Plymouth Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, things to do, foods to try, and tips on how to make the most of your trip to Plymouth, Minnesota.


Introduction to Plymouth

Located in Twin Cities, in Minnesota, in Midwest, in the United States of America, Plymouth is a charming city that has so much to offer. With its long history and amazing blend of natural and man-made attractions, it’s no wonder that Plymouth has become a popular tourist destination. This travel guide will provide you with a comprehensive guide of the best things to do, see and experience in Plymouth.

List of Places to Visit in Plymouth

Plymouth boasts a wealth of attractions for visitors that encompasses the cultural, natural and recreational spheres. Let’s go through some of the top places to visit in Plymouth:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Plymouth is home to several museums and historical landmarks that offer fascinating insights into the past and culture of the region. Here are some of the must-visit cultural attractions in Plymouth:

  • Plymouth Historical Museum: This museum showcases the history of Plymouth and the surrounding regions with exhibits, artifacts, and interactive displays.

  • Mystic Lake Casino: A popular destination for entertainment, this casino offers a variety of games, dining, and live performances.

  • The Mary Tyler Moore Statue: The city houses a famous statue of Mary Tyler Moore, a famous television show personality from Minneapolis.

Natural Attractions of Plymouth: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

For nature enthusiasts, Plymouth has plenty of options for outdoor recreation and natural wonders that showcase Minnesota’s diverse landscape. Here are some natural attractions you wouldn’t want to miss:

  • French Regional Park: A large park with hiking trails, a beach for swimming, and summertime activities like fishing and canoeing.

  • Elm Creek Park Reserve: This expansive 5,000-acre park is great for biking, horseback riding, and cross-country skiing.

  • Wayzata Bay: A stunning view in Plymouth, Wayzata Bay, is known for its clear waters and is a great spot for boating, fishing or swimming.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Plymouth

Walking and biking around Plymouth take you to some of the city’s most beautiful vistas. Here are some of the top hiking and biking trails in Plymouth:

  • Hennepin County Regional Trail: This trail runs throughout the Twin Cities metro area, with some stretches through the heart of Plymouth. It’s perfect for biking, walking, and rollerblading.

  • Luce Line State Trail: Stretching 63 miles from Plymouth to Cosmos, this trail passes through the city’s parks and communities, and it’s great for cycling, hiking, and running.

Best Things to Do in Plymouth: Activities and Tours

Apart from natural beauties and museums, Plymouth offers fantastic activities and tours. Here are some of the best things to do in Plymouth:

  • Escape MSP: A thrilling escape room experience that requires you to use your problem-solving skills to solve puzzles and mysteries.

  • FlyOver America: A virtual reality ride that makes it as if you are flying through America’s most prominent attractions.

  • Limousine and Wine Tour: A luxury tour that takes you to several vineyards in the heart of Plymouth, explore the vineyards and get to taste wines.

Week-Long Itinerary for Plymouth

Here’s a suggested week-long itinerary for you to see and experience the best things in Plymouth:

Day Activities
Day 1 Visit Plymouth Historical Museum, French Regional park, and Elm Creek Park reserve.
Day 2 Biking along Hennepin County Regional Trail, Wander through the Wayzata Bay, and enjoy an afternoon at Buck Hill Ski Area.
Day 3 Shopping at the specialty boutique stores at Ridgedale Centre, then take a snack break at Betty Danger’s Country Club.
Day 4 Enjoy Limousine and Wine Tour for half-day and immerse yourself in the fascinating world of Minnesota’s winemaking industry.
Day 5 Try Escape MSP, where you are trapped in a room and need to test your problem-solving skills to escape. In the evening take dinner at the Smith’s Lake House.
Day 6 Visit FlyOver America, followed by enjoying a relaxing afternoon at the Parkers Lake Golf Center.
Day 7 It’s time to say goodbye to Plymouth. Before you leave, make a final stop at Soldier Field Memorial for Veterans for a tribute to American Soldiers.

Food and Drink Scene of Plymouth

Minnesota is known for its outstanding food and drink scene and is the same for Plymouth. The city is home to a variety of excellent restaurants and bars that serve up a wide range of cuisines and beverages.

Must-Try Dishes

  • Juicy Lucy Burger: A beloved Minneapolis and Minnesota staple. This burger style features a stuffed burger patty with cheese inside.

  • Tater Tot hotdish: A significant staple in the upper Midwest, a casserole dish made with tater tots, cream of mushroom soup, and ground beef or turkey.

  • Wild Rice Soup: It’s an iconic Northern-Midwest soup made with wild rice, mushrooms, chicken, and heavy cream.

Local Beverages

  • Beer: Minnesota is well-known for its beer culture. Try the Summit Brewing’s EPA Summit EPA, Fulton Brewery IPA, and Surly Furious IPA.

  • Gelato: If you’re a gelato lover, you won’t want to miss Joe’s Italian Ice, which serves up homemade gelato daily.

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

Whether you’re staying for a night or an extended period, Plymouth has several options for lodging, such as hotels, hostels, and guesthouses.

  • Crowne Plaza Minneapolis West: A four-star hotel famous for its in-house restaurant and bar, high-speed internet, and shuttle services.

  • Hampton Inn Minneapolis: It’s a budget-friendly hotel, equipped with a pool, fitness center, and a hot tub.

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

When it comes to souvenirs, Plymouth offers plenty of options that are indigenous to the area. Here are some of the top souvenirs you can buy and bring back home:

  • Wild Rice: Native to Minnesota’s northern lakes, Wild Rice is a wonderful souvenir to bring back that is reflective of the region.

  • Minnesota T-Shirts: A T-shirt promoting Plymouth, Minnesota, or the state of Minnesota, in general, can be an excellent keepsake of the trip.

Local Culture and Customs of Plymouth

When visiting Plymouth, it’s crucial to be respectful of the local culture and customs. Some traditions to keep in mind:

  • “Minnesota Nice” - Minnesotans are known for their polite and friendly manners. Smiling or greeting others genuinely can go a long way here.

  • Dress for the weather - Plymouth has a cold and snowy climate in the winter months; make sure to dress accordingly.

Best Time to Visit Plymouth

The best time to visit Plymouth is from May to August when temperatures are mild and outdoor activities are in full swing. The fall season is another popular time to visit for its stunning foliage, while winter offers opportunities for skiing and winter sports.

Do’s and Don’ts of Plymouth

Here are some Do’s and Don’ts to keep in mind during your visit to Plymouth:

Do:

  • Try the local cuisine, including juicy Lucy Burgers and Wild Rice Soup.

  • Explore the State Trails, visit parks, and enjoy outdoor activities.

Don’t:

  • Litter or smoke in public places.

  • Be rude, Minnesota is known for its polite culture and friendliness.

Safety and Health

Here are some tips that might help you stay safe and healthy while exploring Plymouth:

Safety in Plymouth

  • Always keep your belongings safe and secure.

  • Be cautious when crossing streets and driving in winter weather conditions.

Health in Plymouth

  • Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated in hot and cold weather.

  • Use sunblock when enjoying outdoors and practice social distancing to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Getting to Plymouth: Transportation Options and Logistics

Plymouth is easily accessible from several other cities, including Minneapolis/Saint Paul. Here are some ways to get to Plymouth:

Airports Near Plymouth

  • Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport: Located just 25 miles from Plymouth, the state’s most significant international airport serves many major airlines.

Bus Stations Near Plymouth

  • Megabus: Megabus operates out of Minneapolis and Saint Paul, offering affordable bus travel throughout the Midwest.

  • Greyhound: Greyhound operates out of Minneapolis and Saint Paul, offering affordable bus travel throughout the United States and Canada.

Other Options

  • Highway: Plymouth is easily reachable by road through Highway 55 and Interstate 494.

How to Get Around in Plymouth

Plymouth is a walker’s and biker’s paradise, but if you need to access other parts of the city, you can use public transportation, like the bus service provided by Plymouth Metrolink.

Where to Go Next from Plymouth: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Plymouth is a perfect launching point to explore the Twin Cities along with the other charming small towns nearby.

  • Minneapolis: The city of Minneapolis is only a 20-minute drive from Plymouth, Minneapolis has a wealth of attractions and experiences like the famous Mall of America.

  • Wayzata: Just a 15 minutes drive away from Plymouth. Wayzata is a small town with a lively waterfront and boutique shopping.

Conclusion

Plymouth is a fantastic destination with something for everyone. Keep this guide on hand to experience the best of Plymouth, Minnesota, from natural scenery to cultural attractions, delicious food, and memorable accommodations. Follow these tips on local customs and logistics to get the most out of your stay.