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Midwest => Minnesota Renaissance Festival => Topic started by: dbaldock on July 23, 2010, 04:50:01 PM

Title: Is MNRF on any Public Transportation Routes?
Post by: dbaldock on July 23, 2010, 04:50:01 PM
As the title says, I'm wondering if the MNRF is on any Public Transportation Routes?


My folks live near St. Cloud during the Summer, and they've mentioned that we can park at Big Lake and ride the Train down into Minneapolis, and then transfer to other Light Rail or Bus services.  I'm looking at the Metro Transit - Maps & Schedules (http://www.metrotransit.org/maps-schedules.aspx) page, and I see Bus routes in the area of Town Square Mall in Shakopee, but it doesn't look like they go that additional 5 miles down Hwy 169 to the MNRF.  Does Shakopee have any local Bus service that could get us from the Mall to the Ren Faire, or would we have to get a Taxi?

Thanks for any Help,
David Baldock
Title: Re: Is MNRF on any Public Transportation Routes?
Post by: auntiegiggles on July 23, 2010, 05:49:59 PM
I don't know for sure if it does.  But here is the phone number( 612-373-3333) for metro transit.  They should be able to answer your questions.   ;D


Title: Re: Is MNRF on any Public Transportation Routes?
Post by: Leyla on July 24, 2010, 02:55:54 AM
If you have a car to "park at Big Lake" you'd probably be best off just driving to the festival yourselves rather than fussing with public transportation. You'll get there a lot faster and have far more flexibility.
Title: Re: Is MNRF on any Public Transportation Routes?
Post by: dbaldock on July 24, 2010, 03:56:24 PM
Well, I suppose they were originally thinking of it as an adventure to take the Trains & things (if they went all the way to the Faire), but I believe we will probably end up driving the car (taking State Highways and back roads).  It's about 70 miles from where they live to the Faire site.


Take Care,
David Baldock
Title: Re: Is MNRF on any Public Transportation Routes?
Post by: Lady Kathleen of Olmsted on July 25, 2010, 01:32:59 AM


Would said would be Public transportation passengers be wearing garb of any kind? That might be an issue riding in a train or bus.

There is ample parking for the MNRFand is FREE!
Title: Re: Is MNRF on any Public Transportation Routes?
Post by: tcindie on July 25, 2010, 11:35:39 AM
Quote from: Lady Kathleen of Olmsted on July 25, 2010, 01:32:59 AM
There is ample parking for the MNRFand is FREE!
For patrons anyway.. LOL
Title: Re: Is MNRF on any Public Transportation Routes?
Post by: groomporter on July 25, 2010, 01:29:17 PM
Well...for participants there should be more room in the pit for parking now... :P

I doubt there's any buses that go past the site, and that far out in the suburbs taxis are usually few and far between.
Title: Re: Is MNRF on any Public Transportation Routes?
Post by: dbaldock on July 25, 2010, 07:04:45 PM
Quote from: Lady Kathleen of Olmsted on July 25, 2010, 01:32:59 AM


Would said would be Public transportation passengers be wearing garb of any kind? That might be an issue riding in a train or bus.

There is ample parking for the MNRF and is FREE!

Well, since I'm only taking my camera case and one carry-on bag for a 10 day vacation to visit my parents, I'm not planning to pack any garb - except for maybe a flat hat.


I remember that when we visited MNRF in 1996, we got there between opening and Noon.  Ended up parking about half way down the hill in the parking lot.


Take Care,
David Baldock
Title: Re: Is MNRF on any Public Transportation Routes?
Post by: white trillium on July 25, 2010, 09:54:44 PM
With or without garb, the bigger issue is that public transportation out to the suburbs on the weekends is practically non-existent (I take the bus downtown on weekdays for work).  We live in Crystal and it took us 45 minutes (give or take) to get out to the site today.  Hope to see you during your visit!
Title: Re: Is MNRF on any Public Transportation Routes?
Post by: Lady Kathleen of Olmsted on July 30, 2010, 09:04:48 AM
Back in 2003, my husband and I attended the New York Renaissance Festival. From where we parked(for a fee), we had to take a bus ride over a mile to the fair gate. I was in full garb and had a hard time working my skirts.

Garb and Buses do not mix.