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Grand Rounds

In Minneapolis, bicyclists soak up the scenery along a breathtaking national byway.

For more than a century, people have marveled at the Chain of Lakes in Minneapolis.

It's not so much the beauty of the lakes, though they're glorious. It's more the fact that ordinary folk can walk, bike, swim and play around them — all of them.

It almost wasn't so. Back in 1882, landscape architect Horace Cleveland had to argue his case for putting aside land on the city's lakes, creeks and river.

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Curiosity camp

With fun day trips, the University of Minnesota finds a cure for "vacation-deficit disorder."

If you want to play hooky from work this summer, just tell your boss that the University of Minnesota thinks you should.

Americans are putting in more work hours than at any time since the 1920s, it says, but as many as 30 percent of us don't take a vacation. Yet, research also shows the brain needs time away from the job so it can stretch.

It turns out that all work and no play really does make Jack a dull boy. That's why the College of Continuing Education offers summer Curiosity Camps, with nearly two dozen chances for people to take a day off.

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A jolly holiday in Minneapolis

Sometimes, the best tourist destination is in your own back yard.

During the holidays, there's no place like home. In fact, it's the perfect getaway.

Every year, I go to downtown Minneapolis to see the Holidazzle parade. I get tickets for Handel's "Messiah" at Orchestra Hall. I hunt for stocking stuffers on Nicollet Mall.

I don't stay overnight. I live here, after all.

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