Minnehaha Park
Winding along the Mississippi River, Minnehaha Park, one of the oldest and most popular parks in Minneapolis, contains the city's first frame house, located west of the river. There are views over Minnehaha Falls and a statue commemorating the Native Americans, Hiawatha and Minnehaha, who were the subjects of Longfellow's famous poem, 'The Song of Hiawatha'.

Hiawatha Avenue and Minnehaha Parkway
Tel: (612) 230 6400.
Website: www.minneapolisparks.org
Opening hours: Daily 0600-2200.
Free admission.

Historic Fort Snelling
This 1820s US Army outpost has been restored to depict military life in the frontier era. Costumed guides on the site demonstrate musket and cannon drills, blacksmithing and other skills, while the history centre contains exhibits and videos.

Junction of Highways 5 and 55, Fort Snelling exit
Tel: (612) 726 1171.
Website: www.mnhs.org
Opening hours: Sat 1000-1700, Sun 1200-1700 (early May and late Sep-Oct); Mon-Sat 1000-1700, Sun 1200-1700 (late May-early Sep); closed (Nov-Apr).
Admission charge.