20 Best Summer Programs In Minneapolis, MN (2022 Updated)

Currently in the Automotive program and beyond grateful to be at Dunwoody. Dunwoody has already changed my life and it's only fall semester. In my honest opinion if you are seeking a top notch school Dunwoody has you covered. Aside from being a father (which will always be number one) attending Dunwoody was the best strategic decision I've made. Thank you for letting me share my experience so far.Halfbreed

The staff at this college is absolutely phenomenal (or at least the staff I have met this far). They went out of their way to help me in a situation I didn't ever think would have a resolution. In addition, this school proves you don't need a 4 year degree to get an amazing job as most of their degree programs are 2 years, yet they still retain an amazing job placement rate.Brandon

This place forever changed my life. I thrived in the small class sizes and hands on approach to labs. Dunwoody has close ties to industry professionals that help shape and guide the curriculum. I highly recommend this school. Keep in mind it is private, not-for-profit, and entirely tuition driven, so staff and faculty are very dedicated to student success.Mark Anderson

They want everyone to attend classes on campus. Come on. They proudly and loudly proclaim "Saint Paul College – We're Back this Fall". There are multiple new COVID variants out now with record hospitalizations in MN but Saint Paul college wants us all on campus. My wife and I are both working from home. Our employees cared enough about our safety to let us do this, but Saint Paul college wants us all on campus. My wife is taking classes at a private college and they told her all classes will be online, at least for now. No need to risk your health and come in, but Saint Paul college wants us all on campus. Thankfully I did my research by talking to them and decided against going here. Spending a little more so that I can stay at home and take my Lit classes online. Don't bother with this place. If you can, spend a little extra and have the peace of mind that you won't end up in the ICU with a tube down your throat. There, I did my research so you don't have to. Feel free to call them. They literally want everyone back on campus. Ridiculous and unsafe.Dana Cooper

I havnt attended this school, & along with my experience so far & reading the reviews I may not. I have a degree; however, I work as a nursing assistant. I love my job, but I often see aids being treated pretty poorly. So, as I get older, I thought maybe I could look into being an LP . In this role, I could work fairly with the aides around me…blah, blah, blah. So I requested more information. I recieved no call back, only an email saying I had to put an application in. Eh, no. I want information from you, to see if this is a good fit, so I can decide if I want to put an application in….I guess, maybe within the bigger picture, I did get the information I needed.Jane Hallett

I ate at the City View Cafe at St. Paul College. This is the cafe that is operated by the students in the culinary program. I recently enjoyed the Valentines Tasting menu and it was fantastic. The only criticism I had for the meal was the shell on the dessert was a bit thick (I cannot believe I am complaining about dessert). It was hard to gracefully eat but it was so worth it. The combination of flavors was divine. If this meal was any indication of the talent these students have, we are going to have sone great chefs (hopefully in the Twin Cities area) in the future.Sharon Moen

Great facilities. Everything else was lacking. I experienced little or no guidance when selecting a major or finding a career. Really disappointed with the instruction, the curriculums, it’s really hard to get the classes you want. safety is not great, I had a laptop stolen, was almost run over in the parking lot by a drunk driver and security did nothing both times. The culture at the school is very clique-ish, It’s not the most welcoming environment, it doesn’t help that most students are introverts and that this is the Midwest and everyone is passive aggressive. This all leads to a toxic environment that’s palpable at times. Students are wound so tight because classes are long, the attendance is strict and everyone is tired from pulling all-nighters all the time because the competitive pressure is huge, That wouldn’t be so bad but Campus life is non-existent there is no meal plan, the cafeteria hours aren’t great. Finally students are held to a higher standard than the faculty and staff, an example: it’s annoying to lose a letter grade if you miss two classes, but then have a teacher that’s late and under prepared everyday is irritating. There is no excuse for late work yet grades are never updated in a timely fashion. The school likes to have this polished image for its donors and when the school throws events students are treated like second class citizens. And for many of the instructors this just seems like a job for them to pad their resume, that’s why there is such a large turnover with instructors at MCAD.Jeffrey Tuura

Having been in the workforce now for almost 7 years, I can say my education at MCAD has shown to be exceptionally better than a state university. The practical experience I received at MCAD made me stand out at the beginning of my career. Now I see how I’m more open to new ideas, I’m more creative, have a lot more patience, and I’m much more team oriented than my peers. I would suggest the BSc program at MCAD to anyone looking at going into marketing or advertising as a career. No college is perfect. MCAD professors can be hit or miss. The counseling side when I was there was non-existent. The college itself markets itself as being prestigious, when a majority of students are giant geeks who just love making art. Which to me is what makes the school fun and interesting. But at the end of the day, if I could do it all over again, I’d still pick MCAD. Best decision I ever made.Jenna Ballinger

I attended the Pre-College Summer Session in 2017 here at MCAD and I love every minute of it. The campus is perfect for all of our needs. The Art Cellar here is top notch and have everything from paints to pens to paper. Anything an art student would need at an affordable price. The Service Bearau here is also very good. The people there are super helpful in assisting me with my final project. The College Center here has a ping pong table as well a pool table & arcade machine. The campus is also very close to Nicollet Ave. so there is easy access to a bunch of restaurants and cafes.Angela Zhang

Bethany Lutheran Church, worshipping virtually (Zoom), physically distancing, but keeping our ties is now conducting the Sunday at 10 am Worship Services from the beautiful Gundale Chapel on Augsburg Campus. At this time limited to only worship leaders on site we are looking forward to when we can safely gather in person. Augsburg University and especially Leif Anderson has been wonderful to work with as Bethany moves out into the community and into a public church in passing on its physical building to Augsburg. Augsburg's support of spiritual and faith growth of its students and community within different religions is a joy to see and Bethany is glad to be a part of that.Lorraine Wookey

The cafeteria is subpar, not only in food quality, but in sanitary means. There is low variety and Augsburg encourages food waste by requiring that students' meals fit certain criteria, because they are paid to do so. As for cleanliness, the floors are sticky, and it is common to find a crushed banana or two on the floor. The tables and floors are not cleaned regularly, if at all, resulting in an unhealthy eating environment, full of bacteria. Not to mention, this school encourages unhealthful habits such as food waste and cleaning habits. This cafeteria should not remain in service.Ansel Erol (Sir. Anselot)

My mother, sister, and I are all proud alumnus of Augsburg (Class of 97', 08' & '16). The professors are great – they are always willing to help a student. Every year, at the beginning of the Fall Semester, students go out and volunteer around the community. They invite well-known speakers (i.e. Bill Nye, Steve Wozniak, and Jimmy Carter) to campus; both the public and students are invited to attend. They are open to all regions, not just Lutherans. I would recommend this school to anyone, but consider going to Community College then transferring, it helps with the cost.Tiffiney Biorn

A member of the Class of 2006, I still think back on the tremendous influence of Minnehaha on my life. Though MA is an academically rigorous college prep school, teachers see students beyond their academic ability. They are equally devoted to helping students grow as whole people as they model critical thinking, compassion and humility. 15 years after graduating, many of my former teachers are still working at Minnehaha. In a field with so much burnout, it's worth noting that teachers at MA stay for the long haul. This speaks to their passion, their devotion to students and to the MA community at-large. When I went to college, I was able to test out of a handful or required college courses due to the various AP options available to me at MA. I've always been thankful for that. Academics aside, the best part about Minnehaha is that it is a community that helped bring my faith to life. It is a place that fosters a love of asking questions rather than resorting to easy answers.Julia Stewart

All 3 of my children have, or are attending Minnehaha starting with Lower School. My oldest graduated, and my 2nd does this year. We have always felt to blessed to have the privilege of attending such an excellent school where the Christian values are taught as truth, and the teachers and all the faculty have a genuine heart for Christ. And, at the same time, differences of opinions and beliefs are not judged. My children thrived and are thriving in the nurturing environment. The challenging academic environment sufficiently prepares my children for college. The quality of teachers is first class, and the school seems to always be on the cutting edge of our changing culture from technology to the continuously evolving social issues that face our kids. I can't say enough about this school.Laura Hlavac

I am an alum, current faculty, and parent at Minnehaha Academy. Our two kids attend the Lower School, beginning several years ago in PreK, and are flourishing – as parents, we could not be more thrilled with their education and love for the school! Minnehaha Academy is a fantastic school on all levels. Minnehaha teaches to the whole child (academics, art, athletics, spiritual, and more) – this is of utmost important to the awesome faculty and staff at this PreK-12 school. Students are supported to grow and mature to their full potential while recognizing their gifts and talents that they can use in service to God and to others. We would not hesitate to recommend others to attend Minnehaha Academy and be part of the beautiful community and family feel this school provides.Julie Johnson

After a long search to find a great school for our 7th grader, we were so pleased to find the perfect learning environment at Mounds Park Academy! From the first visit where we toured this amazing facility, we were impressed by the bright hallways, classrooms, the state-of-the-art equipment and the incredible library! Every space at MPA has been carefully crafted to insure the success of the children from kindergarten through 12th grade. Now that our child is in 9 th grade, we know we made the right choice! The teachers, administration and staff are some of the most dedicated, motivated and qualified professionals in the field of education. The rigorous academic catalog is brimming with exciting core classes and enticing electives, all guaranteed to produce a well- rounded education. Beyond the incredible educational benefits, MPA is a very welcoming and inclusive environment where students are allowed and encouraged to ask tough questions, express independent ideas and thrive in a truly nurturing and safe environment. We are so thoroughly impressed and pleased by all the exceptional aspects of the Mounds Park Academy experience and highly recommend it unequivocally without hesitation! We are grateful beyond measure!Kelsey Anderson

This is by far the worst school in this state whether private or public. The teachers do not care about the students at all – I observed teachers on their cellphones during class, ignoring children's requests for water, and yelling at a child for falling and crying because he was hurt. This was in the pre-K room, which is their feeder program into the school so it's supposed to be their best foot forward! MPA has a one size fits all and the teachers are not willing to be creative or thoughtful in working with children at all. They think all students and parents should be grateful to be at MPA regardless of the quality of education or treatment they get. This school is also in a very high crime area – there was a shooting right across the street. Look elsewhere.Dena M. Sonbol

My time at MPA prepared me to be a lifelong learner. I absolutely loved my experience, the friends I made, and the community that I have. I am also incredibly grateful to my parents for making the decision to send me to MPA, and for making the investment in me. I am a better person and a better student because they were so selfless in prioritizing MPA tuition over new cars, vacations or cabins. If you are a parent considering MPA, but hesitant because of the tuition, know that your child, like me, will grow up to be exceptionally grateful that you made the decision to invest in their future with a private school like this one. I can't say enough good things about MPA. It will always be my home.Nate Johnson

Incredible, huge, three-story, free art museum with ongoing exhibits as well as various rotating and traveling special exhibits that have a fee (however, those exhibits usually offer free days as well). I have spent many hours over many days over many years and yet I STILL haven't seen everything even in the ongoing exhibits. You should make a reservation for tickets for special events but usually you can walk-in and still get a ticket, even for those. They have a fun, free Family Day event the second weekend of every month with fun activities and a take-home tote. You can also get a free or paid membership (different levels have different benefits). Definitely donate if you can as well, to help support the museum. There is a gift shop as well as a couple restaurants on site. They offer a free coat check and self-service lockers, which is great for winter when you don't want to lug your coat around. The museum is located on the bus route and there is free on-street and some paid parking lots available. Sometimes they offer free shuttles as well. The museum is accessible with ramps and elevators and offer free wheelchairs for use (which was so helpful when I was there while on crutches). We love the fun, family-friendly Rock the Cradle event they host with the Children's Theatre Company in March and the beautiful Art in Bloom event in the spring. Visited on
Weekday

Wait time
No wait

Price for adult entry
FreeSamara Bilyeu-Anderson

It was my first time. I was very impressed. Very very very large building. Three Floors. I was there 3 hours and I didn't even see everything. They have one or two sections where it cost money to get in but those are like for specialty exhibits like Van Gogh and they had some Japanese textiles thing that was like 20 bucks to get in. They have a coffee shop and a gift store on the first floor. All the art was really interesting. I highly recommend reading the plaques, some really funny stuff. I should have taken more photos. I can't wait to go back. In the African art section on the first floor, if you read the plaques it's almost comical they tell stories of how they have no idea where the art came from or who made it and it was donated by some white guy. I think an effort should be made to return some of that stuff, especially stuff within the last century.for example there was several spiritual artifacts that were so sacred they should be returned. They have a really great Mediterranean section as well, one thing was an urn. That should be returned and put in an intentional resting place that isn't to be gawked at by tourists. Visited on
Weekday

Wait time
No wait

Reservation recommended
No

Price for adult entry
FreeJacob Johnston

Absolutely insanely amazing… Literally filled with wonders. The Mia is huge and has an INCREDIBLE amount of wonderful art. I was there 3 hours and didn't even get through one floor. I think I spent two hours just in the Asia exhibits and I didn't even see everything in there. Time flies by when there's so much to get immersed in. I think it would take me days to truly appreciate all of the art. If you like to sketch, definitely bring your materials! I had a blast 😀 And Mia is completely free!!! (Although everyone should make a donation to this wonderful place). I would put this at the top of the to-do list when in the Twin Cities. Hopefully I'm back in Minneapolis soon so I can designate a few full days to the Mia:) The facilities were very clean and there is plenty of room to social distance even with a good amount of people visiting (I was there on a Wednesday 11am-2pm). Lovely staff as well and they do have a self-service coat check with lockers. As of 4/27/22, masks are optional although many guests still masking when I was there:) Very accessible by bus too! Visited on
Weekday

Wait time
No wait

Reservation recommended
No

Price for adult entry
FreeStella Chen

Our most recent visit was a weekday…during spring break. We had reservations for opening: 10AM. Ramp parking was very easy…and…cheap at just $5.00 during museum hours…as long as there isn't an event happening. In that case…parking fees can be much more steep so…know before you go. When we got inside…it was not crowded at all. We expected the opposite given schools being out. [Honestly…it never felt crowded the entire time we were there even though it was 'busy'. The museum is expansive.] We had back-to-back omnitheater reservations to check out both current films playing. These are always highly enjoyable…and…worth the extra fee to attend. The exhibits don't really change much…with the exception of one…or…two temporary exhibits that come for a certain period of time. You'll always find favorites like the medical quackery gallery…the human body exhibit…and…the dinosaur habitat…which will thrill any prehistoric enthusiast. Many of the exhibits are interactive…along with being educational. There is alot to be learned here…even if you've previously visited. Some of the stations…especially in the sports/activities…and…medical quackery areas can get overly-busy as the activities are exciting. Just be prepared to bring your patience…and…enjoy your turn when it comes. Besides the fun exhibits…some galleries deal with minnesota's history…and…social issues: both current…and…past. Everybody leaves with something. The museum store is open limited hours…as is the lobby snack bar. You can always bring your own food/drinks…and…enjoy them in the designated dining locations. We have always had a pleasant experience at the Science Museum…and…will return at least yearly.Starlette Skye

My first time going to the Science Museum of Minnesota was great. It was busy with kids, which I had expected before going since it was a Sunday. There was a great array of exhibits and I loved all of them—the fact that the science museum has an exhibit about race as a construct is amazing. The parking was a little tricky (especially since the driveway to the parking garage is so tiny). The gift shop is super cute and they even sell some unique D&D dice! There are also lots of interactive exhibits that are entertaining for adults and kids alike. Visited on
Weekend

Wait time
No wait

Reservation recommended
Yes

Price for adult entry
$21–30Nicholas Bilyeu

Hands down one of the coolest museums (kid or adult) that I’ve been to in the country. It’s got something for everyone… whether you’re a science nerd like me, or not- it will definitely capture your interest. I loved the electricity and magnetism area, and the sports science exhibits. The kids loved the anatomy/physiology area and all of the hands-on activities. We left that day with two curious kiddos, asking tons of “why?” and “how?” questions. This place should be a mandatory field trip stop for all local schools. I didn’t grow up in MN so I didn’t have anything like this as a kid. What a cool place.Patrick Hadorn

This camp was one of the formative years of my life. The skills I learned there helped me to be successful in so many other areas of my life and I think about my time there almost daily. The staff from the newest councilor to the camp director all care that students have an experience that is safe, fun and enriching. It's a tonic for a life wasted in front of glowing screens and a good place to get to know people face-to-face. If you can afford it, send your kids. If not, I believe there are need-based scholarships available.Lucas Weismann

My kids had their lives changed by Widji. My oldest plans to go into Biology/Environmental Studies as a career due to the love of nature and wilderness instilled in him by his Widji years. Counselors and staff are the best. Don’t believe trolls like “Minnesota Boy”. Widji is without peer. Longtime sun…John Reinschmidt

I love the food the counselors they are very kind you really get to know them and after going there for four years I really got to know the counselors personally so it always feels like home whenever I visit with my school. Overall. Every time I go there I never want to leave.☺️😂🙂Alex Appleton

We loved it! Plenty of parking. There is a visitor's center with restrooms and a little museum. The employees there were quite welcoming and helpful as we rented one of their golf carts. The Park is quite large, so give yourself plenty of time to walk around and check everything out. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes, and you may want some bug spray. There is so much to look at, and it's all set in a beautiful place surrounded by nature. We spent a little over an hour there, but keep in mind that we were traveling by golf cart, not on foot. We definitely didn't see everything, and we're looking forward to returning in the future!Missy Isles

This is such a fun place to visit, and there always seems to be something new to see here. It's a great place to be outdoors and walk around the trails. You can see some truly unique art pieces all around, and there are signs by them that will tell you about the artist and the sculptures as well. If you are like me and bring a camera around with you, or even if you just shoot photos with your phone…you will have plenty of subject matter to photograph while you are here.Scott Berglund

Fun to see the favorites and also new things and they change and add things. Sucks that today when we went the guy and his kid were climbing all over the sculptures. Not just the one I posted and also climbed all the way to the top of the boats to sit in the boat with his son. Very rude and irresponsible teaching your children that it's okay to disrespect other people's things/property. I did let the front desk know. I called while we were still out walking.S V

Steppingstone produces high-quality, professional shows with amazingly talented and hard-working actors. The amount of work and time put in to each rehearsal process is incredible. I like how the Core Company members check in with each of the actors to see how they are doing with the show and balancing schoolwork, to see if there is anything they can do to help. It is a supportive, inclusive, educational, but extremely fun environment. The staff are very collaborative with the actors, but definitely know what they are doing and have a lot of prior theatre experience. The costume and set designs are awesome too!Hannah Buss

Amazing theater! The kids did amazing we saw beauty and the beast. The seats were nice and the isles were wide. Wider than normal theaters. The stage was large and had nice sets. The two story ceiling was very cool. They projected lights on the dome and it had a very cool effect! The front of the house was decorated nicely for the show and we'll maintained! Can't wait to go and see more shows there. I have a daughter who was very interested in signing up for a show in the spring!Dave Giancristoforo

WHAT A FANTASTIC THEATRE! My family and I attended "Aladdin Jr." at the Stepping Stone Theater. That was our first visit to the theater. My husband and I were beyond impressed with the stage production, special effects and diversity not only on stage, but in the audience as well. The young actors and actresses were fantastic! Our children (ages 3 and 7) also really enjoyed the production. We have since been back to see other productions and overall love this theatre!E J P

The Bakken museum was the perfect venue for HUGE theater’s Black and Funny improv festival. The rooftop made for a safe setting and allowed me sit and enjoy myself under a tent while looking out into the skyline. There were moments I thought I was in France, with the glass and metal pyramids on the rooftop and the beautiful gardens and landscaping on all sides. The museum itself is modern and their current exhibit is hands on and makes use of animation and electronic art. Read all things Twin Cities and reviews at the global dig.blogspot.comTrin Carl

The Bakken Museum has so much charm! My first time doing a photo booth event here and I was surprised at the Beaty and the elegance. Must book this venue! But here’s why I’m writing this review: The staff here offers top of the line best service! Super caring of the guest and of all of us vendors! Super helpful, responsive and very nice to me when coordinating everything with the photo booth services for the night! I love being at venues where the service matches the venue! Thank you so much for having me!Felipa Cespedes

Lots of hands-on activities in this museum, the kids (ages 5,8,10) really enjoyed the current SPARK exhibit. Tickets are very reasonably priced. We visited in winter, but the outdoor spaces look like they’d be lovely. Oh, and the Lego Hide&Seek was a fun challenge, we absolutely could not find Florence Nightingale, maybe you will! Visited on
Weekday

Wait time
No wait

Reservation recommended
Yes

Price for adult entry
$11–15Christy Stutsman

If it's been a while since you've checked out the Como Conservatory, there's no more fantastic place to be on a cold winter's day then their exquisitely curated encapsulation of plants and the tropics. A reservation is required, but free. Donations are welcome and preferred. The paths are defined, and one way during COVID, but patrons were fantastic about pulling off to the side of the path when they wanted to go slower or were more comfortable having large groups pass them. You exit by the bonsai exhibit, which is on the far side from the main parking lot, so consider the weather when deciding whether or not to bring your coat along for the walk! Endless gratitude to all of the employees and volunteers for their hard work and creativity. Visited on
Weekend

Wait time
No wait

Reservation recommended
Yes

Price for adult entry
FreeJessica H.

Worth the the visit for the conservatory alone. The gardens were well laid out and the signs identifying the plants were actually helpful and very well done. The seasonal flower garden was incredibly beautiful and a special feast for the eyes after quite a long winter. Make sur enough reserve your spot in advance by a few hours or you won't be able to access the zoo or conservatory when you want. Parking near is limited so arrive early or plan to walk. The zoo itself is well laid out and there is a good sizes picnic area if you bring your own lunch. Visited on
Weekday

Wait time
Up to 10 min

Reservation recommended
Yes

Price for adult entry
FreeCamerron Wettern

Genuinely loved that this zoo and conservatory is FREE. We needed to kill some time on our visit and were shocked that this location was free. The park is a decent size, pretty small zoo portion but great size plant conservatory that’s very well maintained. Because COVID is still very much alive, I would’ve been happier to see more staff wearing masks or some sort of mask regulations on indoor portions of the park as it does get really crowded. Book a reservation online in advance or you will have to wait. Visited on
Weekend

Wait time
No wait

Reservation recommended
Yes

Price for adult entry
FreeKatie G

Confetti is the true definition of a circus. I was in awe the entire time. Seeing the circus played throughout its history and evolution through time travel was the best. Clowns are my favorite part of the circus and I fell in love with Circus Juventas' interpretation of clowns. The makeup, costumes, props (that horse!), music and lightning were exceptional. The performers brought it all together so skillfully. I also give major props to the staff who helped resolve our ticket mixup with grace, speed and professionalism. Only 4 stars coz the pretzels didn't come with cheese but don't let that stop you from catching a show.Gretchen Younger

Amazing performance! Impressed by the young students and their hard work. We went to the closing show for Confetti. I kept thinking it was done… and then it kept going. 3 hour show, including 25 minute intermission. So will more than get your money's worth. The tent felt nicely cooled but I was boiling hot and sweaty by the time we left. I was either rubbing thighs and arms with the large woman next to me, or scooted forward in my seat to avoid contact with her. The seats are pretty small.S M

First and foremost, amazing. Just an incredible production of what the human body can do. That being said, A three hour program is just too long. Every other aspect was incredible, and the entire show was awe inspiring, but maybe it's my ADHD, but three hours is just too much. I still have to give it 5/5, because it's truly an amazing experience, and all of the supporting pieces (parking, snacks, staff, ect.) is top notch.Joseph Sebast

I love that every seat feels so close to the stage! I recommend wearing good shoes to walk in though. I forgot about that and ended up wearing shoes that were not very comfortable and the old seats are rough on my back, so it was not a nice experience for my body, but after stretching and standing through the intermission, the show was worth it. I'm sure others don't struggle as much with chronic pain so it's not a common review for a theater with such vintage charm. It would sure be nice though to have some updated seating and easier, more noticeable signs to follow to locate the escalator and our seats.Sarah

What a top notch performance! Saw EMMA…the cast was unbelievably talented. We had 2nd row seats but looking around-there really is no "bad" seat. Well worth the money!!! The infinity overlook of the city was fantastic. Explore the 9th floor too if you get a chance-a 360 view of the surrounding city. Masks still required at all times. Helpful staff. Only drawback was no ability to buy refreshments at intermission. BRAVO! (If you get there early enough-park on the street because it's cheaper and easier to beat the rush post performance.)Beth Powers

EMMA WAS SOOOOO GOOD! They had a amazing staff team, actors, writer, director with some great 4th wall breaks. Even though we had bad seating we still were engaged and laughed so much at the end. I wanted some gruel! I thought I wouldn't like it but I was pleasantly surprised. I hope to come back this Christmas and see what show you have then or just to hang out in the lobby if it is open. BRAVOWilliam Anderson

For SPANISH CAMP: What I wish was more clearly stated…the Cass Lake site is not the photos you see on the website. It is poorly maintained, with spiders in shared bathrooms that kids have to leave their bunk rooms with flashlight to access. The water is from the lake, and not filtered so the kids don't want to drink it or shower in it. The food is delicious if you don't have allergies, but if you have an allergy the "alternate" choice lacks flavor and they have limited vegetables and unripened or canned fruit. It's the same price as the well-maintained Bemiji site, and when we heard rave reviews about Concordia we didn't know there was such a big difference in the locations. Sadly even the lake had leeches in it, so kids didn't swim and to use canoes needed to pass a "swim test", so no canoeing either. WHAT WAS GREAT: the people are fantastic. They were kind, understanding, and did their best to help kids who were homesick. But it's hard to learn when you're feeling hungry, dirty, and can't sleep well (beds were like camping for two weeks). Wish the experience was more consistent for kids across camps. They did visit the German camp and said it was BEAUTIFUL. So choose your camp site wisely! Learn German?! Hope this helps….Sally Thornton

My daughter has now been to the Swedish Language camp for three summers. It has been a life-changing experience. Her Swedish is superb. She can understand movies and newscasts in Swedish, she often speaks to me in Swedish which I sort of get because I speak German, she even sang the St. Lucia songs with electric candles on her head before Christmas. More importantly, however, she has friends all over the country with whom she is in regular contact. Last year when she left we had a bit of a falling out over responsibility and expectations. When she returned that was all gone. She went from being a not-so-delightful 13 year old to the charming kid she is now. The cost is steep if you live outside Minnesota. We got some help and frankly, I save the rest of the year to afford it but it is worth ever single dime. Next fall she will apply to spend her junior year in high school in Sweden and I know that will just be the next step in a wonderful international life.Ruth Mendum

I attended the Swedish language camp for four summers (2002-2006), two summers for two weeks and two summers for one month. I was hooked after attending the first time! The counselors were so upbeat and activities were a lot of fun. I learned far more Swedish at camp compared to Spanish I learned in a traditional high school language class. I also loved the day where all the camps met together to do performances and dance. My one critique is that the camp gave me an overly optimistic (and somewhat inaccurate) perspective of Sweden. I understand they want to keep the camp positive and exciting, but I eventually lived in Sweden as a foreign exchange student and realized my perspective of Sweden based on camp experience was not exactly the reality of Sweden. Having a more realistic perspective of Sweden would have helped me immensely with integrating more easily into Swedish society.Lauren Ell

Tl;dr – Neat to look at, don't eat here or expect friendly staff. Not a good conference dinner venue. The venue itself is very interesting. Plenty of great vistas and pieces of history from the area. Try to see the view from the top floor, if you can! However, the food options from catering were bland overall. It's unclear if this is something done regularly at this location. Meat was overcooked and dry. The staff *promptly* breaks down the stations at 9pm. So if you were looking for a leisurely grazing experience, either arrive very early or look for that experience elsewhere. Some of the staff could have been a bit friendlier. The woman stationed at the front door was rude when asking to see my badge (I was actively in the process of getting it out for her). Bartenders were gruff when explaining drink options and didn't seem to want to serve me. Visited on
WeekendRachelle Morissette

Ahh. Tbh it’s a museum. Can you honestly recall the last museum you had actual fun at. Me neither. Anyways you get your ticket for the next available tower show and wait till then. They have some interactive attractions on the first floor that opens the little kid in you a bit. The elevator show is boring. Just boring. Perhaps I don’t appreciate the flour milling industry but I was bored. The elevator show is four or five floors/stops. There alright. The top decks views were absolutely beautiful and worth the wait.Isaac Zuniga

There is a cool elevator that takes you up and down through multiple levels of different time point of the flour mill. I have never seen anything like it and the kids really enjoyed it. There are lots of hands on interactive things for the kids to play. There is also an observatory on the very top where you can see the falls and other side of the Mississippi River.Katherine Chung

Providence Academy is a school like no other! When we chose to send our daughter there for kindergarten, we knew it was a special place. Now that we are almost at the end of the school year, it is hard to put into words just how special it is! The love, faith, virtues, and knowledge that are poured into the children sets Providence apart. Our daughter has learned so much academically, and even more importantly, she has learned to go to Jesus first and has felt loved and supported by her teachers every day. She genuinely loves going to school, and even in light of distance learning this year, she continues to thrive and smiles every time she "sees" her teacher and classmates in their daily meetings. We couldn't be more proud to be a part of this incredible community. Thank you PA for going above and beyond in every aspect of education!Terra Otto

I wish I would have received the education my children are getting at Providence Academy. The teachers at Providence love the kids. My children come back from college and run to the school to see their former teachers, now friends. The 3 that have graduated from PA have gone on to very different Universities but they have all been successful. My oldest daughter attended Harvard and she was often asked by teachers where she attended high school because she had an amazing understanding of the Dignity of the Human Person and she could communicate and defend her beliefs. Faith, respect and virtue runs though everything that is taught at Providence Academy.Helen Healy

My four kids have been here since kindergarten. They are now in 5th-9th grade. The teachers are top notch– most especially in the lower school. The education is second to none. The facilities are beautiful and it's a peaceful place during the school day. There is order and structure, which kids crave, but it's also a place that encourages critical thinking and creativity. Worth every penny.Sheila Kihne

I would give this library a 0 rating if I could. The staff is biased. I once ran to the library. As I came in, I had coughed once, I was almost asked to leave the library by a staff even though I was in an area of the library alone. However, there was this patron who intentionally pulled his mask below his nose and/or mouth but he was given 2 warnings. Another person coughed and sneezed every 2 mins and was around me and 2 other persons and was not asked to leave. That person was closer to staff than me. Also I found one of the staff members to be rude and one to be unfriendly. Being that this library restricted computer use to 1 hr like other libraries, I will be going to other libraries because I understand less patron use result in less hours for staff.Shawn Garcia

It's just a great library. I think it's important to support your local library, wherever it is. Get to know the staff, make recommendations, ask for tips. It's a free resource for education and entertainment.Christian Wilkie

This is a very small, quaint library. There are more employees on any one shift than visitors in a day. You get a cute little snack when you leave too. Today, Pringles.Mary Grace Alton

I am a recent graduate of Minnesota Life College, and I have very mixed feelings about the place. On the one hand, I learned a great deal about how to live independently and deal with my own anxiety issues, and going to MLC helped me to finally be able to get my own place and obtain a steady job that I enjoy. However, there are two major issues I have with the program. First, I find the rules to be excessively restrictive, and they have only been getting more so. New students must now obtain permission to go off campus alone, and the staff overly limit where students can go once they are allowed to go off campus (i.e. during my time there, a second year student was told by staff that he could not go to Valleyfair without his advisor's permission). There are restrictions on which students can visit which other students' apartments. Curfew has been getting earlier and earlier every year, and students now must be in their apartments by 9:45 PM on weekdays. These are only a few examples of the excessive rules, which are allegedly for the students' own safety, but there is a line between protecting someone and smothering them, and I believe MLC steps over that line with their rules. My other major issue with the program is that during my final year, I was forced to share an apartment with an abusive, contemptible individual who was generally despised by the rest of the student body for his seeming inability to behave in a civilized manner. Despite my objections, the staff pushed this arrangement on me and tried to convince me that he wasn't as bad as I thought he was and that other students were just being bullies for viewing him the way they did, despite him consistently being abusive toward myself and other students on a regular basis. It was only after another student was removed from the program that I was allowed to move to another apartment, but I believe that was too little, too late. While I was able to receive the help I needed from MLC, I believe it is a deeply flawed program that needs some changes in order to better serve the students that it is supposed to help.Dudeman Bearpig

From the start, MLC staff and veteran parents told us to expect change. They seemed sincere, capable and had stories to support their expectations. Protecting our daughter and ourselves, we listened and smiled, but were honestly afraid to hope. We can now reflect and confirm that they knew what they were talking about! We agree that our daughter has grown and changed in this process of learning to engage with a community of supportive friends and teachers. As she put it “I actually have a life here”. This “life” was what we tried to construct for her in our home and with our personal and community support systems. What we were able to create was not quite right, in fact, it fell painfully short of meaningful. We believe MLC added the magic of no parents, an immediate community of peers, and an incredibly committed staff who have provided respectful and caring teaching and support. Reaching for the Kleenex box, we are grateful to be a part of this program and delighted to see the positive change in our daughter, in ourselves and in the other MLC students.A Google User

MLC is a hidden gem in Richfield, MN. Never have I come across a place with more passionate staff who are trained, supported, and equipped to help college-age kids succeed and be independent. I was at their ribbon-cutting event this fall and I was blown away by the improvements they made to their campus, not just on the surface but in terms of new technology and accessibility. I also heard the mayor speak about the school and their positive impact on the community. I tell all my friends about this place because almost everyone I know has a friend or family member affected by ASD and quality resources are few for this population. I am proud to have Minnesota Life College in my backyard!Minneapolite