The Seasons Most Spectacular Itinerary: The Twin Cities Unveiled

Dearest Gentle Reader,

It is a truth universally acknowledged that an idle mind seeks adventure, and while Carleton College provides a rigorous and beautiful academic haven, a weekend excursion to the Twin Cities is a delightful necessity. As the oppressive humidity of a Minnesotan summer gives way to the fleeting golden crispness of the fall season, prospective students and current Carls alike seek vibrant cultural experiences. If you find yourself desiring a brief respite from our beloved Northfield campus to explore the wider world, this author has curated a meticulously researched ledger of the premier amusements in Minneapolis and St. Paul. Do pay attention. I shall not repeat myself.

The Theatrical Spectacle of the Riverfront (Guthrie Theatre & Endless Bridge, Minneapolis)

One cannot claim to be cultured without a pilgrimage to the Minneapolis riverfront. The true performance often happens upon the thrust stage of the Guthrie Theater, but the lobby itself is a masterpiece. Designed by Pritzker Prize winning French architect Jean Nouvel, the current iteration of this architectural marvel opened in 2006 at a staggering cost of 125 million dollars. The crown jewel is undoubtedly the Endless Bridge. It is a cantilevered marvel extending precisely 178 feet over the West River Parkway to offer unparalleled views of the Stone Arch Bridge and St. Anthony Falls. It is the perfect backdrop for Carleton students seeking a touch of dramatic flair and a stunning photo opportunity to share with friends back on campus or in their admissions portfolio.

A Promenade of Pedigree Along Summit Avenue (Summit, St. Paul)

For those who appreciate the quiet elegance of St. Paul, a stroll down Summit Avenue is strictly required. Boasting the longest stretch of Victorian architecture in the United States, this thoroughfare is an unbroken monument to Gilded Age wealth featuring over 370 original structures. Among them sits the colossal 36,000 square foot James J. Hill House, completed in 1891 with a modest thirteen bathrooms and twenty two fireplaces. Walking these historic streets offers a fascinating architectural contrast to our classic Carleton buildings and provides wonderful inspiration for any visiting student of history or architecture.

The Botanical Beauty (Como Park)

When the urban concrete feels overwhelming, nature lovers naturally flock to the glass encased humidity of St. Paul’s most famous greenhouse. Opened to the public in 1915, the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory and its iconic glass domed Palm House offer a delicate blooming paradise. The Sunken Garden undergoes exactly five seasonal flower shows a year, ensuring a strictly controlled environment that defies our notoriously brutal climate. It is a tranquil escape for busy Carls looking to clear their minds before finals or simply enjoy a peaceful afternoon surrounded by exquisite botanical beauty.

The Colossal Silver Legume (Walker Art Center)

An appreciation of the arts is highly encouraged at Carleton, and the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden by the Walker Art Center is a prime destination. Spanning eleven acres and featuring over forty permanent artworks, it is one of the largest urban sculpture gardens in the country. The centerpiece, Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen’s Spoonbridge and Cherry, weighs an astonishing 7,000 pounds. The artistic excitement does not end in the garden, dearest readers. Carleton students are graciously granted free admission to the galleries inside the Walker Art Center simply by presenting their OneCards at the door! Exploring this magnificent space is a fantastic way for prospective students to witness the vibrant cultural scene that awaits just a short ride away from Northfield.

The Musical Legacy of the Black Box (First Avenue)

For those who appreciate music history, the pulsating heart of downtown Minneapolis awaits at First Avenue. Originally opened as a Greyhound bus depot in 1937, this windowless fortress transformed into a legendary nightclub in 1970. The curved exterior features over 700 silver stars, each honoring a performer who has sold out the venue. Only one star remains painted in shimmering gold to honor the most legendary musical prodigy from Minneapolis. It is an essential landmark for any Carleton student with a passion for live music and local cultural history.

Navigating from Northfield to the Twin Cities

You might wonder how a dedicated Carleton student can easily access these urban delights. Fortunately, the college provides excellent transportation options to keep you connected without a carriage of your own. Northfield Lines provides service Friday through Sunday to the University of Minnesota in Dinkytown. Moreover, Carleton students can purchase discounted tickets for this journey. For broader travels, Northfield Lines offers buses to and from MSP International Airport and Mall of America at the beginning and end of terms. Additionally, Carleton vans and cars are available for college business to students, staff, and faculty through the Carleton Fleet Vehicles program.

If this writer’s claims were false, she would surely lose the trust of the Carleton community. But alas, my facts are as solid as our winter ice. Venture out this weekend and discover the artistic and historical wonders of the Twin Cities!

Yours truly,

Lady Whistledown (Definitely not Muhammad Abdullah again x3)

Meet Muhammad Abdullah (he/him), a rising sophomore from Islamabad, Pakistan, who is successfully bridging the gap between Studio Art and Mathematics. If you wander into Boliou Hall, you’ll likely find him crafting giant, life-sized 3D sculptures or just daydreaming about what everyday objects look like in higher dimensions. 
Outside of academics, Abdullah stays busy. He’s a campus RA who loves meeting new people, a dancer with various dance groups, and an avid baker currently trying to eat his way through every single restaurant in Northfield. 
Abdullah is also Carleton’s unofficial trivia captain; if you ever want to know the coolest secret facts about campus, he’s exactly who you should ask.