While most people may think of a vibrant nightlife and high-rise buildings when they think of Minneapolis, the city has a lot more to offer. Unlike other places, Minneapolis isn’t a concrete jungle – it is home to parks and wildlife in abundance. While you’re here, why not take a look at some of the best things to do in Minneapolis?
Outdoors in Minneapolis
1. Explore the Minnehaha Regional Park
Open all year round, this park boasts several biking trails, limestone bluffs and a majestic waterfall, plus several very impressive sculptures. In fact, the park itself is named after the Hiawatha and Minnehaha sculptures by Jakob Fjelde.
Costs: Free
Timings: 6am – 12am for developed areas; 6am – 10pm for non-developed areas.
2. Visit the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
Sprawled across more than 1200 acres of land, the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum has numerous garden paths and walking trails. You can take part in Yoga sessions in the gardens and get to know which flowers are in bloom. For a truly magical evening, don’t forget to visit the Arboretum during June and July for Firefly Watch Nights; they have to be one of the best things to do in Minneapolis.
Costs: $15 for adults, free for members and children (15 and under)
Timings: 8am – 8pm every day
3. Relax at the Theodore Wirth Regional Park
Theodore Wirth Regional Park is one of the best places to visit in Minneapolis for a relaxing day out, as well as for those who want to explore the pedestrian and biking trails in the park. Grab a bite and enjoy the relaxing ambiance of the park!
Costs: Entry is free
Timings: 6am – 12am for developed areas; 6am – 10pm for non-developed areas.
Sports in Minneapolis
1. Catch a Minnesota Vikings Game
If you’re in Minneapolis during the fall, you can’t miss out on a Vikings game at the US Bank Stadium! You’ll find plenty of people donning the team’s signature purple and gold colors to show off their Viking pride.
Costs: Average price starts at $108
Timings: Game season begins at September. Timings may vary.
2. Catch the Minnesota Twins at play!
Who doesn’t love a good baseball game? The Minnesota Twins bring professional baseball to Minneapolis, including World Series titles from 1987 and 1991. Head to the Greenest Ball Park in America, Target Field, to catch a Minnesota Twins game.
Costs: Average ticket prices start at $32
Timings: Various
3. Go wild at a Minnesota Wilds game
Ever been to an ice hockey match? If not, let the Minnesota Wilds be your introduction to this sport! If you’re lucky enough to catch a match, you aren’t likely to forget the charged atmosphere anytime soon. The Minnesota Wild are the city’s professional ice hockey team and have been the city’s pride since 2000.
Costs: Average ticket prices start at $88
Timings: Timings vary as per game season
Museums in Minneapolis
1. Get to know Minneapolis better at the Mill City Museum
Mill City Museum is one of the best places to visit in Minneapolis when you want to learn about the history of the city. The museum offers interactive experiences and tours, which makes it fun for kids as well. Plus, don’t forget to buy the city’s trusted local and organically grown produce at Mill City Farmer’s Market while you’re here.
Costs: Entry is free for members and children under 4, general admission tickets are $8 (prices may vary for outdoor tours).
Timings: Only open for outdoor tours. Timings may vary, but typically they run from 10:30am – 12pm.
2. Explore Science Museum of Minnesota
With the tagline, “Summer is for Science”, who would want to miss out on the intriguing exhibitions? If you’re looking for places to visit in Minnesota with your kids this vacation, you don’t have to look any further!
Costs: Free for members, $8.95 for children and Seniors, $9.95 for adults, GreatTix at $3
Timings: Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays: 9am – 5pm; Fridays and Saturdays: 9am to 8pm
3. Minnesota History Center makes history exciting!
If you think history is boring, you’ll change your mind completely after visiting the Minnesota History Center. Not only does it host constantly changing exhibitions, but there are also concerts, family events and more!
Costs: Adults: $12; Seniors (65+); Veterans, Active military, College students: $10; Children (ages 5-17): $8; Children (age 4 and under): Free; Members: Free
Timings: Thursday to Sunday: 10am – 4pm
Culture in Minneapolis
1. Bike through the scenic trail at Minneapolis Chain of Lakes Regional Park
When you’re in the City of Lakes, what could be a better way to explore the city than a 15-mile biking trail connecting some of the prettiest lakes in the city?
Costs: Entry is free
Timings: 6am – 12am for developed areas; 6am – 10pm for non-developed areas.
2. Meet the animals at the Minnesota Zoo!
Home to over 4,700 animals, the Minnesota Zoo helps you discover animals from the Woodlands of Minnesota to the Northern Plains!
Costs: Entry is free for members and children under two; children (3-12): $13.95; adults (13-64): $19.95; Seniors (65+): $13.95
Timings: May – September, Mon – Fri: 9am – 4pm & Sat: 9am – 6pm; October – April: 9am – 4pm
3. Explore Como Park Zoo and Conservatory!
Conveniently located close to the Como Town Amusement Park, the Como Park Zoo and Conservatory is fun for families. It is open all-year round. Don’t miss out the Summer Flower Show. Plus, learn more about the animals at the conservatory.
Costs: Free. Visitors can choose to make a voluntary donation of $4 for adults and $2 for children.
Timings: Spring/Summer hours (April to September): Sunday & Saturday: 10am to 6pm;
Fall/Winter hours (October to March): 10am to 4pm
Restaurants in Minneapolis
1. Grab a Jucy Lucy at Matt’s Bar
After visiting more restaurants in Minneapolis, your Jucy Lucy loyalties may change. However, as Matt’s Bar claims, it’s the home of the original Jucy Lucy, so it’s pretty hard to turn away from this deliciousness!
Costs: Starts at $3.95
Timings: 11am to 11pm
2. Visit the Nordic-inspired FIKA café!
Need a quick pick-me up? Visit the FIKA Café at the American Swedish Institute! Here, you can also enjoy delicious Scandinavian treats from comfort of your home by ordering online.
Costs: Starts at $8
Timings: Thursdays: 10am to 8pm; Friday to Sunday: 10am to 4pm.
3. Fried Chicken at CHX
What started as a small venture during COVID has now expanded into its own premises in town! Started by a group of three high school students, this is the place to be when you want to get some delicious fried chicken (and more). You’ll just have to wait a little longer to eat in, until they can open up their space for visitors!
Costs: Starts at $11 per order
Timings: Brief hiatus to prepare for the opening
D’you know what else Roomi does outside of helping its readers find things to do in Minneapolis? With our ever-increasing lists of rooms and roommates across the world, we help you find your perfect match!
