Things to see in Minneapolis-St Paul

One of the country's top contemporary art centres, the Walker Art Center has a revolving collection of paintings, drawings, prints and sculpture featuring works by Mark Rothko, Andy Warhol, Willem de Kooning and other leading artists. A building expansion that doubled the Walker's size was completed in 2005. The adjacent Minneapolis Sculpture Garden covers 4 hectares (11 acres) and is the largest urban sculpture garden in the USA.

Tue-Wed and Sat-Sun 1100-1700, Thurs-Friday 1100-2100 (museum); daily 0600-2400 (garden).

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The Italian Renaissance-style State Capitol building (1904) is an architectural masterpiece. Over two dozen varieties of marble, granite and sandstone were used in its construction and throughout the lavish interior. With an impressive display of statuary and flags, the rotunda and second level are a memorial to Minnesota Civil War volunteers. The crowning glory is the unsupported marble dome, which rises 73m (220ft) high. Its hilltop location affords sweeping views over the city and Mississippi River Valley. Guided tours are available.

Mon-Fri 0830-1600, Sat 1000-1500 and Sun 1300-1600.

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The old Gold Medal Flour factory is now a unique museum. An entertaining Minneapolis in 19 Minutes Flat chronicles the area's history. It recalls the time when Minneapolis was the world's milling capital of the world. Visitors can board a renovated freight elevator, the Flour Tower, sit on its bleacher-like seats and move up and down the eight stories. With lights, sound, and commentary from actual mill workers, they learn about flour milling. On the eighth floor there is a sweeping view of the Mississippi and St. Anthony Falls.

Tues-Sat 1000-1700, Sun 1200-1700.

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The largest mall in in the USA boasts 520 shops, including big names like Macy's and Bloomingdales. Restaurants and entertainment venues abound. For the kids, there is Lego, a four-storey space dedicated to this popular children's game, and Nickelodeon Universe. Other distractions include Undersea Adventures Aquarium, Silicon Motor Speedway, a comedy club and theatres.

Mon-Fri 1000-2130, Sat 0930-2130, Sun 1100-1900.

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Life in America's so-called 'Gilded Age' (the late 19th century) is on display in the former home of Great Northern Railway magnate James J Hill. The enormous stone Richardsonian Romanesque mansion, completed in 1891, measures 3,240 sq metres (36,000 sq ft) and is an ode to opulence, with crystal chandeliers, stained-glass windows, sky-lit art gallery, intricate wood carving and a huge pipe organ. It's best to reserve tours in advance.

Wed-Sat 1000-1530 and Sun 1300-1530.

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This museum features American artists of the early 20th century, including Georgia O'Keeffe, Marsden Hartley and Alfred Maurer, as well as work by contemporary artists. The 'World's Fair Mural' at the entrance is by Roy Lichtenstein. The brick and stainless steel building is itself a sculptural masterpiece, designed by Frank Gehry, in 1993.

Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat-Sun 1000-1700; Thurs 1000-2000.

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The 100-year-old-plus facility is more than just a zoo, although there are interesting animal attractions like the seal show. With a frog pond and Japanese garden, the adjacent glassed-domed conservatory is charming. Como Town is a small amusement park for tots and right outside is a lovely covered carousel with hand-carved animals. The park itself is surrounded by a golf course, lake and walking paths.

Apr-Sept 1000-1800 daily, Oct-Mar 1000-1600 daily.

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Set on a hill, overlooking the city and the Mississippi River, this impressive cathedral is one of the country’s largest churches. It seats 3000 people. Opening in 1915, it took nearly a decade to build. It is topped by an enormous 57m-high (186ft) copper dome. The Shrines of Nations honour the various nationalities that have settled in Minnesota.

Sun - Fri: 0700- 1900; Sat: 0700-2100.

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