Lilydale Things to Do

Swan Turnblad, a Swedish immigrant and self-made millionaire publisher, built this mansion but he and his family lived in it only a short time. Swan and his wife, Christina, found it to be too ostentatious for their tastes, so... more

Once the home of railroad baron, James J. Hill, the Minnesota Historical Society now owns this mansion. Tours provide a glimpse into what astonishing wealth could buy at the turn of the 19th century. It contains 42 rooms includ... more

This Victorian beauty has recently been updated and refurbished. The glass-enclosed wings of the building are a horticulturist's dream. Each wing has a different theme with helpful placards naming each plant species. Most rooms... more

Nestled on the southern edge of the Twin Cities is one of the few urban wildlife refuges in the country. It offers visitors a rare chance to see natural habitat without venturing far from the city. The 8,000-acre reserve runs a... more

Affectionately known as the MIA, this museum is home to an exceptional gallery of Impressionist paintings and an exquisite Asian collection. The museum holds significant works by American and European artists including Picasso,... more

The wait can be long and parking sparse, but you will be glad you risked it. This modern, airy restaurant is in a two-story building with walls of windows on the bustling corner of Grand and Victoria. Service is cafeteria style... more

This venue features everything that makes diners an American staple. Try an order of the "2s" (2 eggs, 2 pancakes, 2 pieces of bacon or sausage). Besides buttermilk pancakes and potatoes O'Brien, the diner whips up a tasty cau... more

The Café Lurcat is a trendy restaurant with a titillating menu of cold appetizers (mussels, oysters, shrimp). Bar Lurcat is a lush lounge with live entertainment and delectable teasers, such as fried calamari with citrus dip an... more

Located near the Target Center, it draws a huge crowd on event nights, otherwise it is a relatively quiet spot frequented by the after-work crowd. If you want to watch the action on the street, ask for a table by the huge windo... more

As the name suggests, dining at Bellanote provides a "beautiful night" with an Italian-influenced cuisine and a comfortable atmosphere. Enjoy a quick bite or cocktail at the Bar and Lounge or enjoy a romantic lunch or dinner by... more