Getting around
For those coming from out of town, here is some information about travel options - getting around, lodging, maps and weather, and fun things to do in the Twin Cities.
PLANES: You’ll fly into the Minneapolis/Saint Paul International Airport (code: MSP). We suggest checking Southwest Airlines for less expensive flights - they’re coming to Minneapolis starting in March 2009, initially just between Minneapolis and Chicago but from Chicago you can get anywhere, if you don’t mind a layover!
TRAINS (and BUS): Visit http://www.metrotransit.org to create a personalized schedule, fares, and route maps for local public transit - there is one light rail line that takes you from the Mall of America and the airport to downtown Minneapolis. Cost of bus and light rail at peak hours is $2.25 or non-peak $1.75.
AUTOMOBILES: We will provide a shuttle from the hotel to the wedding.
Options for getting around include the bus, taxi, or renting a car. Several car rental companies are at the airport - Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Payless, and Thrifty. We recommend checking http://www.hotwire.com to find a good deal.
Taxis are expensive in Minnesota and not readily available on the street, so you need to call ahead. All cab fares are $2.35 per mile plus a $3 trip fee; the fare from the airport to the hotel is $35.
Typical Minnesota weather
Typical weather in Minneapolis in June is beautiful: warm, sunny, and somewhat humid - definitely not as humid as Pennsylvania or Iowa though.
Average highs: 70s and low 80s F
Average lows: around 60 F
Sun rise: about 5:30am
Sunset: about 9pm
Midwestern weather can be unpredictable so you’re better off coming prepared for sun, rain, tornados, blizzards, earthquakes, hurricanes… just kidding! Since we’ll be outside though, come prepared for sun or rain, warm to hot days and decently warm to cool nights, and don’t forget the sunscreen and bug spray (they say the Minnesota state bird is the mosquito...). Check the Weather Channel or AccuWeather for predictions. Or just go outside if you live here already.
Fun and adventure
It’s around this time of year though when Minnesotans finally re-emerge from hibernation, and everyone is outdoors, hanging out at the lakes (22 within the city of Minneapolis alone - did you know? Minneapolis means “city of lakes"), going to free concerts or movies in the parks nearly every day of the week, or otherwise enjoying the sunshine while it lasts. Which is about 2 months out of the year. And then winter comes again and we all go back to our caves.... We’ve suggested a few ideas to keep yourself out of trouble while you’re here in “Fun stuff to do”.