Map Of Minneapolis And Surrounding Area Travel Guide

Introduction

Minneapolis is a vibrant city located in the heart of the Midwest. Known for its friendly locals, beautiful parks, and thriving arts and culture scene, this city has something for everyone. Whether you are a foodie, an outdoor enthusiast, or a history buff, you will find plenty of things to do and see in Minneapolis and the surrounding area. In this travel guide, we will highlight the top attractions, hidden gems, and must-visit spots that will make your trip to Minneapolis unforgettable.

Top Attractions

Mall of America

The Mall of America is one of the top attractions in Minneapolis. With over 500 stores, an indoor theme park, and an aquarium, this mall is a shopper’s paradise. You can easily spend an entire day here, browsing the shops, riding roller coasters, and even swimming with sharks.

Minnehaha Falls

Minnehaha Falls is a beautiful waterfall located in a park in Minneapolis. The park has hiking trails, picnic areas, and scenic views of the falls. It’s a great place to spend a relaxing afternoon with family or friends.

Lake Harriet

Lake Harriet is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. The lake has walking and biking trails, a beach, and a bandshell where you can enjoy live music during the summer months. Rent a kayak or paddleboard to explore the lake and take in the beautiful scenery.

Hidden Gems

The Soap Factory

The Soap Factory is a contemporary art gallery located in a historic soap factory building in Minneapolis. The gallery features exhibitions by local and national artists, and also hosts workshops and artist residencies. It’s a great place to explore the local art scene and discover new talent.

The Bakken Museum

The Bakken Museum is a hidden gem located in a beautiful park in Minneapolis. The museum is dedicated to the history of electricity and magnetism, and has interactive exhibits that are fun for all ages. Don’t miss the rooftop garden, which has stunning views of the park and the city skyline.

The Witch’s Hat Tower

The Witch’s Hat Tower is a historic tower located in a park in Minneapolis. The tower was built in 1908 and is now a popular spot for picnics and photo ops. Climb to the top for panoramic views of the city.

Food Scene

Revival

Revival is a must-visit restaurant in Minneapolis for fried chicken lovers. The restaurant serves up crispy and juicy chicken, along with classic sides like mac and cheese and collard greens.

Pizzeria Lola

Pizzeria Lola is a popular pizza joint in Minneapolis. The restaurant serves Neapolitan-style pizza with creative toppings like kimchi and Korean sausage. Make sure to save room for the Nutella pizza for dessert.

The Bachelor Farmer

The Bachelor Farmer is a farm-to-table restaurant located in a historic building in Minneapolis. The menu features seasonal, Scandinavian-inspired dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. Don’t miss the rooftop garden, where many of the restaurant’s herbs and vegetables are grown.

Budget-Friendly Tips

Free Museum Days

Many museums in Minneapolis offer free admission on certain days of the week or month. Check their websites for details and plan your visit accordingly.

Happy Hour Deals

Many restaurants and bars in Minneapolis offer happy hour deals on food and drinks. Check out the local listings to find the best deals in town.

Bike Rental

Minneapolis is a bike-friendly city with many bike rental options. Rent a bike and explore the city on two wheels, while getting some exercise and saving money on transportation.

Outdoor Adventures

The Chain of Lakes

The Chain of Lakes is a system of lakes in Minneapolis that are connected by bike and walking paths. Rent a bike or walk around the lakes to take in the beautiful scenery and get some exercise.

Theodore Wirth Regional Park

Theodore Wirth Regional Park is a large park in Minneapolis that offers hiking, biking, and cross-country skiing trails. The park also has a beach, a golf course, and a winter sports area with tubing and sledding hills.

Mississippi River Gorge

The Mississippi River Gorge is a scenic area in Minneapolis that offers hiking trails and stunning views of the river. The area is also a popular spot for bird-watching and fishing.

Family-Friendly Activities

Minnesota Zoo

The Minnesota Zoo is a great place to take the kids for a day of animal encounters and learning. The zoo has over 4,000 animals, including tigers, giraffes, and bears. Don’t miss the daily dolphin show.

Science Museum of Minnesota

The Science Museum of Minnesota is a fun and educational destination for kids and adults. The museum has interactive exhibits on topics like dinosaurs, space, and the human body.

Minneapolis Sculpture Garden

The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden is a beautiful outdoor space with over 40 sculptures and artworks. The garden is free and open to the public, and is a great place to take a family picnic or stroll.

Off-The-Beaten-Path Experiences

The Foshay Tower Observation Deck

The Foshay Tower Observation Deck is a hidden gem in Minneapolis. The deck offers stunning views of the city and is a great spot for a romantic date or a solo adventure.

The Weisman Art Museum

The Weisman Art Museum is a unique building designed by famous architect Frank Gehry. The museum has a collection of over 25,000 artworks, including pieces by Picasso, Warhol, and Matisse.

The Mill City Museum

The Mill City Museum is a museum dedicated to the history of flour milling in Minneapolis. The museum is located in a historic mill building and has interactive exhibits, a baking lab, and a rooftop observation deck.

Natural Wonders

Minnehaha Regional Park

Minnehaha Regional Park is a beautiful park in Minneapolis that is home to the Minnehaha Falls. The park has hiking trails, picnic areas, and scenic views of the falls. It’s a great place to escape the city and enjoy nature.

St. Anthony Falls

St. Anthony Falls is a historic waterfall located in downtown Minneapolis. The falls were important for the logging and milling industries in the 19th century. Today, the area is a popular spot for hiking and sightseeing.

Como Park Zoo and Conservatory

The Como Park Zoo and Conservatory is a beautiful park in St. Paul, just outside of Minneapolis. The park has a zoo, a conservatory, and a Japanese garden. It’s a great place to spend a day exploring with family or friends.

Vibrant Nightlife

The First Avenue Nightclub

The First Avenue Nightclub is a legendary music venue in Minneapolis. The club has hosted famous musicians like Prince, U2, and The Replacements. Check their website for upcoming shows and events.

The Icehouse Restaurant and Bar

The Icehouse Restaurant and Bar is a popular spot in Minneapolis for live music, drinks, and food. The restaurant serves up creative dishes like Korean fried chicken and smoked brisket, and has a rotating selection of craft beers on tap.

The Tilt Pinball Bar

The Tilt Pinball Bar is a fun and quirky bar in Minneapolis that has a large selection of pinball machines and arcade games. Grab a drink and challenge your friends to a game of pinball.

Local Markets

The Minneapolis Farmers Market

The Minneapolis Farmers Market is a must-visit destination for foodies and farmers market enthusiasts. The market has over 200 vendors selling fresh produce, flowers, baked goods, and crafts.

The Midtown Global Market

The Midtown Global Market is a multicultural market in Minneapolis that features over 50 vendors selling food, art, and crafts from around the world. The market also hosts events and live music performances.

The Mill City Farmers Market

The Mill City Farmers Market is a farmers market located near the Mill City Museum in Minneapolis. The market has over 60 vendors selling fresh produce, meat, cheese, and baked goods. It’s a great place to stock up on local ingredients for a picnic or a home-cooked meal.

Beaches and Mountains

Lake Calhoun Beach

Lake Calhoun Beach is a popular beach in Minneapolis that is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking. The beach has lifeguards on duty during the summer months and is a great place to cool off on a hot day.