Best Attractions and Things to do in Minneapolis
From jaw-dropping beautiful lakes and mind-boggling architectural wonders to unrealistic artificial structures, Minneapolis is a city worth planning your vacations around. You have the Stone Arch Bridge and Minneapolis Sculpture Garden for outdoor activities, Minnesota Zoo and Nickelodeon Universe for kids, First Avenue for live music, Sea Life Minnesota Aquarium, and Minnesota History Center for nature and history enthusiasts, and Manny’s Steakhouse and other food joints for whenever hunger strikes. Featuring the best theaters and biggest museums in America, the city of Minneapolis has something for visitors of all ages.
A cultural, shopping, sporting, and foodie hub of Minnesota, Minneapolis welcomes millions of visitors each year.
You must have heard of the term ‘Minnesota Nice.’ For the most part, this phrase exactly describes the people of Minnesota. Another thing unique about Minnesotans is their preference for Caribou Coffee over Starbucks. This love results from Caribou Coffee Cares, a program supporting children’s hospitals and raising awareness of early-age cancer. Caribou was born in Edina, Minnesota, and Minnesotians are loyal in their support of their local businesses.
Fun Things to Do in Minneapolis
We have created a list of must-visit places and must-do activities when traveling to Minneapolis. Not to brag or anything, but once you’ve read what this city has to offer, you will expand your itinerary and prolong your trip. Trust us, Minneapolis is not a city you’ll want to rush through. Continue reading and join us on the journey through this city that offers the best of everything.
The National Eagle Center
The National Eagle center, situated in Wabasha, Minnesota, on the bank of the Mississippi River, houses two major eagle species (bald and golden eagles). Established in 1989, the center allows visitors to enjoy an incredible sighting of hundreds of bald eagles in their natural habitat. It also offers an up-close view of the tamed eagles within the center walls.
The center aims to educate the masses about the biology, ecology, and natural history of the species that is vital to American history. This place is a must-visit for all eagle lovers visiting the city of Minnesota.
The Quietest Place on Earth
Featured on CBC, NBC, BBC, CBC, and multiple other media channels, The Orfield laboratories in Minneapolis has an anechoic chamber that absorbs 99.99 percent of sound, making it the quietest place on Earth. Manufacturers use it for product testing and sound quality, and visitors use it to experience the eerie phenomenon where they can only hear the sounds from their own bodies.
Currently, the lab is offering a challenge for its visitors to spend a minimum of one hour in their anechoic chamber. They warn challengers not to listen to loud music a week before their arrival so they can enjoy the heightened hearing sensitivity while listening to their heartbeat, airflow, and joint movement. Fair warning, people can’t seem to last more than 30 minutes there.
Apparently, it’s even harder to be alone with your thoughts (and sounds) in the quietest place on Earth than when surrounded by nature and the city’s noises.
Live Music on First Avenue
Minneapolis is a haven for fans of live music. The city is peppered with live music venues, but First Avenue stands out from the rest. It is not only Minneapolis’s best live music venue but, undoubtedly, one of the finest in the whole country. Part live music venue and part museum, the building has a history of cool shows, starting from the inaugural concert by Prince in April 1979.
Transformed from a Greyhound Bus Terminal, it is now regarded as one of the must-visit places in Minneapolis. It is located near Target Field and Target Center and is a great place to enjoy a fun night, especially if it’s hosting a large-scale concert.
The gift shop sells posters and t-shirts with quirky messages such as “I Saw Prince At First Avenue,” making for cool souvenirs!
The Spoonbridge and Cherry Sculpture
The artist couple Claes Oldenburg and his wife, Coosje van Bruggen are to be blamed for this silly yet iconic and whimsical creation in the Walker Art Center’s Minneapolis Sculpture Garden. The garden itself is an urban park showcasing a mix of modern and contemporary art.
The best thing about the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden is that it is free. The second-best thing is the 40 outdoor sculptures made by artists from 10 countries. Reconstructed in 2017, expert architects, designers, artists, environmentalists, curators, gardeners, scientists, writers, and other professionals came together to create the new design for the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden.
Don’t forget to visit the unforgettable 5,800-pound spoon and 1,200-pound cherry of the Spoonbridge and Cherry Sculpture whenever you’re in Minneapolis.
Elf Door at Demings Height Park
You’ll find majestic trees, skyline views, and hilly walking paths in many of Minneapolis’s parks but Deming Heights Park features an element of magic unique to the park grounds.
If you enter the park from the intersection of St Anthony Parkway and NE Central Avenue and follow the cycle track, you’ll find a little wooden elf door at the base of an old tree. Making you think about fairy tales and The Hobbit, the door opens to reveal a treasure of small treasures and trinkets – toys the children can take away with them. You’re free to leave behind a treasure or two to keep the local elf happy!
While at the park, don’t forget to stroll up to the top of Norwegian Hill – the highest point in Minneapolis.
Minnesota Zoo, Minneapolis
If you’re looking for a kid-friendly tourist attraction in Minneapolis, look no further than the Minnesota Zoo – a zoo that has it all. Founded in 1978, the Minnesota Zoo has innovative exhibits, indoor and outdoor walking trails, tropical, Asian, Russian, native animals, and marine wildlife. With 45000 animals belonging to 500 different species, one of the most popular tourist attractions in Minneapolis, Minnesota zoo spans 485-acres and attracts a whooping one million visitors every year.
Minnesota zoo is different from other zoos as they have housed animals according to their natural habitats compared to the species. The zoo organizes interesting educational programs that let visitors engage with the animals; the conservation programs run by the zoo highlight environmental protection and animal conservation issues.
Stone Arch Bridge
A vital part of the city’s history, Stone Arch Bridge is located between Portland Ave and West River Road. Until 1965, it was used as a railroad bridge for moving people and goods, and the local population still sees it as an ode to today’s railroads. One of the listings on the National Register of Historic Places, this bridge connects to the St. Anthony Falls Heritage Trail, a two-mile trail with bicycle lanes and pedestrian walkways for people to enjoy all year round.
Its impressive architecture and stunning views of St. Anthony Falls has made it a tourist magnet. And the 2100 feet long paved path offers a chance for a lovely stroll during the day.
Sea Life Minnesota Aquarium
The Sea Life Minnesota Aquarium inside the Mall of America is another must-visit place for individuals and families. It has a 1.5 million gallons Pacific Northwest Rockpool inside a 300-foot-long ocean tunnel for the visitors to explore and enjoy thousands of marine creatures, including sharks, sea turtles, sawfish, manta rays, stingrays, seahorses, jellyfish, and more.
Open 7 days a week, Sea Life brings you closer to nature’s wonders by letting you enjoy a delightful array of sea-based activities. You can interact with unusual sea creatures such as sea anemones and sea cucumbers. If you’re a certified scuba diver, you can enjoy swimming with sharks while the other visitors can help the aquarium staff feed the seahorses, rainbow reef fish, and stingrays.
Nickelodeon Universe
Accessible from downtown Minneapolis, Mall of America houses the Nickelodeon Universe amusement park. The accumulation of numerous attractions and rides, including roller coasters, carousel, bumper cars, and kid-friendly gentle rides, make it a perfect getaway and hours and hours of constant entertainment for the whole family.
The amusement park offers meet and greets with cartoon characters from classics like the Fairly Odd Parents and SpongeBob to modern kids’ favorites like Paw Patrol.
With its catchy music, bright colors, mini-golf courses, and familiar characters for adults and children alike —Nickelodeon Universe amusement park is one of Minneapolis’s most popular tourist destinations.
FlyOver America
A simulation ride like no other, FlyOver America is present inside the above-mentioned Nickelodeon Universe at the Mall of America. It takes the visitors on a journey through the ages, starting with a brief history of American culture and landscape. You will be asked to don special flight goggles and continue the rest of the journey by sitting in the main theater.
Once the ride begins, you’ll be whisked off to some of the country’s most captivating sights and iconic landmarks. Imagine being able to visit Mount Rushmore, Grand Canyon, misty Niagara Falls, snow-capped mountains, tranquil lakes, and lava-emitting volcanos – all from the safety of your seats.
Perfect for all ages, FlyOver America incorporates wind, mist, and scents to make the journey as realistic as possible.
Minneapolis Skyway System
Minnesota experiences one of the harshest winters, with temperatures dropping to -60 F. To keep the city alive and let the locals and visitors roam about their businesses, Minneapolis Skyway System – a completely ingenious idea was brought into creation. It is an 11-mile-long network of interconnecting and enclosed pedestrian bridges that let you move between the city’s major go-to spots. Spanning 80 city blocks, the skyway system connects most of the city’s hotels, shopping malls, and office towers.
To give you an idea, you can get into the skyward system and take an escalator to the City Center shopping mall; later on, a few more stairs or escalators would take you to the other side of the city to the 56-floor Art Deco Wells Fargo Building. The bridges provide an overwhelming amount of eating, shopping, and entertainment options.
Our tip? Just meander around the bridges and see where they take you!
Minneapolis Queen Riverboat Cruise
For a night filled with romance and love, you can’t go wrong with a cruise on the 125-passenger Minneapolis Queen riverboat. The boat offers scenic views of downtown Minneapolis and the city’s architecture while the guests sip on cocktails and enjoy exotic and delicious food for a 90-minute cruise.
The cruise has buffet access, an open bar with free-flowing drinks, live music, and an energized and vibrant atmosphere. With an option to book public and private tours down the Mississippi River, it is an ideal sunset activity, provided the weather is kind, of course!
Indoor Skydiving
How long has skydiving been on your bucket list? The only reason you haven’t jumped from a plane 1000 feet down while tethered to a rope is that you value your life a bit too much. If you’re craving the thrill of the jump but can’t bring yourself to hurl out head-first from a plane, iFLY at Minneapolis has your back.
Scratch your adrenaline itch by floating on an air cushion and experiencing more than 150 mph of wind. The wind in the vertical tunnel allows the participants to enjoy the actual thrill of skydiving minus the fear of dying at any time. It is one of Minnesota’s most sought attractions and a perfect activity for people of all age groups.
You can find iFLY inside the Ridgedale Center, which also houses an escape room.
Manny’s Steakhouse
Manny’s steakhouse at Western Minneapolis – The Foshay has made our list because it has been a great tourist attraction for over two decades. The reason why it is such a fan favorite is that they serve oversized portions of everything.
The steaks, crab claws, bone-in rib eyes, world-renowned signature meat cart, and must-try desserts are why the restaurant has a long reserve list. The fact that they have a 300-bottle wine list doesn’t hurt either!
Minnesota History Center
Don’t let the name throw you off; the award-winning Minnesota History Center offers a perfect recluse from the cold winds and makes it worth your visit. Located near downtown Saint Paul, it has more than 7000 artifacts and exhibits a special section to highlight the state’s Native American heritage. It features interactive exhibits (want to experience a simulated tornado?), regularly changing traveling exhibitions, and intriguing multimedia displays. Anyone interested in learning about the state’s history will find something or another to spend time on.
Whether you’re in the mood for reading and research or just want to pick up one-of-a-kind Minnesota-inspired souvenirs, The Gale Family Library and the museum’s gift store will keep you engaged.
Mystic Lake Casino
This place claims to be more than just a casino, and they’re not wrong! Located in the southwestern suburb of Prior Lake, Mystic Lake Casino is a huge Minnesota attraction with no shortage of fun activities and dining options. The casino has slot machines, bingo, blackjack, and pull tabs. After you’re done playing, they offer facials, massages, and other body treatments that will freshen you in no time.
The food options are plentiful, and their in-house steakhouse serves buffet and steak dinners that want you to return for more.
Nice Ride Minnesota
An attraction of Minneapolis, Nice Ride Minnesota is a bike-sharing system that lets you explore the city on two wheels. Visitors can use a bike to travel within the city after purchasing a membership online. They receive a passcode after signing up and can use the same to unlock any of the many bikes available for hire. The allotted time depends on the membership type, and after the time has passed, you’re supposed to return the bike and lock it onto its station. It is a fast and affordable way to explore the city.
Target Field
Target Field is Minneapolis’s newest baseball stadium, with a seating capacity of 40,000. Present in the city’s warehouse district, not only is it loud and entertaining during top-quality baseball games featuring Minnesota Twins and opponents, but it also offers spectacular skyline views. This stadium has everything from the Legends Club Lounge to the Budweiser Roof Deck. Guests can enjoy stadium tours with behind-the-scenes visits to the locker rooms, press box, and private luxury suites. Not to forget the beers and bratwurst from food stands.
Other Attractions Worth Mentioning
1. The Cedar Cultural Center offers intimate performing arts, music, and dance shows.
2. Enjoy listening to multiple Grammy award-winning Minnesota Orchestra inside the acoustic wonder – Orchestra Hall.
3. Let your creative juices flow while getting crafty at Upstairs Circus and sipping delicious cocktails.
4. Enjoy the experience of having dinner at Chanhassen Dinner Theater with some dinner table drama.
5. Revive your childhood by playing arcade games from the ’80s and ’90s at Up Down.
6. Play the artist-inspired, intricate 18-hole mini golf at Can Can Wonderland.
Conclusion
Start planning your travel and let us know which of these must-visit places and fun things to do in Minneapolis were your favorite. If you think we missed a place visitors must visit, let us know by commenting below.
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