Things to do / Travel Guide
Address:Minneapolis, Minnesota
Our Tourist Attractions Expert Says:
In Minneapolis you will find an old city with a modern flair and locals that smile and say "you betcha" to welcome their many visitors each year. Minneapolis was once known as the "Mill City" due to its mass production of flour. However, now Minneapolis is a thriving town with an exciting nightlife, diverse restaurants, and over 60 museums, as well as many other historic sites to visit.
Minneapolis is a big city, so it's a good idea to map out your destinations before you head out. We recommend you visit the Mill City Museum, which chronicles the flour milling industry that once played an important role in world flour production. For some live daytime entertainment, take the kids to the Children's Theatre Company, which performs shows for preschoolers up through teenagers. In the same complex you will also find the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, where you may find yourself in awe of the impressive art collection. If you enjoy art, you may enjoy the Walker Art Center or the Weisman Art Museum. Some fun historic sites include the Stone Arch Bridge, which was once a railroad, but now serves as a pedestrian walkway, Fort Snelling State Park, which was originally a military outpost built in 1820 and features historical reenactments, or Indian Mounds Park, which is rich in history. A tour of the State Capitol is another great tourist option. You should also check out the fun Wabasha Caves' Saint Paul Gangster Tours, which guides tourists through the hideouts that once housed notorious mobsters. Finally, you may also want to "ride the Minnehaha," a restored steamboat reminiscent of the bygone days.
In downtown Minneapolis, there are plenty of eateries to choose from, including fast food chains, trendy cafes, and sophisticated restaurants. For a great steak in a classy atmosphere, we recommend Capital Grille, located in the Theater District, and the Northern Shores Grille, located in the Marriot Hotel. Another great place to eat is D'Amico Cucina, which offers a tasty selection of Italian cuisine. For a more causal experience, try Joe's Garage or Key's Café. For a prime experience of live music during dinner, check out Dakota Jazz Club & Restaurant, Fine Line Music Café, or the famous Hard Rock Cafe Minneapolis. For a historic dining experience, go to Pracna on the Main, which still looks the same as it did at its opening in 1855.
The best shopping can be found in the "City Center," on 7th Street in the downtown area. The Nicollet Mall, stretching over eleven blocks, is also home to popular stores such as Macy's, Neiman Marcus, Sak's Off Fifth Outlet, and Target.
At night, you will find excitement in nine main entertainment districts, namely the Warehouse District, Nicollet Mall, Hennepin Theatre District, Minneapolis Riverfront, St. Anthony Main, Dinkytown, and Uptown. In each area, you will find nightclubs, bars, restaurants, and live entertainment. Don't miss a night out on the town during your Minneapolis visit!
Minneapolis features all of the hotels that you are used to seeing in major cities and more. We recommend quality hotels such as Crowne Plaza Northstar Hotel, Grand Hotel Minneapolis, Embassy Suites Minneapolis Downtown, or Hilton Minneapolis.
Getting to Minneapolis is easy since it is home to the major airport of Minneapolis-Saint Paul, and is also accessible by major bus lines. Within the city, you can travel by metro, bus, or foot—on a nice day, Minneapolis is a beautiful city to walk around. Parking is also not hard to find, and is fairly affordable, especially if you have a "Do the Town" pass, which is free with your purchase at participating stores and restaurants. We "betcha" that you will enjoy your stay in exciting Minneapolis!