Arrive in Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN.  Here you check into the Drury Plaza St. Paul Downtown for a three night stay.  Located in the heart of downtown near the banks of the Mississippi River, the Drury Plaza Hotel St. Paul Downtown is just minutes plenty of attractions.  Dinner is on your own this evening, but you can take advantage of Drury’s 5:30 Kickback Happy Hour.  It features a rotating menu of hot foods and cold beverages each evening. (HH)

This morning, visit the Mill City Museum.  Built into the ruins of what was once the world’s largest flour mill, Mill City Museum is located on the historic Mississippi Riverfront.  Here, visitors of all ages learn about the intertwined histories of the flour industry, the river, and the city of Minneapolis.

Explore the rich history and participate in the storytelling of Minneapolis.  Witness baking demonstrations, sample fresh bread, observe a model mill explosion, get an amazing view of St. Anthony Falls and the Stone Arch Bridge, experience the Flour Tower, and while you’re there be sure to watch “Minneapolis in 19 Minutes Flat!”

Next, enjoy lunch on own and free time at the Midtown Global Market.  This internationally-themed public marketplace offering freshly prepared foods, restaurants, and unique gifts.  It is a dynamic community gathering place that highlights the talent, ambition, and cultural assets that characterize its neighborhood.

The afternoon features a visit to the FOCI Minnesota Center for Glass Arts for a Glass blowing Demonstration.  Narrated by a glass professional, the Foci MCGA Glass Demonstration provides an informative and entertaining look at what glass is, how it behaves at high temperatures, and how people manipulate glass to create beautiful works of art.

Tonight, enjoy the Chanhassen Dinner Theatre.  The nation’s largest professional dinner theatre with three (Equity) theatres under one roof.  Founded in 1968, Chanhassen Dinner Theatres boast an excellent choice of productions including: Broadway musicals, comedy, cabaret and a concert series!  Plus friendly tableside service and delicious entrees. (B,D)

Following breakfast at the hotel this morning, meet a local guide for a Saint Paul Gangster Tour.  Take a stroll back to the dirty 30’s to find out why St. Paul rolled out the red carpet for infamous gangsters like John Dillinger, Babyface Nelson, Alvin “Creepy” Karpis, the Barker Brothers, Edna Murray “the Kissing Bandit” and many more!  See the sites where the gangsters hung out while hearing their fascinating tales told by an entertaining Gangster Guide.

Enjoy the rest of the day at the Mall of America.  The famous mall, home to more than 520 stores, 50 restaurants, a theme park and an aquarium, continues to add trendy shops, exciting entertainment and restaurant options. Choose from several restaurants at the mall for lunch on your own.

Three big brands recently opened up shop on the mall’s north side: a two-story Zara, a flagship Anthropologie store and Minnesota’s first Toms location, offering shoes, eyewear, apparel and other accessories.  Other newcomers include the Crochet Store, a new H&M, Canada Goose, Morphe Cosmetics and SJP by Sarah Jessica Parker.

This evening, enjoy a relaxing Dinner Cruise up the mighty Mississippi River on a classic riverboat while taking in the beautiful scenery, gentle breeze and watching the sun set across the Minnesota sky.  In addition to stunning views, enjoy a fabulous dinner. (B,D)

After breakfast, depart for home. (B)