Spring has finally sprung in the Twin Cities, and many business owners and non-profit directors are looking forward to the spring and summer event season. Though winters are long in Minnesota, Minneapolis and St. Paul are home to some fantastic summer event venues that embrace the warm air, freshly-cut grass, and spectacular views.
Going for the View
If you would like to treat your guests to a view of the beautiful Minneapolis skyline, look no further than Solera Restaurant’s rooftop space. This restaurant serves up Spanish-style cuisine to spice up your event and offers audio-video equipment to make incorporating a presentation or slide show into your event a breeze. Solera’s two-floor event space can accommodate up to 1,000 guests.
If views of the St. Paul skyline are what you are after, check out the Minnesota Boat Club. It is located on Raspberry Island in the Mississippi River and offers excellent views of the bluffs and skyline. The Minnesota Boat Club is an intimate space with room for 130 to 150 people inside and up to 200 people on its outdoor patio.
An Evening on the Water
The City of Lakes offers no shortage of water. The Minneapolis Queen paddleboat allows your guests to enjoy the view of Minneapolis from the Mississippi river. The Minneapolis Queen offers dining on linens and china and access to flat-screen TVs and a PA system for presentations. The paddleboat can accommodate 125 guests.
Further downriver, check out Padelford Riverboats out of St. Paul. The company maintains a fleet of boats that accommodate 50 to 600 guests. The company is contracted with a caterer, making dining options simple, and each boat offers a stocked bar. The company also offers theme nights for events, such as casino night.
Take a Trip to the Zoo
Though not downtown, the Minnesota Zoo is a memorable place to hold an outdoor summer event. Depending on the time you host your event, your guests can enjoy the animal exhibits, and it may even be possible to have a raptor present at your event. The Minnesota Zoo has its own caterer, making choosing foods easy, and depending on the space you rent, audio-visual equipment is available.
St. Paul is home to the beautiful Como Park Zoo. The zoo allows groups to rent out the zoo visitor center, the polar bear lodge, or the conservatory. The park’s grounds can accommodate up to 9,000 guests with spacious grounds and several picnic pavilions. If your group is large, Como may be the place for you!
Don’t Overlook Municipal Parks
While booking a municipal park may be more hands-on in terms of planning since parks generally do not supply a caterer or entertainment, the beautiful spaces are perfect places for your guests to enjoy the outdoors. In Minneapolis, Minnehaha Park, the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, Theodore Wirth Park, and Central Riverfront Park all offer beautiful outdoor spaces.
Como Park comes to mind when many think of St. Paul parks. However, there are other fun options. Indian Mounds Park boasts a skyline view and has historical significance, while Crosby Park is wooded with a few small ponds and a trail along the Mississippi River. Both parks have picnic facilities for your business or non-profit’s next cook-out.
Spring is time to start planning your Minnesota company’s summer event. To learn more about these and other options, contact Kalsey at Do Good Events today.