St. Joseph Catholic Church, Miesville

Rite of Betrothal

Jeff's House

Wedding Shower: Minnesota

My House

Bridal Shower: Florida

Walt Disney World Resort

Bachelorette Party

Rehearsal / Groom's Dinner

St. John the Baptist Catholic Church

Wedding Day

Wedding

Dakota Pines Golf Club

Reception

Our Engagement

St. Joseph Catholic Church, Miesville 23955 Nicolai Avenue, Hastings, MN 55033 Saturday, February 25, 201711:30 AMIt was Saturday morning and Danielle was up, getting ready, and putting her make-up on. Her boyfriend, Jeff, was coming to pick her up from her apartment so they could go visit his sister together. Danielle had received a text from his sister, Christine, the night before, asking if they could meet up because she had something to give her. Once Danielle and Jeff were in the car he got a call from Christine asking if they could meet over at his brother Jeremy's house because that's where she was going to be.His brother Jeremy lives near the little rural town of Miesville, MN. For over two years Jeff and Danielle have attended Mass together in the Extraordinary Form at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Miesville. She knew Jeremy and his family lived close to the church, but didn't know the exact location of their house. So while Danielle thought they were driving in the car to Jeremy's house, Jeff was actually taking her to the church so he could pop the question!He had been planning this surprise for a little while now. In early February he had gone ring shopping with his sister and his good friend Troy. After he found the perfect ring he had to wait a while for it to be made. On Friday, February 24th, Jeff was notified that the ring was ready to get picked up and he got it that evening. Once he had the ring he called up Danielle's parents, who live in Florida, over video chat to make sure they approved. After they had a very nice conversation, Jeff contacted his sister so she could be involved in the surprise.When Danielle and Jeff pulled into the parking lot of the church she was confused. After repeatedly saying they were going to be very late to Jeremy's house, Jeff told her it was going to be fine and that they should just stop in to say a quick prayer while they're at the church. So they walked in together through the side door like the normally do. Jeff took the lead and Danielle followed him up to the front pew on the right-hand side of the church.They sat down in the church and said a little prayer together. After, Jeff immediately pulled out a colorful picture book that was sitting next to him and gave it to Danielle. She asked him what this was and he told her to open it and to go through their memories together. As she flipped through the pages she saw pictures taken throughout the course of their relationship with family and friends. She saw the good times when they went to Walt Disney World together and the winter pictures they took out in the snow with his family. There were even some pictures of her cat! And after going through each page very carefully, she turned to the last page and saw a picture of her and Jeff kissing. Written in italics underneath the picture was, "Will you be my everything?"At that moment Danielle's heart was racing so fast! She knew where this was leading to and she was so overwhelmed with emotion. Jeff calmly asked her to stand up and he got down on one knee. He pulled out a small black box from his pocket, containing a sparkly white gold ring, and then he asked her, "Danielle, will you marry me?"Danielle, who waited for this moment for so long, was overcome with joy! She was so happy that she bent down to give him a hug. After they shared a long, loving embrace he asked her if she wanted to wear the ring and she nodded excitedly in anticipation. Then he put the ring on her finger and they shared a kiss. Christine came to meet them in the front part of the church. She was in on the ruse the whole time and was taking pictures of the moment from the choir loft. She actually arrived at the church about 20 minutes before they did. It was certainly providential because the church was actually locked when she arrived. Fortunately, she found a custodian and she told him what was going on so he could open up the church for her. Needless to say, it was a very happy day for the couple. Danielle couldn't wait to share the news with her family and friends. She loved the pictures Christine took of the moment of the proposal, and was grateful that Jeff came up with the idea for his sister to be there to capture the moment. Now, there are more pictures to go in Danielle's and Jeff's book of memories to remember the good and happy times they shared together — now, and for a lifetime to come.

The Proposal

St. Joseph Catholic Church, Miesville 23955 Nicolai Avenue, Hastings, MN 55033Sunday, March 12, 201712:30 PMOn Sunday, March 12, 2017, Danielle and Jeff had arranged for the priest at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Miesville, MN, to celebrate the Solemn Rite of Betrothal for them after Mass in the Extraordinary Form. It only lasted about 15 minutes, but it was a beautiful little ceremony for the blessing of their engagement. For those who are not familiar, Betrothal, in the Catholic Church, is a deliberate and free, mutual, true promise, externally expressed, of future marriage between determinate and fit persons. When a Christian man and woman intend to pledge themselves to marriage, it is praiseworthy and in accord with ancient ecclesiastical custom to have the engagement solemnized and blessed by the Church. Although it is not a sacrament, it is a sacramental and a canonically binding agreement. Since the couple wished to be betrothed, Danielle and Jeff went up to the communion rail to meet the priest once Mass had ended. Then the priest began the ritual with song and prayer. He was vested in surplice and white stole, with his assistant standing alongside him. He spoke, "Beloved of Christ: It is the dispensation of Divine Providence that you are called to the holy vocation of marriage. For this reason you present yourselves today before Christ and His Church, before His sacred minister and the devout people of God, to ratify in solemn manner the engagement bespoken between you." The priest continued with his allocution and then asked the couple to join their right hands together.The priest asked for them to repeat after him, starting with the man. Jeff, holding Danielle's hand, looked at her lovingly, and said, "In the name of our Lord, I, Jeff Rother, promise that I will one day take thee, Danielle Duet, as my wife, according to the ordinances of God and holy Church. I will love thee even as myself. I will keep faith and loyalty to thee, and so in thy necessities aid and comfort thee; which things and all that man ought to do unto his espoused I promise to do unto thee and to keep by the faith that is in me."Then Danielle, looking into Jeff's eyes, said, "In the name of our Lord, I, Danielle Duet, in the form and manner wherein thou hast promised thyself unto me, do declare and affirm that I will one day bind and oblige myself unto thee, and will take thee, Jeffrey Rother, as my husband. And all that thou hast pledged unto me I promise to do and keep unto thee, by the faith that is in me."After, the priest took the two ends of his stole and in the form of a cross placed them over the clasped hands of the couple. Then he declared the couple betrothed and sprinkled holy water over them in the form of a cross. After, he blessed the engagement ring. Jeff took the ring and placed it on Danielle's index finger saying, "In the name of the Father," then on her middle finger, "and of the Son," and finally placing it on her ring finger, "and of the Holy Spirit. Amen." The priest finished the readings for the Rite of Betrothal and the two witnesses came up to sign the document, along with the signatures of the priest and the couple.It was a beautiful moment for Danielle and Jeff, adding abundant blessings and graces to their engagement.

The Rite of Betrothal

Our Engagement Story

Danielle and Jeff were engaged on February 25, 2017 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Miesville, Minnesota. To read more about their engagement and the proposal please visit <a href="http://www.spokenbride.com/blog/2017/6/28/how-he-asked-danielle-jeff" target="_blank">SpokenBride.com</a>.

Our Story

Our Wedding

Meet The Couple

Danielle Duet

Danielle is the daughter of Monte and Dawn Duet. She was born in Tampa, FL and grew up with her sister, Alyssa Duet, in the beautiful Sunshine State. Danielle was raised as a Catholic and attended Catholic grade school. She graduated high school in 2009 from the Academy of the Holy Names. Having a love for art, animation, and graphic design, she majored in Digital Arts at the University of Tampa. She graduated with her Bachelor's degree in 2013 and moved to St. Paul, MN to pursue her Master's degree in Catholic Studies at the University of St. Thomas. In 2014, during her time as a graduate student at St. Thomas, she met Jeff Rother. Little did she know that he would someday be the love of her life. After finishing her Master's degree in 2016, Danielle is currently working as a freelance graphic designer — specifically working with Catholic institutions and organizations. Now, Danielle is very excited to start the next chapter of her life with the man of her dreams!

Jeff Rother

Jeff is the son of Cookie and Dennis Rother. He grew up in the small rural town of Vermillion, MN. Jeff has three older siblings — Jeremy, Mike, and Christine. He grew up in a large Catholic family and attended St. John the Baptist Catholic School as a child. He graduated from Hastings Senior High School in 2007 and went on to study Philosophy and Psychology at North Dakota State University in Fargo, ND. After graduating from NDSU, Jeff entered the St. Paul Seminary as a seminarian for the Archdiocese of St. Paul &amp; Minneapolis. During his year in seminary he made the discernment that he was not called to the priesthood and left at the end of the academic year. After his time in seminary, Jeff pursued Danielle in a relationship and the couple has been happy together ever since. For the past couple years, Jeff has been studying Theology for his Master's degree and is now working for the Archdiocese of St. Paul &amp; Minneapolis as an Ecclesiastical Notary at the tribunal.

St. Joseph Catholic Church, Miesville 23955 Nicolai Avenue, Hastings, MN 55033 Saturday, February 25, 201711:30 AMIt was Saturday morning and Danielle was up, getting ready, and putting her make-up on. Her boyfriend, Jeff, was coming to pick her up from her apartment so they could go visit his sister together. Danielle had received a text from his sister, Christine, the night before, asking if they could meet up because she had something to give her. Once Danielle and Jeff were in the car he got a call from Christine asking if they could meet over at his brother Jeremy's house because that's where she was going to be.His brother Jeremy lives near the little rural town of Miesville, MN. For over two years Jeff and Danielle have attended Mass together in the Extraordinary Form at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Miesville. She knew Jeremy and his family lived close to the church, but didn't know the exact location of their house. So while Danielle thought they were driving in the car to Jeremy's house, Jeff was actually taking her to the church so he could pop the question!He had been planning this surprise for a little while now. In early February he had gone ring shopping with his sister and his good friend Troy. After he found the perfect ring he had to wait a while for it to be made. On Friday, February 24th, Jeff was notified that the ring was ready to get picked up and he got it that evening. Once he had the ring he called up Danielle's parents, who live in Florida, over video chat to make sure they approved. After they had a very nice conversation, Jeff contacted his sister so she could be involved in the surprise.When Danielle and Jeff pulled into the parking lot of the church she was confused. After repeatedly saying they were going to be very late to Jeremy's house, Jeff told her it was going to be fine and that they should just stop in to say a quick prayer while they're at the church. So they walked in together through the side door like the normally do. Jeff took the lead and Danielle followed him up to the front pew on the right-hand side of the church.They sat down in the church and said a little prayer together. After, Jeff immediately pulled out a colorful picture book that was sitting next to him and gave it to Danielle. She asked him what this was and he told her to open it and to go through their memories together. As she flipped through the pages she saw pictures taken throughout the course of their relationship with family and friends. She saw the good times when they went to Walt Disney World together and the winter pictures they took out in the snow with his family. There were even some pictures of her cat! And after going through each page very carefully, she turned to the last page and saw a picture of her and Jeff kissing. Written in italics underneath the picture was, "Will you be my everything?"At that moment Danielle's heart was racing so fast! She knew where this was leading to and she was so overwhelmed with emotion. Jeff calmly asked her to stand up and he got down on one knee. He pulled out a small black box from his pocket, containing a sparkly white gold ring, and then he asked her, "Danielle, will you marry me?"Danielle, who waited for this moment for so long, was overcome with joy! She was so happy that she bent down to give him a hug. After they shared a long, loving embrace he asked her if she wanted to wear the ring and she nodded excitedly in anticipation. Then he put the ring on her finger and they shared a kiss.Christine came to meet them in the front part of the church. She was in on the ruse the whole time and was taking pictures of the moment from the choir loft. She actually arrived at the church about 20 minutes before they did. It was certainly providential because the church was actually locked when she arrived. Fortunately, she found a custodian and she told him what was going on so he could open up the church for her.Needless to say, it was a very happy day for the couple. Danielle couldn't wait to share the news with her family and friends. She loved the pictures Christine took of the moment of the proposal, and was grateful that Jeff came up with the idea for his sister to be there to capture the moment.Now, there are more pictures to go in Danielle's and Jeff's book of memories to remember the good and happy times they shared together — now, and for a lifetime to come.

Solemn Rite of Betrothal

St. Joseph Catholic Church, Miesville 23955 Nicolai Avenue, Hastings, MN 55033 Saturday, March 12, 201712:30 PMOn Sunday, March 12, 2017, Danielle and Jeff had arranged for the priest at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Miesville, MN, to celebrate the Solemn Rite of Betrothal for them after Mass in the Extraordinary Form. It only lasted about 15 minutes, but it was a beautiful little ceremony for the blessing of their engagement.For those who are not familiar, Betrothal, in the Catholic Church, is a deliberate and free, mutual, true promise, externally expressed, of future marriage between determinate and fit persons. When a Christian man and woman intend to pledge themselves to marriage, it is praiseworthy and in accord with ancient ecclesiastical custom to have the engagement solemnized and blessed by the Church. Although it is not a sacrament, it is a sacramental and a canonically binding agreement. Since the couple wished to be betrothed, Danielle and Jeff went up to the communion rail to meet the priest once Mass had ended. Then the priest began the ritual with song and prayer. He was vested in surplice and white stole, with his assistant standing alongside him. He spoke, "Beloved of Christ: It is the dispensation of Divine Providence that you are called to the holy vocation of marriage. For this reason you present yourselves today before Christ and His Church, before His sacred minister and the devout people of God, to ratify in solemn manner the engagement bespoken between you." The priest continued with his allocution and then asked the couple to join their right hands together.The priest asked for them to repeat after him, starting with the man. Jeff, holding Danielle's hand, looked at her lovingly, and said, "In the name of our Lord, I, Jeff Rother, promise that I will one day take thee, Danielle Duet, as my wife, according to the ordinances of God and holy Church. I will love thee even as myself. I will keep faith and loyalty to thee, and so in thy necessities aid and comfort thee; which things and all that man ought to do unto his espoused I promise to do unto thee and to keep by the faith that is in me."Then Danielle said, "In the name of our Lord, I, Danielle Duet, in the form and manner wherein thou hast promised thyself unto me, do declare and affirm that I will one day bind and oblige myself unto thee, and will take thee, Jeffrey Rother, as my husband. And all that thou hast pledged unto me I promise to do and keep unto thee, by the faith that is in me."After, the priest took the two ends of his stole and in the form of a cross placed them over the clasped hands of the couple. Then he declared the couple betrothed and sprinkled holy water over them in the form of a cross. After, he blessed the engagement ring. Jeff took the ring and placed it on Danielle's index finger saying, "In the name of the Father," then on her middle finger, "and of the Son," and finally placing it on her ring finger, "and of the Holy Spirit. Amen." The priest finished the readings for the Rite of Betrothal and the two witnesses came up to sign the document, along with the signatures of the priest and the couple. It was a beautiful moment for Danielle and Jeff, adding abundant blessings and graces to their engagement.

Our Story 1

Traditional Latin Mass

Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite

Our Nuptial Mass will be a Solemn High Mass in the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite, also referred to as the Traditional Latin Mass. What does that mean? It means that Mass will be celebrated in Latin, as it had been for hundreds of years, according to the 1962 edition of the Roman Missal. In this ancient form of the liturgy the priest faces the same direction as the people, ad orientem. In a Solemn High Mass, the priest is accompanied by several altar servers, a deacon, and a subdeacon. For Catholics in a state of grace, Holy Communion is received on the tongue while kneeling at the Communion Rail. Although it is not a requirement, all of our female guests are kindly encouraged to wear a chapel veil (also known as a mantilla) during the ceremony as part of the traditional women's attire for Extraordinary Form of the Mass.This form of the Mass has been very dear to our hearts over the last few years. For those of you who know us well, it is the Mass we now attend every Sunday together. It has been a significant part of our spiritual growth, as Catholics, and has strengthen our relationship with Christ and with each other.While this may be a very new experience for you, we can assure you it will be very beautiful and majestic. We will have programs for you to follow along in, but if you get lost for one reason or another it will be okay. It is very natural to feel lost if one has not experienced the Extraordinary Form of the Mass before. So just sit back, relax, and take in all the beauty and wonder during the ceremony. It will surely, no doubt, be a unique experience you will never forget. And we can't wait to share it with you!

What to Wear to Latin Mass

Formal Attire

We are having a Nuptial Mass in the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite, also known as the Traditional Latin Mass, which will be said according to the 1962 Roman Missal.It is always most edifying to note that gentlemen wear a coat and tie to Holy Mass. Going back to the tradition of the early Church, many women, in imitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, choose to wear the chapel veil (mantilla), as a way of expressing their modesty and femininity.Since our Nuptial Mass will be according to the 1962 Roman Missal, it is in tradition that women veil for this liturgy and our female guests are encouraged to do so for our wedding.Ladies, if you would like to order a veil to wear please check out the following links. These online stores have some great options: <a href="https://www.veilsbylily.com/" target="_blank">Veils By Lily</a>, <a href="http://veilsandmantillas.com/">Veils &amp; Mantillas</a>, <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/VeiledWoman" target="_blank">The Veiled Woman</a>, and <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/MariasMantillas" target="_blank">Maria's Mantillas</a>. Along with the chapel veil, ladies are to dress modestly and respectfully for Holy Mass. It is formal attire, so wearing a formal dress is suggested. A formal skirt and top or pants suit could also suffice for the evening attire. If you have any more questions please do not hesitate to ask! We are here to help.

Nuptial Mass

The Liturgy

The Nuptial Mass

Pontifical Solemn High Mass in the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite"Pontifical" – His Lordship of Bissica, the Most Reverend Andrew H. Cozzens, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of St. Paul &amp; Minneapolis, will be the celebrant for our Nuptial Mass"Solemn High Mass" – The highest form of solemnity in the liturgy of the Catholic Church"Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite" – The Traditional Latin Mass, using the 1962 Roman Missal

Details

Friend of the GroomTroy and Jeff met in middle school and have been nearly inseparable ever since, whether it was long nights of playing games or tinkering in the garage. Always managing to have just enough fun while staying just far enough from trouble, it didn't take long to know they always had the other's back in a pinch. Even during the times of parted paths (be it the Marine Corps or the seminary), the connection has remained. Grab the 13mm wrench, we're diving into that truck again...

Troy Rudiger

Sister of the BrideAlyssa is my loving sister who I've grown up with all my life. We've shared so many wonderful adventures and memories together over the years. She is kind, gentle, and loves helping people! Last year she graduated with her Bachelor's degree from the University of Tampa in Elementary Education. I know some day she will make an excellent school teacher! I am honored to call her my sister and to have her stand by my side as my Maid of Honor.

Alyssa Duet

Friend of the GroomRick found his way into Jeff's life by way of North Dakota. Newman Center activities turned into late night discussions as roommates. Life continued as both began formation at Saint Paul Seminary, though for some reason, Rick thought it a good idea to incardinate in Saint Cloud...we can forgive him for these things. Rick is now at the North American College in Rome and still studying away. The magic of the internet still allows these two nerds to continue the late night become early morning discussions. Grab a beer and a copy of Tolkien, this will be a long night.

Rick Aubol

Cousin of the BrideLauren is my beautiful cousin from South Bend, IN. Although we grew up in different states, we always shared a significant amount of quality time during our visits. We have wonderful memories of going to the beach together in Florida and on Lake Michigan. Lauren is very talented and creative! She graduated with her Bachelor's degree in Photography from the University of Notre Dame in 2015. Now she is a freelance photographer in Los Angeles, CA. I am very blessed to have her as my cousin and honored to have her as my bridesmaid.

Lauren Miller

Friend of the BrideKatie is such a sweetheart! She has been my best friend for a long time, ever since we met on a retreat during our time in college. We've had wonderful memories of going to Walt Disney World together and I'm sure we will continue to have many more great adventures! She graduated with her Master's degree from Lynn University and is now a special education and drama teacher at Cutting Edge Learning Academy. I am honored to have Katie as both my best friend and my bridesmaid!

Katie Welch

Friend of the GroomMason and Jeff met in the midst of their time at Saint Paul Seminary, Mason being in the lay student program. Specific details are fuzzy as to how these two became friends, but the general consensus is that there was definitely a shared appreciation for bicycles and bicycle pumps. After Jeff left seminary, Mason found his way to being his supervisor at the Archbishop Ireland Memorial Library, where other sorts of shenanigans ensued. Grab the helmet and cleats, we're exploring Minnehaha again.

Mason Mitchell

Friend of the GroomSteve and Jeff also met at the Saint Paul Seminary. It was obvious early on that a friendship would be inevitable due to the fact that Steve thinks he's Batman. Nerds of a feather seem to flock together. Steve also found his way out of seminary and moved back to Wisconsin (which we can find a way to forgive), but conversation is not far away, be it liturgical matters or some random Star Wars geek out session. Grab the lightsaber, I've got a bad feeling about this.

Steve Nolan

Niece of the GroomKarissa is a very lovely young lady! She is the daughter of Jeff's brother, Jeremy Rother. Karissa and I have similar interests in music and fashion. She graduated from Hastings Senior High School in 2016 and is currently a student at Concordia University Wisconsin where she is studying Occupational Therapy. I am honored to have Karissa as my bridesmaid and I am very excited to have many more experiences with her as her new aunt!

Karissa Rother

Niece of the GroomAndraya is a beautiful girl with a heart of gold! She is the daughter of Jeff's sister, Christine Thorkildson. Andraya and I enjoy watching Disney movies and spending time together. She is very kind and always puts others before herself. Currently, Andraya takes dances classes at Rain Academy and is enrolled in Hastings Middle School where she will begin her 8th Grade year in the fall. I am honored to have Andraya as my Bridesmaid in our Wedding Party and I am very excited to have her as my own niece!!

Andraya Thorkildson

Friend of the GroomTim stormed into Jeff's life in college and quickly became a sort of mentor to him, which is odd since it's difficult to say even now which one is really the wiser and more mature of the pair. Regardless of the details, it could be said that Tim was the single most important cause of Jeff having his current job. And for this and everything else he has done, he has worthily earned the title Jeff gave him long ago as the worst person ever. Look at him, you know it's true...

Tim Olson

Nephew of the GroomScott is Jeff's godson and Jr. Groomsman. He is the son of Jeff's sister, Christine Thorkildson. Scott is 10 years old, the youngest of three, and he will be entering 5th Grade in the fall. Some of his favorite things include, camping at the lake with his family, Disney's Cars Lightning McQueen, and his favorite animal is certainly Pusheen!

Scott Thorkildson

Niece of the GroomElizabeth is a sparkly princess straight out of a fairytale! She is super spunky and her favorite color is pink! She will be going into 5th Grade and is currently taking archery lessons. She attends St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic School with her brother and sister. I am very blessed and honored to have her as my Jr. Bridesmaid and soon-to-be niece.

Elizabeth Rother

Nephew of the GroomThe youngest of the Rother family (for the present), Michael was a quiet boy for the longest time... then his sisters taught him to speak, and he hasn't stopped since. Deuce has grown up quickly over the past couple years, beginning hockey this past season and quickly becoming one of the strongest skaters in his group. He loves to party and loves hugs, get them while you can.

Michael Rother II

Niece of the GroomKatie is a sweet little angel! Her favorite color changes from day to day — usually between yellow, pink, and purple. Her favorite Disney Princess is Elsa from Frozen and she enjoys playing with her dolls. Katie just completed 2nd Grade and received her First Holy Communion in May. I am honored to have Katie as a flower girl in our wedding and I'm very excited to be her new aunt!

Katie Rother

Wedding Party

Photos

Registry

Q + A

For those guests traveling directly from Tampa we recommend using Delta Air Lines for your travel needs, as Delta is one of the only major airlines that offers non-stop flights from TPA to MSP.

Delta to MSP

Block rooms available under Duet-Rother wedding.A standard room is $93 per night, plus tax. Call and book before July 4th! Limited avaiabilty.

Hastings Country Inn

Founded in 1882 by a determined group of German and Luxembourg Catholics, St. John's has been a fixture in the community for generations of Vermillion-area residents.

For more than 60 years, golfers and memories have roamed these fairways. Under new ownership and open to the public, now everyone can experience Dakota Pines Golf Club in Hastings, Minnesota. Formerly Hastings Golf &amp; Country Club.

Need a ride? Contact Lee from Smart Ride at 651-235-4392. Smart Ride is a family owned business based out of Hastings, MN. Smart Ride will take you in and around the following destinations: Hastings, Vermillion, the MSP Airport, and Mall of America.

Smart Ride

Travel

To all of our guests coming in from out-of-town, we don't want you to miss out on the great activities Minnesota has to offer! There are so many places to go and attractions to visit in and around the Twin Cities. Please take a look at this list of sights to explore and feel free to message us if you have any questions. Thanks and be sure to enjoy yourselves in this beautiful state!

Places To Go & Explore

The Cathedral of Saint Paul is a Roman Catholic Cathedral in the city of St. Paul, MN. It is the Co-Cathedral of the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis, along with the Basilica of St. Mary in Minneapolis. One of the most distinctive Cathedrals in the United States, it sits on Cathedral Hill overlooking downtown St. Paul and features a distinctive copper-clad dome. It is the third largest completed church in the United States, and the fourth tallest. It is dedicated to Paul the Apostle, who is also the namesake of the City of St. Paul. The current building opened in 1915 as the fourth Cathedral of the Archdiocese to bear this name. On March 25, 2009, it was designated as the National Shrine of the Apostle Paul by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and the Vatican.

Cathedral of Saint Paul

The Minnesota State Capitol is located in St. Paul, MN, and houses the Minnesota Senate, Minnesota House of Representatives, the office of the Attorney General and the office of the Governor. The building also includes a chamber for the Minnesota Supreme Court, although court activities usually take place in the neighboring Minnesota Judicial Center. The building is set in a landscaped campus. Various monuments are to its sides and front. Behind, a bridge spans University Avenue. Set near the crest of a hill, from the Capitol steps a panoramic view of downtown St. Paul is presented.

Minnesota State Capitol

The Como Park Zoo &amp; Conservatory are owned by the City of St. Paul and are a division of Saint Paul Parks and Recreation. The attractions located there include the zoo, the conservatory, an amusement park, a carousel, Lake Como, a golf course, a pool and more. The park receives more than 1.9 million visitors annually. Como Park is a free park and while no admission fee is charged for the zoo or conservatory, voluntary donations of $3 per adult and $2 child are suggested.

Como Park Zoo & Conservatory

The Science Museum of Minnesota is an American museum focused on topics in technology, natural history, physical science, and mathematics education. Founded in 1907 and located in St. Paul, MN, the 501(c)(3) nonprofit institution is staffed by over 600 employees and over 1,600 volunteers. The museum's mission statement is to "Turn on the science: Inspire learning. Inform policy. Improve lives."

Science Museum of Minnesota

The Minnesota History Center is a museum and library that serves as the headquarters of the Minnesota Historical Society. It is near downtown St. Paul and is considered one of Minnesota's finest public buildings. The History Center is on Kellogg Boulevard, between the Mississippi River and the Minnesota State Capitol. Before this building was built in 1992, the Minnesota Historical Society (MNHS) occupied what is now the Minnesota Judicial Center, originally built for the Society in 1917. Before that, MNHS was housed in the basement of the State Capitol.The Center hosts concerts, dance performances, lectures, conferences, meetings, dinners, political campaign events, memorial services, receptions, parties, and weddings; as many as 75,000 school children visit the History Center every year.

​Minnesota History Center

The Basilica of Saint Mary is a Roman Catholic Minor Basilica located on its own city block along Hennepin Avenue between 16th &amp; 17th Streets in downtown Minneapolis, MN. It was the first Basilica established in the United States. The Basilica of Saint Mary is the Co-Cathedral of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis.

The Basilica of Saint Mary

The Minneapolis Institute of Art (MIA) is a fine art museum located in the Whittier neighborhood of Minneapolis, MN, on a campus that covers nearly 8 acres, formerly Morrison Park. As a major, government-funded public museum, the Institute does not charge an entrance fee, except for special exhibitions, and allows photography of its permanent collection for personal or scholarly use only. The museum receives support from the Park Board Museum Fund, levied by the Hennepin County commissioners. Additional funding is provided by corporate sponsors and museum members. It is one of the largest art museums in the United States.

Minneapolis Institute of Art

Mall of America (MOA) is a shopping mall located in Bloomington, Minnesota (a suburb of the Twin Cities), southeast of the junction of Interstate 494 and Minnesota State Highway 77, north of the Minnesota River and across the interstate from the Minneapolis–St. Paul International Airport. Opened in 1992, it is the largest mall in the United States. Nickelodeon Universe is an indoor theme park in the center of the mall. The park features roller coasters, among numerous other rides and attractions, and is the largest indoor theme park in the United States.

Mall of America

Sea Life Minnesota Aquarium is a public aquarium located in the Mall of America. It is home to thousands of aquatic creatures, including a large collection of sharks, sea turtles, stingrays and freshwater fish. The 1,200,000-US-gallon aquarium also features sea turtles, octopuses, and lobsters. Freshwater exhibits include game fish from the northern region of the United States, several giant catfish and a 180-pound alligator gar from the southern United States. The aquarium includes a 300-foot clear acrylic tunnel that lets visitors explore the underwater world while remaining dry.

Sea Life Minnesota Aquarium

The Minnesota Zoo is an AZA-accredited zoo in Apple Valley, MN. When it opened on May 22, 1978 it was fairly revolutionary in its exhibit design. The zoo, built in a suburbanizing rural area, had more space to house exhibits and was one of the first zoos to organize its animals by their living environment as opposed to their species. Exhibits are arrayed in six themed areas, including three themed walking trails ranging from one to two miles in length. The Minnesota Zoo is a state agency. This differs from other zoos in Minnesota and most others in the United States, which are run by municipalities or private organizations. The Minnesota Zoo charges admission and sells annual memberships.

​Minnesota Zoo

Treasure Island Resort &amp; Casino is a tribal gaming facility owned and operated by the Prairie Island Indian Community in Red Wing, MN. It is the only casino resort in southern Minnesota located on the Mississippi River. The casino's gaming options include slot machines; video roulette, blackjack and keno; live dealer blackjack, poker and other table games; and bingo. Additional amenities to the property include a hotel, the Island Event Center, a marina, RV-park, a cruise yacht, a 24-lane bowling center, several restaurants; and a water park and spa. Employing nearly 1,500 people, Treasure Island Resort &amp; Casino is the largest employer in Goodhue County.