Called City by Nature, Minneapolis is the perfect blend of natural beauty and urban sophistication. No other American city has both sights, a chain of lakes and the mighty Mississippi River that runs right through the city. Lake Calhoun, the Convention Center and the Sculpture garden are well-known landmarks in this attractive city.
Our tip: see some of the sights of Minneapolis from a boat in the Mississippi River. Relaxed and exciting at the same time.
Guthrie Theater
According to Ebizdir, Minneapolis is perfect for theater buffs. The Tony Award-winning Guthrie Theater was established in 1963 and today is the place-to-be for anyone with a love of theatre. The founder of Guthrie is Tyrone Guthrie. He wanted a theater that would be less commercial than Broadway. That is why he was the first to show Shakespeare’s Hamlet in the theatre. Guthrie passed away in 1971, but the institution that today hosts many productions and tours of the building lives on. Today it is a nationally renowned theater and an award-winning cultural destination. Guthrie has 3 unique theaters and offers quality dining. Catch a performance, enjoy spectacular views of the Mississippi River, take a tour, visit the shop, or sip a cocktail while watching the sunset.
Paisley Park, home of Prince
Paisley Park, Prince’s private estate and production complex in Chanhassen, Minnesota, offers fans of the music icon the unprecedented opportunity to tour the legendary 65,000-square-foot complex. That served as the center of Prince’s creative universe. guided tours take visitors through the expansive main floor, including studios where Prince recorded, produced, and mixed most of his greatest hits, exhibition spaces, Prince’s private NPG Music Club, and a huge soundstage and concert hall where Prince rehearsed for concert tours and held exclusive private events and concerts. Visitors can also view artifacts from Prince’s personal archives, including iconic concert wardrobe and memorabilia, awards, musical instruments, and more!
Mall of America
Mall of America is one of the most visited destinations in the United States. With more than 500 shops, restaurants and diversity of attractions, you can experience a unique shopping and entertainment experience here. The mall features the largest indoor amusement park in the United States and is a must-visit in Minnesota. What’s extra nice is that you don’t have to pay tax on clothes and shoes.
Mill City Museum
The museum offers visitors of all ages the opportunity to learn about the history of the flour industry, the river, and the city of Minneapolis.
Take a trip back in time at the Mill City Museum. Today, in the remains of what was once the world’s oldest flour mill, you will find the Mill City Museum. The museum offers the chance to take a look at the flour industry and the impact it has on the city. Visitors can explore the rich history and participate in the story of this part of Minneapolis. Baking demonstrations, a Flour Tour, fresh bread tasting, and a model mill with great views of St. Anthony Falls and the Stone Arch Bridge. Don’t forget to watch the movie ‘Minneapolis in 19 Minutes Flat’. The film shows you how the city developed through the flour industry.
Walker Art Center & Minneapolis Sculpture Garden
The Walker Art Center is a household name on the international art scene. The Contemporary Art Museum was founded in 1879 by Thomas Barlow Walker and includes works by artists such as Yoko Ono, Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein. Once started as a private collection, the Walker Art Center has grown into an internationally recognized institution. The museum is open on Tuesday – Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Thursdays until 9 p.m.
Minneapolis Sculpture Garden
The crown jewel of the park system unites 2 of Minnesota’s most treasured resources – the parks and cultural life. Since opening in 1988, the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden garden has welcomed millions of visitors, displaying more than 40 works from Walker Art Center’s collections, including the iconic Spoonbridge and Cherry. The partnership between the Walker Art Center and the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board makes the garden a free must-see destination for visitors of all ages. Open 365 days a year, from 06:00 to 12:00.
Weisman Art Museum
The Weisman Art Museum is an elegant gallery often used for dinners, special events, lectures and conferences. The landmark building was designed by architect Frank Gehry. The museum is home to more than 17,000 pieces, including specialty ceramics, Korean furniture, and American Modernist artifacts. The museum is open daily, except on Mondays and public holidays. Admission is free. Address: 333 E River Road Minneapolis, MN 55455.
Minneapolis Big Build
Minneapolis is currently undergoing a transformation that makes the city even more beautiful, greener and more inviting. It is part of the so-called Minneapolis Big Build, a $2 billion transformation of the city that creates iconic new facilities, furnishes green spaces, adds 1,500 new hotel rooms and enables improved infrastructure in the heart of the city and beyond. Whether you come to the City of Nature to watch a baseball game, explore the great outdoors, or see the world-class museums, you’ll be captivated by all that’s new in the city.
Segway Magical History Tours
The perfect way to get to know Minneapolis is by Segway. Book a Segway Magical History Tours and learn all about the history of this impressive city. During the three-hour tour you will pass the Guthrie Theater, Mill Ruins Park, Father Hennepin Park, Hennepin Avenue Bridge, St. Anthony Main and Nicollet Boom Islands.
River boat tours
You can make wonderful trips with a boat on the Mississippi River. But walking through the city is also pleasant. Meet Minneapolis can recommend beautiful routes, with and without a guide.
Fun for the whole family
With roller coasters and more than 160 parks in Minneapolis, family fun is guaranteed. How about playing mini golf in the Sculpture Garden? Or pick up a blanket and food and have a nice picnic at Minnehaha Falls. Even a day at the beach is possible at Bde Maka Ska, the deepest lake in Minneapolis. A list of more than 20 tips can be found here.
Visit one of the Farmers markets
Minneapolis offers a variety of farmers’ markets, known locally as a Farmers Market. For example, the Minneapolis Farmers Market at 312 East Lyndale Ave N. is a must to visit. This is open every morning from 06:00 to 13:00 in the afternoon and you will find fresh local produce from Minneapolis and the surrounding area. For example, in the Mill City Farmers Market 750 S 2nd St you can buy fresh salmon and locally made jam.
More Tips for Great Neighborhoods in Minneapolis
Walk around and discover a variety of inspiring neighborhoods with the tips from Meet Minneapolis. How about a visit to so-called “black-owned shops”? It’s another angle for setting up your Minneapolis city break planning. You will find inspiration on the Meet Minneapolis site and with your purchases you support the black community.
