Sure, you were lured to St. Paul for the Winter Carnival festivities. Since you’re here, take full advantage of the city and check out and warm up at these four fine St. Paul cultural institutions — the Science Museum of Minnesota, the Minnesota Children’s Museum, Landmark Center and the Minnesota History Center.
LANDMARK CENTER
When in downtown St. Paul, historic Landmark Center is always a good place to explore, especially during Winter Carnival. Not only is the Landmark hosting the Winter Carnival Memorabilia exhibit but there’s also two days of family fun to enjoy.
On Jan. 30 and 31, there’ll be live music, kids’ activities and a showcase of St. Paul events, including the Cinco de Mayo Festival, Grand Old Day, Irish Fair Minnesota, Rondo Days and the Dragon Festival.
And if you’re there at noon on the 29th, you’ll be treated to a free Courtroom concert courtesy of the Schubert Club. 75 W. Fifth St., St. Paul; 651-292-3233 or landmarkcenter.org.
MINNESOTA HISTORY CENTER
While you’re taking in the annual carnival festivities, dig deeper into the state’s history at the Minnesota History Center. Neat event alert: “Global Hotdish Variety Show” with host T. Mychael Rambo along with organ grinder Angelo Rulli and his music box collection, Wacky Chickens with Lloyd Brandt and Rosie Cole, Mini-Apple Circus antics with Lucy Lawton, Misora Taiko drummers, Zorongo Flamenco dancers and puppets and storyteller Beth Gilleland (2 p.m. Jan. 24; $12 adults/$5 children). There’s also “Beyond Boreas! A Puppet Show of Frozen Follies and Mythical Meltdowns” and craft activity (1:30, 2:30 and 3:30 p.m. Jan. 24-25, Jan. 31-Feb. 1; $10 adults/$5 children). History Center hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Tuesday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday, noon-5 p.m. Sunday; 345 W. Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul; $10 adults, $8 seniors and college students, $5 children ages 6 to 17, free for children ages 5 and younger and MHS members; 651-259-3000 or mnhs.org.
SCIENCE MUSEUM OF MINNESOTA
If you’re looking for a brief escape from the outdoors but still want a dose of nature, the museum’s Omintheater is showing “Grand Canyon Adventure,” a look at how the Colorado River has changed over the years.
There’s also “Water,” an exhibit that examines the role water plays in shaping our land and cultures (opens Jan. 30). Museum hours: 9:30 a.m.- 5 p.m. Monday-Wednesday, 9:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday; $16-$13 (Omni-theater and exhibits), $7.50-$6.50 (Omnitheater only), $11-$8.50 (exhibits only); 651- 221-9444 or smm.org.
MINNESOTA CHILDREN’S MUSEUM
The kids can discover the fun behind physical science at the “Ball-o-rama” exhibit or take a closer look at our state’s habitats at “Earth World.” 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday and Saturday-Sunday, 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Friday; 10 W. Seventh St., St. Paul; $8.95; 651-225-6000 or mcm.org.
Amy Carlson Gustafson can be reached at 651-228-5561.
Copyright 2009 Pioneer Press.