things to do in or around minneapolis

Minneapolis, the largest city in Minnesota, is a vibrant and eclectic metropolis with a wide range of activities and attractions to suit all interests. Here are some things to do in and around Minneapolis:

Outdoor Activities:

1. Minnehaha Falls: A 53-foot waterfall in a beautiful park with hiking trails, a lake, and plenty of picnic areas.
2. Lake Calhoun: A popular lake with walking and biking paths, beaches, and opportunities for kayaking and paddleboarding.
3. Mississippi River: Take a stroll along the riverfront, rent a kayak or paddleboard, or enjoy a scenic boat tour.
4. Minneapolis Chain of Lakes: A series of connected lakes with walking and biking paths, perfect for a leisurely stroll or bike ride.

Museums and Galleries:

1. Walker Art Center: A contemporary art museum with rotating exhibitions and a beautiful sculpture garden.
2. Minneapolis Institute of Art: A world-renowned art museum with a diverse collection of over 89,000 works of art.
3. Mill City Museum: A museum showcasing the history of Minneapolis and the flour milling industry.
4. Weisman Art Museum: A modern art museum located on the University of Minnesota campus.

Sports and Entertainment:

1. U.S. Bank Stadium: Catch a Vikings game or take a guided tour of the stadium.
2. Target Field: Home of the Minnesota Twins baseball team, with great views of the city skyline.
3. First Avenue: A legendary music venue that hosts local and national acts.
4. Guthrie Theater: A renowned theater company with a variety of productions throughout the year.

Food and Drink:

1. Eat Street Social: A trendy restaurant with a focus on local, seasonal ingredients.
2. The Bachelor Farmer: A modern Nordic restaurant with a focus on local, organic ingredients.
3. Surly Brewing Co.: A popular craft brewery with a taproom and restaurant.
4. Mill City Farmers Market: A bustling farmers market with local produce, meats, and artisanal goods.

Shopping:

1. Mall of America: One of the largest shopping malls in the country, with over 520 stores and attractions.
2. Uptown: A vibrant neighborhood with a mix of boutique shops, restaurants, and bars.
3. Downtown Minneapolis: A bustling shopping district with a variety of stores, including the iconic Macy’s department store.
4. 50th and France: A charming shopping district with a mix of boutique shops and restaurants.

Day Trips:

1. St. Paul: The state capital, with attractions like the Cathedral of Saint Paul and the Minnesota State Capitol building.
2. Stillwater: A charming river town with a historic downtown area and scenic views of the St. Croix River.
3. Hudson, WI: A picturesque town with a historic downtown area and scenic views of the St. Croix River.
4. Excelsior: A charming lakeside town with a historic downtown area and scenic views of Lake Minnetonka.

These are just a few of the many things to do in and around Minneapolis. The city has something for everyone, whether you’re interested in outdoor activities, cultural attractions, or simply exploring a new city.