolett when everyone is jogging the historic trail around Anthony Main and over to campus or across the Stone Arch Bridge. Bike the river from the Stone Arch Bridge to see the falls and statues relating to Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's The Song of Hiawatha at Minnehaha Park. Of course the park is at Minnehaha Parkway and Hiawatha Avenue.

Or go modern at the upscale Graves 601Hotel (formerly Le Meridien), across from downtown Minneapolis’ big entertainment venue – The Target Center. Indeed, American Idol's Live Summer Tour comes to the Target Center Sept. 1. And yes, Adam Lambert and Kris Allen are supposed to be there.

When Minnesota’s cold winds blow down from Canada, the Graves is nice because it connects to shopping and businesses via the downtown Skyway. Neither hotel is budget but think vacation. If you are here to check out the University of Minnesota that probably means that with a student in college you won’t be taking many vacations for at least four years.

On Campus – Stop at the Frank Gehry designed Weisman Art Museum for its architecture and to see such 20th century artists as Georgia O’Keefe.. If there on a weekday, go to the Anderson Library to see its famed children’s collection and wonderful literary displays. On a recent trip, a recreated 221 B Baker Street sported Sherlock Holmes memorabilia.

In Minneapolis -  Lots of states boast of their lake recreation. With nearly 12,000 lakes, Minnesota does too. But not many metropolises outside the Twin Cities can claim more than 900 lakes. Rent a canoe at Lake Calhoun to boat to Brownie Lake. Or take the Como-Harriet Streetcar around the lakes. They are part of Minneapolis’ 13 mile Chain of Lakes.

When all that exercise says it’s time to chow down there is no shortage of really good places to eat. So location will probably influence your choice. For instance, if taking in a play at the Guthrie try to snag a reservation at Café Brenda at its doorstep. Dishes here are gourmet seafood and vegetarian.

If in the St. Anthony Main district around noon you can lunch elegantly at Nicolett Inn or casually at Pracna, the oldest (1890) restaurant on the street. No matter where you stay, however, try to fit in breakfast at breakfast at Hell’s Kitchen in the downtown district to try fab “porridge” style granola with fruit and cream or a crab cake-poached egg style eggs Benedict. Back. Share sausage or walnut –bison bread as a side. It’s rich. It’s great.

Maybe do breakfast here before going over to the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden and Cowles Conservatory, both outside the Walker Art Center. Bring the camera. Everyone snaps the Spoonbridge and Cherry but also search out the sculptures tucked into the trees lining the walkways. And don’t miss Frank Gehry’s multi-paned Standing Glass Fish inside the adjacent Cowles Conservatory.

In St. Paul - Another photo op - You will want to snap the State Capitol Building’s golden horses. But also go into see its fine murals and governor’s reception room. Follow the boulevard around nearby St. Paul Cathedral to Summit Ave. to see where the 1880’s elite built their Victorian mansions and shop Grand Avenue. Do lunch at Café Latte or its sister shop, Bread & Chocolate but stop in at Just Truffles for something for the road.

Nearby - Drive out to Bloomington’s Mall of America to see what can fit into 4.2 million square feet (shops, entertainment venues, theme park, restaurants and aquarium). By the way, even though it is all enclosed, the Mall has its own zip code and post office.