What was once two cities on either side of the Mississippi River, Minneapolis combines the best of both cities while offering residents a little of everything. From checking out the dining scene to cheering on the sports teams, there are endless fun things to do in Minneapolis.
Whether you are considering lives in Minneapolislooking for a rent Apartment in Nordschleifeor in the market to buy a House in Fulton, if you’re looking for an exciting Midwest city, you’ve come to the right place. We turned to local experts to share fun things to do in Minneapolis. You will always discover something exciting happening in every corner of this city.
1. Watch a performance at one of the many venues
“Few places have as many professional theater companies as Minneapolis, which makes it a great activity for many,” he explains gay travel. “Some of the best theaters in town are the Guthrie, Theater Latte Da, Mixed Blood Theater and the Children’s Theatre. Minneapolis is home to the Minnesota Orchestra at Orchestra Hall, ballet and dance venues, and the beautifully renovated Northrop Auditorium on the University of Minnesota campus. The State and Orpheum Theaters also host (and often start) major Broadway productions, which are always fun to see in Minneapolis.”
2. Check out the Craft Brewery’s amazing taprooms
If you like relaxing with a cold beer on a Friday night or a drink after a long day at work, Minneapolis is for you.
Minneapolis (and the entire Minneapolis/St. Paul Twin Cities) has many unique places to grab a beer, they say wanderlust in real lifea Travel planner and craft beer fanatic. “Some of my favorite Minneapolis breweries are Dangerous Man Brewing Co. and Modist. Both taprooms offer unique beers, but my favorites are Modist’s shaken milkshake IPA line, PB Porter, the mainstay of Dangerous Man, and Chocolate Milk Stout. Among all the breweries in Minneapolis/St. Paul Metro, these two are in my top 5 favourites.”
3. Visit Eat Street and dine at Pho 79
Another fun thing to do in Minneapolis is Eat Street, a stretch of very different restaurants located just a few blocks down Nicollet Avenue.
Located on Minneapolis’ popular “Eat Street”, Pho 79 is a restaurant travel blogger Michael Meyer recommends it to all newcomers.
“They have the best pho or vermicelli salad,” says Mikah Meyer. “Plus, their cream cheese wontons are insanely delicious (10 for just $6 — even after they’ve gone up $4 due to inflation). I always drank the last drop of Pho 79 broth. All menu items are incredibly affordable. Minneapolis is a rare blend of big city amenities but affordable Midwest prices.”
5. Visit the Hana Bistro MN Food Truck for gourmet Chinese food
What was once a popular dine-in restaurant Hana Bistro MN, now rides on four wheels after pivoting to become a mobile restaurant. This winter, Hana Bistro MN will be guests twice a week at Wooden Ship Brewery in SW Minneapolis and twice a week at Bauhaus Brew Labs in NE Minneapolis. Flavors like this are hard to come by.
6. Cheer on the Minneapolis sports teams
Minneapolis is built for sports lovers, but really everyone will enjoy a sporting event in Minneapolis. As a Minneapolis resident, you have the opportunity to cheer on the Twins (MLB), Vikings (NFL), Wild (NHL) or Timberwolves (NBA) and be a part of the camaraderie that forms among enthusiasts.
“Purple and gold are ingrained in you from birth if you’re from Minnesota, travel bloggers explain The hiking tourists. “If you’re not a native Minnesotan, you can volunteer to join the Minnesota Vikings. The opportunity to visit the US Bank Stadium (and formerly Metrodome) and see fans in their Viking gear as they cheer for the team to victory is always a delight. We recommend visiting the stadium and experiencing standing on the pitch where some of the greatest players in the team’s history have played.”
4. Stroll along the Mississippi River in downtown Minneapolis
“Once the mill capital of the world, the Mississippi Riverfront where Minneapolis was born was home to a crossroads of railroads that snaked from coast to coast,” he shares Mpls downtown council. “Today you can enjoy some of Minneapolis’ best views on the historic Stone Arch Bridge overlooking St. Anthony Falls—a destination you can walk and bike to. Stroll along the West River Parkway and catch a show at the Guthrie Theatre, learn about the city’s early history at the Mill City Museum or relax in the incredible green spaces along the Water Works. Spend time at Gold Medal Park or enjoy a world-famous meal at Owamni by The Sioux Chef while honoring the region’s indigenous roots. The possibilities are endless.”
Terri Peterson Smith of Traveling off the beaten track also recommends visiting the historic Mississippi Riverfront. “Walk out onto the iconic Stone Arch Bridge where the mighty river rushes beneath you and a whiff of history stirs in the cool mist of St. Anthony Falls cascading before you.”
Peterson continues, “Native Americans call this place Mni Sota Makoce, ‘land where the water reflects the clouds.’ Here the great industrialists Pillsbury and Washburn (General Mills) harnessed the power of the river to run their flour mills and established a thriving metropolis. From here you can walk to the Mill Ruins Museum, Mill City Farmers Market, Owamni (James Beard’s Best Restaurant of the Year), Guthrie Theater or simply stroll along the riverfront.”
7. Visit the Twin Cities Film Festival
Do you consider yourself a movie buff? If you are passionate and enthusiastic about films, you should definitely visit the Twin Cities Film Festival.
Travel bloggers Wunmi and Sophia von Economical with a compass share: “One of the Minneapolis events that recently rose to #1 on our list of “fun things to do in Minneapolis” is the Twin Cities Film Festival. Held over two weekends in October, it’s a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the work of talented Minnesota filmmakers. We also enjoy it because we get a sneak peek at the year’s award-winning independent films and documentaries. Grab some friends and a bucket of popcorn—this is the perfect fall activity.”
8. Take advantage of the food scene
A quick Google search for Minneapolis’ food scene and you’ll find that many critics think the city is underrated. From international cuisine to local staples, Minneapolis’ food scene is definitely something to talk about.
“One of the absolute best parts of living in the Twin Cities is having access to amazing food,” shares a local lifestyle blogger Kelly Zugay. “With its diverse cuisine and award-winning chefs, Minneapolis has no shortage of great food. food halls like Pasture provisions + libation and The market at Malcolm Yards are some of my favorite places. Whether you have a specific cuisine craving or diet preference, there is something for everyone at these food halls.”
10. Spend time at the North Loop in Minneapolis
“Even though my husband and I live in the suburbs, we drive there North loop at least once a week,” explains Zugay. “This walkable area offers excellent cafes like backstory and fairgroundlike local shops Jaxen Gray and HOUSESand incredible restaurant experiences like Tullibee at The Hewing Hotel.”
Also known as The Warehouse District for the area’s converted warehouses, North Loop is a vibrant neighborhood best known for its nightlife, trendy restaurants, and shopping.
9. Shop at farmers markets to support local businesses
If you enjoy cooking with fresh produce and want to support local businesses, the farmers markets are the place to be.
Zugay continues: “The Mill City Farmers Market and Linden Hill Farmers Market are some of my favorite farmers markets in Minneapolis. Here, the farmers markets not only offer amazing, fresh produce, but are also the perfect place to sample groceries, get acquainted with local small businesses, buy fresh flowers and more. That moms from Gorkha Palace are a must.”
11. Spend an afternoon at Lake Bde Maka Ska
“Lake Bde Maka Ska is always a lively and energetic area where you can participate in fun things like bloggers Small blue backpack. “After that, find a seat at the bar or on the outdoor patio at Wakame Sushi and Asain Bistro. It’s the best happy hour (and sushi) in town.”
Lake Bde Maka Ska is the largest lake in Minneapolis and is surrounded by parks and hiking trails and offers great views of the Minneapolis skyline.
12. Try international cuisines
“If you’re a foodie or just love trying different types of delicious cuisine, you have to stop by Midtown Global Market,” he says MICE travel today, a collection of blogs, webinars, and resources. “It’s perfect for both locals and tourists, and you can find food from Morocco, Thailand, Somalia, Mexico and more. Embark on your own culinary journey around the world – we recommend starting with Manny’s Tortas 3 Little Pigs Torta.”
13. Tour the J. Carver Distillery
For the spirited whiskey lover – A must see in Minneapolis is an experience J Schnitzer Grain to Glass Distillery Tour and Tasting. The tour highlights their award-winning spirits and is open to the public on Saturdays. You can also enjoy a delicious specialty craft cocktail in the cocktail lounge.
