Alright, let’s get real about Minneapolis for a second. When folks think of Minnesota, they might picture freezing winters and “you betcha” accents. But Minneapolis? This city is a sleek, vibrant, and artsy powerhouse that’ll completely flip that script.
It’s a place where world-class art hides in a park, where you can bike from lake to lake on pristine trails, and where the theater scene rivals Broadway.
Yeah, it gets cold, but the city’s creative energy and outdoor spirit burn hot all year round. If you think it’s just a stopover on the way to the cabin, you’re missing out on one of America’s coolest urban surprises.
Get ready to discover a city that’s equal parts nature and culture. We’re going beyond the basics to show you the absolute best things to do in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
This is your insider’s guide to the experiences that make the city tick, from wandering through a sculpture garden that feels like a dream to exploring a museum that celebrates a music legend.
Whether you’re an art lover, a foodie, or an outdoor enthusiast, Minneapolis has your name on it. Let’s dive into the top Minneapolis attractions.
1. Wander Through the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden
You haven’t really seen Minneapolis until you’ve posed with the Spoonbridge and Cherry. This iconic sculpture is the centerpiece of the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, one of the largest urban sculpture gardens in the country.
And the best part? It’s completely free and open 365 days a year. Operated by the Walker Art Center, the garden is a 11-acre playground of modern art, where over 40 works are set against a beautiful landscape.
You can wander past Coosje van Bruggen and Claes Oldenburg’s giant cherry, stroll under a bronze Walking Man, and discover new pieces around every corner.
The garden connects seamlessly to Loring Park, making it a perfect starting point for a longer walk. Whether it’s blanketed in snow or bursting with summer flowers, the Sculpture Garden is a must-see in Minneapolis and a true symbol of the city’s creative heart.
2. Get Artsy at the Walker Art Center
Right next to the Sculpture Garden, the Walker Art Center is a contemporary art lover’s paradise. This isn’t a stuffy, old-fashioned museum. It’s a vibrant hub for cutting-edge visual art, performing arts, film, and design.
The collections and exhibitions here are bold, thought-provoking, and often interactive. You might find a room filled with immersive video, a gallery of provocative paintings, or a live performance piece.
The building itself, with its sleek, minimalist design and terraces overlooking the garden, is a work of art. The Walker challenges what art can be and makes it accessible and exciting.
For a dose of world-class contemporary culture in Minneapolis, this is the undisputed destination. It’s a cornerstone of the city’s identity.
3. Stroll Along the Stone Arch Bridge
For the best views of the Minneapolis skyline and the mighty Mississippi River, head to the Stone Arch Bridge. This historic bridge, built for railroad baron James J. Hill in 1883, is now a pedestrian and bicycle thoroughfare.
Walking across its limestone arches, you get a front-row seat to St. Anthony Falls, the only major waterfall on the Mississippi, and the perfect panorama of the city’s modern skyline.
To one side, you’ll see the ruins of old flour mills that once earned Minneapolis the title “Mill City.” To the other, the sleek Guthrie Theater and new developments.
It’s a stunning blend of the city’s industrial past and its vibrant present. A walk here at sunset is pure magic and is one of the most popular free activities in Minneapolis.
4. Explore the Wonders of the Mill City Museum
Speaking of mills, you can’t understand Minneapolis without understanding flour. The Mill City Museum is built into the ruins of the Washburn A Mill, which was once the world’s largest flour mill.
This award-winning museum tells the dramatic story of the flour milling industry that built the city—a story of innovation, explosion, and economic boom.
The highlight is the “Flour Tower” ride, where you board a freight elevator and rise through eight floors, with each stop bringing the mill’s history to life with stories and sounds.
On the rooftop observation deck, you get breathtaking views of the riverfront and the Stone Arch Bridge. It’s a fascinating, hands-on look at the city’s gritty origins and is a top historical attraction in Minneapolis.
5. Find Peace at the Minneapolis Chain of Lakes
Minneapolis isn’t called the “City of Lakes” for nothing. The Chain of Lakes—including Lake Harriet, Lake Calhoun (Bde Maka Ska), Lake of the Isles, and Cedar Lake—is the city’s summer playground and winter wonderland.
A seamless, 13-mile paved path connects them all, perfect for biking, walking, jogging, or rollerblading.
In the summer, you can rent a paddleboard, kayak, or sailboat. The lakes are surrounded by beautiful parks, beaches, and picnic areas. At Lake Harriet, you can catch a free concert at the bandshell or ride a vintage trolley.
In winter, the paths become cross-country ski trails, and the lakes buzz with ice skaters and hockey players. Enjoying the Chain of Lakes is the quintessential Minneapolis outdoor activity.
6. Catch a Show at the Guthrie Theater
With its bold, cantilevered design and signature “endless bridge,” the Guthrie Theater is a Minneapolis landmark.
Founded by the legendary Sir Tyrone Guthrie, it’s one of the nation’s most respected regional theaters, known for classic plays, bold new works, and impeccable productions. Seeing a show here is a world-class experience.
But you don’t need a ticket to enjoy the building. The public can access the Amber Box, a glowing yellow observation room, and the “Endless Bridge,” a 178-foot-long platform that juts out towards the Mississippi River, offering stunning views day and night.
Simply exploring this architectural marvel is a must-do in Minneapolis for culture and design fans.
7. Shop and Eat at the Midtown Global Market
For a true taste of Minneapolis’s incredible diversity, head to the Midtown Global Market.
Housed in the historic Sears building, this vibrant indoor public market is a food hall and marketplace representing over 50 independent businesses run by immigrant and minority entrepreneurs. The energy here is fantastic, and the smells are irresistible.
You can travel the world in a few steps: get authentic tacos at La Loma Tamales, savory Somali stews at Safari Express, or a perfect bánh mì from Pham’s Deli.
Browse colorful international grocery stalls, unique gift shops, and artisan crafts. It’s a celebration of community and flavor. Exploring the Midtown Global Market is one of the most delicious and cultural things to do in Minneapolis.
8. Marvel at the Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia)
Prepare to be amazed, and then reminded that admission is free. The Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia) is one of the country’s great encyclopedic art museums.
Its vast collection spans 5,000 years and covers every corner of the globe, from ancient Greek sculptures and African masks to European masterpieces by Rembrandt and Van Gogh, and contemporary works that will stop you in your tracks.
You could easily spend a whole day wandering its spacious, light-filled galleries. The collection is so deep and well-presented, it feels like a privilege—and the fact that it’s free to all makes it a true civic treasure.
For an awe-inspiring and accessible dose of beauty, Mia is a world-class cultural gem in Minneapolis.
9. Tour the Prince Mural at First Avenue & 7th St Entry
Minneapolis’s music soul is purple. The city is forever linked to its most famous son, the artist Prince.
While Paisley Park is in the suburbs, you can pay homage right downtown at the legendary First Avenue & 7th St Entry nightclub. The club’s exterior is famous for its black wall with over 500 silver stars, each bearing the name of an artist who has performed there.
Prince famously filmed parts of Purple Rain here and played countless legendary shows. Right across the street, you’ll find the electrifying Prince mural by artist Rock ‘Cyfi’ Martinez.
Fans often leave flowers and notes here. Seeing this iconic music landmark is a pilgrimage for any music fan and a key piece of Minneapolis music history.
10. Bike or Walk the Grand Rounds Scenic Byway
Minneapolis is consistently ranked one of the best biking cities in America, and the Grand Rounds Scenic Byway is why. This is a massive, 50-mile network of dedicated parkways and trails that loops through the entire city, connecting parks, lakes, gardens, and cultural sites.
You can tackle a small section or spend a day exploring a huge chunk of Minneapolis on two wheels or on foot.
The route takes you along the Mississippi River, around the Chain of Lakes, through lush wooded parks, and past beautiful neighborhoods. It’s the ultimate way to see the city’s renowned park system.
Renting a bike and hitting the Grand Rounds is the definitive active Minneapolis experience.
11. Explore the Minnesota History Center
Just across the river in St. Paul (trust us, it’s worth the short trip), the Minnesota History Center makes history fun. This interactive museum is perfect for families and curious adults alike.
Exhibits cover everything from the state’s Native American heritage and pioneer days to its pop culture, weather extremes, and social movements.
You can step into a real immigrant’s trunk, try on vintage clothing, and explore a recreated 1920s street. The exhibits are clever, engaging, and full of great stories.
To understand the context of the Twin Cities and the state, this museum is a fascinating and entertaining educational stop near Minneapolis.
12. Discover the Upside-Down at the Bakken Museum
Looking for something completely unique? The Bakken Museum is a quirky and wonderful blend of science, history, and Frankenstein. Housed in a beautiful mansion on the shore of Lake Calhoun (Bde Maka Ska), it was founded by Earl Bakken, the inventor of the first wearable pacemaker.
The museum explores the history and future of electricity and electromagnetism in medicine.
You can experiment with hands-on electrical gadgets, see historical medical devices, and explore a special gallery dedicated to Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein and its cultural impact.
The lush gardens and lakeside location are a bonus. It’s weird, wonderful, and unlike any other museum you’ll visit, making it a unique and fun attraction in Minneapolis.
Conclusion
So, there you have it—your ultimate guide to a city that’s both refreshingly green and brilliantly creative. You’ve journeyed from iconic sculptures to historic mills, from serene lakeshores to electrifying music history.
Minneapolis proves that a city can have a huge heart for the arts and an even bigger love for the great outdoors.
Now, the adventure is yours. Will you bike around a lake or get lost in a world-class art museum? Will you explore the city’s milling past or its global food present? The beauty of Minneapolis is how easily you can weave all these experiences together in one fantastic trip.
Don’t just read about these amazing things to do in Minneapolis, Minnesota—start planning your getaway.
Rent that bike, book those theater tickets, and get ready to discover a city that’s friendly, vibrant, and full of surprises. Your unforgettable Minneapolis experience is waiting. What’s first on your list?