15 Top Attractions & Things to Do in Minneapolis Minnesota
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November 15, 2023
Minneapolis Minnesota, Most Well Konw Attractions and Things To Do in 2025/2026
Firstly, Minneapolis and St. Paul, the Twin Cities, comprise Minnesota’s largest city on the upper Mississippi. Minneapolis, a shining modern American metropolis, has lush parks and verdant areas integrated into the urban fabric.
Minneapolis has many cultural attractions, including the Minneapolis Institute of Art, the American Swedish Institute, and the Mill City Museum. Enjoy fantastic shopping therapy downtown and at the nearby Mall of America in Bloomington.
Discover natural sanctuaries like Minnehaha Regional Park by using public transit or walking to the city’s top attractions. Bike and multi-use trails like the Grand Rounds Scenic Byway are ideal for exploring the city.
Explore Minneapolis’ top attractions with our list.
1. The Mall of America
If you prefer retail therapy to cultural tours, visit the Mall of America. Over 520 stores in this massive retail mall are ready to take your money. Beyond retail, the mall becomes an entertainment hub. The XD ride smoothly combines roller coaster thrills with video game immersion.
Moose Mountain’s mini-golf course features life-sized horses, moose, woodland animals, logging trucks, and biplanes. Visit SEA LIFE Minnesota Aquarium and walk through the shark lagoon tunnel. The Nickelodeon Universe, a magical world of rides, will enchant any young companions on your tour.
2. Minnehaha Regional Park
Minnehaha Park, a beauty southeast of the city, follows the Mississippi. This beloved area houses the 53-foot Minnehaha Falls and statues of Longfellow’s Song of Hiawatha’s main characters.
One of the oldest and most popular municipal landmarks, the park draws over 800,000 visitors annually. Beyond the breathtaking falls, the park provides a variety of fun activities, including strolls through a pergola garden, delicious food at the Sea Salt Eatery, and live music at the Minnehaha Bandstand.
3. Minneapolis Institute of Art
The Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia) stands as a repository of artistic richness, boasting an extensive collection encompassing diverse countries and artistic styles. Within its halls reside masterpieces by European luminaries like Rubens and Rembrandt, alongside a comprehensive array of artifacts spanning 5,000 years and representing myriad cultures.
The exhibits showcase a captivating assortment of sculptures, photographs, paintings, drawings, textiles, and prints. Noteworthy is the institution’s commitment to accessibility, with free admission and public tours, creating an inclusive cultural haven suitable for all ages. The on-site Family Center further enhances the museum’s appeal as a versatile and enriching cultural resource.
4. Minneapolis Sculpture Garden
The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden displays the Walker Art Center’s magnificent sculptures in a lovely 19-acre urban sanctuary. One of Claes Oldenburg’s most famous works is Spoonbridge with Cherry. The Cowles Pavilion & Regis Promenade, Alene Grossman Memorial Arbor Flower Garden, and seasonal exhibits make this popular tourist destination more than sculptures.
A variety of unique works enhance the Sculpture Garden’s appeal. The Bog Walker by Aaron Spangler, the Geometric Mouse – Scale A by Claes Oldenburg, and The Spinner by Alexander Calder help make the garden a hub for intriguing and thought-provoking art.
5. The Guthrie Theater
Sir Tyrone Guthrie, the theater’s founder, directed the Guthrie Theater’s first Hamlet staging on May 7, 1963. This historic theatre continues to showcase Shakespearean works on three stages with classic and modern performances.
After 40 years, the Guthrie Theater moved to a new Mississippi Riverfront building in 2006. The building’s unusual architecture features large photographs of former performances, reflecting the theater’s long history.
6. Weisman Art Museum
The Weisman Art Museum at the University of Minnesota is a campus and local landmark. Frank Gehry designed the four-story stainless steel building, which defies description.
This architectural masterpiece houses the museum’s collection of American Modernism, Korean furniture, and Southwest Mimbres pottery. Public Art on Campus has decorated the university grounds with a variety of works to complement the museum’s shows. All exhibitions and facility admissions are free, promoting accessibility and creative enjoyment.
7. Mill City Museum
A sad history of Minneapolis’ flour milling business is told at the Mill City Museum. It was the world’s largest mill when built in 1880. The building was destroyed by a 1991 fire. However, civic pride preserved the remaining history, making it a distinguished museum.
After the demolition, inventive engineers and architects rebuilt the mill with an eight-story glass façade. This transformation gave the structure a remarkable mix of old and new. From 1880 to 1930, Minneapolis Minnesota led the world in flour production, as shown in its renovated walls.
8. Chain of Lakes Regional Park
The vast Chain of Lakes Regional Park, southwest of the city center, connects five shorelines with pedestrian routes and lush vegetation. Boating, motorcycling, and exploring the Lyndale Park Rose Garden are among the many activities available in this enormous public space. Year-round events like Lake Harriet Bandshell concerts are scheduled.
As part of the Grand Rounds Scenic Byway, the Chain of Lakes is one of seven districts that connect parks, natural areas, and waterways around the city. Lakeside walking routes and public beaches add to the appeal, while winter brings cross-country skiing lovers to the city’s best trails.
9. Walker Art Center Minneapolis Minnesota
The Walker Art Center stands as a dedicated bastion of contemporary art in the city, serving as a vital hub for visual and performing arts, film screenings, and a diverse array of events. Established by lumber baron Thomas Barlow Walker, the center took root at its current location in 1927, initially a manifestation of a personal collection.
The award-winning architectural marvel that graces the city today was constructed in 1971, underwent expansion in 2005, and now plays host to over 700,000 visitors annually. Boasting numerous exhibition galleries, a theater, a cinema, lounges, terraces, and dining establishments, the center has evolved into a multifaceted cultural nexus. Adjacent to the facility lies the associated Sculpture Garden, further enhancing the overall artistic experience.
10. Shops and Restaurants at Nicollet
Nicollet Avenue, previously Nicollet Mall, is a beautifully built avenue in downtown Minneapolis Minnesota. This lively pedestrian zone has stores, restaurants, galleries, and public art along a well-kept path.
This urban oasis centers on the Crystal Court piazza, topped by the IDS Center’s 775-foot tower. The primary element is surrounded by glazed skyways that connect to other architectural marvels. Skyscrapers surround this key core, completing the dynamic cityscape.
11. The Children’s Theatre Company In Minneapolis Minnesota
Children’s Theatre Company is a top destination for excellent family experiences. As a cultural hub, this venue hosts plays for all ages, including those meant to encourage children. Many plays are inspired by classic children’s literature, guaranteeing a fun experience for all ages. Before your stay, check the events schedule to attend a show that could be the highlight of your kids’ Minneapolis Minnesota vacation.
The Children’s Theatre Company performs plays year-round and trains youngsters in theater arts. This acclaimed institution’s cultural offerings include educational programs to introduce young people to the intriguing world of performing arts.
12. American Swedish Institute
The American Swedish Institute showcases the area’s Swedish ancestry. Modern Nelson Cultural Center and historic Turnblad Mansion comprise the institute.
Swan Turnblad, proprietor of the largest Swedish newspaper in the US, commissioned the Turnblad Mansion in the early 20th century. Swan and his family gave the newspaper and mansion to the American Institute for Swedish Art.
Tour the mansion now to see its original carved oak, walnut, and mahogany interior. Swedish glass, textiles, fine art, and tile stoves are on display.
13. City Hall In Minneapolis Minnesota
East of Nicollet Mall and Crystal Court is City Hall, commonly known as the Municipal Building, a late 1800s and early 1900s architectural marvel. Its Rotunda has the Father of the Waters figure, masterfully carved from a single piece of Carrara marble.
The building’s clock tower, a record-setter, gently rises above it, chiming at specified times. The Municipal Building, a National Historic Landmark, reminds the city of its past.
14. The Stone Arch Bridge In Minneapolis Minnesota
The Stone Arch Bridge is a Minneapolis Minnesota landmark loved by locals and tourists. This stunning 21-arched bridge spans the Mississippi River for 2,100 feet and dates back to 1883.
The Stone Arch Bridge is perfect for a peaceful walk with friends or a longer bike ride along the riverbanks. One can’t help but admire the downtown skyline’s architecture while walking. This riverside promenade’s stunning views of St. Anthony Falls enhance its appeal as a Minneapolis icon.
15. Minnesota Zoo
The Minnesota Zoo, home to over 2,300 species, is a great family adventure in Minneapolis Minnesota. The zoo’s vast grounds house animals from throughout the world in indoor and outdoor habitats.
Wander the Northern Trail, a self-guided outdoor trail where you’ll see wild boar, leopards, camels, llamas, and cute prairie dogs. Explore the Tropics Trail, an indoor exhibit about rainforest life.
No Minnesota Zoo visit is complete without a visit to the Wells Fargo Family Farm, where friendly farm animals await a pat or two. This multi-dimensional experience makes a Minnesota Zoo visit a family favorite.