10 BEST Things to do in Minneapolis

Are you planning to either visit or relocate to Minneapolis, MN? From its naturally beautiful surroundings and historical architecture to the unique character of vibrant and diverse neighborhoods like St. Paul and Uptown, Minneapolis has tons of opportunities for activities and attractions no matter your interests. 

Our Minneapolis real estate company wants to help you navigate the many opportunities for entertainment and excitement that the Twin Cities has to offer. 

What is There to Do in Minneapolis? 

Residents of Minneapolis understand the unique appeal associated with our city. But, for visitors and people looking to relocate to St. Paul, Uptown, or another one of Minneapolis’ amazing neighborhoods, you will be pleased to learn more about what Minneapolis has to offer. 

Minneapolis has a distinctive midwestern charm blended with the grandeur of big-city excitement. With the influx of creative spaces filled with artists, musicians, and performers our local communities offer endless opportunities to experience the arts. Additionally, our recreational activities allow you to explore the enchanting sights of mother nature that surround our city along with plenty of other indoor and outdoor spaces to enjoy time with family and friends, or on your own.

Called the “Twin Cities” due to the city being separated down the middle by the Mississippi River, Minneapolis boasts two cosmopolitan centers, each surrounded by an array of residential suburban neighborhoods and impressive urban communities. 

This juxtaposition of features like cityscapes alongside natural beauty, old and new, and industrial and creative is further demonstrated by the influx of contemporary art displayed along the backdrop of Victoria-era-inspired European architecture. This all makes for a city that not only has something for everyone but also a place that is always full of surprises. 

Minneapolis offers something new to explore at every turn and is populated with a variety of attractions that are rarely all found in one place, making it the perfect place to plan a visit or to buy or rent a new home. 

The 10 Best Things to do in Minneapolis

Let’s explore some of our favorite things to do in our favorite city: Minneapolis. 

#1 – Walker Art Museum and Sculpture Garden

Filled with an exceptional amount of modern and historical art installations, the Walker Art Museum showcases an impressive selection of art from local, domestic, and international artists. With educational programs and exhibitions in visual and performing arts, the Walker Art Museum is a must-see attraction for anyone visiting Minneapolis. 

One of the most beloved features of the Walker Art Museum is its outside Sculpture Garden. Open 365 days a year from 6 am to midnight, the sculpture garden attracts over a million visitors each year to view the outdoor modern art sculptures amidst an urban garden. 

#2 – Chain of Lakes

Made up of five of the most beautiful lakes in Minnesota, Minneapolis’ Chain of Lakes is one of the most popular attractions the state has to offer. Spanning over 1,555 acres of parkland and water, the Chain of Lakes offers endless choices for recreational fun and is one of seven byway districts situated along the Grand Rounds National Scenic Byway. 

When you visit the Chain of Lakes park, you can choose among the following types of activities to engage in or places to spend the day: 

• 5 beaches
• 2 garden sanctuaries
• Athletic fields for soccer, volleyball, softball, and more. 
• Tennis courts
• Hockey and ice skating rinks
• Fishing piers
• Biking and walking paths
• Boating docks
• Picnic areas
• Playgrounds
• and More! 

#3 – Lake Harriet Park

Part of the Chain of Lakes, Lake Harriet Park deserves its own special mention as this picturesque park is the venue for outdoor concerts and lakeside activities all summer long in Minneapolis. In addition to the concerts they host each season, the Lake Harriet Bandshell shows outdoor movies all summer long, with local area food trucks filling the space for spectators and concertgoers to enjoy an evening in the fresh air with great music and entertainment. 

#4 – Minneapolis Institute of Art

Known by the locals as MIA, the Minneapolis Institute of Art houses over 90,000 works of art that span over 5,000 years from around the world. MIA is currently showcasing impressive limited exhibitions from African, South American, German, and French artists in painting, sculptures, drawings, furniture, and more. In addition to limited pieces, the permanent exhibitions at MIA communicate the institute’s passion for celebrating diverse artists across the globe and across generations. 

#5 – Minnehaha Park

With just under a million visitors annually, Minnehaha Park has one of the most impressive waterfalls in the nation. The river overlooks and the limestone bluffs alongside the 53-foot waterfall are one of the Twin City’s oldest and most-visited attractions. With three impressive gardens including a traditional Japanese style garden, as well as historical landmark sites and a dog walking park, anyone visiting Minneapolis should be sure not to miss out on all the serene beauty that Minnehaha Park has to offer. 

#6 – American Swedish Institute

The historic American Swedish Institute consists of a cultural center, museum, cafe, shop, and mansion. The cultural arts center has been a staple to the Minneapolis community going on 90 years, enlightening visitors about the Swedish American experience in modern-day and during the days of migration. Elevating personal stories through the arts while connecting with locals through storytelling, a visit to ASI makes for a memorable educational experience regardless of your ancestral roots. 

#7 – Lake of the Isles

The Lake of Isles Park is one of the most visited attractions in all of Minneapolis, with approximately 5.5 million people a year visiting the beautiful grounds, gardens, and lake-side landscape. Fishing is a popular activity at Lake of the Isles, as are other outdoor recreational activities like biking, hiking, ice skating, and hockey. 

If visiting Lake of Isles Park, be sure to visit the memorial monument of Peavey Fountain, a dedication to the horses of the 151st Field Artillery Minnesota National Guard who were killed in action during WW1. 

#8 – Guthrie Theater

While it can be tempting to spend all your time outdoors when the weather allows, there are plenty of indoor entertainment and activities all around Minneapolis. One of the must-see venues is the Guthrie Theater. At the Guthrie Theater, there are opportunities to enjoy productions of both classic and contemporary plays as they celebrate artistic communities, a passion for the arts, and connecting people through diversity, inclusion, and imagination.  

#9 – Target Field

Sports lovers need not be fearful that the Twin Cities don’t have something for them– Target Field is the spectacular new home to our hometown team, Major League Baseball’s Minnesota Twins. Filled with bars and restaurants, a gift shop to get some Twins’ gear, as well as tons of vendors and other amenities, the beautiful and intimate venue not only hosts your favorite baseball games. Space within Target Field can be rented for corporate events, weddings, and other celebrations, making it a unique spot for someone’s special day. 

#10 – Mill City Museum

Situated right along the Mississippi River’s riverfront, the Mill City Museum is one of Minneapolis’ historic city landmarks. Previously the location of the world’s largest flour mill, the Mill City Museum is built upon the ruins of what was once the mill and offers up breathtaking views of the city on its rooftop observation deck. In addition to the must-see views, the museum hosts baking classes, educational programs, and historic exhibitions about the mill, and has a scenic courtyard and gift shop. 

Are You Relocating to Minneapolis? Contact Stutsman Realty Inc

If you are considering relocating to the Minneapolis area, you can see that you will never be bored with all the amazing and unique cultural and historical attractions that the city has to offer.  Contact Stutsman Realty, Inc. for information on apartment rentals in Uptown or to view available homes for sale in the Minneapolis area. We are excited to welcome you to our diverse, beautiful, and exciting city so you can explore first-hand all that Minneapolis has to offer.