Top 10 Things to Do in Minneapolis
Nestled along the banks of the Mississippi River, Minneapolis is a dynamic and diverse city that has something for everyone. Whether you want to explore the stunning natural beauty of the lakes and parks, immerse yourself in the rich cultural and artistic scene, discover the fascinating history of the flour milling industry, or enjoy the vibrant nightlife and entertainment options, you will never run out of things to do in Minneapolis. Here are the top 10 attractions that will make your trip to the City of Lakes memorable.
Minnehaha Park
What is it?
A 193-acre public park along the Mississippi River that features a 53-foot waterfall, limestone bluffs, and historical buildings.
Why should you go?
Minnehaha Park is a great place to enjoy nature, history, and culture in Minneapolis. You can hike or bike along the trails, picnic by the falls, visit the Longfellow House and Garden, or watch live music and theater at the bandstand. The park is also home to the Minnehaha Off-Leash Recreation Area, where you can let your pets run free.
A 193-acre public park along the Mississippi River that features a 53-foot waterfall, limestone bluffs, and historical buildings.
Why should you go?
Minnehaha Park is a great place to enjoy nature, history, and culture in Minneapolis. You can hike or bike along the trails, picnic by the falls, visit the Longfellow House and Garden, or watch live music and theater at the bandstand. The park is also home to the Minnehaha Off-Leash Recreation Area, where you can let your pets run free.
Minneapolis Sculpture Garden
What is it?
An 11-acre park that showcases more than 40 works of art by local and international artists. The garden is adjacent to the Walker Art Center and is one of the largest urban sculpture parks in the country.
Why should you go?
Minneapolis Sculpture Garden is a must-see attraction for art lovers and visitors alike. You can admire the iconic Spoonbridge and Cherry sculpture, explore the whimsical Cowles Conservatory, or relax on the grassy lawn. The garden also hosts various events and programs throughout the year, such as guided tours, yoga classes, and family activities.
An 11-acre park that showcases more than 40 works of art by local and international artists. The garden is adjacent to the Walker Art Center and is one of the largest urban sculpture parks in the country.
Why should you go?
Minneapolis Sculpture Garden is a must-see attraction for art lovers and visitors alike. You can admire the iconic Spoonbridge and Cherry sculpture, explore the whimsical Cowles Conservatory, or relax on the grassy lawn. The garden also hosts various events and programs throughout the year, such as guided tours, yoga classes, and family activities.
Mill City Museum
What is it?
A historical museum that tells the story of Minneapolis and its flour milling industry. The Mill City Museum is housed in the ruins of the Washburn A Mill, which was once the largest flour mill in the world.
Why should you go?
The Mill City Museum is a fascinating place to learn about the past and present of Minneapolis. You can ride the Flour Tower elevator, watch a film in the 19th-century Mill City Ruins Theater, or view the panoramic skyline from the observation deck.
A historical museum that tells the story of Minneapolis and its flour milling industry. The Mill City Museum is housed in the ruins of the Washburn A Mill, which was once the largest flour mill in the world.
Why should you go?
The Mill City Museum is a fascinating place to learn about the past and present of Minneapolis. You can ride the Flour Tower elevator, watch a film in the 19th-century Mill City Ruins Theater, or view the panoramic skyline from the observation deck.
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Minneapolis Institute of Art
What is it?
The Minneapolis Institute of Art, or Mia, is an art museum that boasts a collection of more than 90,000 artworks from various periods and regions of the world.
Why should you go?
Mia spans seven acres and has 40 galleries that display paintings, sculptures, photographs, textiles, and more. You can explore the museum's diverse and rich collection that ranges from ancient Egyptian mummies to contemporary installations. You can also join guided tours, lectures, workshops, or family activities that enhance your experience. The museum offers free admission every day and welcomes everyone to enjoy its beauty and creativity.
The Minneapolis Institute of Art, or Mia, is an art museum that boasts a collection of more than 90,000 artworks from various periods and regions of the world.
Why should you go?
Mia spans seven acres and has 40 galleries that display paintings, sculptures, photographs, textiles, and more. You can explore the museum's diverse and rich collection that ranges from ancient Egyptian mummies to contemporary installations. You can also join guided tours, lectures, workshops, or family activities that enhance your experience. The museum offers free admission every day and welcomes everyone to enjoy its beauty and creativity.
Chain of Lakes
What is it?
A system of interconnected lakes that form part of the Grand Rounds Scenic Byway in Minneapolis. The chain consists of five lakes: Cedar Lake, Lake of the Isles, Bde Maka Ska, Lake Harriet, and Brownie Lake.
Why should you go?
The Chain of Lakes is a perfect destination for outdoor recreation and relaxation in Minneapolis. Depending on the season, you can swim, boat, fish, or ice skate on the lakes. You can also walk, bike, or rollerblade along the scenic paths that connect the lakes.
A system of interconnected lakes that form part of the Grand Rounds Scenic Byway in Minneapolis. The chain consists of five lakes: Cedar Lake, Lake of the Isles, Bde Maka Ska, Lake Harriet, and Brownie Lake.
Why should you go?
The Chain of Lakes is a perfect destination for outdoor recreation and relaxation in Minneapolis. Depending on the season, you can swim, boat, fish, or ice skate on the lakes. You can also walk, bike, or rollerblade along the scenic paths that connect the lakes.
Basilica of St. Mary
What is it?
A Roman Catholic basilica that was built in 1907 and is the first basilica in the United States. It has a stunning architecture that combines Beaux-Arts, Baroque, and Classical styles.
Why should you go?
The Basilica of St. Mary is a beautiful and inspiring place to visit in Minneapolis. You can admire the artistic and architectural details of the basilica, such as the stained glass windows, the marble altars, and the dome. You can also attend mass, concerts, or tours. And make sure to check out one of the basilica's most famous events — the annual Basilica Block Party, a music festival that raises funds for the restoration and various outreach programs.
A Roman Catholic basilica that was built in 1907 and is the first basilica in the United States. It has a stunning architecture that combines Beaux-Arts, Baroque, and Classical styles.
Why should you go?
The Basilica of St. Mary is a beautiful and inspiring place to visit in Minneapolis. You can admire the artistic and architectural details of the basilica, such as the stained glass windows, the marble altars, and the dome. You can also attend mass, concerts, or tours. And make sure to check out one of the basilica's most famous events — the annual Basilica Block Party, a music festival that raises funds for the restoration and various outreach programs.
Fort Snelling
What is it?
A historic fort that was established in 1820 and played a significant role in the development of Minnesota. Located at the confluence of the Mississippi and Minnesota rivers, the fort features a restored 1820s military outpost, a museum, and a visitor center.
Why should you go?
Fort Snelling is a must-see if you want to learn about the history and culture of Minnesota. You can explore the fort and see how soldiers and civilians lived in the 19th century. You can also discover the stories of the Native Americans, African Americans, immigrants, and others who shaped the region's history. The fort also offers educational programs and events for all ages, such as reenactments, demonstrations, and exhibits.
A historic fort that was established in 1820 and played a significant role in the development of Minnesota. Located at the confluence of the Mississippi and Minnesota rivers, the fort features a restored 1820s military outpost, a museum, and a visitor center.
Why should you go?
Fort Snelling is a must-see if you want to learn about the history and culture of Minnesota. You can explore the fort and see how soldiers and civilians lived in the 19th century. You can also discover the stories of the Native Americans, African Americans, immigrants, and others who shaped the region's history. The fort also offers educational programs and events for all ages, such as reenactments, demonstrations, and exhibits.
Cathedral of Saint Paul
What is it?
A Roman Catholic cathedral that was built in 1915 and is the fourth-tallest church in the United States.
Why should you go?
The Cathedral of Saint Paul is a majestic and awe-inspiring destination. The building has an impressive architecture that reflects French Renaissance and Classical styles. You can marvel at the beauty and craftsmanship of the cathedral, such as the dome, the rose window, and the baldachin. The cathedral also hosts concerts and cultural events throughout the year, such as organ recitals, choir performances, and festivals.
A Roman Catholic cathedral that was built in 1915 and is the fourth-tallest church in the United States.
Why should you go?
The Cathedral of Saint Paul is a majestic and awe-inspiring destination. The building has an impressive architecture that reflects French Renaissance and Classical styles. You can marvel at the beauty and craftsmanship of the cathedral, such as the dome, the rose window, and the baldachin. The cathedral also hosts concerts and cultural events throughout the year, such as organ recitals, choir performances, and festivals.
@visitstpaul.com
American Swedish Institute
What is it?
A cultural center that celebrates the heritage and culture of Sweden and other Nordic countries. The American Swedish Institute, or ASI, is located in the historic Turnblad Mansion, which was built in 1908 and is an example of French Chateauesque style.
Why should you go?
ASI is one of the most fun things to do in Minneapolis. You can tour the mansion and see its elegant rooms and furnishings. You can also view the exhibits and collections that showcase the art, history, and traditions of Sweden and other Nordic countries. The ASI also offers classes and events for all ages, such as language courses, craft workshops, and family days.
A cultural center that celebrates the heritage and culture of Sweden and other Nordic countries. The American Swedish Institute, or ASI, is located in the historic Turnblad Mansion, which was built in 1908 and is an example of French Chateauesque style.
Why should you go?
ASI is one of the most fun things to do in Minneapolis. You can tour the mansion and see its elegant rooms and furnishings. You can also view the exhibits and collections that showcase the art, history, and traditions of Sweden and other Nordic countries. The ASI also offers classes and events for all ages, such as language courses, craft workshops, and family days.
@exploreminnesota.com
Walker Art Center
What is it?
A contemporary art museum that features more than 13,000 works of art by local and international artists. The center also has a cinema, a theater, a shop, and a restaurant.
Why should you go?
Walker Art Center is a dynamic and innovative place, where you can enjoy the diverse and cutting-edge collection that will challenge your perception and imagination. The museum offers free admission every Thursday evening and on the first Saturday of every month.
A contemporary art museum that features more than 13,000 works of art by local and international artists. The center also has a cinema, a theater, a shop, and a restaurant.
Why should you go?
Walker Art Center is a dynamic and innovative place, where you can enjoy the diverse and cutting-edge collection that will challenge your perception and imagination. The museum offers free admission every Thursday evening and on the first Saturday of every month.