Are you headed to Minneapolis for a quick trip and want to make the most of it? You’ve landed on the right page. I’m here to give you my list of things to do in Minneapolis.
I had to pack up my things for a short trip to Minneapolis not too long ago this year. I knew the food scene was pretty good, but I had very little expectations in terms of art and culture, not sure why. Perhaps it’s the New Yorker in me that is never too impressed, but I was pleasantly surprised to find out.
I realize other people may be headed to Minneapolis for a short trip too (perhaps). Whether it’s a job interview or a long layover, make sure to explore the city while you’re there. It’s actually kind of fun, I mean it.
Note: I was in Minneapolis for a few days attending a consuming conference. So the list of things to do isn’t as extensive, but I highly recommend checking these off your list.
This blog post is all about things to do in Minneapolis during a short trip. I hope this helps you enjoy your time there!
GETTING TO PLACES
While it may seem like some of the destinations are within walking distance, this city is very much dependent on cars. If you do decide to walk, some streets do not have a sidewalk to walk on. You may be the only person walking right next to a highway. The streets are also not tree lined, so you’re facing the sun or rain directly. The New Yorker in me tried to walk around, but gave up very quickly and Uber-ed my way in the city.
WHERE TO EAT?
I was in Minneapolis for a conference, and the food they offered was really not appetizing or healthy. So, I had to leave for lunch every day and ate several times at Brit’s pub, mostly salads and they were really good. I sat down once, and the service was great, the rest I did pick ups and the quality was just as good. I ordered and re-ordered London broil steak salad many times – though I don’t even like steak.
I had dinner at Lumi (twice in the few days I was there), I was very satisfied. In round one, we had salad and kebab. On the second round, we arrived late at night and hungry, I got a chicken salad, which was also good.
These are some of the places I wanted to try but wasn’t able to: Porzana (Argentinian cuisine), Khâluna (Loatian cuisine), Estelle, Alma, Chloe. Let me know if you try them out.
WHERE I STAYED
As I mentioned, I was there for a conference, so my options were limited between the few designated hotels offering lower than usual rates. I stayed at Hyatt Regency Minneapolis, and I really enjoyed it. I mean it’s not a boutique hotel, but honestly the lobby was huge with a cozy fireplace, I got to hang out with friends quite a bit. The Gym was huge, clean with many different types of equipment. The pool wasn’t anything to go crazy about.
THINGS TO DO:
#1 MINNEAPOLIS SCULPTURE GARDEN
Something about the Spoonbridge and Cherry always felt very iconic to Minneapolis. I couldn’t pass this up, and I wanted to start my tour of Minneapolis right there. This place is so beautiful. Entrance is free as it is a public park, you can walk all over in the park, look at the art, sit on a bench, and read a book if you like. It takes about an hour to walk around comfortably and soak it all in. It’s Art, it’s outdoors, and it’s free, it can’t get any better.
I entered from Vineland Place (across from the Walker Art Center), I walked down the stairs and into the park. To your sides, you will notice interesting quotes and writings engraved on stone. You will then notice several pieces of art, very interesting and then ultimately make your way to the Spoonbridge and Cherry as well as the Big Blue Rooster (literally) – the most beautiful big blue shape thing I have ever seen in my life.
#2 MINNEAPOLIS INSTITUTE OF ART
I renamed it – ‘The Met of the Mid-West’, and I hope that’s ok. I left the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden feeling like nothing could top that, but also felt that Minneapolis knows Art. I was absolutely right. Walking into the Minneapolis Institute of Art, it felt very rich and substantial. Entrance is free. You can spend hours here, easily 2-3 hours if you want to have a good feel for the art. I grabbed my coffee from the café on the first floor and spent a little over two hours soaking it all in. I was absolutely blown away. The architecture of the building, the art, the sculptures… all of it.
#3 MALL OF AMERICA
As someone who has been to really large malls (but doesn’t necessarily enjoy them), I wanted to explore the Mall of America in Minneapolis. I have been to West Edmonton Mall (in Edmonton, Canada), so I wanted to see how this felt. This was no different. The entertainment includes an indoor theme park, an aquarium, the Crayola experience and so much more. You could spend hours in here shopping. The stores are very similar to any large size mall. If you are familiar with West Edmonton Mall, you would also recognize that stores are quite similar, a mix of low and high end.
Note: This is further from the first two destinations that I listed. It is closer to the airport. You might want to make a quick stop here first if you want to avoid the long car ride to the mall.
This blog post is all about things to do in Minneapolis during a short trip. I hope this helps you enjoy your time there!
As always, thank you for stopping by and reading. Click here if you’d like to see & follow my Instagram page @girlontheues
See you next week,
Girl on the Upper East Side
Xx
If this interests you, you might enjoy reading my itineraries for Vienna, Prague and the French Riviera.
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