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  American Swedish Institute

  2600 Park Ave Minneapolis, MN 55407 US +1-612-871-4907

  Built at the turn of the century, the house that shelters the American Swedish Institute features wonderfully eclectic details and intriguing chateau-like architecture. Inside, ornamental plasterwork, festive tiling, and a magnificent staircase display Swedish style. The organization's goal is to preserve Swedish culture in the United States, and the institute plays host to a series of concerts, recitals, films, and lectures, along with courses and festivities ­ all linked to Swedish history. House tours are available.

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  Basilica of Saint Mary

  88 N 17th St Minneapolis, MN 55403 US +1-612-333-1381

  DOWNTOWN. Built almost a hundred years ago, this stately, impressive basilica serves the oldest Catholic parish in Minneapolis. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the church features entrance towers made of white Vermont granite and a copper dome that rises almost 200 feet. The sanctuary floor is made of pink Tennessee marble, and the nave is one of the widest in the world. Visitors should be respectful of masses being conducted; self-guided tour brochures can be found at the back of the sanctuary.

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  Foshay Tower

  821 Marquette Ave Minneapolis, MN 55402 US

  DOWNTOWN. At 32 stories and 447 feet, Foshay Tower seems small by today's skyscraper standards. However, the tower, built in 1929, was the tallest building in Minneapolis until 1971, when it was eclipsed by the 775-foot IDS Tower. Today, Foshay Tower is a well-preserved remnant of graceful, 1920s-era Art Deco style and is home to the W Hotel Minneapolis.

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  Frederick R. Weisman Art Museum

  333 E River Rd University of Minnesota Minneapolis, MN 55455 US +1-612-625-9494

  UNIVERSITY. This museum's on-campus building was designed by architect Frank Gehry to house the university's extensive art collection. A work of art in and of itself, the building is a series of irregular angles and stacked cubes covered in metal. The interior is restful and contemporary, an ideal setting for viewing visiting exhibitions and the university's collection of 20th-century American art.

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  Irene Hixon Whitney Bridge

  Vineland Pl Minneapolis, MN 55403 US +1-612-230-6400

  DOWNTOWN. This whimsical, pastel yellow-and-blue pedestrian bridge, designed by Siah Armajani, features graceful supporting arches and an enclosed private walking space, complete with poetry to read on the journey. It crosses 16 lanes of bustling I-94 traffic between downtown, Loring Park, and the Lowry Hill neighborhood.

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  James J. Hill House

  240 Summit Ave St. Paul, MN 55102 US +1-651-297-2555

  SUMMIT AVENUE. The Romanesque Revival James J. Hill House hearkens back to a time when only a handful of individuals held wealth and power in "frontier towns" like St. Paul. Jim Hill, the Great Northern Railway mogul, was one such man, and his enormous, sprawling home still maintains its stately watch over local goings-on. Present-day visitors are led through common areas, servants' quarters, and the family's private rooms ­ a true journey back to the Gilded Age. A skylit art gallery also showcases Minnesota artists and works. Tour reservations are recommended.

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  Minnesota State Capitol

  75 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd St. Paul, MN 55155 US +1-651-296-2881

  DOWNTOWN. An architectural masterpiece, the capitol building boasts the largest unsupported marble dome in the world and a palatial interior. As such, the landmark is considered one of the nation's most beautiful state capitol buildings. The front steps offer breathtaking views of the downtown area, of St. Paul's Cathedral, and of the Mississippi River Valley. Statuary and murals represent the history and principles of the state. The Senate, House of Representatives, and Supreme Court Chambers are located on the second floor. The Minnesota Historical Society conducts free tours.

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  Purcell-Cutts House

  2328 Lake Pl Minneapolis, MN 55405-2472 US +1-612-870-6323

  UPTOWN. The Minneapolis Institute of the Arts owns this early 20th-century home, which was restored in 1991. The fascinating residence features decorative touches typical of Prairie School architecture and design, including intricate stenciling and art-glass windows. Many of the original furnishings remain in the low-slung structure. Tours are given at 10am, 11am, noon, and 1pm on Saturday and at noon, 1pm, and 2pm on Sunday. Reservations are required.

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  Rice Park

  109 W 4th St St. Paul, MN 55102 US +1-651-266-6400

  DOWNTOWN. Rice Park, the heart of St. Paul's downtown, is the perfect urban square. Some of the city's most notable architectural landmarks, such as the St. Paul Hotel, Ordway Music Theater, St. Paul Public Library, and the Landmark Center, surround the city-owned park. The public space hosts a variety of musical, artistic, and theatrical festivities throughout the year.