Trains can do far more than just take you from one place to another. The best train rides are an experience. They also make a great outing for families. If you're looking for Minneapolis homes for sale, you'll be happy to know there are some amazing train rides in and around the twin cities. Here are our favorites.

• Amtrak Empire Builder - St. Paul Union Depot
  The Amtrak Empire Builder is just a commuter train, but it will take you through some of the best scenery in Minnesota. If you're looking for a fun day trip, the train leaves from St. Paul and has stops near Winona, Staples, Red Wing, and Detroit Lakes homes for sale. Or, if you're planning a vacation, it will take you as far as the West Coast, including Portland and Seattle. Whatever you're looking for, this is the commuter train to use.

By the time February comes around, most people are starting to feel a little cooped up and tired of being inside. The good news is that there are plenty of outdoor events to attend around the Twin Cities in February. If you've been busy looking at Minneapolis homes for sale or St. Paul homes for sale, we recommend pressing pause for a few hours and stopping by one of these events.

• Ice Castles: 1500 Old Hwy 8, New Brighton, MN 55112
  Ice Castles is an incredible event at Long Lake Regional Park in New Brighton. It will be open daily through the month of February until March 6th. While there, you can walk though beautiful ice castles, passing by frozen waterfalls and under ice archways. Colored lights make the experience even more magnificent.

Sunday, September 26 is World Rivers Day. It's an opportunity to appreciate and celebrate our local rivers and streams, and there's no better way to mark the occasion than by taking a paddling trip in the Twin Cities. 

We're blessed to live in a part of the world where numerous world-class rivers and streams are practically at our doorstep. If you're looking for a great place to kayak in Minneapolis and Saint Paul, look no further!

• Minnesota River - 101 Snelling Lake Rd., Saint Paul, MN 55111
  The Minnesota River flows over 300 miles across nearly the entire state of Minnesota before eventually emptying into the Mississippi River in Saint Paul. It's a gentle and placid river throughout much of the year, and sections of it are protected as Wild and Scenic River. Needless to say, there's a lot of great kayaking along the way. If you're looking for a paddling spot convenient to these St. Paul homes for sale, check out the beautiful Fort Snelling State Park, which includes ample river access near the Minnesota River's confluence with the Mississippi.

With its abundance of lakes, river, and streams that have many different types of game fish, the Twin Cities has plenty of spots that are perfect for fly fishing. Whether you prefer walking a stream, wading in a river, or casting from a boat, pier, or the shore, you'll be able to do it at several area locations.
  
Try the following five fly fishing destinations around the Twin Cities and located near Minneapolis homes for sale or St. Paul homes for sale.  

1. Lake Calhoun – about 3 blocks west of Lake St. and Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis   
   Lake Calhoun is a prime spot to fish for bluegill, crappie, tiger muskie, Northern pike, largemouth bass, walleye, yellow perch, bullhead, and carp. The pier lets you cast into deep water, so you don't necessarily need a boat to reel in a big one. Recommended flies include the wooly bugger, bass popper, small nymphs, and minnow patterns. And as an added bonus, you'll be able to enjoy beautiful views of the Minneapolis skyline from the lake.