Visit The Tropical Rain Forest At The Omni
Posted on 29. Jan, 2011 by Lenore Bleifuss, Local Artist in Opinions, Popular Stories
Recently we visited the Omni Theater at the Science Museum in St. Paul, which is located overlooking the river on 120 Kellogg Blvd.
It had been years since I have been there and I had forgotten what an enjoyable experience it would be. Currently there are five shows going on in the theater and are as follows.
Old Man and the Sea…1 and 6 pm…Tropical Rain Forest…4 and 8 pm…Sea Monsters…2 and 7 pm…Wild Safari 3 pm… and Hubble…noon and 5 pm. All of the features run about 45 minutes and are well worth the admission fee. Adults are $8 and Seniors and children are $7. We opted to visit the Tropical Rain Forest for our first visit.
It is a narrated journey through the tropical rain forest taking us from the early evolution millions of years ago to the present time, when there is a drastic decline in the forest due to the harvesting of so many of those magnificent large trees. As we seemingly glided into the rain forest, we were under the large green canopy, over the tree tops as well as walking along the forest floor with scientists who were studying the many varieties of plants which are the sources of many present day medicines.
In the beginning, t
he land was covered with large ferns and vegetation and over millions of years it evolved into larger vegetation and then the large hovering trees which formed the forest canopy. We see many prehistoric creatures and insects as they too changed sizes and forms as they adapted to a changing environment.
It was almost heartbreaking to see the damage done by man when they came in with chain saws and large machinery to cut down those majestic trees for use in the modern day world. The decline of the beautiful rain forest also means that many birds, animals and insects will become extinct because of changes to their once friendly habitat. Environmentalists are continually working and seeking ways to stop the destruction of the forest but it is an ongoing job which requires unending dedication and financial expertise and aid.
If you choose to enjoy a movie at this wonderful theater, try to sit at the higher up seats for a better visual experince. The screen reaches up overhead and totally surrounds you so that you are surrounded by the scene. It is very realistic. Enjoy!
