Things to do in Minneapolis
- The city is home to a world-renowned skyway system spanning 9.5 miles of enclosed pedestrian bridges, allowing travel between buildings without stepping outside during winter.
- Minneapolis hosts the longest continuous chain of urban lakes in the United States, which are maintained as a unified park board system.
- The city was once known as the 'Flour Milling Capital of the World' due to its proximity to Saint Anthony Falls, which powered massive milling operations.
- The nickname 'City of Lakes' is officially recognized, though Minneapolis actually contains 22 lakes within its city limits.
- The Minneapolis park system consistently ranks as one of the best in the United States according to the Trust for Public Land's annual index.
About Minneapolis
Minneapolis serves as the cultural hub of the Upper Midwest, uniquely defined by its extensive chain of connected urban lakes and the Mississippi River waterfront. The city integrates industrial heritage with modern arts, famously preserving history at the Mill City Museum and the nearby Historic Stone Arch Bridge. Residents and visitors alike utilize the extensive park system, which includes the iconic Minneapolis Sculpture Garden. Cultural depth is showcased through institutions like the Minneapolis Institute of Art and performances at the Guthrie Theater.
Highlights of Minneapolis
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Museums
The museum features a massive encyclopedic collection spanning 5,000 years of global art history.
Parks
It houses the iconic Spoonbridge and Cherry sculpture created by Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen.
Venues
The cantilevered 'Endless Bridge' offers unobstructed views of the Mississippi River and St. Anthony Falls.
Historical places
This former railroad bridge provides the best pedestrian vantage point for viewing the historic milling district skyline.
Museums
Exhibits are built into the ruins of the Washburn A Mill, the largest flour mill in the world at the time of its construction.
Temples
This landmark features a distinct Neoclassical architectural style and remains one of the largest basilicas in the country.
Parks
The lake features a popular beach and a paved perimeter trail system connected to the wider Grand Rounds National Scenic Byway.
Parks
This expansive park features winter sports facilities, including downhill skiing and snow tubing areas.
Top things to do in Minneapolis
The 184 highest-rated places in Minneapolis, ranked by travellers.
1
Zoos
Como Park Zoo & Conservatory is a free-admission municipal institution located within Saint Paul's Como Regional Park. T...
2
Museums
The Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia) houses a encyclopedic collection of over 100,000 objects spanning 5,000 years of...
3
Parks
The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden is an 11-acre outdoor park operated by the Walker Art Center in collaboration with the...
4
Venues
The Guthrie Theater is a regional center for theater arts located in a Jean Nouvel-designed building featuring a distinc...
5
Parks
Bde Maka Ska is the largest lake in Minneapolis and a central component of the city’s Grand Rounds National Scenic Byway...
6
Historical places
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Parks
Theodore Wirth Regional Park is the largest park in the Minneapolis park system, encompassing 759 acres of diverse terra...
8
Parks
Lake Harriet Bandshell Park serves as a central cultural and recreational hub within the Minneapolis Chain of Lakes. The...
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Parks
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Museums
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Venues
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Temples
13
Parks
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Venues
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Parks
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Venues
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Parks
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Parks
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Museums
20
Parks
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Parks
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Parks
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Beaches and ponds
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Museums
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Parks
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Museums
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Parks
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Venues
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Parks
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Venues
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Minneapolis on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to Minneapolis
June through August offers warm weather perfect for lake activities, while September and October provide vibrant fall foliage.
3-4 days to experience the major museum collections, riverfront historical sites, and the lake park system.
The METRO light rail connects the airport and downtown, while bus service and extensive bike share programs are standard for urban transit.
Downtown West provides central access to major venues, while the North Loop offers a trendier warehouse-district aesthetic with converted lofts and dining.
Mid-range; lodging and dining costs are moderate compared to major coastal American metropolitan areas.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 184 curated attractions in and around Minneapolis, ranked by traveller ratings.
Como Park Zoo & Conservatory is the highest-rated place to visit in Minneapolis right now.
The largest category is parks, with 93 places to explore.
Travellers also explore Bayonne, New Jersey, Downtown Los Angeles, Washington, D.C..
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