Are you coming to Minneapolis, or are you already living here and want to make sure you have all the great spots checked off your bucket list? These are the Top 10 things to do in Minneapolis, if you are a native, or if you are visiting for the weekend. If you are looking for things to do in Minneapolis and you squeeze all of these into one weekend, then you are amazing! Let’s dive in:
#1 Minneapolis Trolley
The Minneapolis Trolley is the best way to explore and learn about Minneapolis. No matter what tour you pick, you will get a smattering of humor, history, lore and architecture. There are tours running many nights of the week and throughout the weekends all year long. The Narrated Scenic Tour is highly recommended. Trolley Tours begin at a stunning mansion downtown, 300 Clifton Bed and Breakfast, which is also often part of many of the tours. If you are looking for things to do in Minneapolis this weekend, the Minneapolis Trolley has the best tour options on the weekends.
#2 Mill City Museum
The Minneapolis Mill City Museum is built in an exploded and abandoned grain Mill right at the edge of the Mississippi River. The Museum explains how the Twin Cities popped up together on the Great River and how Grain Milling and Saw Milling defined the course of Minneapolis and Minnesota. It deserves to be in the top 10 things to do in Minneapolis because it is a well laid out Museum and affordable for the value of information.
#3 Walker Art Center and Sculpture Garden
The Walker Art Center is one of the Big Five, one of the top five modern art museums in the United States, up there with the MOMAs. The Walker transitioned to a contemporary art museum very early in its history, and has for the last 75 years curated a dynamic collection which has delved into every aspect of Modern Art from digital art to performing art. The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden is adjacent to the Walker Art Center and is a sprawling garden of modern sculptures, free at all times. Many visitors to the Walker Art Center stay at 300 Clifton Bed and Breakfast which is a block away.
#4 North Loop
Why go to the Mall of America, when you can go to a great shopping district right in the middle of downtown Minneapolis! The Mall of America is all the way out in Bloomington but the old Minneapolis North Loop, built in the historic Warehouse District buildings, has so much to offer right here. There is an Incredible Map of what to find and where to go in thee compact area chocked full of restaurants, bars and shopping. The North Loop is one of the Top 10 Things to do in Minneapolis because it shows what preservation and planning can do to make a vibrant downtown neighborhood.
#5 Como Park Zoo and Conservatory
Como Park is not technically in Minneapolis, but it is closer to the center of downtown Minneapolis than much of Minneapolis, and it is incredibly cool so it has to be on the list. Como Park Zoo and Conservatory is a completely free urban zoo, park, and botanical conservatory. If you are looking for fun things to do in Minneapolis today, Como is open year round, literally every single day of the year, even Christmas and New Years. What an incredible gift to the community! Plan on a whole day to see both the zoo and the conservatory. At the zoo, check the schedule for the incredible educational chats, talks, shows, and programs. At the conservatory, don’t miss the incredible collection of bonsai trees.
#6 Roxy’s Cabaret
Roxy’s Cabaret is the most exciting new business in Minneapollis in years. In a prime location on Nicollet Mall, Roxy’s Cabaret is open every night for a drag queen themed event. On the Rox is an upstairs rooftop bar in the same building. Also at the same location is the Nicollet Diner, the only 24 restaurant in Minneapolis, and a longtime cornerstone of Minneapolis life. Guests at 300 Clifton Bed and Breakfast get free breakfast at the Nicollet Diner, a short walk from the mansion.
#7 MIA Minneapolis Institute of Art
MIA is a wonder in both the size and scope of its collection but also in the impact it has had on Minneapolis over the last century. MIA is a free museum. Go for 15 minutes if you would like, but plan on a day because the scope of the collection is phenomenal. They have the largest collection of artwork from Asia outside of Asia! MIA is one of the top 10 things to do in Minneapolis because of the incredible value it provides and it is absolutely free. 300 Clifton Bed and Breakfast is on the National Register of Historic Places, because the original owner Eugene J Carpenter organized the building of the Minneapolis Institute of Art museum and its concept.
#8 The Basilica of St Mary
The Basilica is an architectural masterpiece iconic to Minneapolis, and a bastion for the community the past hundred years. The Minneapolis Basilica (it is a basilica because it was visited by the Pope) was the largest spanning church when it was built and is a sight to behold still today. You can take a free self guided tour of the church and artwork between 9am and 5pm daily with a tour card at the back of the church, but they offer great tours of the Basilica after the morning masses on Sunday. The Basilica is one of the top 10 things to do in Minneapolis because of its incredible architecture.
#9 Chain of Lakes
If you are looking for things to do in Minneapolis and you want water, you don’t have to go to the Indoor Waterpark at Great Wolf Lodge out in Bloomington. Instead, go to the most visited park in Minnesota, the gorgeous Chain of Lakes Park. The Chain of Lakes is comprised of 4 lakes and is part of the Grand Rounds a system of parks and trails that connects the entire City of Minneapolis through a huge network of trails and parks. The best of the Chain of Lakes is Lake of the Isles. Stroll or drive around the 3 ½ mile loop of Lake of the Isles and see the stunning mansions and scenic beauty. Check your google maps and approach Lake of the Isles down Mt Curve, for a spectacular show of the most incredible historic mansions in Minneapolis.
#10 First Avenue
First Avenue is a world famous music venue in the center of downtown Minneapolis right off of the Hennepin Theater District. For 50 years First Avenue has been the epicenter of live music in Minneapolis and the region. The Stars Wall seen from 7th st and 1st Ave is mind blowing. Prince got his start at First Ave. He has a star on the wall in gold, and a huge mural nearby. If you are looking for fun things to do in Minneapolis today, go for a show, because First Ave has a chocked full calendar with nearly 600 shows a year! First Ave is on the top 10 things to do in Minneapolis because you will want to say that you have experienced this famous venue. It is a bucket list place for all the great musicians, and it should be for you too.
Bonus Content:
What is the best place to stay in Downtown Minneapolis, close to all of these activities?
300 Clifton Bed and Breakfast is within walking distance of most of these top 10 attractions in Minneapolis, and it is by far the most unique place to stay in Minneapolis. 300 Clifton is the only Downtown Bed and Breakfast. It is situated on a huge estate, atop a bluff on a secluded quiet street. Incredible location! Check out the amazing rooms and the property for your magical stay in Minneapolis.
