Looking for the ultimate guide to Minnesota’s top attractions? Look no further! These are the top 20 must-do activities in Minneapolis and St. Paul.
Discover the top 20 must-do activities that are sure to make your visit unforgettable. From exploring world-class museums and galleries to taking a scenic stroll along the Mississippi River, there’s something for everyone in these vibrant Twin Cities. Don’t miss out on popular tourist destinations such as the Mall of America, the Como Zoo and Conservatory, and the Minnesota State Capitol. With so much to see and do, you won’t want to miss this comprehensive guide to the best activities in Minneapolis and St. Paul!
Are you looking for fun things to do in the Twin Cities? Well, keep reading because we’ve got TWENTY tips for you to have fun in Minneapolis and St. Paul!
Today we’re exploring 20 of the essential, can’t miss hotspots in the Twin Cities.
Things to Do in Minneapolis
Let’s start in the vibrant city of Minneapolis. There are plenty of attractions and things to do. Here are some recommendations:
1. Explore the Minneapolis Institute of Art
It’s a renowned art museum with over 90,000 works of art from around the world, including paintings, sculptures, textiles, and photographs.
2. Walk around the Chain of Lakes
Minneapolis has several lakes, including Lake Harriet, Lake Calhoun, and Lake of the Isles, all connected by a walking and biking trail called the Chain of Lakes.
3. Visit the Walker Art Center
A contemporary art museum that showcases modern and contemporary art from around the world. It also has a sculpture garden with over 40 sculptures.
4. Visit the Mall of America
Ok, technically this isn’t in Minneapolis, it’s in the nearby suburb of Bloomington but I’d get in trouble if I didn’t share this one. It’s one of the largest malls in the world, with over 500 stores, an amusement park, an aquarium, and many dining options. Kitty and I used to perform at the Mall quite often, check out their website for a calendar of family-friendly concerts, festivals and other special events.
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5. Check out the Mill City Museum
A museum dedicated to the history of flour milling in Minneapolis. It’s located in a historic mill building and features interactive exhibits and demonstrations.
6. Enjoy the food scene
Minneapolis is known for its diverse and delicious food scene. Some popular spots include the Midtown Global Market, the North Loop neighborhood, and Eat Street.
7. Attend a game or concert at Target Field
It’s the home of the Minnesota Twins baseball team and also hosts concerts and other events.
8. Visit the Minnesota Zoo
It’s located about 20 miles south of Minneapolis and features over 4,000 animals from around the world.
9. Experience the nightlife
Minneapolis has a vibrant nightlife scene with many bars, clubs, and live music venues. Some popular areas include the North Loop, Uptown, and the Warehouse District.
10. Walk across the Stone Arch Bridge
It’s a historic bridge that offers stunning views of the city skyline and the Mississippi River. It’s also a popular spot for biking and jogging.
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Things to Do in St. Paul
Now let’s head over across the Mississippi River to St. Paul, the capital city of Minnesota. Here are some recommendations for things to do in St. Paul:
1. Visit the Minnesota State Capitol
This beautiful building is the heart of state government and features stunning architecture, artwork, and historical displays.
2. Explore the Science Museum of Minnesota
This museum offers hands-on exhibits and interactive displays that explore science, technology, and natural history.
3. Enjoy the outdoors at Como Park
This large park features a zoo, a conservatory, gardens, and several lakes. It’s a great place to picnic, bike, or just enjoy the scenery.
4. Visit the Cathedral of Saint Paul
This stunning cathedral is one of the most recognizable landmarks in St. Paul. It’s an architectural masterpiece with intricate carvings and stained glass windows.
5. Walk along Summit Avenue
This street is one of the most historic and beautiful in the city, featuring Victorian mansions and tree-lined sidewalks.
6. See a show at the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts
This world-class performing arts center hosts musicals, plays, concerts, and other events. Kitty and I have played a few shows there and it really is tons of fun.
7. Explore the Mississippi River
St. Paul is located on the banks of the Mississippi River, and there are several parks and trails along the riverfront where you can hike, bike, or picnic.
8. Visit the Minnesota History Center
This museum features exhibits and displays that showcase the history of Minnesota and its people.
9. Go shopping and dining in the Grand Avenue neighborhood
This neighborhood is known for its upscale shops and restaurants, and it’s a great place to spend an afternoon.
10. Enjoy a beer at one of the city’s many breweries
St. Paul has a vibrant craft beer scene, with several breweries and taprooms located throughout the city.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a local or a first-time visitor to Minneapolis and St. Paul, there’s no shortage of incredible attractions to explore. From art and culture to outdoor adventures and more, the Twin Cities have something for everyone. We hope this guide to the top 20 must-do activities has given you plenty of ideas for your next trip. With so much to see and do in Minneapolis and St. Paul, you’ll want to come back again and again. So start planning your next adventure today and get ready to discover all that these dynamic cities have to offer!
Have a super day!
About the Authors
Jack and Kitty Norton are Emmy Award winning travel experts. They have spent a lifetime on the road: as traveling musicians, documentary filmmakers and television producers. They now focus on writing for their travel blog (JackAndKitty.com) and making fun videos for their YouTube channel. Jack and Kitty offer travelers fun and quirky things to do in Minnesota, the Midwest and beyond. High school sweethearts turned married soulmates, the couple lives in the small college town of Winona, Minnesota and would love to have you over for some hotdish.