The Winter Carnival is a prime time to visit St. Paul — who can resist King Boreas and his royal family, the Vulcan Krewe and the magical Torchlight Parade? But while you’re in town, it’s worth your while to do a little exploring. Here are seven St. Paul institutions to check out if you need a little break from all those carnival shenanigans.
MINNESOTA CHILDREN’S MUSEUM
From learning about thunderstorms to creating unique pieces of art, activities at this kid-friendly museum appeal to a wide range of ages. The latest exhibit, “Dora and Diego,” gives young visitors a chance to help rain forest animals in Diego’s Animal Rescue Center and explore the Purple Planet with Dora. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Friday-Saturday and 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. Sunday; 10 W. Seventh St.; $9.50 (children younger than 1 free); 651-225-6000 or mcm.org.
HISTORY THEATRE
Kim Hines debuts her play “Nellie” about Nellie Stone Johnson, a Minnesota farm girl who grew up to become a major influence in the civil rights and labor movements. Jan. 26-Feb. 17; $30-$40; 30 E. 10th St., St. Paul; 651-292-4323 or historytheatre.com.
LANDMARK CENTER
The historic Landmark Center is more than just a striking building. It’s also home to the American Association of Woodturners and its Gallery of Wood, featuring the new exhibit, “A Spoonful of Sugar: The Intricate Art of the Love Spoon” (galleryofwoodart.org); the Landmark Gallery, which chronicles the history of the center and the people behind it; and the Schubert Club Museum, which houses an impressive collection of antique instruments along with hand-written letters and manuscripts from some of the world’s great composers (schubert.org/museum). Building hours (hours for organizations may vary): 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Wednesday and Friday, 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Thursday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and noon-5 p.m. Sunday; 75 Fifth St.; 651-292-3225 or landmarkcenter.org.
MINNESOTA HISTORY CENTER
With exhibits that run the gamut from a look at Minnesota’s Greatest Generation to the state’s crazy weather, it’s easy to lose yourself at the Minnesota History Center. Its latest additions include “U.S.-Dakota War of 1862: An Exhibit,” which tells the story of a disastrous chapter in Minnesota history, and “Then Now Wow,” an exhibit perfect for school-age kids that highlights many moments that have shaped the state. 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Tuesday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday, noon-5 p.m. Sunday; 345 W. Kellogg Blvd.; $11 adults, $9 seniors and college students, $6 children ages 6-17, free for children 5 and younger; 651-259-3000 or minnesotahistorycenter.org.
PARK SQUARE THEATRE
Park Square is hoping for a home run with the musical “Johnny Baseball” about the Boston Red Sox’s alleged curse that kept the team from winning the World Series for more than eight decades. Jan. 18-Feb. 10; 20 W. Seventh Place; $48-$68; 651-291-7005 or parksquaretheatre.org.
SCIENCE MUSEUM OF MINNESOTA
The museum’s latest exhibit — “Body Worlds & the Cycle of Life” — is sure to be a popular draw. The 14,000-square-foot show includes more than 200 real human specimens as well as full-body plastinates in various action poses, including a skateboarder, a baseball player, a ballet dancer, ice skaters and a woman executing a yoga pose. 9:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, 9:30 a.m.- 7 p.m. Sunday with special hours on Jan. 20 (9:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m.) and Jan. 21 (9:30 a.m.-7 p.m.); 120 W. Kellogg Blvd.; general museum admission, $13 for adults, $10 for seniors and children (ages 4-12); admission to “Body Worlds & the Cycle of Life,” $27 for adults, $19 for seniors and children (ages 4-12); omnitheater admission extra; 651-221-9444 or smm.org.
XCEL ENERGY CENTER
While everyone’s excited about the return of the Wild to the Xcel, thrill-seekers also can check out the World’s Toughest Rodeo. The two-night event features tough cowboys competing in various riding contests along with cowgirls vying for the championship in barrel racing. The Feb. 2 show includes a performance by country singer Dustin Lynch. 7:30 p.m. Feb. 1-2; $17-$80; 175 W. Kellogg Blvd.; xcelenergycenter.com.
Amy Carlson Gustafson can be reached at 651-228-5561. Follow her at twitter.com/amygustafson.
Copyright 2013 Pioneer Press.