Minneapolis is one of two infamous Twin Cities built on three historic rivers. Once known as Flour Milling Capital of the World, today The Cities boasts a thriving food scene and industrial successes. Despite its nickname, Minneapolis and Saint Paul function as separate governing bodies and offer wildly different attractions and activities.
Minneapolis, like Minnesota, is famous for having an excess of lakes and parks. The Mississippi River splits the city’s center and provides residents and visitors with year-round outdoor fun. Browse city landmarks, kid-friendly activities, and other famous attractions in Minneapolis.
Exciting activities in Minneapolis include touring popular landmarks, grabbing a bite at trendy restaurants and bars, or exploring the great outdoors. Catch breathtaking Minneapolis city views of historic architecture and contemporary skyscrapers at Minnehaha Park.
The best attractions near Minneapolis:
See a game at Target Field in downtown Minneapolis
Shop at the infamous Mall of America
Visit the Museum of Russian Art
Winter activities like hockey and skating on Lake of the Isles
Waterfall views and walking or biking trails in Minnehaha Park
Minneapolis is a great city for tourists to embrace midwestern culture. Try locally-idolized dishes like tater tot hotdish or a community tomato-based stew called Booya.
Popular attractions near Minneapolis include:
Walk through the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden
Learn about Mill Ruins Park at Mill City Museum
Cross Stone Arch Bridge, an old railroad bridge crossing
Guided Tour of the Minnesota State Capitol
A sightseeing cruise on the Mississippi River with Paradise Charter Cruises and Minneapolis Queen
Some of the best things to do in Minneapolis are available to the public every day of the week. Between equipment rentals, live performances, and outdoor recreational areas, there’s no shortage of daytime fun in Minneapolis.
Exciting activities happening near Minneapolis today include:
Renting and riding bikes through downtown Minneapolis
Sky Zone trampoline park in Saint Paul
Visiting the Soap Factory for a performing arts show
Hiking, fishing, or bird watching at Lilydale Regional Park
Boating adventures at Mississippi National River and Recreation Area
The Twin Cities come to life when the sun goes down. Experience live music at vibrant venues, unique bowling, or an up-and-coming Minneapolis escape room.
Things to do tonight in Minneapolis include:
Bowling at Bryant Lake Bowl or Memory Lanes
Try the Harry Potter escape room at Trapped Puzzle Rooms
Grab a drink at Bar Fly, a historic building remodeled into a dance club
See a comedy show at the Rick Bronson House of Comedy
Keeping the kids entertained in Minneapolis is simple. With so many amusement parks and other kid-approved attractions, it won’t be hard to find fun activities for the whole family.
Family-friendly things to do near Minneapolis:
Visit Nickelodeon Universe, the indoor amusement park in the middle of the Mall of America
Play mini golf at Can Can Wonderland
Book kid-friendly tours of the city with Hitching Company
When the weather rolls in, visitors are lucky to have a plethora of indoor attractions to choose from. Escape the cold in Little Box Sauna, a portable sauna by Andrea Johnson set up outside the Warner Art Center a few months out of the year.
Things to do indoors near Minneapolis include:
Dig through bookshelves at WIld Rumpus Bookstore
Catch the latest flicks at ShowPlace ICON at The West End with ICON-X
Spend an afternoon at the Sea Life Minnesota Aquarium
Explore art collections at Walker Art Center
Sports and outdoor activities in MinneapolisView All
As the state slogan goes, Minnesota is home to over 10,000 lakes. Thirteen of them are in Minneapolis, as well as the Mississippi River, wetlands, creeks, and waterfalls.
Outdoor attractions near Minneapolis include:
Enjoy multi-use trails or play a round of golf at Fort Snelling State Park
Bike or walk along River Road Trail for gorgeous lake views
Take a trip to the Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden and Bird Sanctuary
Learn about Saint Anthony Falls, the only natural waterfall that existed on the Upper Mississippi River
Boating and swimming at Lake Harriet and Lake Calhoun, part of the Minneapolis Chain of Lakes