This Twin City is home to 22 natural lakes, 197 beautiful parks, eclectic shopping, museums and theaters, burgers with the cheese on the INSIDE, and all the sports. What more could you ask for? We’ll help narrow down your bucket list with a list of our own. Here are the best things to do in the biggest, artsiest town on the prairie.
Minnehaha Park
Located halfway between downtown Minneapolis and downtown St. Paul, the 193-acre Minnehaha Regional Park is just a short drive, bike ride, or light rail trip away from the city. Overlooking the Mississippi River, the park’s beautiful 53-foot waterfall (Minnehaha Falls), 10 miles of hiking trails, and limestone bluffs attract more than 850,000 visitors annually.
The Walker Art Center
One of the “big five” modern art museums in the country, The Walker Art Center is just next door to the famous Sculpture Garden, where you can see Claes Oldenburg’s locally iconic “Spoonbridge and Cherry”. You can also get your culture on at the Minneapolis Institute of Art, which has one of the most comprehensive collections in the world (and it’s free!).
Guthrie Theater
Catch a performance at the Guthrie, or tour it for free. Head up the escalator for amazing views of the Mississippi from the Endless Bridge walkway. The theater’s ninth-floor Amber Box also has a great view.
Visit the Mill City Museum
While you’re downtown, check out the Mill City Museum and Park, which is also located on the historic Mississippi Riverfront. The museum itself was once the world’s largest flour mill. Now you can learn about the history of the flour industry in Minneapolis, and see some more great views of the river.
Devour a Jucy Lucy
Minneapolis is known for these burgers with melty-gooey cheese hidden on the inside. Try one from Matt’s Bar in South Minneapolis (heads up, its cash only!) and the 5-8 Club to decide for yourself who has the best cheese-stuffed burger in town.
Hop On Your Bike
With more than 200 miles of bike paths and plenty of Nice Ride rental bikes, Minneapolis is one of the best biking cities in the country. In fact, it was voted the sixth-best cycling city in the world back in 2016. Trail connections lead to the downtown areas of both of the Twin Cities. One of the top bike trails is the Midtown Greenway, a 5.7-mile “rail-trail” that winds throughout the city along a former railroad corridor. The banks of the mighty Mississippi River feature about 15 miles shoreline paths for biking or walking. Downtown, Loring Park’s biking/walking paths wind around the Grand Rounds National Scenic Byway, the only scenic byway in the country located entirely within an urban area. The 51-mile loop is made up of parkways, boulevards, trails, and lakes.
Minneapolis Chain of Lakes Regional Park
Running north to south along the western side of the city in the Grand Rounds National Scenic Byway, the Chain of Lakes offers 15 miles of trails and views of five of the largest lakes in Minneapolis. Brownie Lake, Cedar Lake, Lake of the Isles, Bde Maka Ska, and Lake Harriet are all about 3-4 miles around, so its easy to walk, bike, drive, swim, or paddle around the shoreline. Formerly known as Lake Calhoun, Bde Maka Ska is the largest lake in Minneapolis. This Uptown favorite flaunts sandy shores, skyline views, and super-blue water.
See a Game
Minneapolis has all your bases covered when it comes to sports. Take in a Twins game downtown at Target Field (pro tip: get a polish sausage from Kramarczuk’s). See the NFL’s Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium, or watch the Minnesota Timberwolves (NBA) or Minnesota Lynx (WNBA) play some basketball at Target Center.
Over in St. Paul, there’s an NHL team, the Minnesota Wild and a pro-soccer team, Minnesota United FC. If that’s not enough for you, the University of Minnesota has plenty of college sports. Go gophers!
Stroll through Midtown Global
This bustling internationally-themed market is located on East Lake Street, about three miles south of downtown. More than 50 vendors stock their stalls with food and crafts from around the world, drawing in over 1.5 million visitors annually. Shop local produce, unique gifts, and global goods like Somalian pastries, Middle Eastern olives, and Asian spices. The market also serves as a gathering place, hosting cultural events from Irish step-dancing lessons to musical performances.
Shop at Electric Fetus
via Electric Fetus 
via Electric Fetus
Known as the pre-eminent indie record store in Minnesota, Electric Fetus houses a huge selection of new and used CDs, vinyl, and DVDs. They’ve also got a ton of merch, including Prince memorabilia, books, novelty items, housewares, toys and games, and incense. The Electric Fetus has served as a gathering place for music lovers and counter-culturists since it opened in the ‘60s. In fact, Prince used to shop here!
Pose in Front of the Mary Tyler Moore Statue
Who can turn the world on with her smile? Let MTM have her Instagram moment. The spot where Mary Tyler Moore threw her hat in the air is marked by a bronze statue of the TV icon at the corner of 7th St S and Nicollet Mall.
Have a Draft of Craft
Minneapolis has a ton of great bars, and dozens of taprooms like Dangerous Man Brewing Co, Surly Brewing Co, and Insight Brewing Co offering local craft beer. The sprawling up-and-coming Northeast Minneapolis Arts District is chock full of craft breweries, including the historic Grain Belt Brewery—which has been around since 1890! In the summer, head to Pryes Brewery to enjoy an IPA while you watch the River Rats Water Ski Show. The action-packed water ski show takes place on the Mississippi River just south of the Broadway Avenue bridge.
Catch a Show
Minneapolis has a ton of great live music venues, including First Avenue, a rock venue that’s been around since the ‘70s.
Between breweries and biking, “The Water City” has an endless amount of things to do. If you’re thinking of moving, check out our Guide to Minneapolis Neighborhoods. Still looking for a place in Twin Cities? Search Zumper for thousands of apartments for rent in Minneapolis and St. Paul.
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