#MNStateCapitol

We've gotten in this habit of going to state capitols on trips - if time allows, for it. 

We thought it would be cool to stop by the Minnesota State Capitol in Saint Paul, Minnesota.

Why Go to a State Capitol?

The architecture is always amazing!

Even if you don't get into politics, it's still a place where big important decisions are made.

It's free! Minus the parking. We did pay for that. Speaking of which we had no clue what a pay box was. Do you know what one is? We parked and a sign said, "Pay at pay box." Something like that. Anyhow we had to ask someone, and they pointed out a box up the street. That's where you put your money, for parking.

  

I have to mention that the sky was so beautiful that day! Big puffy clouds stood out. I could have taken 1,000 pictures of the outside of the building. I'm not kidding.

Details:

The Lobby: 

In any Capitol the lobby area is amazing! This one had highlights of gold in spots all over.

Tour:

We didn't plan on taking a tour. We weren't against a tour, but hadn't set one up. All the sudden when we went up the steps a tour came through. The tour guide said we could join.

In we went with the tour to the House of Representatives. There's more women on the Supreme Court than there ever have been. Kind of interesting. 

Gold lined the ceiling in many spots.

Golden Horses:

We would not of been able to see the Golden Horses, had we not been on the tour. She took us up on the roof, where we could see for miles.

Then what we could only see from a distance before, we were close enough to touch it! 

 My favorite shot:

 

  

Cathedral of Saint Paul:

There was a great view of a cathedral from above, and we later walked to it down below.

Back in the State Capitol Staircase:

 

Peek a Boo Spot:

I saw this little spot, peeked through it and saw an amazing view.

 

Everything was so pretty! I think we could have stayed there all day!

How many state capitols have you been too?

Disclaimer: This is not a paid review. I got no compensation, for writing this post. All opinions are my own. 

Split Rock #lighthouse #minnesota #travel #vacation

One of my favorite places we went in Two Harbors, Minnesota was Split Rock Lighthouse. 

We loved the view! There was a lot to do.

We disliked that there was no places to eat anywhere near there. Their state park should invest in a lodge to eat at. Even if they'd just have sandwiches they'd certainly sell them. I think we would have stayed longer if we would have had lunch.

Cost:

Adult $10
Seniors $8
Kids 5 -17 $6
Kids 0-4 FREE

Hours:

10-6 Daily

First Stop:

Was to pay, for a tour at The Visitor's Center. It was so worth it!

Stand:

They had a fun little stand, where you could peak your heads in. Of course, since I take 99.9% of the photos I had to Photoshop myself in there. While I was at it, I put in a few local people that everyone knows. Travis rolled his eyes and said, "Really?!" I took them out, and put in puppets.

The View from the Visitor's Center:

The Lighthouse:

I had never seen a Lighthouse (except for in movies). I was excited. I did feel like I was patiently waiting a lot. I wanted shots with no people in them. That's not easy to do.

I do wish the sky was a little more interesting that day.

See the rock retaining wall that holds the steps up? They tell you not to climb on those in the Visitor's Center. A Mom - not me, decided it was a great idea to have all her kids climb on there to take a picture. Sometimes rules are meant to be broken. When it's not our place, we should respect the property of others.

Shop:

The square building off to the side had a little shop. 

The Outside of the Lighthouse: 

It was pretty cool!

The Inside of the Lighthouse:

Down the Steps They Went!

Isaak said, "Why do they have 2 railings. I don't have to hold on to either of them!" I said, "Yes you do! The steps are metal, steep and slippery. Hang on!"

Drone:

While we were going down the steps I could hear a drone flying around. Another one of their rules was, "No Drones Allowed!".

Backside of the Lighthouse:

Finally a little blue in the sky!

 View From the Lighthouse:

House:

There was a house that was built at the same time the Lighthouse was built. They had it close to its original state. 

I have one of the dolls that was in their cradle.

I loved their attic stairs! That was my favorite thing about the house.

Leaving the Lighthouse:

There was a long walkway where we could travel along to see the Lighthouse from a distance, and water views. It was super pretty!

Travis and Mica kept saying, "Hurry up!" How could I when I kept getting shots like this:

Lighthouse From a Distance:

My favorite shot:

Enjoying the View:

Along the way I talked with a family from India. They know over 4 languages. They said their English was rocky. I thought they spoke pretty clear. It was fun that they traveled so far to to see what we were seeing, for the first time.

Back to the Car:

How many lighthouses have you seen? 

Disclaimer: This is not a paid review. I got no compensation, for writing this post. All opinions are my own.