Q: I’m going to be visiting Minneapolis with two teenage girls who haven’t spent a lot of time in a big city and am wondering which skyscrapers have public observation decks.

A: Despite an abundance of skyscrapers, the only public observation deck is on the 30th floor of the lovely but relatively shrimpy Foshay Tower (now a glam W Hotel).Tickets are $8 for the general public, $5 for seniors. Children under the age of 12 are free. Other great places in Minneapolis to take in gorgeous vistas include the views of the Mississippi River and St. Anthony Falls from the Mill City Museum and the Guthrie Theater’s Endless Bridge. For a great view of downtown, head to Thomas Beach on Lake Calhoun.

Q: I’d like to go on an afternoon canoe trip on a nearby river, but the dry conditions have meant that the water levels at some of my favorites–including the St. Croix out of Taylor’s Falls–are too low. What rivers are good choices these days for canoes?

A: According to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, there are several great choices for day outings near the metro area, including the Cannon River from Cannon Falls (river mile 25) to Welch (river mile 13.1).   The river gauge at Welch is reading 2.64, which is the low end of medium (meaning you’ll have plenty of water to paddle, but may need to walk your canoe occasionally). They also recommend the Rum River in Isanti and/or Anoka County.  In general, the closer the river is to the Mississippi (and the Twin Cities), the more reliable the water levels are.  For other options, go to the DNR Water Trails website and check out “Awesome Trips” under “Trip Planning” and “River Level Reports” under “Water Levels.”

Q: My family and I would like to spend some time this summer at a family camp. Can you suggest one?

A: Family camps — traditional summer camps that are open to the entire family — are a great vacation option for families who enjoy the outdoors and the inherent hokiness (think skits and “repeat after me” songs) that comes with the summer camp experience. Several Minnesota children’s camps offer  family sessions in addition to their regular programs. But when it comes to camps that are devoted solely to families, the best known and loved is Camp du Nord, on Burntside Lake outside of Ely.  Run by the YMCA of Greater St. Paul, du Nord hosts sessions throughout the year. Their extremely popular summer sessions are filled by a lottery in the dead of winter, but the camp’s website shows they still have openings, especially at the begining and end of summer. Please note that some of those sessions take place before the full-team of counselors — whose grace and wit are the hallmark of the du Nord experience — is in place and that there may not be as many organized activities as there are during the peak of the season.

Q: My husband and I are planning a weekend in Madison. Any suggestions about what to do?

A:  The Wisconsin capitol is one of our favorite midwestern getaways. Home to both the University of Wisconsin and the Oscar Meyer Weinermobile, Mad Town mixes the high brown with the down-home. We suggest starting your trip with a crash course in Wisconsin humor by attending a live performance of Michael Feldman’s radio program Whad’Ya Know. We especially recommend the shows that are held at the  Monona Terrace Convention and Community Center, a gorgeous lakeside complex inspired by the designs of native son Frank Lloyd Wright. Other must-dos  include the Dane County Farmers’ Market held at the Capitol and a visit to the U of W’s Aboretum. And what self-respecting traveler could visit the epicenter of America’s dairyland without a stop at an ice cream store? There are no shortage of options, but we particularly love Babcock Hall Dairy Store, where the university’s Department of Food Science peddles its yummy inventions.

What are your favorite things to do in Madison?

According to the Minnesota Climate Working Group, many of the lakes in the northern tip of Minnesota are still covered with ice. As the state’s fishermen know, that won’t be the case for long and we can now start to think in earnest about our longed-for summer getaways. We love Burntside Lake outside of Ely, home to YMCA camps and classic resorts such as the iconic Burntside Lodge. We especially love Camp Van Vac, a rustic resort that keeps to the simple traditions of a bygone era. Get into the spirit of the place with this video. 

First comes a deep sigh. Then, “We are sad to say that due to the bad economics that are going on, the Historic Anderson House has had to close its doors.” So says the recorded message at the telephone number of the Wabasha hotel, known for its abundance of cats. Built in 1856, it had been the oldest operating B&B in the state until it closed recently.

I only stayed at the Wabasha hotel once, but it was, as they say, a night to remember.

I’d fled from a hearby loud rental house squeezed between a working railroad track and a busy street, knocked on the locked door of the Historic Anderson House and was delighted when the front desk clerk, who was closing down for the night, welcomed me in. She suggested I stay on the second floor — people checking for ghosts occupied the top floor– and offered a cat to keep me company. I wasn’t visited by apparitions, but the plump cat did its part to interrupt my sleep; she wanted to sleep on my head. I viewed this as a sign of affection and found it sweet rather than annoying.

I’ll hold fast to the final sentence of the recorded message: “Hopefully one day you will be able to come back again.”