I Make Things Happen : MPR

Minnesota Public Radio® is one of our nation's premier public radio stations producing programming for radio, online and live audiences. With its three services — MPR News, Classical MPR and 89.3 The Current — operating a 43-station regional radio network and serving a regional population of 5 million people, MPR has 127,150 members and one million listeners each week.

Car Talk. Wait! Wait! Don't Tell Me. Talking Volumes. American Routes. Sound Opinions. Friday Favorites. Composer's Datebook. Performance Today. The list goes on and on.

The programs offered by our local National Public Radio partner, housed right here in downtown St Paul, are endless and entertaining. The podcasts make fantastic road trip partners or office mates.

MPR is not just another set of stations that take up space on the dial. They bring us local and national news, music and programming that rivals no other. MPR offers tours on a by request basis by just filling out a simple online form. If you're not already a member of this amazing resource, please consider helping make things happen in our community and beyond.

Minnesota State Capitol

The Minnesota State Capitol is located at 75 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd in Saint Paul. It houses the Minnesota Senate, Minnesota House of Representatives, the Office of the Attorney General, the Office of the Governor and chamber for the Minnesota Supreme Court.

The building is set on a landscaped campus with various monuments to its sides and front.  If you can’t make it to view the building itself, you can take the Minnesota Historical Society’s Walking Tour of the Capitol and surrounding area.  If you do have a chance, walking tours are given from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays and 1 to 4 p.m. Sundays.

The building was designed by Cass Gilbert and modeled after Saint Peter's Basilica in Rome.  It is also inspired by the idea of domed capitols originating with the United States Capitol dome. The Capitol was built at a cost of $4.5 million and work began on the capitol in 1896. Construction was completed in 1905. It is the third building to serve this purpose: the first capitol was destroyed by fire in 1881, and the second was completed in 1883, but was considered to be too small almost immediately.

Grand Ave

Looking for something to do while you are in St Paul? Grand Ave in St. Paul has shops, restaurants, bars, services, and events. It is located just blocks from downtown St Paul and just a block south of Summit Avenue, one of the most historic neighborhoods in Minnesota. Grand Avenue boasts an eclectic and inviting atmosphere, with wide, tree-lined streets, patio dining, and cozy coffee shops.

The main commercial part of Grand Avenue is the mile in between Dale Street and Lexington Avenue. This area has the highest concentration of stores and restaurants and is very walkable. Grand Avenue is known for its many independent shops and stores. You'll find fashion, lifestyle, jewelry and art stores, together with spas, galleries and fitness studios. There are also many wonderful restaurants, cafes, bars and coffee shops on Grand Avenue.

Off the Grid! : Knot Just Another Inn...

The Covington Inn in downtown St Paul is by far one of the most eclectic and unique lodging choices in the Twin Cities. Written up by both professional travel editors and locals alike, this quaint & charming vessel is now a home for those looking for that little getaway within the city limits. What began as a hard working towboat on the river in 1946 is now a gently retired B&B that offers delicious breakfasts, quiet ambiance and a glimpse into times past, all within walking distance of the beautiful St Paul skyline. Rates range from $160 per night up to $235 for the pilot house suite, and all rooms are television free. Unplug, unwind, and consider a little respite from the busy days of the MLA conference by staying either during, or after, the conference (or beyond!)in this true gem on the Mississippi River. Please contact the innkeeper, Liz Miller, at 651-292-1411 for reservations.

The Artists' Quarter

Everyone knows about the Dakota Jazz Club in Minneapolis, but have you ever been to The Artists' Quarter in downtown St. Paul?  Located in the basement of the historic Hamm building on St. Peter, this jazz and blues venue is underground in every way, dimly lit and with brimming with local Twin Cities talent.  Cover charges are cheap and they even host the occasional poetry slam.  Check it out after hours during the conference, they have music almost every night.

 http://artistsquarter.com/

Take a trip down the mighty Mississippi!

Padelford Riverboats offer a unique way to see St. Paul and the Mississippi River. Tours range from narrated sight-seeing trips to sunset dinners. You'll learn a little about St. Paul's history (including the legendary Pig's Eye), spot some wildlife, and just enjoy the ride!

Pig's Eye Landing

New at MLA this year: Connections Cafe

Remember MLA's Internet Cafe?  That was SO 2011.  Grab your iPad and put on your hipster glasses to watch the conference Twitter and photo feeds, drop in on the Tweetup and eReader Petting Zoo, and Meet the Presidents (as in real live human beings!) Oh yeah, and you can check your work email there too.

Now Playing on the U of M Centennial Showboat......The Vampire!

Looking for a memorable summer night?  Nothing says summer in St. Paul like Harriet Island, and this historic, permanently docked paddleboat is home of the University of Minnesota Showboat Players, an all-student troupe of talented University actors, singers, and dancers.  You can't beat the intimate theater setting, old-fashioned vaudeville charm, and downtown skyline views.  Rush tickets are only $20!
https://theatre.umn.edu/about/facilities/showboat

Don't Call it a Comeback! Dinner with Colleagues Returns

Sign up with a group to enjoy dinner at one of St. Paul's signature restaurants.  The committee is working very hard to pair dining locations with original and creative personal and professional themes.  Look for sign up information very soon!  Dinner with Colleagues will once again be held Thursday night during the conference.

Welcome to MLA Local Arrangements 2012

Conference after hours, restaurants, things to see and do in St. Paul, local history, facts and trivia, transportation updates and conference planning, we have got you covered!  Subscribe below or check back regularly!