Things to do in Minneapolis - St. Paul

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Walker Art Center showing art, outdoor art and landscape views

Minneapolis - St. Paul Attractions

When you visit Minneapolis, it’s almost like a two-for-one pass at a set of amusement parks. Come for a stay in Minneapolis, and get a vacation in St. Paul for free. The Twin Cities of Minnesota are a wealth of culture, art, and the great outdoors. In fact, things to do in Minneapolis span the gamut from eating at a 5-star restaurant to casting a line just outside the city to catch your own dinner. No matter the season, attractions in Minneapolis are sure to keep you entertained. Be fair warned: Winter calls for a well-insulated coat and plenty of other snow gear, but even in the coldest months a trip to Minneapolis is worth weathering the wind chill.


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Most popular activities in Minneapolis - St. Paul

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What to do in Minneapolis - St. Paul

Free Things to Do in Minneapolis - St. Paul

A visit to Minneapolis - St. Paul doesn't have to break the bank. You can leave your wallet at home if you check out:

Museum of Questionable Medical Devices - Talk to the friendly staff or curator and learn about the interesting collections on display here.

Northrup King Building - This is a great place to get your culture hit and learn all about the thriving local arts scene.

Mississippi National River and Recreation Area - Fun, fun and more fun awaits at this terrific place.

University of St. Thomas - This modern local landmark is the perfect backdrop for that vacation profile pic.

Minnesota Governor's Residence - Stop by this historic site and learn a little about the cultural heritage of the area.

Lake Nokomis - There's something soothing about being close to the water, so spend a while here.

Minneapolis Convention Center - If you'd like to explore a few of the more important or interesting places in the community, this is a great place to start.

Music Box Theatre - Spend some time in prayer or meditation at this tranquil sacred site.

River Road Trail - You're certain to feel connected with Mother Earth at this magnificent place.

Minnehaha Park - Whether you can distinguish your apple trees from azaleas, you're sure to find beauty in this glorious display.

Areas & Neighborhoods in Minneapolis - St. Paul

The neighborhoods in Minneapolis are brimming over with culture, theater, and a tremendous amount of charm. While “Minnesota Nice” sounds like a cliché, you will also find the folks here happy to have you in town. Whether you are visiting for business or leisure, a trip to the Twin Cities will be filled to the brim with possibilities.

Downtown Minneapolis — Downtown is quite the hub, boasting the largest arenas in the city, including Target Field, home of the Minnesota Twins™. For visitors who are not so sports-minded, the city center also has plenty of theaters, art, and places to eat.

Uptown — Head to Uptown Minneapolis for a bohemian vibe, where many independent shops and eateries have made a home. The neighborhood is just about one mile south of the downtown district, so you will still be in the thick of it when you visit. It’s in Uptown that you can also visit Lake Calhoun or the nightlife scene at Hennepin Avenue and Lake Street.

Dinkytown — Don’t miss a chance to hit up Dinkytown, the affectionate name for a neighborhood near the University of Minnesota. Some of the best Minneapolis activities take place here, especially in the evening. If you’re looking to grab a bite at a quirky diner or independent sandwich shop, this district will make you very happy.

Things to See in Minneapolis

Art and culture fanatics will find that Minneapolis is a playground with attractions like the Guthrie Theater and Orpheum Theatre. Of course, the Walker Arts Center and Science Museum of Minnesota are also full of interesting exhibits. If you want to see some of the best outdoors Minnesota has to offer, head to some of the local parkland in the summer months, such as Hiawatha Park, Minnehaha Park, and Theodore Wirth Park.

Sightseeing in Minneapolis - St. Paul

Once you’ve gotten your fill of history, art, and other cultural pursuits, consider learning more about the local cuisine and brew industry. Brewery tours of Minneapolis are another excellent way to explore the Twin Cities area. More fun things to do in Minneapolis include attending live music at the Target Center, canoeing along Lake of the Isles in the warmer months, and taking an historical Segway® tour of the city. During the winter, though the temperatures are quite cold, locals still enjoy using local trails for activities such as cross-country skiing and snowmobiling.

Things to Do in Minneapolis - St. Paul with Kids

There's no excuse for the kids to complain about being bored in Minneapolis - St. Paul. Head along to these family friendly experiences that'll keep everyone entertained:


 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Minneapolis - St. Paul? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 


 

Frequently asked questions

What to do in Minneapolis - St. Paul on a sunny day?
Take advantage of the wonderful weather with outdoor experiences like a 40-minute Walk-In Axe Throwing Experience Minneapolis and a Kerfoot Canopy Zipline Tour.
What to do in Minneapolis - St. Paul on a rainy day?
With excellent indoor activities like a Girlfriend Getaway Package at Mall of America to keep you occupied, there’s no need to let a few drops of rain stop you from having fun.
What is Minneapolis - St. Paul famous for?
Get a family happy snap at Mall of America — it’s a big-name attraction.
What should I not miss in Minneapolis - St. Paul?
Put these sights at the top of your must-see list to get the most out of your visit:

  • Xcel Energy Center
  • Target Field
  • Target Center
  • University of Minnesota-Minneapolis

Are there cheap things to do in Minneapolis - St. Paul?
What can you do in Minneapolis - St. Paul for free?
You could put your money in the hotel safe for the day, because these great attractions will cost you nothing at all:

  • Mall of America
  • University of Minnesota-Minneapolis
  • University of St. Thomas
  • Minnehaha Park


Discover the most popular places to visit in Minneapolis - St. Paul

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Minneapolis - St. Paul

Mill City Museum

Downtown Minneapolis

4.5/5(3,183 area reviews)

Known for its fantastic nightlife and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Downtown Minneapolis. Check out top attractions like Target Field and U.S. Bank Stadium, and jump on the metro at Nicollet Mall Station or Warehouse - Hennepin Station to see more of the city.

Downtown Minneapolis
Science Museum of Minnesota

Downtown St. Paul

4.5/5(731 area reviews)

Spend some time visiting places like Fitzgerald Theater while getting to know Downtown St. Paul, and be sure to check out the live music. You can hop aboard the metro at 10th Street Station or Central Station to see more of the area.

Downtown St. Paul
Minnehaha Park showing landscape views, a garden and fall colors

South Minneapolis

If you're spending time in South Minneapolis, check out sights like Lake Nokomis or Lake Harriet and hop on the metro to see more the city at 38th Street Station or 46th Street Station.

South Minneapolis
Minneapolis showing signage

Downtown West

Travelers love Downtown West for its popular shops, and you can see more of Minneapolis by jumping on the metro at Nicollet Mall Station or Government Plaza Station. You might spend time checking out top sights like Nicollet Mall and Foshay Tower.

Downtown West
Nickelodeon Universe which includes rides as well as a family

East Bloomington

4/5(1,932 area reviews)

While you're in East Bloomington, take in top sights like Mall of America or Lego Imagination Center, and hop on the metro to see more the city at Mall of America Station or 28th Avenue Station.

East Bloomington
Lake Calhoun showing windsurfing, landscape views and a sporting event

Calhoun Isles

If you're spending time in Calhoun Isles, check out sights like Bde Maka Ska or Walker Art Center and hop on the metro to see more the city at West 21st Street Station or Bryn Mawr Station.

Calhoun Isles

Popular day trips from Minneapolis - St. Paul