Are you in Minneapolis & looking for things to do?
Great, you landed on the right page. No doubt that this place is a city that many would regard as an unconventional destination. However, if you’re visiting you only have yourself to blame if you’re disappointed. There are sights to see, places to go and so many activities to do. For all the above, you only have to know the right places to step out. Check out our recommendations. Get to know a few of the spots situated around Minneapolis.
Minnehaha Falls Park
The park is a perfect place to start your day. Get rejuvenated after a tiring commute. Experience the splendor of nature located right in the heart of the city. You can immerse yourself in urban lush green gardens with pathways. You can also take a stroll all around the area encompassing Minnehaha Falls. It is one of the oldest parks in Minneapolis. With over 850,000 visitors per year, this place is on the National Register of Historic Places list. It also offers a few of the historical gems of the city. There is even a local legend of a seafood restaurant, Sea Salt, which boasts an array of fantastic fare. Local tip: Make sure not to ask for fries! Therefore, if you are in the city and want to take a lot of picturesque memories with you, this is a must-stop.
Minneapolis Institute of Arts
Fan of history? Enjoy thought-provoking exhibits from all across the globe? Then the Minneapolis Institute of Art is worth a visit. The offerings span over 4,000 years and give you access to dozens of galleries. Over 80,000 paintings, drawings, prints, and sculptures from the Americas, Europe, Asia, and Africa. are exhibited. There are also pieces of modern and classical, realist and abstract. Everything you could want in between is here. If you admire art in all its forms, check out this place from your things to do in the Minneapolis list. Bonus – admission is free, but donations are always welcome.
Minneapolis Sculpture Garden at the Walker Art Center
Minneapolis is a great city for people who love art. The sculpture garden is an on-brand blend of city & culture. It spreads across 11 acres of land. With dozens of pieces to enjoy, you will be enthralled by street art, interesting structures and architecture, the Alene Grossman Memorial Arbor, and Flower garden, and top it all off with the iconic Spoonbridge & Cherry. It’s a perfect destination for a leisurely evening walk with like-minded companies. It’s free and open from 6 AM to 12 midnight every day.
SEE RELATED POST: Blacksmithing Class in Minneapolis: Play with Fire!
Guthrie Theater
Guthrie Theater is situated on the river that breathed life into Minneapolis. It is one of the most revered and traveled destinations. What grew out of a small summer season of four productions now hosts 350,000 patrons year-round. It truly has become a world-class establishment. Thus, drawing international talent with both classic works of The Bard as well as modern masterpieces. You can catch a show here and experience an unforgettable performance. After the show, don’t forget to visit the lobby bars and restaurants or any one of the magnificent establishments in the area for a bite or beverage!
Weisman Art Museum
Based on the University of Minnesota, the mission of WAM is to “educate students about art and to make the visual arts an important part of their everyday experience.” The museum holds a significant collection of American art from the first half of the 20th century. They also have Asian, European, and Native American art collections. It offers art that is a blend of traditional, conventional & modern forms. As you cross the river to see the striking steel and brick structure posed on its banks, you’ll know you have come across something truly unique. Other than touring the space and seeing the collection in person, they also do offer a virtual tour from their website. Thus, you can peruse from the comfort of your couch.
Chain of Lakes Regional Park
Minnesota is known as the state of 10,000 lakes — and Minneapolis is known as the city of lakes. So you can guess what that means. Along with the breathtaking sights, you can enjoy over 15 miles of a trail system in this park. There are also interconnected trails that will take you all over the metro area. The park offers dozens of activities, from archery and swimming in the summer to cross country skiing and hockey in the winter. You can find locals taking their dogs on a walk, bicycling, and having a view of skaters while sitting along the shores. It is the crown jewel of Minneapolis Park’s system. Witness the beauty of this city, no matter the season!
Minneapolis Skyway System
The Minneapolis Skyway System is an interlinked collection of enclosed pedestrian footbridges that connect various buildings in 80 full city blocks over 9.5 miles of Downtown Minneapolis. These enable people to walk in climate-controlled comfort year-round. It is the longest continuous system in the world. They are elevated above street level and offer views and experiences that aren’t typical of many metropolitan areas. You’ll find yourself walking through all the different eras of architecture that abound in the city which will stoke your curiosity. Taking in the city proper through the lens of the skyway is a singular experience that can’t be replicated anywhere else. If you’re staying Downtown, I encourage you to get thoroughly lost in the system. I would note that it’s far more exciting if you’re there during the workweek from 7 – 5!
These are only seven reasons to visit the city of lakes, Minneapolis. I can assure you as many have noted before — it’s not a traditional vacation destination; but once you’re able to see the elegance of the city skyline while embracing the simple beauty of the nature that surrounds it you’ll know why many who come once, come back.
