Location: Minneapolis
Top Things to do in Minneapolis
10 Things to do in Minneapolis That You Shouldn't Miss
With its gleaming skyscrapers set amid glittering lakes, Minneapolis makes for an attractive and fun getaway. A truly year-round destination, the city offers activities for every season. In winter, one can explore the downtown area through more than seven miles of glass-enclosed skyways. In addition to keeping you warm, they create a lively thoroughfare filled with specialty shops, restaurants and services. Whether you want to escape the winter cold or the summer warmth, the Mall of America offers shopping, dining and entertainment options for any time of the year and every member of the family. Art lovers have plenty to see at the Minneapolis Art Institute, Walker Art Center and the Frederick R. Weisman Art Museum, which all house world-renowned collections. The theater scene is thriving. With more than thirty theaters, Minneapolis has more seats per capita than any U.S. city except New York. See a Broadway show and enjoy dinner and live jazz at a fabulous restaurant. With kids in tow, check out the Science Museum of Minnesota, where visitors can produce their own video, or come face to face with a shark at the UnderWater Adventures Aquarium. In summer, the action moves outside. Known as "The City of Lakes," Minneapolis has 22 lakes located within city limits and many more in the surrounding area. In town, hordes of locals and tourists in-line skate or stroll around Lake Calhoun, stopping for ice cream along the way. Just outside of town, Fort Snelling State Park offers outdoor recreational activities from hiking to biking and golf to boating. No matter when you visit, Minneapolis offers lots for everyone to enjoy.
Restaurants in Minneapolis
1. Minneapolis Institute of Art
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2,356 reviews
Travel through 4,000 years of world history as you view more than 80,000 works of sculpture, photography, paintings, drawings and prints.
Reviewed By RedYoga - Benicia, United States
I was visiting Minneapolis for a conference, and saw an ad for the special exhibit of Native American women's art at MIA. Kudos to MIA for putting together such an amazing exhibit--it is fantastic! I walked through the special exhibit twice to better take it all in. I would encourage everyone to go see it! Not to be missed.
2. Chain of Lakes
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 402 reviews
Three separate lakes (Lake of the Isles, Lake Calhoun and Lake Harriet) all surrounded by pedestrian paths.
Reviewed By jesseMN - Savannah, United States
Walk, jog, swim, hear a concert, rent bikes, roller skates, canoes...the chain of lakes is one of the many attractions of the excellent Park system - connected by trail and water to other parks - that attacts year 'round visitors. A cherished resource that is actually three interconnected lakes in the City. Accessable by public transit.
3. Minneapolis Sculpture Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,754 reviews
The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden is closed for renovation, and will reopen in June 2017. One of the crown jewels of the city’s park system, the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden unites two of Minnesota’s most cherished resources—its greenspace and its cultural life. A partnership with the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board, the Garden is a top destination for tourists to enjoy art like the iconic Spoonbridge and Cherry in an outdoor park setting.
Reviewed By victoriavZ5721AB - Rochester, United States
Had to check out the Minneapolis sculpture garden to see the famous spoon and cherry. We parked in the $4 parking lot and enjoyed strolling through the walkways to see some interesting sculptures. The native landscape and wildflowers only added to the beauty of the art and the location in the city. Got some cool pics as well which I'm sure we'll cherish for a long time!
4. Guthrie Theater
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,041 reviews
THE GUTHRIE THEATER is an American center for theater performance, production, education and professional training, known for its dynamic productions of classic and contemporary plays. Open to the public year-round, this award-winning cultural destination houses three theaters, dramatic public spaces and distinctive dining. Designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Jean Nouvel, the Guthrie is located in the historic Mill District of Downtown Minneapolis and features a 175-foot cantilever bridge which overlooks the Mississippi River. When it opened in 2006 Time magazine called the building "a 21st century dream factory." Visit the Guthrie to see a show, grab a cup of coffee and explore the building, shop at the Guthrie Store, or to simply take in the extraordinary riverfront views. Backstage tours are Friday and Saturday mornings.
Reviewed By teacherpam88 - Minneapolis, United States
The Gutherie Theatre building is an architectural masterpiece, with a spectacular cantilevered bridge overlooking the Mississippi River in downtown Minneapolis. There are 3 stages within the complex, each hosting a different theatrical experience with exceptional performers. The building has fine and casual dining and backstage tours are offered every Saturday. Discounted rush tickets are available 1 hour prior to performance. This theater might be the highlight of your visit...or your year!
5. American Swedish Institute
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 495 reviews
Founded in 1929 by Swan J. Turnblad, this castle serves as a combination historic house/museum that features exhibits and programs of the Swedish culture.
Reviewed By Netanders - Herndon, United States
My Swedish heritage friends and I came to have lunch (meatballs, of course) and tour the Viking exhibit. I liked the exhibit but was amazed by the mansion itself. It’s beautiful!
6. Mill City Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,543 reviews
Built into the ruins of what was once the world's largest flour mill, Mill City Museum is located on the historic Mississippi Riverfront. Here, visitors of all ages learn about the intertwined histories of the flour industry, the river, and the city of Minneapolis.
Reviewed By christinehE6161VY - West Palm Beach, United States
We just left a 2 hour tour of the Mill City Museum. It was a full 2 hours, with a 29 minute film survey of Minneapolis history and culture, an elevator tour of the flour mill history, and a docent presentation of working women’s lives in the late 1800’s. Very interesting. This is all besides the permanent displays about General Mills and it’s background. Good time to visit downtown Minneapolis with less traffic!!
7. Minnehaha Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,453 reviews
One of the city's oldest and most popular parks.
Reviewed By Sandita_travels - Minneapolis, United States
This is a fabulous gem in south Minneapolis - it's got the attraction of the Minnehaha Falls (fabulous all year round), some nice walking trails and the wonderful Sea Salt restaurant (summer only)…. be sure to get in line early! Summer time often has free concerts in the park - this is a great place to go explore on your own or with people. A family and dog friendly park!
8. Lake Harriet
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 594 reviews
Reviewed By RayMan222 - Minneapolis, United States
Was aiming to review the Art Shanty Project on Lake Harriet, which runs weekends through Feb 9th in 2020 artshantyprojects. This is Minnesota/Twin Cities at its best - Art, broadly defined, on the ice. Worth a visit if you are in the area. Apparently it is not a permanent venue worthy of Trip Advisor status but probably the best reason to visit Lake Harriet in winter.
9. Target Field
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,014 reviews
Reviewed By jmetallo - Albany, United States
Great night at the ball park We are visiting all 30 This one was fabulous ... Easy to get to... light rail right outside the door... plenty of parking ... ride sharing friendly
10. Minnehaha Falls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 456 reviews
Reviewed By VailAZTraveler - Vail, United States
We drove to the Minnehaha Falls right outside of Minneapolis - it is located in a beautiful park near the airport. It’s an easy walk to the falls overlook from the parking lot. Plenty of parking including handicap spaces - there is a small charge for all the parking. Make sure you have you car license # as you need it for the parking machine. No problem for regular or handicap access to the falls overlook - straight down approximately 50 yards. Beautiful falls !!
