Minneapolis Travel Guide

This comprehensive travel guide features a list of places to visit, hiking/biking routes, food and drink scene, where to stay, local culture and customs, safety and health, and transportation options in Minneapolis.


Introduction to Minneapolis

Minneapolis, located in the Twin Cities of Minnesota, is known for its arts and culture, stunning natural scenery, and friendly locals. It’s a city that offers something for everyone, from outdoor enthusiasts and history buffs to foodies and art lovers. This guide will provide you with all the information you need to plan your trip to Minneapolis, including the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay and eat, and local customs and traditions.

List of Places to Visit in Minneapolis

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, there’s no shortage of things to see and do in Minneapolis.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Minneapolis Institute of Art: This museum features over 90,000 works of art from around the world and is free to enter.
  • Walker Art Center: Home to contemporary art exhibitions, sculpture gardens, and film screenings.
  • Mill City Museum: This museum offers a glimpse into the history of Minneapolis’s flour milling industry.
  • Guthrie Theater: This theater complex features three stages and hosts a variety of plays and performances throughout the year.
  • Theodore Wirth Regional Park: A bustling park that features walking and hiking trails, a golf course, a lake for swimming and fishing, and winter sports.
  • Minnehaha Falls: A stunning waterfall located in Minnehaha Park that’s perfect for hiking and picnicking.

Natural Attractions of Minneapolis: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Chain of Lakes: A series of five interconnected lakes that offer miles of scenic biking and walking paths.
  • Aerial Lift Bridge: An iconic landmark that stretches across the Duluth-Superior Harbor.
  • Mississippi Riverfront: A historic river walkway that spans 13 miles and provides breathtaking views of the city.
  • Pike Island Loop: A scenic hiking trail located in Fort Snelling State Park.
  • Loring Park: One of Minneapolis’s largest and most beautiful parks that also features an art museum.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Minneapolis

Minneapolis is a great city to explore on foot or bike with many trails and routes to choose from. Here are some of the best hiking/biking routes to consider:

  • Grand Rounds Scenic Byway: A 50-mile scenic loop that encircles Minneapolis and passes through many of the city’s parks and lakes.
  • Midtown Greenway: A 5.5-mile trail that offers a safe and easy way to get around the city by bike.
  • Theodore Wirth Regional Park: Offers a variety of trails suitable for hiking and mountain biking.

Best Things to Do in Minneapolis: Activities and Tours

Minneapolis has plenty of activities to offer visitors, and there are many tours available to guide you through the city. Here are a few of our favorites:

  • Segway Tour: The Segway Tour takes you around the city in a unique, fun, and environmentally friendly way.
  • Cruise on the Mississippi River: Take a relaxing cruise along the Mississippi River and enjoy the views of the city from a different perspective.
  • Minnesota State Fair: Held annually towards the end of the summer, this fair is a celebration of all things food, culture, and tradition in Minnesota.
  • Mall of America: This massive, sprawling mall features an aquarium, a theme park, and hundreds of shops and restaurants.

Week-Long Itinerary for Minneapolis

If you’re planning to spend a week in Minneapolis, here’s what we suggest:

Day Activity
Day 1 Visit Minnehaha Park and Falls, and take a Segway Tour around the city.
Day 2 Explore Minneapolis’s cultural and historical sites, including the Walker Art Center and Mill City Museum.
Day 3 Bike around the Chain of Lakes and enjoy the natural beauty of the city.
Day 4 Take a day trip to nearby cities like St. Paul, Stillwater, or Duluth.
Day 5 Visit the Mall of America and enjoy the rides, shops, and attractions.
Day 6 Check out the Minnesota State Fair, which runs towards the end of August.
Day 7 Relax and spend the day at one of Minneapolis’s parks, like Loring Park or Lake Harriet.

Food and Drink Scene of Minneapolis

Minneapolis is home to a thriving food and drink scene that reflects its diverse cultures and traditions. Here are some dishes and drinks to try:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Juicy Lucy: A cheese-stuffed burger that originated in Minneapolis.
  • Minnesota Wild Rice Soup: A creamy soup made with wild rice, chicken, and vegetables.
  • Tater Tot Hotdish: A classic Minnesota dish made with tater tots, ground beef, and cream of mushroom soup.

Local Beverages

  • Surly Brewing Company: Known for its hoppy beers and taproom.
  • Vikre Distillery: Produces a variety of spirits, including aquavit and whiskey.

Where to Stay in Minneapolis: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Minneapolis offers a variety of affordable and luxurious accommodations, ranging from hotels to hostels and guesthouses. Here are some options to consider:

  • The Grand Hotel Minneapolis: A historic hotel located in the heart of downtown.
  • The Freehand Hostel: An affordable hostel that offers both private and shared rooms.
  • Le Meridien Chambers Minneapolis: An upscale hotel that features contemporary art throughout its rooms and common areas.

What to Buy in Minneapolis: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Minneapolis is known for its Scandinavian heritage, which is reflected in the city’s art, cuisine, and shopping scene. Here are some souvenirs and products to consider:

  • Vikre Distillery Aquavit: A locally made aquavit that’s perfect for cocktails.
  • Uffda Shop: A store that features Scandinavian gifts and novelties.
  • The Minnesotan Flag: Show your state pride with a flag featuring Minnesota’s iconic blue and yellow design.

Local Culture and Customs of Minneapolis

Minneapolis is known for its friendly and welcoming locals. Here are some customs and practices to keep in mind during your visit:

  • Minnesota Nice: Minnesotans are known for their polite and welcoming attitude, so don’t be afraid to strike up a conversation with strangers.
  • Public Health: Minneapolis has a smoke-free policy that prohibits smoking in bars, restaurants, and other public places.

Best Time to Visit Minneapolis

The best time to visit Minneapolis is during the summer months, from June to August, when the weather is warm and sunny, and there are plenty of outdoor activities and events. Winter sports enthusiasts will enjoy visiting between November and March, when the city is blanketed in snow and ice.

Do’s and Don’ts of Minneapolis

Do:

  • Dress in layers: The weather in Minneapolis can be unpredictable, so it’s a good idea to dress in layers.
  • Explore the city on foot or bike: Minneapolis is a walkable and bike-friendly city.
  • Enjoy the outdoors: Take advantage of Minneapolis’s many parks and lakes by going for a hike, swim, or bike ride.

Don’t:

  • Jaywalk: Jaywalking is illegal in Minneapolis, so always use crosswalks and obey traffic signals.
  • Forget to tip: Tipping is expected in Minneapolis, so be sure to tip your servers and bartenders.

Safety and Health

Safety in Minneapolis

Like all major cities, Minneapolis has its share of crime, but it’s generally a safe place to visit. Here are some safety tips to keep in mind:

  • Be aware of your surroundings: Stay alert while walking around the city, especially at night.
  • Lock your doors: Keep your car and hotel room doors locked at all times.
  • Avoid certain neighborhoods: Parts of north Minneapolis are known for a higher crime rate, so it’s best to avoid those areas.

Health in Minneapolis

Minneapolis is home to several world-class hospitals and healthcare facilities, so you’re never far from quality healthcare. It’s also a clean and healthy city, with an excellent public health system.

Getting to Minneapolis: Transportation Options and Logistics

Minneapolis is easily accessible via several transportation options, including planes, trains, and buses.

Airports Near Minneapolis

  • Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport: Located just 11 miles southeast of downtown Minneapolis.

Bus Stations Near Minneapolis

  • Greyhound: Located in downtown Minneapolis.

Other Options

  • Amtrak: The Empire Builder route connects Minneapolis to other cities across the country.
  • Car: Minneapolis is easily accessible from major highways, and parking is generally easy to find.

How to Get Around in Minneapolis

Minneapolis is a walkable and bike-friendly city, but there are also several transportation options for getting around, including:

  • Light Rail Transit (LRT): The LRT provides a fast and convenient way to get around downtown Minneapolis.
  • Metro Transit Buses: Metro Transit operates several bus routes throughout Minneapolis and surrounding areas.
  • Bike Sharing: Minneapolis has several bike-sharing programs that make it easy to rent a bike for a few hours or a full day.

Where to Go Next from Minneapolis: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Minneapolis is surrounded by several charming and interesting towns and cities, making it a great base for day trips and excursions. Here are a few nearby destinations to consider:

  • St. Paul: The twin city of Minneapolis, St. Paul is known for its historic architecture and thriving arts scene.
  • Duluth: Located on Lake Superior, Duluth is a picturesque city known for its scenic views and outdoor activities.
  • Stillwater: A charming town located on the St. Croix River, Stillwater is known for its historic downtown area and riverfront views.

Conclusion

Minneapolis is a vibrant and welcoming city that offers visitors a unique blend of culture, history, natural beauty, and outdoor adventure. This comprehensive guide has provided you with all the information you need to plan your trip, from where to stay and what to eat to the best activities and attractions. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, you’re sure to fall in love with Minneapolis.

Downtown Minneapolis from across the Mississippi River Downtown Minneapolis from across the Mississippi River METRO light rail train at Government Plaza METRO light rail train at Government Plaza Nice Ride bike-share kiosk Nice Ride bike-share kiosk Jucy Lucy from Matt's Bar in South Minneapolis Jucy Lucy from Matt's Bar in South Minneapolis


    Downtown
    Southwest