Things to Do in Minneapolis
Founded in 1854 by John H. Stevens, a local ferryman, Minneapolis was officially recognized and established by the Minnesota Territorial Legislature as a town in 1856. Located on the banks of the Mississippi next to towering St. Anthony Falls, Minneapolis was built directly adjacent to the competing settlement of St. Anthony, and the two towns merged in 1872 under the name of Minneapolis. The recent arrival of the St. Paul and Pacific Railroad in the area ensured the town’s success and opened up transportation routes to both the eastern United States and the western frontier. The city continued its growth and, today, it serves as a cultural and economic center for the region and a popular tourist destination.
Numerous historic sites and points of interest are available for visitors to Minneapolis and the surrounding area. Walking tours are provided each summer by the City of Minneapolis in conjunction with the Minneapolis Heritage Preservation Commission and offer guests and residents to the area a chance to explore the historic cemeteries, architectural features, and theaters in Minneapolis. Since much of Minnesota’s history and heritage is centered on the Mississippi River and nearby Lake Minnetonka, any sightseeing tour must include one of the leisurely riverboat cruises that travel the Mississippi and traverse the lake throughout the summer months.
Paradise Charter Cruises offers exceptional amenities and comfort to guests on its Mississippi River cruises. Guests of Paradise Charter Cruises can enjoy a relaxing tour on the Paradise Lady, a chartered yacht with all the glamour and luxuries you’d expect along with an added personal touch. For a more traditional sightseeing experience, tourists can board the Minneapolis Queen, a 125-passenger paddle-wheeler that offers a narrated tour of the highlights of downtown Minneapolis as seen from the Mighty Mississippi including the historic lock at Saint Anthony Falls, the largest lock anywhere on the Mississippi River. The Pizza and Lock Cruise and the Friday Evening Dinner Cruise are especially popular since they give tourists the opportunity to see the beautiful Minneapolis skyline lit up at night.
For those seeking scenic natural surroundings and a tranquil sightseeing experience, Paradise Charter Cruises also offers sightseeing tours of Lake Minnetonka on board three luxurious motor yachts, the Paradise Destiny II, the Paradise Princess II, and the Paradise Grand. Each sleekly elegant yacht offers outstanding amenities including complimentary snacks, television screens with DVD player, climate-controlled interiors, and dance floors. Cruises vary, but most travel along the Big Island Channel Pass to provide a good view of Lake Minnetonka’s beautiful islands and shoreline. Guests can expect to see waterfowl, fish, and other wildlife along with some of the most beautiful natural scenery in the United States.
Paradise Charter Cruises offers package discounts for larger groups, school outings, and wedding parties. Additional public cruises can be arranged for groups of twenty or more, and catering can be arranged with advance notice. A sightseeing excursion on one of the Paradise Charter Cruises luxurious boats can make any vacation something special. Schedules and ticket availability for public cruises vary, so buy in advance for guaranteed seats.