Summer is the time to go outside, go on the lake, soak in the sun, or just hang out with friends. Summers in Saint Paul seem endless; there’s just so much that is offered to do in Saint Paul, and around the state of Minnesota.

Throughout the Twin Cities the activities vary from fairs and festivals, to great dining, or even outside music; Saint Paul has it all. Here are just some of the options that are available for you to enjoy this summer.

First, dine outside. Most restaurants or cafes have an option to sit outside, in MN you really have to spend as much time in the sun as possible, since it is very limited.

Next you can go to a zoo, Minnesota Zoo or Como Zoo, or you can take time to enjoy the arts at such places as the Walker Art Center, or you can even go to a museum (Children’s Museum or Science Museum).

You could also go spend time on the river or lake. In Saint Paul, and all throughout Minnesota, you can find any water activity you think of. You could go take a cruise down the river on the Padelford riverboats at Harriet Island, or you could just go find a lake and spend some time on the beach. Most parks with a lake will offer a beach with a swimming area and an option to rent kayaks, canoes, and/or paddle boards.

Throughout the rest of Minnesota there are many key points of interests that include:

• Mall of America: A huge shopping complex with a indoor amusement park
• Como Zoo: Zoo, gardens, and an amusement park
• Sea life at the Mall of America: Oceanic exhibits an play areas
• Minnesota History Center: Interactive exhibits, artifacts, and shows
• Science Museum: Educational and interactive exhibits
• Mill City Museum: A look at the flour industry
• Valleyfair: An amusement park with coasters and kiddie rides
• Walker Art Center: Contemporary art museum
• Minnehaha Park: Bike rentals, hiking, and waterfall
• Cathedral of Saint Paul: Revered beaux art landmark from 1915
• Minnesota State Capitol: Minnesota’s history
• James J. Hill House: Former railway magnate
• Ordway Center for Performing Arts: Concerts and theater  
• Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox: Monument
• Gooseberry Falls: Waterfall, camping, and hiking/biking trails
• Split Rock Lighthouse: Historic lighthouse and cliffs
• First Avenue- Music venues
• Regional parks- Beaches, trails, activities, rentals, and camping

This past spring break, a group of 30 Highland Park students (myself included) participated in the France and Spain trip, of 2017, led by Mr. Currie and Ms. Boe. It was a very exciting opportunity for world travel, and for students to practice their knowledge of another language like French or Spanish.

We visited four locations in total: Paris and Provence in France, then Barcelona and Costa Dorada in Spain. The students had free time at some points to walk around, visit some shops, and try some of the local food.

Our first major city was Paris; we visited the Louvre Museum and saw the “Mona Lisa” painting by Leonardo Da Vinci. We also got to tour the city by bus, and see all its famous landmarks like: the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, the Champs-Elysées, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and Montmartre.

We then traveled to Provence where we visited the Palais de papes, Nimes Amphitheater, and the Pont du Gard.

Once we finished with France, it was on to Spain. Our first city was Barcelona, and there we saw Gaudi’s Sagrada Família, Montjuïc Hill, and the Columbus Monument. We then visited Park Güell, which is also land founded and made by Gaudi.

Our final destination was Costa Dorada. On the way, we visited a town called Sitges, and got our first glimpse of the coast of Spain. The next day, in Costa Dorada, we spent the whole day on the beach just relaxing after a lot of walking and sightseeing. This was my favorite day because it was nice to just sit on the beach, under the sun, and reflect on all that I had seen in the past week.