2022 Winter Carnival: Here's a look at what else is happening in St. Paul museums and venues

Ross Raihala, Pioneer Press, St. Paul, Minn.
·2 min read

Jan. 22—There's more than just the Winter Carnival happening in St. Paul. Here's a look at some other events to experience in the city during Carnival.

Orchids galore

Now in its 47th year, the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory's Orchid Show features hundreds of orchid plants owned by the conservatory, the Orchid Society of Minnesota members as well as individual and commercial orchid growers. In addition to the plants and displays, vendors will be offering plants and other wares. It runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Jan. 29 and 30. Tickets are $5 and must be purchased in advance. Como Zoo is open, and the Winter Flower Show is in full bloom in the Conservatory. Advance reservations are required. (comozooconservatory.org).

Minnesota History Center

Soak up some state history without opening a textbook or searching online. In addition to the permanent exhibits that feature Minnesota's Greatest Generation and a dive into the state's weather, the featured exhibit "Our Home: Native Minnesota" looks at the state's Native communities. (mnhs.org/historycenter)

Bell weather

If you like your history on the natural side, the University of Minnesota's Bell Museum has dioramas, a planetarium and, of course, the massive woolly mammoth you can see through the window at night from Larpenteur Avenue. The Bell's latest exhibition, "Seeing Birds," opens Jan. 28 and looks at how our understanding of birds is made through careful observation, artistic exploration and scientific endeavor. "Seeing Birds" is the first special exhibit in the Bell's year-long celebration of 150 years. (bellmuseum.umn.edu)

Dino Days

The Science Museum of Minnesota is exploring all things dinosaurs and fossils in "Ultimate Dinosaurs," plus Omnitheater movies starring dinosaurs. This is in addition to the museum's resident dinosaur and fossil exhibits, of course. (smm.org)

For the kids

The popular children's series Thomas and Friends is the subject of Minnesota Children's Museum's new interactive exhibit, which promotes foundational skills that foster STEM literacy through playful learning experiences. (mcm.org)

Hot and Cool Classics

The St. Paul Civic Symphony will perform a free concert at 2 p.m. Jan. 30 at Landmark Center. The program includes selections from Leonard Bernstein, Erich Korngold, Florence Price, Mary D. Watking and Josef Strauss. (landmarkcenter.org)