As you may have seen, the Super Bowl made it’s way to the #BoldNorth this winter. In late January and early February, Minneapolis became a frozen tundra and tourist haven. While I didn’t appreciate the traffic or parking prices, I made every effort to be a tourist in my own city and take advantage of these once in a lifetime Super Bowl activities.
Favorite Experiences
Super Bowl Live. 10 full days of concerts, vendors, photo ops, food carts and more on Nicollet Mall. The best part – totally free. Although I missed all the concerts, they had Idina Menzel, Dessa, Soul Asylum, Sounds of Blackness and more. Polaris set up a giant ramp and jumped snowmobiles off.
Jimmy Fallon. My life was just about made when I found out I scored free Jimmy Fallon tickets to his live show at the Orpheum Theatre the night after the big game, and it was the center of my weekend.
Super Bowl Experience. Held at the Convention Center, Super Bowl Experience was a football fan’s dream, with autographs from players, the Lombardi Trophy and more NFL experiences. (I didn’t make it here, but I know a lot of people who loved it.)
Future Winter Bucket List
The Great Northern. Super Bowl visitors took over the cities and embraced all of the best the winter has to offer. The Great Northern brings together three of the cities’ best winter events, including:
- Saint Paul Winter Carnival. A longtime tradition in St. Paul, the Winter Carnival includes parades, a famous Ice Palace and ice sculptures, city-wide events and more.
- Luminary Loppet. This festival was designed to highlight the caliber of Minneapolis’ outdoor activities – whatever the season. The Luminary Loppet, held in the winter in the lakes area, includes luminaries lighting up the lake, Fire Dancers, ice sculptures and more. Truly a unique celebration for Minnesota’s winter season. I’ll definitely be trying these year-round Loppet festivities in the future.
- US Pond Hockey Tournament. What’s more Minnesotan than an outdoor hockey tournament in the winter? ‘Nuff said.
Bold North Zip Line. When they announced there would be a zip line over the Mississippi River in January as part of the Super Bowl festivities, I honestly thought it was a joke. But when I saw everyone going for it, I put it on my bucket list if the Bold North Zip Line ever makes a comeback. Crossing my fingers it comes back!
Rachel Enerson 