Searching for a socially distant day trip? Only an hour drive northeast from the Twin Cities, Franconia Sculpture Park presents the perfect opportunity for artful (and safe) wandering. The park’s 43 acres are home to 120 sculptures, rotated yearly and created by a substantial artists-in-residence program. And better yet, admission is free.
Although Franconia’s parking lot was packed when I visited recently, it was very easy to keep more than 6 feet apart from other park goers. Like many, Franconia has issued a response to the COVID-19 pandemic: “Franconia Sculpture Park is committed to remaining open as an oasis for our visitors during this difficult time as long as we feel it is safe to do so.” The staff is asking people to respect socially distancing, to not touch or climb sculptures, and to wear masks at all public programs and events, such as its free walking tours on Sundays at 2 p.m. (Very few people were wearing masks as they meandered on their own, but there was enough space between everyone for it to feel OK.)
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