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Welcome Spring At The Annual Hop Into Spring Event In Minnesota This March

Published Feb 24, 2024

Written by 

Trent Jonas

Let's be honest. Spring is kind of a crapshoot in the Land of 10,000 Lakes. Sometimes is just winter until May, and then it's summer. Other times, it's just a few weeks of mud and gray skies between winter and summer. But, on occasion, it's amazing. It's the fact that spring can occasionally be amazing that fuels our optimism in the Bold North (it certainly isn't the Vikings), and so, no matter what comes, we welcome it. One of my favorite ways to open my mind to the thought of spring is to visit the annual Hop Into Spring event in Minnesota at the Como Park Zoo and Conservatory in St. Paul. (If nothing, else, you can stay inside if you need to).

Every year, the Como Park Zoo and Conservatory hosts its annual Hop Into Spring Event.

A large glass conservatory with a dome, surrounded by greenery and people walking in a park on a sunny day.
RxS/Wikimedia Commons

The event coincides with the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory's annual spring flower show.

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A serene garden with colorful flowers, a statue in a pond, and a glass conservatory in the background.
Como Park Zoo and Conservatory/Facebook

It's a perfect way to introduce - or reintroduce - visitors of all ages to what the facilities have to offer, which is considerable.

A vibrant blue poison dart frog resting on green leaves in a lush environment.
Como Zoo and Conservatory

Amazingly, this wonderful place in St. Paul is free to the public. It relies on donations to operate, and Hop Into Spring is also a great fundraising opportunity for the organization.

During the event, the conservatory is decked out in all the glory of spring, sporting seasonal blooms of all kinds.

A vibrant greenhouse filled with colorful flowers and lush greenery, featuring tall plants and a bright, airy atmosphere.
Como Park Zoo and Conservatory/Facebook

Staff and volunteers are on hand to discuss all the flora and fauna who call the conservatory their home.

A sloth climbing a tree, showcasing its distinctive fur and relaxed posture amidst lush greenery.
Como Park Zoo and Conservatory/Facebook

There are special Sparky shows scheduled during Hop Into Spring.

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A sea lion sits on a rock by the water, with its head raised and whiskers prominent, in a zoo setting.
Chris/Flickr

And lately, the zoo has used the even as an opportunity to raise funds toward gorilla conservation.

A close-up of a resting gorilla with a thoughtful expression, surrounded by natural habitat elements.
Sank63/Flickr

This year's Hop Into Spring weekend takes place on March 23 and 24, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

A beautifully lit greenhouse with vibrant flowers, a central pond, and tall greenery, creating a serene atmosphere.
Como Park Zoo and Conservatory/Facebook

It really is a beautiful way to welcome spring in the Northland. For more information about the Hop Into Spring event in Minnesota, visit the Como Park Zoo and Conservatory website or check the organization's Facebook page for updates. Another great way to support parks in the U.S. is through Parks Project Apparel. They even offer apparel with Peanuts art from St. Paul's own Charles M. Schulz.

Have you attended Como Park Zoo and Conservatory's Hop Into Spring weekend? Let us know in the comments!

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Experiences|Events

Take a Dreamy Ride Through the Largest Drive-Thru Light Show in Minnesota, Kiwanis Holiday Lights

Kiwanis Holiday Lights in Sibley Park, Mankato, Minnesota, offers the largest drive-thru Christmas light display in the state, featuring creative and charming displays.

Updated Oct 29, 2024

Written by 

Betsy Rathburn

The holiday season is quickly approaching, which means that soon, cities and towns across Minnesota will be turning into a beautiful winter wonderland all decked out for the season with an endless array of twinkling lights and holiday displays. Here in Minnesota, we have plenty of ways to enjoy the holiday lights. Aside from neighborhood light displays, we have huge events such as Bentleyville to help us get into the holiday spirit. But you aren't out of luck if you're not able to brave the cold for a peek at the lights. Stay warm and take a ride through the largest drive-thru lights in Minnesota, Kiwanis Holiday Lights in Sibley Park. Grab the kids and gas up the car, because this is one holiday display you're not going to want to miss this year.

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Kiwanis Holiday Lights is an annual event held in Sibley Park in Mankato, Minnesota. Back for another year and bigger than ever, the event will run from Nov. 29 through Dec. 31, 2024.

A brightly lit Christmas tree adorned with colorful lights, surrounded by festive decorations in a snowy park at night.
christmas tree at night

The display is a huge, colorful array of twinkling Christmas lights. People drive from miles around to see the sight offering some of the best Christmas lights in Minnesota. Charming and creative displays mean there's always something fun to look at. You'll be delighted by the creativity of the displays.

While the event is free to enter, donations are accepted and encouraged. You are invited to bring canned food and cash or check donations. In 2016, 11.5 tons of food were donated!

If you don't mind braving the cold, there are other events at Kiwanis Holiday Lights as well. Santa visits and the holiday parade are popular. The ice sculpture competition is also a fun way to see festivity - and creativity - in action.

A vibrant display of colorful, blurred lights creating a festive atmosphere.
A path covered by lights created during the Christmas celebrations in Stillwater, by the shore of the St. Croix river.

If you're in Mankato this holiday season, be sure to head out to Sibley Park for Kiwanis Holiday Lights MN, the most spectacular drive-thru Christmas lights in Minnesota. It's open Sunday-Thursday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. On Fridays and Saturdays, it stays open until 10 p.m. Whether you choose to walk it or drive through, this is one event that would put even the Grinch in the holiday spirit and is known as the largest drive-thru Christmas lights in Minnesota.

For more information, check out their Kiwanis Holiday Lights website or Kiwanis Holiday Lights Facebook page.

Have you ever visited the Kiwanis Holiday Lights Display, the largest drive-thru lights in Minnesota? Share your experience with us in the comments below! And if you're looking for unique gifts this holiday season, check out our holiday gift guide for ideas!

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Experiences|Events

The Minnesota Christmas Display That’s Been Named Among the Most Beautiful in the World

Bentleyville “Tour of Lights” in Duluth, Minnesota, is a must-see Christmas light display that offers a magical holiday experience.

Updated Oct 17, 2024

Written by 

Betsy Rathburn

Christmas in Duluth, Minnesota is really something special, and we have an event that's sure to get you in the proper holiday spirit. It's a perennial favorite in The Land of 10,000 Lakes, and it'll definitely put a smile on your face. Each year, the Bentleyville "Tour of Lights" in Duluth, Minnesota brings people together to create delightful memories for all! Billed as having some of the best Christmas lights in Minnesota, this annual event is one you won't want to miss. The display in this Minnesota Christmas town will really warm your heart in the chilly winter air. Ready? Let's go!

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Duluth, Minnesota, is home to the Bentleyville "Tour of Lights," one of the most popular Christmas light displays in Minnesota. Not only is it popular in the Land of 10,000 Lakes, but it’s also among the most beautiful displays in the country!

Colorful holiday lights form an arch reading "Bentleyville" above a tall, illuminated Christmas tree.
Bentleyville is a Christmas Celebration open November through December in Duluth, Minnesota’s Bayfront Park

From its location at Bayfront Park on the shores of Lake Superior, Bentleyville offers a Minnesota-themed display that you simply won’t find anywhere else. When you arrive, you’ll walk through a magical tunnel of lights, setting the scene for an enchanting night ahead.

As you walk through the tunnel, you’ll be surrounded on both sides by whimsical light creations. Simple holiday tree designs and lakes-themed creations lead to elaborate dinosaur-themed displays. The variety of lighted displays is truly incredible!

A colorful display of holiday lights illuminates a pathway, surrounded by festive decorations and vibrant scenes.
Bentleyville is a Christmas Celebration open November through December in Duluth, Minnesota’s Bayfront Park

At the center of it all is an enormous Christmas tree covered in changing lights. You will not tire of gazing at this magical sight.

It's 128 feet tall and has over 150,000 synchronized LEDs!

A brightly lit Christmas tree surrounded by colorful gift boxes, set against a dark night sky.
Bentleyville is a Christmas Celebration open November through December in Duluth, Minnesota’s Bayfront Park

If you prefer a quieter route, there’s even a path — deemed the Romantic Path — outside of the main tunnel. It offers excellent views of Lake Superior and the lift bridge, as well as charming photo opportunities.

All in all, the Tour of Lights in MN is well recognized as one of the best Christmas light displays in the United States. Best of all, it’s 100% free to visit!

You're sure to make some incredible memories, walk away with fantastic photos, and treasure this one-of-a-kind Christmas lights display in Minnesota. The Bentleyville "Tour of Lights" in Duluth, Minnesota dates are Nov. 23 - Dec. 28, 2024, and parking is $10 per vehicle.

Colorful holiday lights form a train and a house, creating a festive scene against a dark night sky.
Bentleyville is a Christmas Celebration open November through December in Duluth, Minnesota’s Bayfront Park

Wow. Christmas in Minnesota really is the most wonderful time of the year! Have you ever visited this amazing light display? For more information on the Bentleyville "Tour of Lights" in Duluth, Minnesota, including dates, times, admission, and more, be sure to visit the official website.

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What are your favorite Minnesota Christmas lights? We love all things holly jolly here at Only In Minnesota, so be sure to share your favorite Minnesota Christmas traditions below! For those who can never get enough holiday cheer, a visit to one of these gorgeous Christmas towns is likely in order as well. In fact, you might even want to stay awhile!

Looking for unique gifts to give this holiday season? Check out our Amazon storefront for ideas!

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