This guide provides an overview of things to do in Minneapolis & the wider Twin Cities, giving you a taste of what to expect when exploring this exciting part of Minnesota.
This humbling separation by the mighty Mississippi results in a tale of two cities bridging the gap of contradictions. In this case, Minneapolis, and not its sister, St. Paul.
Its mix of abundant parks, modern buildings, cultural quarters and great shopping mean that this city really does come into its own, especially in the fall when the leaves turn golden. Boasting an efficient public transport system, it is easy to find your way and see the tourists delights that the area has to offer.
One of the larger cities in the country, Minneapolis is home to a number of prestigious museums, beautiful lakes, the Mall of America and a few quiet getaways making for some interesting sightseeing. There is so much to do that your trip to Minneapolis is going to be completely action packed.
Top Things to Do in Minneapolis
1. Minneapolis Institute of Art
A Must-Visit Place in Minneapolis, Minnesota This city palace is meant to be a major draw and gets its operating expenses from the government.
This eight-acre campus which was previously known as Morisson Park is definitely worth wandering around. The museum has more than 80,000 items spanning 5,000 years of global history.
The museum has a vast collection of various art pieces. Asian artefacts, sculptures, and some of the best African, Oceania, and Americas pieces.
Furthermore, the museum rotates temporary shows from other institutions and showcases a multitude of regional artwork.
This is of course a place to go for anyone a fan of different types of art. It is open to the public at no charge and hosts supervised tours as well.
2. Dive into Culture at the Walker Art Center
This results in the over 100-year-old institution of the Walker Art Center, which is one of the preeminent contemporary art museums in the country, and definitely one of the most important stops on a Minneapolis itinerary.
Established in 1927 as a nonprofit public art gallery and educational center, this architectural design, visual and performing arts, film/video, and new media gallery are located on 17 acres of land at the foot of the gorgeous Hollywood Hills along the busy Wilshire boulevard.
Across the street in an eye-catching building nestled snugly on the opposite corner of the cultural park is the Walker Art Center, providing those so inclined with two of the biggest reasons one implies they visit Minneapolis when talking about a three day stay in the Spring.
This facility is a key participant in the city’s cultural activities, often serving as a venue for film exhibits.
Inside, visitors can roam between multiple exhibition galleries, a theater and cinema, lounges, terraces, and dining options. Those interested in the vibrant life of Minneapolis will get a full dose of it visiting the Walker Art Center.
3. Local Flavors with Mill City Farmers Market
Sourcing from farmers and artisans themselves, the Mill City Farmers Market is a larder of fresh, local, sustainable, and organic goods that we have come to count upon.
The summer only Saturday and Sunday market in the historical train shed of the Mill City Museum is a must visit for anyone in the city!
There will be quite a few items shoppers can choose from such as fresh organic produce to artisan goods and handmade jewelry, clothing and ceramics. That place is one of the best spots in Minneapolis for food lovers.
The market also has live entertainment, cooking demonstrations, and food sampling. It’s a fun and inviting atmosphere and therefore a great place to enjoy the local scene.
4. Visit the Weisman Art Museum
The Weisman Art Museum is said to resemble ‘a crumpled aluminum can’ thanks to its all-stainless steel and brick facade.
Designed by the world famous architect Frank Gehry; it holds a splendid range of art products.
The museum is located on the campus of the University of Minnesota, and is home to an expansive art collection. Theействующей
Both Russell and Ivey, along with Hill, have a substantial collection of early-twentieth-century American artists such as Marsden Hartley and Georgia O’Keeffe as well as a diverse selection of Native American Mimbres pottery and ceramics.
The museum is open every day but Monday and is free of charge, making it a bargain for a cultural oasis in Minneapolis.
5. Stone Arch Bridge
Built 1883, Stone Arch Bridge (Historical structure of Minnesota) It was originally built as a railroad bridge but turned to carting goods across the river until 1965.
In fact, the bridge is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, but as well as being a great photograph spot, it is also an important part of the St. Anthony Falls Heritage Trail. Winding its way through the city, the two-mile trail provides a beautiful walk that also includes historical facts of interest. The Jesse Newton Trail.
One of the best free things to do in Minneapolis is to visit the Stone Arch Bridge so you can breathe in the fresh air while taking in jaw-dropping views!
6. Unwind at the Chain of Lakes
There are many picturesque lakes, all with their own unique attractions, to explore in the Chain of Lakes Regional Park.
This park has more than 13 miles of paved paths along the lake shores, giving a lot of activities year-round.
Lakes enjoy the summer season with their share of canoes and kayaks and boats of all types. In Autumn the region is ideal for hiking and cycling, while in winter it is turned into a heaven for cross-country skiing and ice hockey.
Benches on an island at Cedar Lake.As one of the seven districts along the Grand Rounds Scenic Byway — a continuous loop that encircles the city and connects its many parks and natural spaces — the Chain of Lakes provides a kind of time-lapse outline of Minneapolis living.
7. Target Field Behind the Scenes Tour
If you enjoy baseball, book a tour of Target Field, the home stadium of the Minnesota Twins.
The 90-minute guided tour provides unique access to areas of the ballpark not typically accessible to the public, including the clubhouse, the press box, the dugout, and the luxury suites.
You and your teammates will learn the history of the home team and see all kinds of memorabilia. Led by in-the-know baseball aficionados, each tour differs depending on if there’s a game day.
8. Go on a River Cruise of the Danube River
Now, if you are short on time and still want to live the lakes, hop on a cruise through North America’s largest system of rivers.
The dock plays host to a number of river cruises, spanning public cruises and private charters, as well as special event cruises.
Cruises, for example, typically feature bars, aperitifs, and light snacks to help you through the long stretches of time.
Though each cruise travels a unique path, most include stretches along the Grand Rounds Scenic Byway and Heritage Trail, which are ingredient in the appealing views of attractions such as the Stone Arch Bridge and the Minneapolis skyline.
This was definitely one of the coolest things I have ever done in Minneapolis!
9. Enjoy the Views From Mill City Museum
Located in the ruins the former largest flour mill, the Mill City Museum is a very beautiful place to visit. It is one of the top museums in Minneapolis and worth stopping in to see.
The area where the museum sits along the historic riverfront tells the story of the flour industry that literally built the city of Minneapolis.
The mill complex is on the National Register of Historic Places and is part of the St. Anthony Falls Historic District.
These include exhibits and events in the museum proper. The exterior of the building, eight-story glass front that emerges from the ruins making a striking architectural feature.
10. Stroll In Minnehaha Regional Park
Located on the west side of the sea Minnehaha near the Mississippi, Minnehaha Park, known for its beautiful Minnehaha Falls 53 feet high,
A popular area with assorted views and things to do; The charm and sprawling grounds keep occupants coming back time and again.
The park also boasts statues, a pergola garden, the Minnehaha Bandstand and a charming cafe. This is a perfect place to relax, away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
11. Explore the Mall of America
The Mall of America, situated a 15-minute drive away in Bloomington, could address those shopping needs that you love.
This mall, with over 520 stores, is so vast that it may even draw in some people who usually hate shopping
For those who are not interested in shopping, it is a popular place for entertainment as well.
Must-sees include an XD Ride that marrys a roller coaster with a video game; Moose Mountain Mini Golf, home to life-sized horse and moose dudes.
An absolute must for child visitors should be Nickelodeon Universe, an active and entertaining children’s paddock.
Something for EveryoneWhen it comes to travel destinations, it does not get better than Minneapolis.
12. Visit the American Swedish Institute
Few realize how much the Swedes have contributed to this area, a history that the American Swedish Institute illuminated.
One of the most photographed structures in Minneapolis, the landmark facility — home to the Nelson Cultural Center and the historic Turnblad Mansion — impressive architecturally.
The estate, built by early 20th-century owner Swan Turnblad, publisher of the largest Swedish-language newspaper in America, was later conveyed, with the newspaper, to the American Institute for Swedish Art.
Guests can take tours of the mansion to see Swedish glass and textiles, paintings, and real tile stoves. It’s a rather unusual, but for Minneapolis not a new, or an enrichment destination.
13. Minneapolis Sculpture Garden Walk
Located: The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, which is spread across 19 acres featuring many statues maintained by the Walker Art Center. Claes Oldenburg’s Spoonbridge and Cherry is a standout among them and is one that’s worth seeing on its own.
The garden also features Cowles Pavilion & Regis Promenade, the Alene Grossman Memorial Arbor, and an exquisitely managed flower garden.
Great for taking a slow, meandering stroll or just generally being outside, with way more outdoor seating than is typical for Minneapolis.
14. Explore the Retail and Dining of Nicollet
The Nicollet area is a designated area of Nicollet Avenue in downtown Minneapolis just for pedestrians. A place lined with shops and restaurants as well as public artwork and galleries, all of which combine to produce a vibrant urban setting.
The centerpiece of this district is the Crystal Court piazza beneath a caged collection of skyways overseen by the IDS Center tower.
Nicollet is one of the places to visit in Minneapolis which is a perfect destination to while away a day or evening.
15. Step into City Hall, a National Historic Landmark
The Municipal Building (a/k/a City Hall) from the late 1890s-early 1900s. Just off Nicollet Mall and Crystal Court, it is well worth a visit if you are in the area.
Listed as a National Historic Landmark, the building is known for its tower clock, which topped records upon its installation. An image of the statue “Father of the Waters,” a monumental carving out of a single block of marble, within the Rotunda. This cuts into the historical grandeur of the site.
16. Unleash your Cadence at Guthrie Theater
On the west bank of the Mississippi, the masterpiece designed by Jean Nouvel that is the Guthrie Theater. The structure remains one of the bigwigs of the local arts scene.
In both any of diverse and classic performances — and and a training center of this professional.
More theaters are here: three total, along with a 78-foot cantilevered bridge — an architectural oddity that has become a feature in and of itself, called the “Endless Bridge”
For those in the mood to make an evening of it, the theater hosts two high quality dining choices—an upscale café and a full service-restaurant.
The theater also provides guided tours of its back stage on Friday and Saturday mornings providing a behind-the-scene look into how it works, it’s origins, and history. If you have the time this is a highly recommended of the tours to do.
What You Need to Experience in Minneapolis
So, next time you are planning a trip to or from Minneapolis, MN on an airplane or taking a car ride, keep these in mind to help you pack smartly!
A good tool to have during your visit is a hidden travel pouch to hold your personal identification with details. In the days of identity theft, you will want an RFID blocking technology travel pouch to house your identity protection; This weightless sleeve that comes in colors and sections, provides you with complete ease of mind.
If your current pouch does not have RFID protection, use RFID sleeves for extra security. These are slim enough to slide right into your pouch or wallet, will keep your family credit cards safe without making too much bulk.
An external battery for the rugged life of documenting our adventures is a must. An Anker high-speed charging battery is versatile for different phones it can pretty fast recharge. It can hold multiple charges making it an ideal wearable for long use without recharging daily.
FugeTek Selfie Stick & Tripod — $20 For those who enjoy taking selfies or group pictures, this is a must-have item. The lightweight aluminum design, Bluetooth connection, and easy photo editing make it perfect for when you’re spending nights in famous hotels.
Make sure to stay hydrated when you are traveling. Drinking water is great for your immune system; it can help you ward off any germs you come into contact with whilst you are traveling.
