Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota

Art takes to the great outdoors at the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden. Some of the larger-than-life works include David Nash’s “Standing Frame,” left, and “Spoonbridge and Cherry” by Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen.  (Christopher Reynolds / Los Angeles Times)

Admiring one’s mirror image is par for the course at the Walker Art Center. The Minneapolis museum commissioned 14 local artists to create miniature golf holes, many of which incorporate recycled materials.  (Christopher Reynolds / Los Angeles Times)

When the weather’s nice, the plaza at Minneapolis’ IDS Center fills up with people-watchers. The downtown high-rise has a cameo role in Mary Tyler Moore’s ’70s TV show of the same name: The actress rides one of the building’s escalators in the program’s intro.  (Christopher Reynolds / Los Angeles Times)

The Guthrie Theater adds its ultramodern design to the Minneapolis skyline. French architect Jean Nouvel’s design includes a cantilevered “endless bridge” observation deck with panoramic views of the Mississippi River and skyline.  (Christopher Reynolds / Los Angeles Times)

The Art Deco Foshay Tower, once the tallest building in Minneapolis, is now dwarfed by neighboring skyscrapers. After a major renovation, the Foshay has been reborn as a luxury hotel — the W Minneapolis.  (Christopher Reynolds / Los Angeles Times)

St. Paul’s Cathedral, known for its stained glass, is on St. Paul’s Summit Avenue, a five-mile showcase of American dream homes. Every possible Victorian variation is here.  (Christopher Reynolds/Los Angeles Times)

Oversized portraits of theater people are part of the décor at the Guthrie, including this one of founder Tyrone Guthrie. The Guthrie, situated next to the Mississippi River, is home to one of the top regional theaters in the country.  (Christopher Reynolds/Los Angeles Times)

Suburban sprawl takes on new meaning along Lake Calhoun in Minneapolis. The lake is popular with swimmers and sunbathers, who spread out on the gritty sand.  (Christopher Reynolds/Los Angeles Times)

During the long, sunny days of summer, Lake Calhoun is awash with canoes, kayaks and sailboats. Don’t feel like a watery adventure? Consider renting a bike and pedaling around the edge of the lake instead.  (Christopher Reynolds/Los Angeles Times)

The coolness factor is off the charts at Bryant-Lake Bowl, a vintage eight-lane bowling alley in Minneapolis. The dining area features a wonderfully worn checkerboard floor and a menu full of locally produced ingredients. For a change of pace, consider the veggie chili.  (Christopher Reynolds / Los Angeles Times)

Folk musicians hold forth at a farmers market outside the Mill City Museum in Minneapolis. Venturing inside? Be sure to take the “Flour Tower” ride at the museum, which is situated amid the ruins of a vast old mill.  (Christopher Reynolds / Los Angeles Times)