July 2022

Top 5 Things To Do In Saint Paul while at VETgirl U 2022

https://vetgirlontherun.com/vetgirl-u-2022/

We are so excited to host you at the best-boutique-bougey-veterinary conference ever – VETgirl U 2022 – this August in Minneapolis, MN!

Not far from the Radisson Blu Hotel, where the conference is being held, sits the capital city of St. Paul. The city is rich in historical sites, art exhibits, museums, and gardens. It's also surrounded by two rivers, so there are plenty of fun things to do in St. Paul, Minnesota for historophiles and outdoor adventures too!

The VETgirl U Conference is packed with a full itinerary of speakers and networking events, but if you find yourself with some extra time to explore the twin cities, we've created this list of 5 fun things to do in and around St. Paul, Minnesota just for you!

Discover Exotic Flora & Fauna at Como Park Zoo & Observatory
https://comozooconservatory.org/

The Como Park Zoo and Conservatory is one of the most iconic destinations in St. Paul. Whether you spend a few hours here or an entire day, you'll experience family-friendly entertainment and education that won't cost a thing! The centerpiece of Como Park is the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory: a building that's over 100 years old and one of just a few remaining original Victorian-style glasshouses. In addition to beautiful architecture and art exhibits, Como Park Zoo & Conservatory is home to an exotic array of plant species and wildlife, including Reindeer!
Before you go: reservations are required to visit Como Park, click here to reserve your spot!

Como garden

Make Big Discoveries at The Science Museum of Minnesota
https://new.smm.org/

The Science Museum of Minnesota is located in downtown St. Paul along the banks of the Mississippi River and includes more than 8.5 acres worth of exhibits and activities waiting to be explored! Immerse yourself in one of the many permanent and temporary exhibits like the dinosaurs and fossils gallery, then take a moment to relax while watching a movie in the Imax Convertible Dome Omnitheater. Bring your comfiest shoes on this adventure, because once inside you'll want to experience all 370,000 square feet of fun the museum has to offer!
Before you go: tickets are required to be purchased in advance either online or over the phone.

Immerse Yourself in Award-Winning Habitats at The Minnesota Zoo
https://mnzoo.org/

Located in Apple Valley, a city about 20 miles south of St. Paul, the Minnesota Zoo occupies a sprawling 485 acres of land and is home to more than 4,500 animals and 505 species in award-winning exhibits. While at the zoo, you can walk along a woodland trail inspired by Minnesota landscapes and observe wolves and lynxes, or follow a winding rainforest path surrounded by orchids and lush green foliage where gibbons and lemurs play, and spend time in Discovery Bay where sharks, stingrays, and colorful tropical fish swim the day away.
Before you go: tickets are required to be purchased in advance of your visit, click here for pricing and visitor info.

Explore The Mississippi National River & Recreation Area
https://www.nps.gov/miss/index.htm

This 72-mile, 54,000-acre urban national park stretches along the banks of the Mississippi River through the twin cities of Minneapolis and Saint Paul. With the river as its backdrop, this beautiful park offers plenty to do in every season, including fishing, boating, birdwatching, bicycling, and hiking. For those who love history, there are also several visitor centers and trails that highlight the fascinating human history of the Mississippi River.
Before you go: visit the park website to plan your visit and see everything the park has to offer, including programs and events occurring during your stay.

Saint_Paul_skyline

Learn & Play at The Minnesota Children's Museum
https://mcm.org/

The Minnesota Children's Museum is a kid-centric destination filled with fun for the entire family. With three floors of interactive exhibits and educational programs, the museum fosters children's creativity and imaginations while also teaching important life skills. The museum in St. Paul features 10 permanent exhibits including a four-story climber, laser maze, pretend town, and the newest attraction, Shipwreck Adventures! In addition, there's also a traveling exhibits gallery that features a new experience every few months.
Before you go: tickets can be purchased online here, or in person.

We hope this list provides you with plenty of fun and unique ideas for things to do in neighboring St. Paul while you're in Minneapolis for the VETgirl U 2022 Conference. If you have any questions regarding the conference, or are looking for more information on things to do while in MN, please reach out to us via email or connect with a member of the VETgirl team during your stay.

We look forward to seeing you in Minnesota soon!