Make the Most of Your Stay in Minneapolis
With its beautiful lakes, expansive park system, thriving arts scene, plentiful shopping, and great food, Minneapolis offers a great backdrop for AGD2024 and a great destination whether you plan on bringing guests or traveling solo.
Here is just a sample of all the amazing things to see and do in Minneapolis:
Attractions
Just a one mile walk from the Minneapolis Convention Center, the Stone Arch Bridge is one of Minneapolis’ most iconic sites and, on the other end of the bridge, you’ll find St. Anthony Main. This hidden gem is the oldest part of the city and is characterized by its cobblestone road lined with historic buildings. Take a stroll down to Water Power Park and find a gorgeous view of the River and St. Anthony Falls with a striking backdrop of the skyline.
In Minneapolis you are never more than six blocks from a park, so you never feel like you’re in a concrete jungle. With over 22 lakes in Minneapolis alone, there is a rich lake culture that will make you get outdoors, stay healthy and be continuously struck by the beauty of nature. The main attraction? The Chain of Lakes: Five of the largest lakes in Minneapolis. Rent a canoe or kayak. Stroll or bike along roughly 15 miles of paved shoreline paths. Just a 13 minute drive from the Minneapolis Convention Center you can visit a striking wilderness waterfall in an urban setting at Minnehaha Falls.
For the culturally minded, get hands-on with science at the Science Museum of Minnesota, view one of the finest and most extensive art collections in the country at the Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia) and also explore the contemporary Walker Art Center. The Walker Art Center’s Sculpture Garden is a can’t miss attraction where you’ll discover 40 works of contemporary sculpture art, including the iconic "Spoonbridge and Cherry." Visit Orchestra Hall, home of the award winning Minnesota Orchestra, and check their site for ticket availability. If your intellectual curiosity itch still hasn’t been scratch, you can explore over 55 museums in and around Minneapolis.
You can’t truly experience the beauty of Minneapolis without exploring its robust arts scene. With a history of unique theaters, venues, performances and shows, Minneapolis is booming with creative energy. Local artists, spectators and actors come together at the Guthrie Theater to produce classic masterpieces as well as modern works. The Capri Theater is a historic and beloved theater located in the North Minneapolis community and is best known for being the venue in which Prince had his first solo show. The Brave New Workshop, founded in 1958, is the longest running sketch and improvisational comedy theatre in the US.
Dining & Drinks
Minneapolis boasts an innovative and eclectic dining and drink scene… with endless options that are sure to impress. Not sure where to start? Discover the foods that Minneapolis is best known for and learn more about some of the city’s trendiest and award winning spots. If you want to get off the beaten path, experience some of the most interesting food that can be found in Minneapolis’ local immigrant communities and prepare to have your mind blown. Want a dining experience you can truly brag to your friends about? Check out these popular restaurants that have been featured on the Food Network.
If you’re looking for a cold one (or two) after a long day of classes, Minneapolis boasts over 33 craft breweries (and many, many more microbreweries). Locally produced spirits have taken off in recent years, and Minneapolis has several distilleries you can visit for a tour, or to pick something up. While Minneapolis may be a long way from wine country, there are local wineries, wine bars and café’s that will cater to your tastes.
Minneapolis is also home to a vibrant array of eclectic and offbeat bars and speakeasies that will add something unexpected to your next night out. If you’re looking for a unique cocktail experience, complete with house-made syrups, fresh-squeezed juices, Minneapolis raises the bar for all future cocktail experiences.
Shopping
No trip to Minneapolis would be complete without stopping by the mecca of shopping itself: The Mall of America. Located just 15 minutes from downtown Minneapolis, the Mall of America has reigned supreme as the largest shopping and entertainment complex in America (and the Western Hemisphere) for over 30 years. What’s better than being surrounded by hundreds of retail options that span all tastes and budgets? How about paying NO SALES TAX on clothes or shoes!
If you’re looking for a more intimate shopping experience, step up your style by visiting one of Minneapolis’ trendy boutiques and find carefully curated fashion, accessories and more. Whether you’re budget conscious or looking to stand out, Minneapolis also has some excellent vintage shops where you can shop for one-of-a-kind styles.
Looking for something to read or somewhere to relax? Discover your inner bookworm at these local bookstores. Audiophiles will rejoice at the incredible array of must-visit indie record stores (and you can even visit Prince’s favorite record store). With so many makers and artists in Minneapolis, opportunities for local shopping and creative gift-giving are nearly endless. Pick up a locally made gift to commemorate your trip, or for your friends and family back home.
Odds & Ends
The Minneapolis Skyway System is the largest, contiguous system of enclosed, second level bridges in the world, composed of roughly 8 miles of pathways connecting 80 city blocks. This grim-weather retreat contains multiple places to eat, shop, and drink as well as access to Orchestra Hall, Target Center, Target Field, U.S. Bank Stadium, and more.
Farmers markets are a wondrous, one-stop keyhole into a city’s people, culture and, of course, food. Shop local and stop at a Minneapolis farmers market during your stay!
At the Mall of America, in addition to having all of your grown-up shopping needs met by hundreds of retail options and your tastes sated by food options that span the globe, kids can join in the fun at Nickelodeon Universe and enjoy 27 rides along with the longest indoor zip line in the country.
For a complete list of activities, events and sights in Minneapolis check out www.minneapolis.org.
