by doitinnorth | Jan 2, 2022 | events/locations, evergreen
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Winter camping? Yes please! (No bugs…) Join the naturalist at Tettegouche State Park for a free one-day workshop January 22 and learn everything you need to know about camping in winter. Stay just the day, or join us and sleep out overnight using your new skills. Registration info here.
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Event Details
mnstateparksandtrails
Join State Park Naturalists for a one-day introduction to winter camping. We will build a traditional quinzhee, an insulated snowcave, for sleeping. Also covered will be topics such as cooking outdoors in the snow, tricks for staying dry and warm in the winter, and we will discuss and try out some methods of transporting gear through the snow.
This one day workshop will cover everything you need to know about camping in the winter. Participants who CHOOSE to do so will be able to sleep in the constructed quinzhees and try out the skills they have just learned. Come for just a day of winter fun and learning, or make a weekend out of it. You choose.
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Eddie Bauer – Plush Sherpa Fleece Throw – Soft & Cozy Reversible Blanket, Ideal for Travel, Camping, & Home
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No bugs! No poisonous plants! Lots of fun! Outdoor winter programs are subject to change upon weather conditions. Call the park day of program and check here for cancelations. This program will be cancelled if the air temperature is below -15F.
Registered participants will be sent a couple of instructional packets ahead of the workshop in order to better prepare you for the experience.
Please more info link here or call the Park Naturalist at 218.353.8809; email kurt.mead@state.mn.us
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FYI
Nick Hoffmann
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MN State Parks and Trails asks to remember the Key 3 when heading out to explore the state parks:
Plan to be flexible. Explore new destinations and consider mid-week travel. Parks are busy as more people get outdoors, so we encourage you to discover a new favorite!
Arrive prepared. Buy your vehicle permit, check visitor alerts and download maps before your trip.
Recreate responsibly. Help conserve these special places for the future by staying on trails and leaving no trace.
For information about a specific park, visit here to link for the A-Z list of state parks and recreation areas.
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ICYMI
Minnesota Zoo: Whether it’s a Gift Membership, Gift Card, or Gift in Someone’s Honor!
by doitinnorth | Dec 26, 2021 | events/locations, evergreen
Why visit ice castles in Minnesota?
Each year, Ice Castles brings fairy tales to life for hundreds of thousands of families across North America. Our goal is to make people smile.
Ice Castles is an award-winning frozen attraction. The experience is built using hundreds of thousands of icicles hand-placed by professional ice artists. The castles include breathtaking LED-lit sculptures, frozen thrones, ice-carved tunnels, slides, fountains and much more.
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by doitinnorth | Dec 26, 2021 | art/design, evergreen
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The dome of the Minnesota State Capitol building in St. Paul, designed by Cass Gilbert. It is the second largest self-supported marble dome in the world, behind Saint Peter’s Basilica in Rome on which Gilbert based his design.The dome electrolier is lit every Statehood Day on May 11 when Minnesota became the 32nd state in the union (May 11, 1858).
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History
Built: 1896–1905
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Inspired by the Beaux-Arts architecture of the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago, architect Cass Gilbert was determined to design a building in the classical style, but with all the modern conveniences of the time. The stunning result is a towering white marble dome, fluted columns, graceful arches and commanding statuary.
The current state Capitol building has been the center of Minnesota’s government since 1905. To construct a building of this scale was an ambitious undertaking for Minnesota, which had only become a state in 1858.
Construction of the current Capitol began on May 6, 1896 and was led by architect Cass Gilbert, who would go on to design the U.S. Supreme Court building in Washington D.C. After nine years and a cost of $4.5 million, the Renaissance Revival-style building opened to the public on Jan. 2, 1905.
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Photo courtesy of Minnesota Historical Society
The exterior of the State Capitol is made of white Georgia marble and St. Cloud granite. Six marble statues above the main entrance greet visitors. Daniel Chester French collaborated with Edward Potter to create the golden sculpture group at the base of the dome titled “The Progress of the State,” commonly referred to as the Quadriga. The copper sculpture, like the ball on top of the dome, is covered with gold leaf. Below the Quadriga are six colossal figures representing “the Virtues” sculpted in white marble from designs by French (actually, the statues in place today are replicas carved in 1975-79 to replace the deteriorating originals). Twelve stone eagles stand guard around the dome, and the exterior is enlivened by classical wreaths, plaques, and a rich variety of carvings.
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An American Renaissance: Beaux-Arts Architecture
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Capitol Dome
Cass Gilbert’s design echoes a famous marble-dome building — the Basilica of St. Peter in the Vatican, designed by Michelangelo more than 350 years earlier. The dome has three layers:
- The outer layer is a self-supporting dome made of Georgia marble blocks resting upon their own weight.
- Hidden inside is a brick and steel cone that supports the lantern and gold ball at the top of the dome.
- Below that is the decorative masonry dome you see from the inside, looking up from the rotunda.
The gleaming gold sculpture is the Quadriga, the Latin word for a four-horse chariot. It was designed by Daniel Chester French and Edward C. Potter, and it is made of sheets of gilded copper hammered around a steel frame.
Six heroic-sized “Virtues” — classical figures representing Courage, Bounty, Integrity, Prudence, Truth, and Wisdom — are below the Quadriga, sculpted in marble from designs by Daniel Chester French.
Cass Gilbert insisted on using Georgia white marble, saying that the use of a darker color would make it look “glooming and forbidding.” Gilbert won out over those who objected that Minnesotans would lose stone-cutting and carving jobs if stone from out-of-state was used. As a compromise, the general contractor, Butler-Ryan Co., leased the Georgia quarry and shipped the rough-cut marble to St. Paul to allow local craftsmen to do the work on-site. He also specified Minnesota-quarried granite for the ground floor level, steps, and terraces, and sandstone and limestone for the foundation and interior walls to fully represent the various stones from the state.
The Capitol is more than 430 feet long, from east to west. From ground level to the top of the dome’s lantern measures 220 feet — about the height of a 20-story building. Inside, the building has more than 300,000 square feet of floor space, or about 5 million cubic feet of space.
The stunning building quickly drew acclaim from around the country. Architects and artists praised its exterior, its huge marble dome, its self-supporting stairways and its magnificently decorated interior.
When the new Capitol opened, all the executive offices and the three branches of state government, state agencies and commissions, and the Minnesota Historical Society were located in the building. But as government needs expanded, state agencies and commissions, and over half of the executive offices moved out. The building evolved as well. Although the main public spaces were left mostly intact, remodeling and enlargement of offices and meeting rooms, renovation of chambers and partitioning corridors began occurring as early as the 1930s.
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by doitinnorth | Dec 19, 2021 | evergreen, people/passions
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Make your reservations now!
Como Park Zoo & Conservatory is open everyday from 10am – 4pm
Some important things you’ll want to know before your visit: Reservations are required for both members and nonmembers at this time. Reservations are currently available by clicking Here.
All reservation holders should check-in at the Visitor Center glass doors with their bar codes. Click Here for a map.
Due to physical distancing guidelines we are currently limiting capacity. Advanced reservations are available on a first come, first serve basis. Due of maintaining our capacity limits, late arrivals will be denied access. Please plan accordingly.
Posed photography is not allowed at this time. This includes family photos, senior photos, engagement photos, dance photos and wedding photos. No photo permits are being sold and masks are required both inside and outside.
Como Live
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About
Mission: “To inspire our public to value the presence of living things in our lives.”
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One of the last FREE zoos in the United States, Como is home to a wide array of animals and plants and welcomes visitors 365 days a year. Located right next to Como Town Amusement Park, Cafesjian’s historic carousel, and Como Park, the Zoo and Conservatory are great fun for visitors of all ages.
Some of Como’s main attractions include a world-class polar bear exhibit, Polar Bear Odyssey, which opened to the public in 2010. The exhibit is home to the zoo’s twin polar bears Buzz and Neil and features over 13,000 square feet of outdoor habitat. The zoo is also home to a collection of large cats, hoofstock, wolves, birds, primates, gorillas, orangutans, seals and sea lions, and several other aquatic animals. The Marjorie McNeely Conservatory features six indoor gardens and several outdoor spaces, displaying thousands of beautiful plants each year. For more information about our attractions and to plan your visit, view our visitor guide at:
Como Zoo Conservatory.…
ICYMI
Glow Holiday Festival: Now a Walk Through Experience – Minnesota State Fairgrounds
by doitinnorth | Dec 19, 2021 | events/locations, evergreen
O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree,
Thy candles shine out brightly!
O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree,
Thy candles shine out brightly!
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Self-guided Christmas Classic Tour and self-guided
Evening Candlelight Tours are available for purchase online. Self-guided Christmas Full Mansion tickets are only available for purchase
onsite. Plus, a tour
perk, read below! To learn more visit:
Glensheen.org.
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360º View of a Christmas Tree
How often do you get a 360º view of a Christmas Tree? See the Main Hall tree from all angels and a bird’s-eye view as you head up the stairs. See 25 Christmas Trees and 25 Hidden elves on a
self-guided Christmas tour now through January 8th.
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by doitinnorth | Dec 12, 2021 | events/locations, evergreen
Dusty Hoskovec Photography
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The Mpls Downtown Council is excited to produce Holidazzle this holiday season. Holidazzle will return to mpls downtown in-person during the 2021 season, including in food, beverages, shopping, entertainment and fun in Loring Park on December 17-19.
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What is the Minneapolis Holidazzle?
Holidazzle is a mpls downtown holiday tradition that creates a community gathering place and holiday destination for people of all ages to come together and celebrate winter. Holidazzle focuses on featuring local people, places and products that showcase the local food and art scenes, active lifestyle, local entertainers, and community groups that make our city and region unique and special.
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Holidazzle Yeti
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What will be part of Holidazzle in Loring Park?
Holidazzle in Loring Park will feature local foods, beverages and shopping from area small businesses, fireworks (Friday & Saturday at 7 pm), Holidazzle Yeti, amusement rides (carousel, Ferris Wheel, giant slide), fire pits, photo ops, SnowGa and more.
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Where should I park when attending Holidazzle in Loring Park?
The Mpls College Parking Ramp is the premier parking partner for Holidazzle. Parking at Mpls College will be a flat $5 or less rate during all Holidazzle hours on December 17-19. The parking ramp is located at 1420 Hennepin Avenue (entrance on Laurel Ave. W.) and is a short walk to Holidazzle in Loring Park. Click here to visit the Mpls College parking ramp website.
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What other activities and events are happening in mpls downtown this holiday season?
Along with Holidazzle, enjoy the holiday season in mpls downtown including Anastasia at the Orpheum Theatre, A Christmas Carol at the Guthrie Theater, Toy Story at Orchestra Hall, holiday storefront windows and entertainment at The Dayton’s Project, lighting along Nicollet and Peavey Plaza, Timberwolves and Vikings games, concerts, first-class dining and much more. Visit mplsdowntown.com for a full calendar of events. See you downtown.
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Littlearth Unisex-Adult NFL Minnesota Vikings Plaid Crinkle Scarf, Team Color
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Why is Holidazzle taking place during just one weekend in Loring Park?
Holidazzle is excited to be back in-person this year but, but public health is still a top priority. As we walk back toward the full Holidazzle experience in 2022, we are offering moments to celebrate together this holiday season while making adjustments for public health purposes.
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What differences will I see related to COVID-19 planning and preparations?
Holidazzle will be gathering in Loring Park for one weekend, Friday, December 17 through Sunday, December 19. Holidazzle will not have indoor heated tents this year, and the Mpls WinterSkate skating rink will not be part of Holidazzle. Hand sanitizer will be present, and entertainment offerings have been adjusted to help provide social distancing experiences.
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Will there be a kids zone area this year?
Holidazzle’s kids zone will be removed this year as we know children under 5 are not eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine and kids 5-11 have just received clearance for vaccinations. There will be amusement rides and activities including a carousel, Ferris Wheel and giant slide—all of which offer social distancing opportunities.
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What is your masking policy?
Public health is a priority at Holidazzle. The event will be following CDC and Minnesota Department of Health guidelines as part of its planning process. CDC recommends people who are not fully vaccinated wear a mask in crowded outdoor settings or during activities that involve sustained close contact with other people.
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Are there any opportunities to participate in Holidazzle this year?
Yes, we suggest that you start by visiting Holidazzle.com and by following Holidazzle on social media.
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How can I volunteer?
We encourage you to click here to sign up for a volunteer shift.
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ICYMI
Minnesota College of Science and Engineering Presents: Winter Light Shows
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