We’ve noticed that everyone is searching for things to do in Minneapolis. According to YouGov, Minneapolis ranked 34th among 19,505 American cities for the most popular travel destinations. But what makes it stand out? The city seamlessly weaves abundant art, rich cultural tapestry, stunning natural beauty, diverse culinary delights, vibrant shopping and entertainment options, and a welcoming, safe environment. There are always things to do in Minneapolis, MA, that interest you. If you’re seeking a destination for a three-day excursion replete with unexpected experiences, Minneapolis is the place that will make you want to come back for more.
Before the Journey
Before your journey, you should be well-prepared to ensure an optimal travel experience.
The Best Time to Visit
As the city is charming with a wealth of natural beauty, the optimal time to find things to do in Minneapolis is during the summer months, from June through August. The climate is warm and humid in these months, which is ideal for outdoor activities and exploring the natural landscape.
Of course, there are various things to do in Minneapolis from December through February, including winter arts programs and ice sports, as well as indoor attractions. Therefore, traveling in winter won’t be boring.
Tips on Transportation
Minneapolis offers a well-developed public transportation system, including light rail and bus services. You can seamlessly travel within the city and to surrounding areas. Purchasing a day- or multi-day pass can facilitate navigation throughout the city. Renting a car is a viable option if you plan to travel to surrounding areas or explore attractions at a distance. For walkers, the Downtown and Uptown districts are particularly walkable, offering easy access to numerous attractions and restaurants.
The Best Accommodation
It is essential to reserve accommodations well in advance to ensure availability and comfort during your stay. We recommend considering Downtown hotels or apartments, as they offer convenient access to major attractions and transportation hubs. For recommendations, consider TownePlace Suites by Marriott and Hyatt Place Minneapolis, which offer luxurious amenities and convenient locations, with rates starting at $95 per night. These hotels are convenient for you to explore the area.
For students seeking accommodations, uhomes.com offers a comprehensive selection of student housing in Minneapolis, MN. As a professional platform, we have extensive knowledge of the best student apartments and look forward to serving you. Wherever you search for USA housing, we can find you an ideal home in a foreign city.
Things to Do in Minneapolis—Itinerary Overview
- Day 1: 🖼️Visit Minneapolis Sculpture Garden→🥙Have a picnic at Loring Park→🏞️Stroll along Lake of the Isles→🎨Appreciate Lake Street Murals→🍽️Explore restaurants at Lake Street
- Day 2: 🏛️Visit Mill City Museum & Minneapolis Institute of Art→📍Take a Minneapolis food tour→💃Catch a show at Guthrie Theater
- Day 3: 🛍️Explore Mall of America→🛝Take an adventure at Nickelodeon Universe→👾Play an escape game→🍻Bar hopping at Downtown
Things to Do in Minneapolis—3-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Blend of Art & Nature
➡️Morning
Kicking off your day with an enriching experience at the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden (📍725 Vineland Pl, Minneapolis, MN 55403) will be one of the distinctive and valuable Minneapolis things to do. It is open 365 days a year from 6 a.m. to midnight for free.
The Sculpture Garden offers a picturesque setting for exploring contemporary sculptures and a unique outdoor experience where art meets nature. The Garden boasts an impressive collection of over 40 permanent and rotating sculptures, including Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen’s iconic “Spoonbridge and Cherry,” renowned for its photogenic appeal and Instagram popularity. Taking pictures with these famous sculptures is one of the populor a thing to do in MNmind for tourists and locals. The Garden also offers guided tours, providing in-depth insights into the artists and the narratives behind their works.
➡️Noon
Following your visit to the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, you may wish to consider a picnic at Loring Park (📍Loring Greenway, Minneapolis, MN 55403), which is a nice stuff to do in Minneapolis. Located in the southwest corner of downtown Minneapolis, Loring Park is a 35-acre urban oasis that seamlessly integrates nature, art, and urban charm. Featuring picturesque ponds, walking trails, and lush gardens, it offers the ideal setting for a relaxing picnic. The park’s benches and picnic areas provide comfortable seating, and you can also spread out on blankets near the pond. There are various recreational facilities, including a playground, tennis courts, and a fishing pier. If you are with dogs, there is a designated dog park where dogs can play, Frisbee, and burn off energy.
Before planning your visit, you should check the weather forecast, as the weather in Minneapolis can be variable. For picnics, you can make your food or purchase it along the way to Loring Park from Minneapolis Sculpture Garden or at the takeout restaurants near the park. Recommended nearby restaurants include Café Lurcat (📍1624 Harmon Pl, Minneapolis, MN 55403) for sandwiches, salads, and snacks; Cardamom (📍723 Vineland Pl, Minneapolis, MN 55403) for Mediterranean-inspired grilled meats, salads, and bread; Zelo (📍831 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN 55402) for Italian-inspired pizzas, pasta, and sandwiches; Sonora Mexican Kitchen & Bar (📍1414 Nicollet Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55403) for Mexican-inspired tacos, enchiladas, and salads; and Muffin Top Cafe (📍1424 Nicollet Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55403) for muffins, sandwiches, and coffee. For takeout options, you can consider using APPs like Grubhub or Uber Eats.
➡️Afternoon
After your meal, there would be no better than taking a post-lunch walk to Lake of the Isles to alleviate stress.
Located in Uptown, approximately three miles from downtown, Lake of the Isles is part of Minneapolis’ famous Chain of Lakes. The lake boasts 2.86 miles of shoreline and paved trails suitable for walking, running, and biking. It also offers picturesque views from all angles, making it ideal for hiking and biking. The lake’s ecosystem is rich with diverse wildlife, including ducks, geese, loons, and occasional raptors.
The area around the lake is home to numerous historic buildings, such as one of the filming locations for The Mary Tyler Moore Show and the Purcell-Cutts House. Visiting these iconic landmarks can be added to things to do in Minneapolis, Minnesota. In addition to its natural beauty, Lake of the Isles is a popular spot for year-round outdoor activities. During the summer months, you can enjoy activities such as canoeing, kayaking, fishing, picnicking, and birdwatching. Lakeside concerts are also the best things to do in Minneapolis, where you can experience live music in a scenic setting. In the winter, the lake transforms into a winter sports paradise, with activities like ice skating, hockey, cross-country skiing, and ice fishing.
The final destination for the art tour is Lake Street, close to Lake of the Isles. Appreciating the public arts on the street is one of the tourist things to do in Minneapolis. Walking along Lake Street, you will encounter murals and sculptures available for close viewing, offering a tangible experience of the fusion of art and culture.
Guardians of the Flame (📍1432 W 31st St, Minneapolis, MN 55408) reflects Korean culture, featuring women dressed in traditional Korean hanbok. It symbolizes the guardians of the flame, bringing light and courage amid darkness. Frida (📍1501 E Lake St, Minneapolis, MN 55407) pays tribute to legendary artist Frida Kahlo with a theme of Latino culture. The artworks represent resilience and serve as a reminder to remain creative in the face of challenges. Procesión (📍1304 E Lake St, Minneapolis, MN 55407) illustrates the history and culture of the diverse immigrant East Lake Street neighborhood, showcasing the community’s inclusiveness and diversity. River Memory (📍1304 E Lake St, Minneapolis, MN 55407) highlights the community’s historical memories, reflecting Minneapolis’s river culture and immigrant narratives. These works of art are ideal subjects for photographs. You can capture your travel memories and share them on social media, which offers nice things to do in Minneapolis.
➡️Night
After a long day of traveling, you must expect a nice place to eat. Fortunately, Lake Street is a renowned destination for Minneapolis food enthusiasts, offering diverse international dining options. Lake Street is one of the places to go in Minneapolis for delicious cuisine.
There are numerous restaurants that locals and visitors frequent. Lagniappe (📍2708 E Lake St, Minneapolis, MN 55406) specializes in traditional Louisiana cuisine, including grilled shrimp with herbed cornbread and turtle soup. Longfellow Grill (📍2990 W River Pkwy, Minneapolis, MN 55406) offers American classics in a cozy setting, ideal for a rest after a busy day. Lake & Irving (📍1513 W Lake St, Minneapolis, MN 55408) combines American and Hawaiian flavors, serving high-quality burgers, steaks, and seafood. Sonora Grill (📍3300 E Lake St, Minneapolis, MN 55406) specializes in traditional Mexican dishes, including tacos, fajitas, and distinctive margaritas. Chilango (📍2730 W Lake St, Minneapolis, MN 55416), helmed by renowned chef Jorge Guzmán, features avant-garde Mexican cuisine and offers a recommended menu of tuna tacos and artisanal cocktails. Isles Bun & Coffee (📍1424 W 28th St, Minneapolis, MN 55408), a popular breakfast and coffee establishment, is renowned for its giant cinnamon rolls, freshly baked bread, and coffee. Sushi Train (📍3236 W Lake St, Minneapolis, MN 55416) is a sushi conveyor belt restaurant that serves fresh sushi and hot Japanese dishes. Mama Safia (📍720 E Lake St, Minneapolis, MN 55407) specializes in traditional Somali dishes, including goat curry and fried triangles.
Day 2: Journey Through Culture & Cuisine
➡️Morning
On the second day of the trip, you can explore the cultural heritage of Minneapolis and embark on a culinary journey through the city’s vibrant food scene. Visits to Minneapolis’s best museums, the Mill City Museum and the Minneapolis Institute of Art, are Minneapolis MN things to do to kickstart your journey of discovery in the heart of Minneapolis.
The Mill City Museum (📍704 South 2nd Street, Minneapolis, MN 55401) was built on the site of the world’s largest flour mill, the Washburn “A” Mill. It showcases Minneapolis’ industrial history. A visit to this museum is a must-do in Minneapolis.
You can take the Flour Tower elevator, which offers a historical journey with scenes of a flour mill in operation through historic images, photographs, and special effects. The Water & Baking Labs offer insights into the Mississippi River’s impact on the flour mill, complemented by a baking demonstration and the opportunity to sample fresh bread. Then, visit the Ruin Courtyard, which showcases the convergence of history and nature, featuring preserved ruins from the 1991 fire. Interactive exhibits, model displays, and historical narratives contribute to the museum’s engaging portrayal of Minneapolis’s historical connection to milling. To conclude, you can visit the museum’s rooftop observation deck, which offers panoramic views of downtown Minneapolis, the Mississippi River, and the Stone Arch Bridge, making it one of the top things to do in Minneapolis for photographers.
- Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Tuesdays through Fridays
10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturdays
- Admission: $12 for adults; $10 for students and seniors 65 and older; $6 for youth 5 to 17; free for children under 5.
The Minneapolis Institute of Art (📍2400 3rd Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55404) is an ideal destination for art enthusiasts and offers the top Minneapolis Minnesota things to do. Its collection boasts more than 100,000 works of art, spanning 5,000 years of world history, including European masterpieces such as Rembrandt and Van Gogh and works by renowned modern artists like Picasso and Matisse. The museum also features significant collections of Asian, African, and Native American art. Its Asian art collection is among the most notable and comprehensive in the United States, featuring Chinese architecture, jade, bronzes, and ceramics.
- Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday through Sunday (extended hours to 9:00 p.m. on Thursdays); closed on Mondays
- Admission: Free admission to the permanent collection; special exhibitions may incur a fee.
➡️Noon & Afternoon
Minneapolis is a culturally diverse city that is deeply reflected in its rich culinary offerings. Guided food tours offer various international cuisines, including Latin American, Asian, European, and African flavors. These tours also offer an educational opportunity to discover the history and culture of local immigrants and understand how they have preserved their traditions while assimilating into the community through food. Therefore, when it comes to what to do in Minneapolis, Minnesota, food tours are your top choice. If you are interested in attending this activity, making reservations in advance and wearing comfortable shoes is recommended.
The Minneapolis Riverwalk Food Tour ($69 per person) offers a guided journey along the Mississippi River, beginning at Gold Medal Park (📍Second Street and 11th Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55415). You will traverse the renowned Stone Arch Bridge and continue into the vibrant community of Northeast Minneapolis. You will have the opportunity to sample various culinary delights, including Eastern European-style homemade sausages and dumplings (pierogi), freshly ground matcha tea, Japanese mochi, Thai spring rolls and Thai fried chicken, a selection of ice creams including dairy and non-dairy options, Argentinean-style empanadas, and Neapolitan-style wood-fired pizzas. This culinary tour also explores Minneapolis’ industrial past by visiting the Mill District and St. Anthony Main. The tour is offered on Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. from April to October.
The Downtown Minneapolis Food Tour typically costs $69 per person, commences at Hell’s Kitchen (📍80 S 9th St, Minneapolis, MN 55402) and traverses the downtown Skyway system. The primary activity entails sampling signature dishes at Hell’s Kitchen and Minneapolis classic food such as the Juicy Lucy cheeseburger. Additionally, you can experience a range of international flavors, showcasing Asian, European, and Latin American cuisines. The tour also provides insights into Minneapolis’s immigrant history and neighborhood culture, lasting two to three hours.
Additionally, the Eat Street (📍Nicollet Avenue) offer a variety of specialty restaurants and snacks for independent exploration, offering many places to go in Minneapolis with culinary delights.
➡️Night
When nightlife comes, there’s no better way to experience it than by attending a show at the renowned Guthrie Theater (📍818 S 2nd St, Minneapolis, MN 55415), which is one of the best things to see and do in Minneapolis. It is a prominent cultural landmark in Minneapolis and a leading regional theater in the U.S. The theater is also well-known for presenting classic plays and modern works by famous masters such as Shakespeare and Chekhov. Strategically located on the banks of the Mississippi River, near the renowned Stone Arch Bridge and Mill City Museum, the Guthrie Theater is easily accessible via the U.S. Bank station, which is serviced by the Green and Blue lines of the Metro.
The 2025 season will feature a variety of classic performances, with single tickets going on sale on January 8, 2025, with prices ranging from $29 to $139. Upcoming performances include Midsummer Night’s Dream (from February 1 to March 23, 2025), The Mousetrap (from February 1 to March 23, 2025), The Nacirema Society (from April 19 to May 25, 2025), and Cabaret (from June 21 to August 24, 2025).
Day 3: Harmony of Shopping & Music
➡️Morning & Noon
On the final day of your trip, consider allocating time for shopping. One of the top activities in Minneapolis is purchasing souvenirs and other items of interest. For this activity, shopping at the Mall of America is one of the best things to do near Minneapolis, MN.
Situated in Bloomington, Minnesota, just 15 minutes from downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul, Mall of America (📍60 E Broadway, Bloomington, MN 55425) is the largest shopping and entertainment center in the United States, making it one of the best places to go near Minneapolis. It features over 520 stores, ranging from high-end brands to fast fashion. Major stores include Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s, Nordstrom, and Sears. Beyond its commercial offerings, the area features over 50 dining options and a diverse promotions and events schedule. Hours of operation are Monday through Saturday from 10:00 to 21:00 and Sunday from 11:00 to 19:00.
➡️Afternoon
After lunch, you will have the energy to find childhood fun at Nickelodeon Universe® at the mall. Nickelodeon Universe® is the first indoor Nickelodeon theme park in the U.S., located inside Mall of America in Minnesota. It features seven acres of unique rides. Not-to-be-missed rides and activities include Aang’s Air Glider, Bikini Bottom Crosstown Express, Fly with Appa, Skyline Scream, and Boots’ Banana Swing.
In addition to the rides, there will be many events, including rides with SpongeBob SquarePants, Dora the Explorer, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Meet-and-greet opportunities with popular characters like SpongeBob SquarePants, Dora the Explorer, and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are highly anticipated. Taking photos with these characters is a fun stuff to do in Minneapolis MN. Slime Streak, a Nickelodeon classic, is also a popular activity.
The Unlimited Play bracelet is $52.49 on regular days and $41.99 on select “discounted” days. Points passes are priced between $3.99 and $79.99, depending on the number of points.
➡️Night
One of the final and top things to do in Minneapolis MN should be reserved for barhopping. Downtown Minneapolis boasts a rich and varied bar scene that caters to various interests and styles, from vintage gaming bars to English-style pubs, which are ideal for a night of barhopping.
The Pourhouse (📍50 South 6th Street, Minneapolis, MN) combines Prohibition-era glamour with modern entertainment, offering a wide range of appliances and top things to do in Minneapolis, Minnesota. These include a 25-foot high-definition jumbotron, live music, DJ nights, themed parties, and dance competitions. The bar also features multiple bar areas and comfortable lounge areas, offering a wide selection of beverages. The operating hours are Friday 10:00 PM – 2:00 AM, Saturday 10:00 PM – 2:00 AM, Sunday 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM.
Brit’s Pub (📍1110 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN) is a spacious English-style pub featuring a wood interior, a fireplace, and an outdoor patio. It offers an extensive beer selection, classic British fare, and a cozy setting.
The Saloon (📍1100 Washington Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN) is a popular LGBTQ+ bar, offering the best things to do in Minneapolis, such as drag shows, theme nights, and dance performances. It is open from 12:00 PM to 2:00 AM Monday through Thursday and from 12:00 PM to 3:00 AM Friday through Saturday.
Can Can Wonderland (📍2929 Lyndale Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN) is a creative entertainment venue that combines retro gaming, craft beer, and live entertainment. It offers distinctive activities to do in Minneapolis.
Prohibition (📍200 South 7th Street, Minneapolis, MN) is a vintage-style cocktail bar that boasts a wide selection of craft cocktails and a cozy ambiance. Another notable cocktail bar is Flora Room (📍100 South 6th Street, Minneapolis, MN), which features a modern style and offers creative drinks in a cozy environment.
Conclusion
By the conclusion of your three-day trip, you will have acquired numerous memorable experiences with these things to do in Minneapolis. And you will have discovered, as we have, that Minneapolis is not merely a destination but a journey that beckons your return. After exploring the city’s artistic soul, embracing the serenity of nature, savoring mouth-watering cuisine, delving into its rich culture, enjoying a shopping spree, and dancing a night of revelry, these things to do in Minneapolis MN will leave an indelible mark on your heart. What’s exciting is that Minneapolis is so much more, and it eagerly awaits your next visit.
FAQ
Is Minneapolis MN worth visiting?
With so many things to do in Minneapolis, you won’t regret your journey. It boasts world-class museums like the Walker Art Center and the Minneapolis Institute of Art. Nature lovers will appreciate the Minneapolis Riverfront. Minneapolis also has a diverse culinary scene, such as Nicollet Avenue, which offers a variety of international cuisines.
What is Minneapolis best known for?
The city is best known for its unique blend of urban charm and natural beauty, making it a standout destination for those seeking things to do in Minneapolis outdoors. Referred to as the “City of Lakes,” it has numerous shimmering lakes and waterways. Minneapolis is also known for its historic landmarks like the Stone Arch Bridge.
How safe is it to walk in downtown Minneapolis?
Whether looking for things to do in Minneapolis during the day or at night, Downtown is a relatively safe area to walk. The area is well lit, has heavy foot traffic, is patrolled by police at night, and has a crime rate 9.6% lower than the city average. Nicollet Avenue is popular due to its abundance of restaurants, stores, and entertainment venues.
