Saint Paul, Minn., has group appeal

Saint Paul. Minn., offers attractions and exhibits that have a strong appeal to groups. Here are a few gems motorhome travelers might wish to consider.

Science Museum of Minnesota
The “A Day in Pompeii” exhibit runs through Jan. 6, 2008, at the Science Museum of Minnesota. In A.D. 79 the Roman city of Pompeii was buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. The debris and ash that so suddenly ended life in Pompeii also entombed the city in a virtual time capsule, making it one of the world's most complete archeological sites. Visitors to the exhibit will see wall-sized frescoes, marble and bronze sculptures, coins, jewelry and even casts of some of the victims of the eruption.

The museum is located on the Mississippi River banks in downtown Saint Paul. It contains many hands-on exhibits, a science-themed miniature golf course and one of the world's only convertible dome movie theaters.

More info: www.smm.org.

Diggin' Dinos
In 2007, the Science Museum of Minnesota is celebrating its Centennial with special visitors. Artist-designed dinosaur sculptures have been decking downtown parks and sidewalks throughout the summer months. Maps of the Diggin' Dinos are available at the museum.

More info: www.smm.org.

Valleyfair! amusement park
Valleyfair's newest ride — the Renegade Outlaw Coaster — has enough twists, turns, speed and s-curves to delight even the most adventurous thrill seekers. The 104-foot-tall coaster reaches speeds of 52 miles per hour.

More info: www.valleyfair.com

Theater
The Ordway Center for Performing Arts features the following group-friendly productions for the 2007-2008 Season.

“Chicago,” July 10 to 15, 2007
Monty Python's “SPAMALOT,” July 24 to August 12, 2007
”The Rocky Horror Show,” Sept. 18 to November 25, 2007
”Whistle Down the Wind,” Oct. 9 to 21, 2007
”A Christmas Carole Petersen,” by Theater Latte Da, Dec. 7 to 29, 2007
”The Sound of Music,” Dec. 11 to 30, 2007
”The Walleye Kid: The Musical,” Jan. 18 to February 3, 2008
”Blues in the Night,” March 11 to May 18, 2008
”The Drowsy Chaperone,” March 18 to 30, 2008
”Cabaret,” May 6 to 18, 2008
”Irving Berlin's White Christmas,” Dec. 4, 2008 to Jan. 1, 2009

More information: www.ordway.org.

Figure skating championships
Saint Paul's Xcel Energy Center will host the 2008 U.S. Figure Skating Championships from Jan. 20 to 27, 2008. Watch the country's top skaters compete in men's, women's and pairs skating, as well as in ice dancing, in this 19,000-seat arena.

Tickets for All-Event Packages and range from $495 to $895. Tickets for select package events will are also on sale this summer. Group discounts are available for most events.

More info: www.saintpaul2008.com.

Winter Carnival
The 2008 Saint Paul Winter Carnival (Jan. 25 to Feb. 3, 2008) will overlap the U.S. Figure Skating Championships. Activities will include parades, pageants, sporting events, contests and cultural celebrations.

More info: www.winter-carnival.com.

To plan your visit to Saint Paul or to request a free Itineraries Guide, contact the Group Tour Sales Manager at (800) 627-6101.

Saint Paul RiverCentre Convention & Visitors Authority
www.stpaulcvb.org