What's open and closed on Thanksgiving

A guide to what's open and what's closed on Thanksgiving

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Happy Thanksgiving, Minnesota!

Most of the state is shutting up shop as it prepares to feast on turkey, but there are some signs of life if you do need to venture outside – particularly later in the day.

Here's a look at what's open and closed on Thanksgiving.

Post offices

All post offices are closed and there will be no mail service. Fedex is also closing for the day.

Banks

All the major banks in Minnesota, including TCF Bank, Bremer Bank, Wells Fargo and U.S. Bank, have closed their branches for the day.

The goes for the TCF and U.S. Banks in grocery stores as well, the Star Tribune notes.

Government buildings and schools

Nope, KARE 11 reports that under federal law, all government and staff offices, libraries and DMV facilities will be closed on Thanksgiving.

National/state parks

So Minnesota only has one national park, the Voyageurs National Park in the far north of the state, and while all national parks are open on Thanksgiving, I think it's fair to say for the most of you, that'll be a little out of reach.

If you are looking to work off that turkey though, Minnesota's fabulous collection of state parks is free to the public tomorrow as part of its now customary "Black Friday" sale, according to the DNR.

Grocery stores/pharmacies

It's likely you or one of your family members will have to go to the grocery store to get something last minute. Although you'll want to check to see what the holiday hours may be, Cub Foods, ALDI, and Whole Foods will be open. Trader Joe's is closing for the day along with Costco and Sam's Club.

Walmart is open 24 hours, though its Black Friday sales don't start till 6 p.m., and Target will be opening from 6 p.m. for Black Friday.

Walgreens and CVS will operate under normal hours.

Malls/stores

This depends on what store is deciding to open for sales on Thanksgiving, and which are waiting till Friday.

The most high-profile closure is the Mall of America, which will close its doors from noon (after a morning fundraiser), with the only places open at the mall being Macy's, Sears and the Crayola Experience.

Burnsville Center will also be closing, but most other malls should open later on for Black Friday sales.

CNBC has this guide for which standalone stores will be opening today.

Restaurants/movie theaters

If you're not into cooking this year, it seems like most restaurants are amping up services on Thanksgiving with buffets and special deals. Again, check the restaurants website to see what the hours will be–some will open later in the evening.

Open Table has a feature that lets you search which restaurants are open and what specials they are offering.

You can always go to a movie if you're looking for some entertainment after the festivities wind down, since most movie theaters will be open.

Transit

All Metro Transit buses and light rail lines will be running on Sunday/holiday schedules, more info here. The Northstar Line will not be running though.

There won't be any services from Minnesota Valley Transit Authority, Maple Grove Transit, Plymouth Metrolink and SouthWest Transit.

Parking

The Star Tribune reports that meters will not be enforced in Minneapolis and St. Paul. The University of Minnesota will not enforce meters unless noted on the meter.

But meters will be enforced in Minneapolis parks, the newspaper notes, unless otherwise noted.

Liquor stores

If you forgot to buy the booze, bad luck as Minnesota's liquor stores are by law not allowed to open on Thanksgiving – one of only two non-Sundays of the year this happens.

But they can open in Wisconsin, so if you live near the border you can make a quick, emergency beer-run.