Menu of Venues — Unique Minnesota Spots that Theme Your Event

Ever been in a creative drought? You know how it is — those times when you just cannot seem to come up with a theme for your event that’s unique and memorable. Why not let your venue do the work for you? Pick a place that’s out of the ordinary and watch as out-of-the-box inspiration washes over you.

Create a Masterpiece

Nothing sparks conversation and encourages socializing like art. Whether it’s classic or contemporary, conforming or controversial, sculptures, paintings, films and photos in an art gallery will stir your guests’ imaginations and provide a wonderful canvas upon which you can create your event. In the heart of Minneapolis lies the Walker Art Center where you can choose to have your guests wander the grounds of the iconic sculpture gardens; enjoy the cityscape vistas from the skyline room; relax in the Cargill lounge; or mingle on a tented terrace; all while surrounded by an eclectic collection of art.

Hit the Jackpot

Casino nights are an evergreen hit and never seem to go out of style. Fortunately, with so many wonderful, all-inclusive, multi-functional casino resorts close by, you can host an event that we bet your guests will love.  Check out Mystic Lake Casino Hotel with its 600 luxury rooms, 10 bars and restaurants and 67,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, plus a 2100-seat showroom. On-site catering, plus slots, table games, bingo and pull tabs all add up to a sure thing. Or cash in on the action at Shooting Star Casino, Hotel & Event Center with Vegas-style gaming, big name concerts, award-winning dining, spa and 30,000 square feet of event space.

Find them Fascinating

Meetings, lectures and even social events become uber fascinating when folks are surrounded by history. Invite your guests to explore captivating interactive exhibits, both permanent and changing, at the Minnesota History Center featuring unique meeting spaces, convenient parking and outdoor terraces with spectacular views. The stately and historic Landmark Center in St. Paul is a former Federal Court House and Post Office that was completed in 1896. With its grand architecture, five story courtyard with skylight, and beautifully renovated former courtrooms, it becomes an amazing backdrop for any event.

Lead the Pack

And they’re off…off enjoying themselves that is, at Canterbury Park. A fun-filled day at the races is just what your group needs. Have a derby day, wear big hats and drink mint juleps. It’s all good at the racetrack where as many as 300 can meet, eat and enjoy live racing, simulcasting, poker and table games with many fabulous lodging accommodations close by.

Go Freestylin’

A day on the slopes followed by an evening in the lodge can be invigorating as well as team building. Caribou Highlands Lodge boasts meeting facilities with mountain views, single sleeping rooms along with homes for lodging that sleep up to 12. Featuring fabulous dining in their bar or restaurant, plus indoor/outdoor pool, sauna, whirlpool spa areas, fitness center and massage center and your retreat is complete. Or, head cross country to The Lodge at Giants Ridge where you’ll find ample meeting and banquet space for up to 350, comfy lodging, restaurant, bar, spa, pool, and of course, skiing among the towering pines and frozen lakes of Minnesota’s Superior National Forest.

Bring your Appetite

If you’re going to rock a restaurant, make sure it’s one that truly rocks AND rolls. That’s the Hard Rock Café at MOA. Featuring live music, your group can jam to the surroundings filled with music memorabilia, fantastic food, dynamic rooms, and of course, the Mall of America just steps outside the door.

Practice Figure Eights

Put your group gathering on ice at the National Sports Center. Team members can practice their figure eights on the Schwan Super Rink, tee up at the Victory Links, play soccer on one of the 52 athletic fields, have one of 12,000 seats at the NSC Stadium, kick back at a cycling event in the Velodrome and then get some well-deserved rest at the adjoining 180-bed residence hall. Phew. Or, they may just want to lace up their skates, grab a hockey stick and puck and head to the Roseville Skating Center featuring the Roseville Ice Arena, the legendary Guidant John Rose MN Oval outdoor recreation facility, and some very spacious and splendid banquet facilities.

Give a Stunning Performance

Your group can be center stage at one of many dramatic theater venues. The Ames Center’s main proscenium theater seats up to 1014, while the Black Box Theater hosts up to 150. With adjoining 2000 square foot gallery, a 4000 square foot open lobby with second floor atrium and floor to ceiling windows, your event will receive rave reviews. Also critically acclaimed, ARIA at the Jeune Lune is a gorgeously grand historical theater with impressive architecture, cascading chandeliers, and high ceilings in a magnificently restored building.

Now that you’ve been inspired by this yummy menu of venues, we challenge you to try to choose just one.