WALK AND LEARN
The Minnesota Historical Society offers a healthy sampling of walking tours that are ideal for a summer stroll. A self-guided tour of the Capitol Mall explains the history and significance of its memorials. Learn about the tradition of remembering notable Minnesotans with sculpture, flower gardens and plaques. Tour brochures are available for $2 at the information desk. (1-4 p.m. today, next Sun.; 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sat. State Capitol, 75 W. Martin Luther King Dr., St. Paul.) A 90-minute guided tour of Summit Avenue, named one of the nation's "Great Streets" in 2008, covers the area's mansions, architecture and social history as well as preservation efforts in the historic neighborhood. (2 p.m. today, next Sun.; 11 a.m. & 2 p.m. Sat. $6-$10. James J. Hill House, 240 Summit Av., St. Paul. 651-296-6126. www.mnhs.org.)
BACK TO THE '50S WEEKEND
You don't have to wear your saddle shoes and vintage attire to get into the spirit of the '50s. View more than 11,000 street rods, customs, classics and restored vehicles dating from 1964 and earlier. Live music by the Shadows Tribute Band, Holy Rocka Rollaz and the Memories. Check out the swap meet, "Kids World" activities and more than 350 vendors and auto exhibits. (8 a.m.-10 p.m. Sat.; 6 a.m.-3 p.m. next Sun. $10. Minnesota State Fairgrounds, 1265 N. Snelling Av., Falcon Heights. www.msra.com.)
