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Wander Minnesota: Post-Turkey Thanksgiving Weekend Options

You've slept off the turkey, you're not interested in battling crowds on Black Friday, but you have free time and possibly family and friends to entertain. What is there to do this weekend? Plenty. Here is just a sampling of events taking place around the state in the days after Thanksgiving.

The Minneapolis Institute of Arts is celebrating Black Friday as well, opening at 6 a.m. and offering free admission to its current exhibit, Italian Style: Fashion Since 1945, with treats and special deals for the earliest arrivers.

The Minnesota History Center offers a Robot Mania version of its History HiJinx. Stop by the Toys of the 50s, 60s and 70s exhibit, then create your own retro robot.

There are a number of other communities across the state that host parades of lights this Friday night, among them: The Night We Light, a parade and tree-lighting ceremony with a visit from Santa and sleigh rides; New Ulm has its Parade of Lights along with its annual Christkindlmarkt; and International Falls hosts the Holiday Parade.

On Friday in Aitkin, there's a different kind of parade: the annual World Famous Fish House Parade. This is your best -- and likely only -- opportunity to stand in one spot and see a huge contingent of decorated fish houses float by.

In Rochester, the historic Mayowood Mansion is decorated for the holidays and open for tours. This was the home of Dr. Charles Mayo, co-founder of the Mayo Clinic.

Saturday marks the opening of the annual Wells Fargo WinterSkate at Rice Park in St. Paul. A grand opening celebration starts at 5 p.m., including a tree lighting and fireworks. Bring your own skates, or rent them for $2 (free rental for Wells Fargo credit or check card holders).

On Saturday, the Charles Lindbergh Home in Little Falls will host a Christmas with the Lindberghs. Costumed guides will give tours of the home and provide information about the famous family.

If you're in Duluth, take a ride on the Christmas City Express. The brightly lit train will take you to the Duluth Depot for a reading of the new Christmas City Express story and a visit with Santa before returning to Fitgers for hot cocoa and a campfire. The Christmas City Express runs Friday-Sunday through Dec. 21.

What else is happening in our state? Be sure to check out the 10 p.m. Tuesday night WCCO newscasts, where you can learn more in the weekly segment, Finding Minnesota.

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