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Fun Things to do in Minneapolis
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city guide
Minneapolis is known for countless stunning blue lakes, towering skyscrapers, thriving art scenes, and high-end entertainment and cuisine joints. Additionally, Minneapolis is home to the mighty Mississippi, the prestigious Mall of America, and the breathtaking and popular St. Anthony falls.
Best time to go
The best time to visit Minneapolis-St. Paul is from June to August. Daily highs flutter around 80 degrees Fahrenheit, and residents and visitors venture outdoors and onto the lakes. Summer marks the peak tourism season and sees festivals and farmers markets in large numbers.
Fun city facts and activities
- From a music scene that birthed Prince and Bob Dylan to an endless slew of local breweries and oh-so-delicious restaurants, to the smattering of urban lakes that make it stand out among the crowd of American cities, visiting Minneapolis properly calls for an action-packed schedule. Let us help you with that: After booking a suite at one of the best hotels in Minneapolis, consult our guide (curated, not rankedwe just couldnt choose favorites!) to the best things to do in town and get planning.
Neighborhoods to explore
- Macalester-Groveland
St. Anthony Park
Summit Hill
Christian Heritage Academy
Union Park
Highland
Como
Hamline-Midway
Restaurants
Food Specialties
- When thinking of Midwestern food, most people either crave basic meat-and-potato dishes (burger and fries!) or more obscure meals (lefse!). Enter the Minneapolis food scene, which single-handedly shatters all preconceived notions. From gorgeously decorated venues that serve their very own take on Asian street cuisine to low-key eateries preparing some of the best Southern food youll ever have, visiting all of the best restaurants in Minneapolis turns out to be one of the very best things to do while in townperiod.
Minneapolis Offbeat activities
Free or cheap things to do
1. Visit the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden: The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden is an 11-acre outdoor sculpture park located in downtown Minneapolis. Packed with more than 40 sculptures, the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden is a great place to explore and take in some unique and offbeat art.
2. Go to the MacPhail Center for Music: The MacPhail Center for Music is a unique music and arts center located in downtown Minneapolis. From musical performances to educational classes, visitors can enjoy a wide range of musical experiences.
3. Explore the Mill City Ruins: The Mill City Ruins are the ruins of the historic Washburn A Mill Complex, which was once the largest flour mill in the world. Visitors can explore the ruins and learn about the history of the area.
4. Visit the American Swedish Institute: The American Swedish Institute is a museum and cultural center located in Minneapolis. The institute offers a wide range of exhibitions and activities related to Swedish culture
Fun things to do in with kids
Free or cheap things to do
1. Get lost in exhibits at the Walker Art Center on First Free Saturdays and every Thursday night.
2. Take a walk through the Sculpture Garden at the Walker Art Center and take your photo with the iconic Spoonbridge & Cherry.
3. Walk across the Stone Arch Bridge and take a look at the Mississippi River.
4. Explore Minnesotas largest art educator, the Minneapolis Institute of Art, which is free and open to the public daily.
5. Take a walk around the Mall of America, the largest indoor shopping center in the nation.
6. Stroll or bike through the Mill District, the historic birthplace to Minneapolis
7. Read your way through the Minneapolis Central Library, located downtown between Hennepin Avenue and Nicollet at Third Street. Check out Childrens section for an interactive play and family story time events
8. Stroll the Mill City Farmers Market and take in free entertainment and fun shopping on the riverfront on Saturday mornings.
9. Hike near Minnehaha Falls and Creek and stop to see the Song of Hiawatha statue.
10. For a small fee, visit the Foshay Observation Deck and Museum and get the only outdoor skyscraper view of the city of Minneapolis.
City data and FAQ
What is Minneapolis most known for?
There are a few things that would come to mind. It is called the City of Lakes for a reason. There are at least 4 large lakes in the city and maybe more. The lakes offering swimming and just walking around. Also bike paths. In addition to the lakes the Mississippi River goes through Minneapolis. St. Anthony Falls is where Minneapolis started. The falls powered flour and textile mills. Minneapolis is home to a Major League Baseball team (the Twins), an NBA team (the Timberolves), a WNBA team (the Lynx) and an NFL team (the Vikings). Minneapolis has hosted a number of major sports events including NCAA basket ball championships for both men and women, a World Series (The Twins won!), and a couple of Super Bowls.
Steve Gathje Lived in Minneapolis, MN (2008 2020)
Is Minneapolis worth visiting?
I would say yes, but it depends on what you are looking for. Here would be the dont miss things to do. If you are into craft beer, this is beer heaven. My wife and I love craft beer. Weve been to Seattle, Portland (OR and ME), Boston, Denver, San Diego, and Chicago. Mpls is better than any of these places when it comes to outstanding beer. And best of all, you can visit most of the great breweries using mass transit (no need to drive or spend moneyUber). Fantastic bike and walking trails. There are 100s of miles of trails along the Mississippi and around the lakes. Minnehaha Falls is quite enjoyable with a great restaurant and lots of hiking trails. The Sculpture Garden at the Walker Art Center is a great place to spend a day. Lots of good restaurants. If you like Malls, Mall of America (not in Minneapolis but in a nearby suburb). Come at the end of August and you can experience the MN State Fair. Again, not in Minneapolis but close by.
Steve Gathje Lived in Minneapolis, MN (2008 2020)
