| As the nights draw in and the temperature drops, | | | | frozen lake, the plushest of which are outfitted |
| some of us dream of warm sun and sandy | | | | with carpets, tables & chairs, and a nice cozy |
| beaches, tropical resorts and big drinks with little | | | | heater. You can even rent a "sleeper" house, |
| umbrellas in them. But there's a group of people -- | | | | complete with bunks ... but most of us prefer to |
| special, hardy people, who laugh mockingly at the | | | | retreat to a lakeside lodge for a gourmet meal |
| winter chill -- who dream instead of heading north | | | | and a restorative beverage by a roaring fire.The |
| to Minnesota to revel in the snow.There's no | | | | Culture of WinterThere's a range of cultural |
| getting away from it; Minnesota is cold in the | | | | activities throughout Minnesota, but the Twin |
| winter. But along with the cold you get a frosty | | | | Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul are the natural |
| playground, full of activities for the eager visitor | | | | destination for those seeking the best selection of |
| who remembered to bring their hats & mittens. | | | | artistic attractions. There are at least three |
| Whether you're an outdoors enthusiast, or a | | | | nationally known art museums in the Twin Cities: |
| culture vulture with a taste for the arts, | | | | the Minneapolis Institute of Art, the Walker Art |
| Minnesota's a fine place for a winter | | | | Center, and the Weissman Art Museum.Theatre |
| getaway.Outdoor AdventuresWhether you like | | | | lovers are well served by the Guthrie Theatre, |
| cross-country skiing, hiking, snowmobiling, or ice | | | | which presents a repertory season as well as an |
| fishing, there are great opportunities throughout | | | | annual production of "A Christmas Carol," and the |
| Minnesota for a winter vacation. With almost | | | | Ordway which hosts touring Broadway shows. |
| 20,000 miles of groomed snowmobile trails, | | | | There's also the Children's Theatre Company, |
| lovingly maintained by local snowmobiling clubs in | | | | regularly recognized as America's premier |
| partnership with the state, snowmobilers can see | | | | children's theatre.For classical music fans, the St. |
| the whole of Minnesota, winding their way around | | | | Paul Chamber Orchestra and the Minnesota |
| lakes, through forests, and across frozen | | | | Orchestra are the best-known of the rich array |
| rivers.The State Parks are host to many miles of | | | | of performers in the Twin Cities, and like the |
| prepared cross-country ski trails, and in many | | | | theatres they offer both a subscription season |
| parks you can rent equipment to give this relaxing | | | | and single-ticket sales throughout the winter |
| and highly-aerobic workout a try. It's easy to pick | | | | months.Whether you're looking for a family |
| up the basics of cross-country skiing in an hour or | | | | vacation or a weekend getaway with your |
| so, but don't be intimidated by the fleet-footed | | | | spouse, Minnesota in the winter is a magical place. |
| youngsters whizzing past you ... Minnesota kids | | | | Cold -- but magical.For more information on winter |
| learn to ski almost as soon as they learn to | | | | vacations in Minnesota please visit where you can |
| walk.Ice fishing isn't actually the official state sport | | | | read about other great destinations for your next |
| of Minnesota, but it probably should be. Many | | | | Minnesota vacation. |
| resorts can rent you an icehouse out on the | | | | |