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Saint Paul Features State Capitol Centennial Celebrations and Two New Riverfront Festivals in 2005
(Saint Paul, MN) The Saint Paul Convention and Visitors Bureau is pleased to announce a terrific lineup of itinerary ideas to tie in with special events and festivals for 2005. The Minnesota State Capitol building will celebrate its centennial with special group tours of this Cass Gilbert masterpiece, which is considered the most beautiful capitol in the country. Groups will marvel at the huge marble dome above the rotunda, the intricate murals throughout the building, the self-supporting spiral staircases and the gold sculpture of the Quadriga atop the exterior. One of the highlights of the year will be a memorable 4th of July parade from the Capitol Mall down Wabasha Street through downtown, across the Mississippi River to Harriet Island, where visitors can enjoy the festivities, food and entertainment of the Taste of Minnesota. The parade will showcase Macy's style giant balloons, historical units, marching bands and ethnic performers demonstrating Minnesota's rich diversity. In addition to the Taste of Minnesota, which will celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Rock n' Roll with top 50's entertainment June 30 - July 4, Harriet Island will be the focus of several other festivals groups will enjoy. The Melaleuca Freedom Fest, featuring the state's largest fireworks extravaganza will be held on Memorial Day, and Irish Fair of Minnesota, with terrific entertainment as well as Irish culture, food, dance and merchandise takes place August 12-14. Two new events this year will be the County Market Rockin' Ribfest, July 29-31 and an Indian Festival September 9-11 celebrating the history and culture of Minnesota's Indians with artists, restaurants and dancing exhibitions. If your group has not experienced an event on Harriet Island, they'll be pleasantly pleased at the spacious beautiful surroundings and clean facilities. Rediscover the Mississippi in 2005 Grand Excursion 2004 brought a tremendous amount of attention to the tourism opportunities along the Mississippi River, America's greatest waterway. Saint Paul offers many ways to explore the river through its Mississippi River itineraries. Begin with the Rivers and Roots Tour (2 hours) and learn how three towns grew into two cities and the role a character named "Pig's Eye" played in their growth. See the historic homes of early Saint Paulites and learn about the hardships faced by the Fort Snelling soldiers in the early days of settlement. View the stately mansions of Summit Avenue beautifully lined with the brilliant colors of autumn. A costumed-character guide, connected to Saint Paul's river history, will provide a fascinating and fun filled tour. Padelford Riverboat Cruises (1 ½ -4 hours) welcome groups aboard a modern riverboat to ply the mighty Mississippi River, experiencing the sandstone bluffs and the bald eagles flying over head. Peer out from the decks at the bright autumn colors on the trees along the banks. Saint Paul boasts more Mississippi River shoreline, than any city along its path and this beautiful journey travels the route. All cruises are historically narrated and meal service is available for select cruises. The Science Museum of Minnesota (2-4 hours) pays tribute to the Mississippi in its fascinating River Gallery. Set on the downtown banks of the Mississippi, your group will marvel at the magnificent view the museum provides. While you're there, see the amazing Animal Grossology exhibit, or catch a movie in North America's largest convertible domed Omnitheater. The National Parks Mississippi River Visitors Center, located at the Kellogg entrance of the museum teaches visitors about Mississippi River resources in their own backyard as well as information on the entire length of the river. National Park Rangers will offer information, programs and merchandise relating to the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area as well as National Park Service sites around the country. Historic Fort Snelling (1-2 hours) perched high on the bluffs overlooking the river valley, is the birthplace of the Twin Cities. View the river from above lined with colorful trees, wild grasses, and white sandstone bluffs. A reconstructed 1820s U.S. Army Military Post, historic Fort Snelling has costumed guides stationed throughout the site to answer questions and demonstrate life in early Minnesota. Saint Paul's Mounds Park (30 min.) overlooking the Mississippi River east of downtown is one of the best locations for photo opportunities capturing the picturesque bend in the river as it flows towards the Saint Paul skyline. The park gets its name from the Native American Burial Mounds located high on the bluffs. To cap off the day choose from among many restaurants or cafes that cater to groups including The Liffey, adjacent to the Holiday Inn RiverCentre, which will add an outdoor dining patio in the spring of 2005, and Carousel, the rooftop restaurant at the Radisson Riverfront Hotel, which offers the best views of the river in the Twin Cities. The landmark Saint Paul Hotel is completing a total renovation in the spring of 2005 which will include a new lobby bar offering beverages and light snacks throughout the day in a relaxed and sophisticated environment. Saint Paul offers personalized services for your tour planning needs including familiarization tours scheduled seasonally throughout the year, custom itinerary planning and slides and videos for marketing upcoming tours. Be sure to ask about other itinerary ideas including the Railroad Story Itinerary, the Winter Carnival Itinerary and Saint Paul for Under a Buck, featuring free and low cost tours. Upon request, we can also offer personal Meet & Greet services and Welcome and Gift Bags for each tour participant. For more information about planning a trip to Saint Paul or for a free Travel Professionals Planning Guide, please contact Mark Dziuk, Group Tour Sales Manager at 651-265-4906, 800-627-6101 x 4906 or [email protected].