Downtown Travel Guide

Explore the best of Downtown Minneapolis with this comprehensive travel guide. From culturally important attractions to outdoor adventures, find everything you need to plan your trip here.


Introduction to Downtown

Downtown Minneapolis is the heart of the city, located in the Twin Cities region of Minnesota. Known for its vibrant culture, world-class dining, and endless entertainment options, Downtown is a must-visit destination for travelers. With a rich history and modern amenities, this city center has something for everyone.

List of Places to Visit in Downtown

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Mill City Museum: Housed in a historic flour mill, this museum showcases Minneapolis’ history as the flour milling capital of the world.
  • Guthrie Theater: Known for its innovative productions, this theater hosts a range of performances, from classic plays to modern works.
  • Walker Art Center: This renowned contemporary art museum features an impressive collection of sculptures, paintings, and installations.
  • Minneapolis Institute of Art: This museum houses over 90,000 works of art from around the world, including paintings, sculptures, and textiles.
  • Minnesota History Center: Learn about the state’s history through interactive exhibits, hands-on activities, and special events.

Natural Attractions of Downtown: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Mississippi Riverfront: Take a scenic walk along the picturesque Mississippi Riverfront, which offers stunning views of the city skyline.
  • Nicollet Island: This small island in the Mississippi River is home to picturesque views of the river and a historic lighthouse.
  • Chain of Lakes: A short drive away from Downtown, this chain of lakes offers a variety of outdoor activities, including swimming, hiking, and boating.
  • Minnehaha Falls: This stunning 53-foot waterfall is a popular spot for picnics, hiking, and exploring nature.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Downtown

  • Grand Rounds Scenic Byway: This 50-mile loop is perfect for bikers and hikers. The trail passes through several parks, including Theodore Wirth Park and Lake Harriet.
  • Stone Arch Bridge Trail: This 2.5-mile trail offers stunning views of the Mississippi River and the Downtown skyline.

Best Things to Do in Downtown: Activities and Tours

  • Segway Tours: Explore Downtown on a Segway, with several tours available that cover the city’s history, culture, and famous landmarks.
  • Axe Throwing: Try your hand at axe throwing at one of the city’s axe throwing bars, like Bad Axe Throwing or Minneapolis Axe Throwing.
  • Escape Rooms: Put your problem-solving skills to the test at one of the city’s escape rooms, such as Escape MSP or The Escape Game.

Week-Long Itinerary for Downtown

Day Activities
Day 1 Visit the Minneapolis Institute of Art, followed by dinner at Spoon and Stable.
Day 2 Explore the Mill City Museum and take a stroll along the Mississippi Riverfront.
Day 3 Take a walk around Lake Harriet and enjoy a picnic lunch. In the evening, catch a show at the Guthrie Theater.
Day 4 Spend the day at the Minnesota Zoo, followed by dinner at Fogo de Chão Brazilian Steakhouse.
Day 5 Visit the Walker Art Center and Sculpture Garden, followed by dinner at The Bachelor Farmer.
Day 6 Take a Segway tour of Downtown, then enjoy dinner at The Capital Grille.
Day 7 Spend the day at the Chain of Lakes, hiking and enjoying the outdoors. In the evening, catch a show at the Orpheum Theatre.

Food and Drink Scene of Downtown

Must-Try Dishes

  • Juicy Lucy: This Twin Cities classic is a cheeseburger with the cheese inside the patty. Try it at Matt’s Bar or the 5-8 Club.
  • Wild Rice Soup: Made with local wild rice, this creamy soup is a Minnesota staple. Try it at Hell’s Kitchen or The News Room.
  • Walleye: A freshwater fish found in Minnesota’s lakes, walleye is a local delicacy. Try it at Manny’s Steakhouse or The Oceanaire Seafood Room.

Local Beverages

  • Surly Brewing Company: This award-winning brewery offers a variety of craft beers and ciders.
  • Minnesota Wine Country: Located just outside of the city, this area is known for its vineyards and wineries.
  • The Local: This bar offers a diverse selection of beer, as well as traditional Irish pub fare.

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

  • The Grand Hotel Minneapolis: Located in the heart of Downtown, this boutique hotel offers luxury accommodations and stunning views of the city skyline.
  • The Westin Minneapolis: Housed in a historic building, this hotel offers modern amenities and a prime location near the city’s top attractions.
  • Minneapolis International Hostel: This budget-friendly hostel offers dormitory-style accommodations in a convenient location near the light rail.

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

  • Minneapolis Made: This retail shop features locally made products, including jewelry, clothing, and art.
  • Midtown Global Market: This indoor market offers a range of ethnic foods, gifts, and crafts from around the world.
  • United Noodles: This Asian grocery store is a must-visit for foodies and home cooks, with a wide range of ingredients and hard-to-find products.

Local Culture and Customs of Downtown

Downtown Minneapolis is known for its friendly, welcoming culture, where diversity is celebrated. The city is also known for its commitment to sustainability, with a focus on reducing waste and protecting the environment.

Best Time to Visit Downtown

The best time to visit Downtown Minneapolis is during the summer months, from June to August, when the weather is warm and sunny. Fall is also a popular time to visit, with crisp temperatures and beautiful fall foliage.

Do’s and Don’ts of Downtown

Do:

  • DO explore the city on foot or by bike, to fully experience the city’s culture and history.
  • DO try the local cuisine, including Juicy Lucys and wild rice soup.
  • DO visit the city’s many parks and outdoor attractions.

Don’t:

  • DON’T forget to bundle up in the winter months, as temperatures can drop below freezing.
  • DON’T overlook the city’s diverse neighborhoods, each offering unique experiences and attractions.
  • DON’T be afraid to strike up a conversation with locals, who are known for their friendliness and hospitality.

Safety and Health

Safety in Downtown

Overall, Downtown Minneapolis is a safe destination for travelers. However, it is always important to exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings, especially when walking alone at night.

Health in Downtown

Medical facilities in Downtown Minneapolis are easily accessible, with several hospitals and clinics located in the area.

Getting to Downtown: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Downtown

  • Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport: Located just 12 miles from Downtown, MSP is the largest airport in the region, with connections to cities around the world.

Bus Stations Near Downtown

  • Minneapolis Bus Station: Located in the heart of Downtown, this Greyhound station offers bus connections to cities across the United States.

Other Options

  • Light Rail: The METRO Light Rail offers an affordable and convenient way to travel around the city, connecting Downtown Minneapolis to the airport and surrounding areas.
  • Biking and Walking: Minneapolis is known for its bike-friendly culture, with a network of bike lanes and trails throughout the city.

How to Get Around in Downtown

Downtown Minneapolis is easy to navigate on foot, with most attractions within walking distance of each other. Biking and public transportation are also popular options for getting around the city.

Where to Go Next from Downtown: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Saint Paul: Just a short drive from Downtown, Saint Paul offers charming historic neighborhoods, world-class museums, and unique cultural attractions.
  • Mall of America: Located just minutes from the airport, this massive mall features over 500 stores, restaurants, and entertainment options.
  • North Shore: A scenic drive from Downtown Minneapolis, the North Shore offers stunning views of Lake Superior, hiking trails, and charming small towns.

Conclusion

Downtown Minneapolis offers a rich blend of culture, history, and outdoor adventures, making it a must-visit destination for travelers. With world-class dining, stunning natural attractions, and endless entertainment options, there is something for everyone in this vibrant city center.

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