Guthrie Theater See top-notch shows in this majestic Minneapolis theater on the banks of the Mississippi. (877) 447-8243; guthrietheater.org  [1]

Mall of America The nation’s biggest mall has more than 500 stores, dozens of restaurants, an indoor amusement park, an aquarium and a comedy club. In Bloomington, 10 miles south of Minneapolis. (952) 883-8800; mallofamerica.com [2]

Minneapolis Institute of Arts See nearly 80,000 pieces, plus special exhibits. Admission charged for some special exhibits. (888) 642-2787; artsmia.org [3]

Nicollet Mall An 11-block pedestrian thoroughfare in downtown Minneapolis balances big-city feel with hole-in-the-wall discoveries. Highlights include The News Room restaurant, Dakota Jazz Club and a seasonal farmers market. minneapolis.org [4]

Walker Art Center and Minneapolis Sculpture Garden The art center is a world-class destination for viewing contemporary art and media, while the neighboring sculpture garden—one of the largest urban sculpture parks in the country—features popular works such as Claes Oldenburg's Spoonbridge and Cherry. (612) 375-7600; walkerart.org [5]