The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum in Chaska, a western suburb, is a must-see.

In St. Paul, the Como Park Conservatory is wonderful, though very warm in the summer.

The Walker Art Center's Sculpture Garden is a great combination of plantings and art. Highly recommended!

The premier orchid nursery is Orchids Limited in Plymouth.

Both Minneapolis and St. Paul have fantastic farmer's markets to sample a taste of the local fare. Enjoy your visit!

Here is a link that might be useful: Orchids Limited

Good suggestions so far.

Noerenburg Garden is also worth a visit.
http://www.threeriversparkdistrict.org/parks/noerenbergmemorial.cfm

There are lots of nice nurseries.

Tangletown, Funkie Gardens (in WI), Kelley and Kelley,Squire House, Highland Nursery are interesting destinations, even if you don't by plants.

There are a good number of garden tours over the summer. Northern Gardener magazine is a good resource.

http://www.northerngardener.org/

Have fun!

Ted

If you don't mind a little bit of a drive, up to an hour depending on where you are in the metro, Munsinger Clemens Gardens in St. Cloud are positively worth the drive (link below). Hope you enjoy your trip...Helen.

Here is a link that might be useful: Munsinger Gardens

See the link below for several nice, free gardens right next to each other, and a pretty lake.

Here is a link that might be useful: gardens adjacent to lake harriet

Thank you all for your suggestions. I am looking forward to my trip very much

Dawn