Winter is here, which means it’s time to grab the coats and gloves and have some fun – especially if you’re going to be visiting the Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota area. Homewood Suites has several properties in the Twin Cities area and the top winter attractions are just a short drive away.

Skiing, Snowboarding and Tubing

Outdoor sports are what help the winter go by quickly in Minnesota, and you can bet the fun is done right. It’s true, skiing, snowboarding, and tubing make for an active day and are all possible at several locations in the Twin Cities metropolitan area. Buck Hill, located in the southern suburb of Burnsville south of the cities, or Afton Alps, which sits alongside the St. Croix River in Afton about 15 miles east of St. Paul, are two of the several ski, snowboarding and tubing hills open to the public. Beginning skiers will appreciate the bunny hill at the Winter Recreation Area at Elm Creek Park Reserve in Maple Grove (east of St. Paul). This winter wonderland boasts all of the above activities plus cross-country ski trails. Ski, poles and boots are available for rental at each location.

Ice Skating

Once the temperature turns to freezing, dozens of parks and community centers produce their own outdoor ice skating rinks. If you’d rather stay indoors to hit the ice, there are plenty of options. Community arenas have designated times for open skate in between ice skating lessons and hockey practice. Located in Minneapolis is Augsburg College’s ice rink which is one such location offering public skate times. You might recognize Augsburg as the backdrop for The Mighty Ducks movie. The most charming of rinks though, is Depot Rink, a historic Downtown Minneapolis train shed that now features an ice rink with floor-to-ceiling glass walls offering views of the downtown city skyline. Open skate hours always vary at ice rinks, so be sure to call ahead of time to inquire about open-skate times.

Shopping, Screaming and Getting Lost

Once you’ve had your fill of outdoor fun, the Mall of America (locally called MOA) will keep you entertained for hours. Boasting over 520 shops and four major department stores, there is excitement for the entire family (and not just the Lego, American Girl, The Barbie Shop and Build-A-Bear stores). Located in the heart of the mall is the Nickelodeon Universe amusement park, but keep walking and you will also come across the Underwater Adventures Aquarium, an 18-hole miniature golf course, a movie theatre and new Amazing Mirror Maze.