40 Fun Things To Do In Minneapolis, Minnesota (2024)

Minneapolis, also known as one-half of the “Twin Cities’’, the bordering Saint Paul being the other one, is known for its deep cultural heritage and influences from all across the globe.

In Minneapolis, you can explore beautiful urban parks that are decorated with abandoned buildings or tour some of the most famous architectural marvels in all of the United States.

Taste test some of the most amazing comfort food and coffee you’ve ever had, such as 40-day prime-aged meats or sweet bourbon lattes, or try some of the most unique ice cream flavors that you’ll never find anywhere else.

Enjoy Minnesota’s greatest fairs and festivals while exploring the lively food truck scene or collecting a grand souvenir art piece to take home with you, or visit the internationally famous Mall of America located right in the heart of the “Twin Cities.”

No matter what you decide to do, we’ll help you to decide by listing our 40 Best Things To Do In Minneapolis.

Things To Do In Minneapolis

1. Walker Art Center

Rating: 4.5★

Entry Ticket: $15 for adults, children free

Address: 725 Vineland Pl, Minneapolis, MN 55403

• Distinct contemporary art museum

• In the center of Minneapolis

To start our list of the best things to do in Minneapolis, the Walker Art Center is right in the center of the city and boasts being one of the 5 most visited contemporary art museums in the United States, attracting 700,000 visitors each year.

This extraordinary art museum offers a wide range of artists and contemporary designs on display in its modern architectural building for visitors to engage with as they wander through the museum’s comprehensively curated halls.

However, probably the most notable section of the art center isn’t its fascinating indoor displays but its extensive outdoor sculpture garden that is right next to the building.

This sculpture garden will take you on a pathway-guided tour of modern and contemporary sculptures that were donated or acquired by the art center over the years.

The art in this exhibit area is one of a kind and invites guests to analyze the artworks and sculptures further as they enjoy the collection that the Walker Art Center provides.

2. Mill Ruins Park

Rating: 4.7★

Entry Ticket: Free

Address: 102 Portland Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55401

• A distinctive park that is beside the Mississippi River

• Explore the overgrown ruins of a mill that has now been converted into a park

Running through Minneapolis is the Mississippi River, which cuts straight through the city, making Mill Ruins Park a delightful place to see the river during all times of the year.

Mill Ruins Park, as the name implies, was once a bustling working collection of mills in the middle of the city and now, the remaining mills have been converted into office buildings, while the remains of the destroyed mills on the bank of the Mississippi have been transformed into a gorgeous park.

Visit this unusual park and tour the ruins of the mills; here, you can find interesting artifacts from Minneapolis’ long history of factories and economic development.

Mill Ruins is definitely one of the most interesting places to see and, therefore, deserves a place on our list of the best free things to do in Minneapolis.

3. Basilica of Saint Mary

Rating: 4.8★

Entry Ticket: Free

Address: 88 N 17th St, Minneapolis, MN 55403

• See beautiful architecture in the oldest Basilica in the US.

• An iconic building in the middle of Minneapolis

To see architectural marvels as well as a bit of Minneapolis’ long history in the United States, look no further than the amazingly constructed Basilica of Saint Mary, which was the first Basilica ever built in the United States.

This wonderful building is both a fascinating place to see some of America’s greatest architecture but also holds many important pieces of history and art inside, which all visitors can see free of charge.

The Basilica of Saint Mary is a wonderful building that offers a vast amount of insight into Minneapolis’ long history and many contributions to the United States, so it’s a great place to see while you are in the city.

5. Loppet Winter Festival

Entry Ticket: Free, have a ski pass if you plan on skiing.

Address: Minneapolis, MN

• Enjoy the winter season in Minnesota.

• Participate in or spectate various sports events throughout a weekend

Minnesota is also known for its icy winter season, which leaves the entire state covered completely in snow, so the next activity on our list is the Loppet Winter Festival held every winter season in Minneapolis.

This festival offers many great things to see and participate in, namely, the many winter sports races and events that you can participate in by registering on their website.

Or, if you’d prefer, you can also simply be a spectator of the various sports; Loppet has a list of the perfect spots to stand to see the events on their website maps.

Enjoy a beer or some food at the festival village, or participate and spectate one of the many sports events such as snowshoeing, skiing, and Skijor.

If you’re in Minneapolis during the snowy months and searching for exciting things to do in Minneapolis in the winter, Loppet Winter Festival is a great option.

5. ValleyFair

Rating: 4.4★

Entry Ticket: $33 per person

Address: 1 Valley Fair Dr, Shakopee, MN 55379

If you’d prefer to visit Minnesota in the warmer months, ValleyFair may be a great stop for you and your family, especially if you have kids.

ValleyFair is an expansive amusement park located southwest of Minneapolis, and it boasts dozens of various themed areas with tons of rides and experiences to enjoy in just one day.

And if you’re hungry after a tiring day of walking through this exciting park, you can stop at one of the restaurants or cafes in the area to grab something tasty to eat.

6. Tullibee

Rating: 4.4★

Entry Ticket: Free

Address: 300 N Washington Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55401

Tullibee is a rustic Scandinavian restaurant that focuses on locally sourced ingredients and has a farm-to-table philosophy that affects its carefully curated menu of local cuisine inspired by Scandinavian classic recipes.

When entering Tullibee, you’ll be met with a beautiful cabin-esque restaurant design that compliments its open kitchen and old-fashioned food with a new twist.

Drinks include a distinctive wine collection, premium cocktails, and locally sourced craft beers; the food menu offers a number of notable entrees and appetizers such as the fresh tasting smoked salmon toast topped with cream cheese and radish or the traditional house aged duck that’s adorned with wild grape and roasted eggplant.

Tullibee is a delicious way to experience a bit of Scandinavia right in the center of the city of Minneapolis.

7. The Butcher’s Tale

Rating: 4.8★

Entry Ticket: Free

Address: 1121 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55403

• Exceptional menu with tons of great options

• The comforting atmosphere that adds to the dining experience

After the original location’s restaurant, The Butcher & The Boar closed, Minneapolis lost one of its most notable locations; however, a new replication of the restaurant moved in shortly after to continue its legacy, now with a new menu and tastes but still keeping the original Butcher and many of the staff from the first location.

The Butcher’s Tale is a fresh take on typical recipes; this location provides a collection of savory menu items, locally sourced specials, and a stunning selection of alcohol.

As you enter this restaurant, you’ll be greeted by the smell of slow-roasted meats and a warm farmhouse/cabin interior; friendly staff will greet you as you enter and see you to your table under golden ambient light.

You’ll get to order from the unparalleled menu that offers “chapters” of food, including appetizers, wine, main dishes, filling salads, and tasty side dishes; the slow-roasted meat melts away in your mouth, and the sides complement each entree fantastically.

8. Theodore Wirth Park

Rating: 4.7★

Entry Ticket: Free

Address: 1301 Theodore Wirth Pkwy, Golden Valley, MN 55422

• Beautiful natural forest area located right in the city

• Enjoy peaceful walking paths through nature.

For a lovely Minneapolis outdoor experience, travel to the wonderful Theodore Wirth Park, which has many grand views of the natural beauty that is located right in the city.

Explore the wilderness of Minnesota as you walk along the park’s carefully designed walking paths and through the thick forests and shrubbery within the park that many wild animals call home.

The park also boasts an absolutely breathtaking Wildflower Garden & bird sanctuary that you can see completely free on any day; the gates to the garden are open to the public, which we will touch on in-depth later in this list.

This park is the perfect location to enjoy the tranquility of Minnesota’s wonderful nature, making it one of the top fun things to do in Minneapolis.

9. Twin Cities Film Fest

Rating: 4.7★

Entry Ticket: $12 or $20 for in-person screenings

Address: 1633 West End Blvd, St Louis Park, MN 55416

• Support local film directors and indie artists

• See sophisticated movies that defy the regular movie scene.

Twin Cities Film Fest is an annual film festival located right in the heart of Minneapolis; at this film fest, you can see locally made movies and films while supporting the artists that made them.

This film fest strives to encourage and inspire more people to make and support indie films, as well as provide enthusiasts of visual arts with new ways to view regional and national film talent.

When attending one of the Twin City Film Fest screenings, you’ll be seeing more sophisticated independent art that goes against the grain of the typical formulaic blockbuster movies that you see in theaters or on streaming platforms.

This film fest helps Minneapolis independent artists and gives you new insight into the world of film, making it another one of the most fun things to do in Minneapolis.

10. Foshay Museum and Observation Deck

Rating: 4.6★

Entry Ticket: $10 per adult, $6 per child

Address: 821 S Marquette Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55402

• Experience a beautiful view of the Minneapolis skyline

• Learn about what used to be the tallest and first skyscraper in the Midwest

Just as parks are a great way to see the natural beauty of Minneapolis and the state of Minnesota, to see the wonderful skyline of the city, you’ll want to head up to an observation deck to witness amazing lights and stunning views of the surrounding buildings.

The Foshay Museum and Observation Deck offer guests a special way to see the city high above for a low price.

The Foshay tower is absolutely one of the most recognizable parts of Minneapolis, and the tower was actually the tallest building in the entire Midwest for nearly 48 years of its life.

When you sit on the observation deck, you’ll be able to see far into the city, as well as explore the tower’s museum within, which tells the story of this one-of-a-kind skyscraper and its creator.

11. Baldamar

Rating: 4.8★

Entry Ticket: Free

Address: 1642 County Road B2 W, Roseville, MN 55113

• High-class restaurant with premium customer service

• Fantastic primal inspired foods for a modern audience

Another addition to some of the tastiest restaurants to visit in Minneapolis is Baldamar; this spot promises a primal, aged taste made with modern-day guests in mind.

Their various time-of-day menus have a selection of prime 40-day aged meats as well as high-quality wine and cocktails to pair nicely with your meal.

This restaurant is known for its high-class environment and supreme customer service, the atmosphere is classy and modern, with no dress code, but a slightly more business casual outfit is recommended.

12. Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden

Rating: 4.8★

Entry Ticket: Free

Address: 1 Theodore Wirth Pkwy, Minneapolis, MN 55405

• See amazing wildlife and flowers without leaving the city.

• Near endless number of pathways to explore

Remember Wirth Park, which we mentioned earlier? 

Well located within that amazing park is the Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden, a gated garden area and bird sanctuary that is open for free for the public to enjoy.

Beyond the gated, overgrown entrance are winding pathways and overgrown flower areas that provide a truly private and personal experience as you wander through the fascinating forested section of the park.

You’ll see the amazing wildlife that calls this park home, hundreds of various wildflowers and mushrooms, as well as a few man-made structures such as a secluded cabin and a wooden pathway into the garden’s woods.

This garden is another hidden gem in Minneapolis, and while exploring it, it’s difficult to remember that you’re still in the city and not in the middle of a secluded section of a faraway fantastical forest.

13. Estelle

Rating: 4.9★

Entry Ticket: Free

Address: 1806 St Clair Ave, St Paul, MN 55105

• A modern way to taste Southern European recipes

• The patio is reopened to the public.

Next up on our list is another tasty spot to get some delightful food; Estelle is a slightly cheaper and much more modern-day take on the Minneapolis restaurant scene than some of the other locations on this list.

Estelle brings fresh ingredients and interesting flavor combinations to the table, combining savory, sweet, and salty with the bitter; this locale gives you a never-seen-before menu to browse through that matches its intimate dining experience.

This restaurant takes inspiration from southern Europe and plates dishes in new ways that explore the flavor more deeply; you’ll be sure to love their savory tomato rigatoni topped with freshly shredded parmesan or their delicately layered, rich chocolate hazelnut cake.

14. Bell Museum

Rating: 4.5★

Entry Ticket: Tickets start at $9

Address: 2088 Larpenteur Ave W, St Paul, MN 55113

• Learn about natural history via amazing displays

• Attend a planetarium show

Next on our list is the wonderful Bell Museum; this museum allows guests to see many detailed nature dioramas that teach about animals, as well as view the fantastic planetarium shows that they have available.

The Bell Museum was founded and is maintained by the University of Minnesota, which strives to educate the public about the nature of the world as well as inspire a younger generation to investigate the world around them.

In the museum, you’ll walk through corridors of amazingly designed animal displays, sculptures, and images that illustrate natural world history and allow a deeper look into how the Earth functions or you can attend one of the planetarium shows to learn more about the universe and stars.

15. Lyndale Park Rose Garden

Rating: 4.8★

Entry Ticket: Free

Address: 4124 Roseway Rd, Minneapolis, MN 55409

• Take a relaxing walk through a well taken care of public garden.

• Sit under shade in a beautiful park.

Lyndale Park Rose Garden is another beautiful natural area of Minneapolis that’s great for families; in the Lyndale Rose Garden, you’ll get to wander through paved paths and see a number of magical flowers planted around every corner.

The garden is carefully groomed to ensure that guests get the most amazing experience possible when walking through the garden; additionally, there are many shady areas to sit on the grass and several benches.

When walking through the garden, you’ll smell the sweet flowers and freshly watered grass, making it perfect for a picnic or just a peaceful stroll through the area.

If you are looking for outdoor things to do in Minneapolis, Lyndale Park Rose Garden is fantastic.

16. 3 Hour Craft Brewery Tour by Bitter Minnesota Brewery Tours

Rating: 5★

Entry Ticket: From $85 per adult

Address: Group meets at 35 S 7th St, Minneapolis, MN 55402

• Taste local craft breweries in downtown Minneapolis

• Driven beer tasting tour with drop off and pick up

If you’re the type that prefers a simple great beer over fancy restaurants or walks in the park, you may prefer this 3 Hour Craft Brewery Tour by Bitter Minnesota Brewery Tours.

The tour will take you through Minneapolis with a group of other beer tasters to sample all-you-can-drink local craft beer.

After reserving your spot for this tour, you can expect to be picked up on their transport minibus at the Royal Sonesta in downtown Minneapolis after which, you will spend the next 3 hours going from brewery to brewery tasting various beers.

Bitter Minnesota Brewery Tours makes this tour amazing, with great commentary on the breweries you’re visiting, as well as valuable insight into the world of beer-making and the Minneapolis brewing scene.

17. Mill City Farmers Market

Rating: 4.6★

Entry Ticket: Free

Address: 750 S 2nd St, Minneapolis, MN 55401

• Support local farmers and businesses

• Get great vegetables, fruits, and other items.

During spring and summer, the most notable Minneapolis farmers market opens, the Mill City Farmers Market; at this farmers market, you can support local small businesses and produce suppliers in the area.

Browse a vast selection of delicious freshly picked vegetables and fruits as well as handmade jams, dried foods, pasta, and other carefully crafted and picked items for sale.

This farmers market is open every Saturday beginning the first week of May every single year and is a perfect place to get a memorable souvenir or great food from a small supplier.

18. The Bakken Museum

Rating: 4.7★

Entry Ticket: Adults $11, children $6

Address: 3537 Zenith Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55416

• Learn about the history of electricity

• Walk through a Gothic-Tudor-style revival mansion.

The Bakken Museum is a one-of-a-kind eccentric museum that inspires innovation by exploring science, technology, and the humanities via exhibits about Ben Franklin, electricity, and the magic of magnets.

This Museum also doubles as a beautiful Gothic and Tudor style mansion that architecture enthusiasts will enjoy just as much as the museum exhibits themselves, as well as the unique artifact and book collections within the home.

As you walk through the Bakken’s rooms and hallways, you’ll be immersed in the history of electricity alongside the beauty of the mansion itself; it will feel as though you have stepped into a time capsule and are seeing electricity and magnets evolve right in front of you.

The magnificence and historical importance of this museum and its contents make it one of the most important things to see in Minneapolis.

19. Martina

Rating: 4.7★

Entry Ticket: Free

Address: 4312 Upton Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55410

• Taste amazing cuisine from around the world

• An open, airy dining environment

Martina is an intimate dining experience with a menu inspired by the owner’s South American background and experience in European cuisine; this restaurant creates a fun and fresh experience for those looking to try something new or stick to simple but amazing recipes.

Upon entering this restaurant, you’ll be hit by the smell of their amazingly fresh seafood dishes and pasta that’s been cooked to perfection, and you’ll be seated in their well-lit open dining area.

Martina gives all guests a wonderful taste of various intercontinental cuisines all while keeping an open and community-feeling restaurant ambiance.

20. Nickelodeon Universe

Rating: 4.5★

Entry Ticket: Tickets start at $40

Address: 5000 Center Ct, Bloomington, MN 55425

• Great for young kids

• Themed park rides and multiple concessions are all within the mall of America

For a good spot to go with kids, consider taking the chance to visit Nickelodeon Universe in the Mall of America in Minneapolis, an indoor theme park that boasts a multitude of great rides for young kids.

Nickelodeon Universe takes kids on a huge number of rides themed after various Nickelodeon shows, including SpongeBob, Blues Clues, and Paw Patrol.

If you have children, this fantastic indoor area with many rides and concession stands is the perfect addition to the greatest things to do in Minneapolis this weekend.

21. Minnesota Zoo

Rating: 4.6★

Entry Ticket: Adults $19.95, Children $13.95

Address: 13000 Zoo Blvd, Apple Valley, MN 55124

Another impressive entry on our list of the most fun things to do in Minneapolis at weekend is the Minnesota Zoo, with its wide range of animals to see, from Komodo monitors to goats, where you’ll be able to view an extensive number of animal habitats.

As you enter the zoo, you’ll first walk by the snow monkeys in their rocky mountainous habitat, then past the African Coast penguins and on to a separate section of the zoo where you’ll be able to see sea otters, brown bears, tigers, and even bison.

The zoo also has a family farm at the end of the tour, where you can meet with goats, horses, chickens, and pigs, all while learning about farming.

This zoo is wonderfully put together, making it more enjoyable for both visitors and the animals that inhabit it, and by visiting, you are supporting the zoo’s conservation efforts.

22. Misfit Coffee and Bar

Rating: 4.6★

Entry Ticket: Free

Address: 2401 Lyndale Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55405

• Great, unique coffee and tea mixes

• Community feeling atmosphere and friendly staff

For a heavenly cup of experimental coffee or tea, stop by Misfit Coffee and Bar; Misfit believes in serving uncommon drinks and food while connecting with their customers.

At Misfit, you can expect unusual flavors and concoctions, such as the sweet and hard-hitting maple bourbon specialty coffee or the T.I.N.A PSL with Mayan spice milk chocolate, espresso, and burnt orange.

23. Milkjam Creamery

Rating: 4.6★

Entry Ticket: Free

Address: 2743 Lyndale Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55408

• Interesting ice cream flavors that you can’t see anywhere else

• Endearing menu items

Another delicious food spot on our list is Milkjam Creamery, one of the most well-known ice cream spots in the entirety of Minneapolis; Milkjam is a modern ice cream shop with intriguing flavors and fun menu items to try.

Possibly one of the coolest selections on their menu is the “All of Them” item, in which you can, literally, get one scoop of every cream flavor in a single huge square bowl, aka all 16 flavors on a bed of crushed waffle cones.

However, if you don’t have 4 other people to split an Ice cream meal with, you can always get a simple waffle cone with one of their fun flavors, such as the cereal killers flavor, which is orange ice cream with candied fruity pebbles, or their namesake ice cream Milkjam, which has goat milk, cow milk, and sweetened condensed milk all mixed and made into ice cream.

24. First Avenue

Rating: 4.7★

Entry Ticket: Depends on the show

Address: 701 N 1st Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55403

• A must-see place for music lovers and historians.

• Attending a show here will make all other venues pale in comparison.

Minneapolis is well known for also being a city that shot many rising stars into stardom, such as the city’s most famous star, Prince.

Nothing encompasses this more than First Avenue.

First Avenue is a spacious music venue and bar that is celebrated as one of the longest-running independent venues in America and commits itself to share musical voices and artistic talent across not just Minneapolis but the world.

On the outside of the building, you can even see the visual representation of just how much music they’ve brought to the city, with a wall of stars naming the most notable bands and performers that have held an event at the venue.

25. Cathedral of Saint Paul

Rating: 4.8★

Entry Ticket: Free

Address: 239 Selby Ave, St Paul, MN 55102

• Amazing architectural and interior design

• A majestic historical building that looms over the surrounding area

One of the oldest historical landmarks of Minneapolis, the Cathedral of Saint Paul, is a masterwork of architecture that began being built in 1907 and finished in 1915; the building serves as a place of worship for nearly 1,000 homes in Minneapolis today.

But even if you’re not particularly religious, there’s no reason you can’t enjoy the stunning architectural wonders that the Cathedral has on display for all visitors, with its grand stone walls and detailed interior leaving guests in awe.

The interior of the Cathedral has painstakingly detailed paintings on both the roof and the walls, surrounded by sparkling gold frames that add depth to the inside of the Cathedral.

26. Hidden Falls Regional Park

Rating: 4.6★

Entry Ticket: Free 

Address: 1313 Hidden Falls Dr, St Paul, MN 55116

• A magical mossy and cobble creek park

• Not far from the center of Minneapolis

Hidden Falls Regional Park is exactly what the name makes it sound like, but what you may not expect is that this mossy waterfall park is located near the center of Minneapolis, despite the fact that it looks and feels more like you’re standing in a national park.

Hidden Falls gives visitors nonstop beautiful views of layered geological wonders, man-made walls and streams that feel organic, and a mossy forested area that transports you into a fantasy world.

Simply exploring the area is enough to fill an hour or two of your day with enjoyment right in the middle of shady nature, putting this park on our list of the most scenic places in Minneapolis.

27. Wheel Fun Rentals

Rating: 4.4★

Entry Ticket: Varies between rentals

Address: 5022 Nokomis Pkwy, Minneapolis, MN 55417

• Fairly priced Rentals spots spread out across the city.

• Located near the most popular parks for convenience.

This suggestion is less of a thing to do that Minneapolis just hands you, and more so gives you the resources to make memorable experiences; Wheel Fun Rentals has multiple locations all across the city, so they’re hard to miss.

Wheel Fun Rentals rents out various fun transportation options, from bikes and surreys to kayaks and canoes; this company has a ton of rentals and pricing options for your day trip to a park.

28. Five Watt Coffee

Rating: 4.7

Entry Ticket: Free 

Address: 3745 Nicollet Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55409

• Warm, pleasant coffee house interior

• Multiple locations across the city

In addition to Misfit Coffee, one of the most popular coffee shops is Five Watt; with multiple locations across Minneapolis, they offer a wide array of delicious coffee, tea, and tasty pastries.

Some of the tastiest menu items we found were the Big Easy, cold-pressed coffee with nutmeg syrup, black walnut bitters, and cream, or try the Chaider, which is a delicious mix of apple cider, chai, and vanilla flavoring.

As you enter Five Watt, you’ll feel right at home in their brick coffee house atmosphere, warm lighting, and comfortable seating areas that all make this coffee spot a great place to get some work done or meet up with a friend.

29. Hyacinth

Rating: 4.7★

Entry Ticket: Free 

Address: 790 Grand Ave, St Paul, MN 55105

• A small restaurant east of downtown Minneapolis

• Reservations are required, but they are well worth it.

Hyacinth is a hidden gem of a restaurant just east of downtown Minneapolis; this location prides itself on a simple yet effective menu that is made to pair perfectly with the airy, open ambiance and great alcohol choices.

It’s a small restaurant compared to others on this list, and due to its minimal dining area, you’ll have to make a reservation; however, the food offered is well worth the trouble of getting a reservation.

Taste amazing fresh, local ingredients plated in colorful and interesting ways, as well as a selection of amazing Mediterranean foods, the taste reminding you of a beachside vacation or European getaway, with an amazing wine collection that only adds to the experience.

30. Aster Café

Rating: 4.5★

Entry Ticket: Free 

Address: 125 SE Main St, Minneapolis, MN 55414

• Overlooks the Mississippi River

• Wide range of cocktail and whiskey selections

The last café on our list is definitely a special one; Aster Café has an old-school Victorian Café style complete with vintage lighting fixtures, stained glass, aged double doors, and of course, tasty food and drinks.

Aster offers not only a guarantee of fresh food but also great live music, a beautiful venue for all your private event needs, and a historically rich indoor and outdoor area that overlooks the grand Mississippi River.

Try Aster’s wonderful selection of cocktails and whiskey, or sample their incredible food, such as the lightly marinated tuna poke bowl served over jasmine rice or the flatbread topped with sausage, pepperoni, and bacon.

Aster’s great indoor area and scenic outdoor patio makes it one of the greatest restaurants to visit in Minneapolis.

31. Mall of America

Rating: 4.6★

Entry Ticket: Free 

Address: 60 E Broadway, Bloomington, MN 55425

• A giant mall that can take up an entire day of fun exploring

• One of the top tourist destinations in America

Another one of the most famous locations to visit in Minneapolis is the well-known Mall of America; this absolutely gigantic 4-story mall is one of the top tourist destinations in the country and is known by people around the world.

The Mall of America should not be missed if you’re visiting Minneapolis, with an abundance of things to do and see that could easily take up an entire day of simply wandering through it.

A few of the most notable things you can see inside this mall are the sea life aquarium, Crayola experience, wisdom gaming studios, the escape game, and much more.

32. Mercado Central

Rating: 4.3★

Entry Ticket: Free

Address: 1515 E Lake St, Minneapolis, MN 55407

• Cultural hotspot in the city with lots of South American owned shops

• Tasty bakery food that’s famous across Minneapolis

On the other side of the shopping center spectrum, we have Mercado Central, which is a traditional market in the center of the city, with packed South American businesses, bakeries, and food stands.

The culture of Mercado stands out against the mostly urban surroundings and makes it truly a hidden gem that’s worth visiting for anybody interested in Minneapolis’ population of South American people and their influence.

33. American Swedish Institute

Rating: 4.7★

Entry Ticket: Adults $12, children $6

Address: 2600 Park Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55407

• See a Swedish influenced mansion with 33 rooms to explore

• Perfectly preserved in its original state, it transports you to another time.

The American Swedish Institute is an art and cultural organization that helps locals and connects globally to spread connections between families and friends.

The ASI has a café, history exhibits and art classes and was put in charge of taking close care of the nearby mansion that you can tour.

The ASI is a memorable place to visit and explore, both for Swedes and non-swedes alike, due to its breathtaking exhibits and worthwhile historical facts across the buildings.

Here you can see the Turnblad Mansion, an iconic structure built in 1908 now dubbed the “Castle” by Minneapolis locals; this huge 33-room home features a distinct style influenced by Swedish culture and design.

34. Minnesota State Fair

Rating: 4.7★

Entry Ticket: $12.50 per person

Address: 1265 Snelling Ave N, St Paul, MN 55108

• Experience the best that Minnesota has to offer for attractions and rides

• Lots of shows, games, and businesses to see

To experience some of the most notable things that Minnesota has to offer for its visitors and tourists, try to catch the Minnesota State Fair in the summertime, which typically starts around August 25th and ends in early September on Labor Day.

The fair has changing entertainment and activities each year, so no two fairs are alike.

A few of the many things you can experience at the fair include grandstand stage shows that are reserved for only the top performers, rides and attractions such as the carousel, butterfly house, kid way and adventure park.

The Minnesota state fair is a great place that you shouldn’t miss if you’re making plans to visit during the summertime, the fair has a reputation for its number of activities and great attractions.

35. Treats

Rating: 4.6★

Entry Ticket: Free

Address: 770 Grand Ave, St Paul, MN 55105

• Tasty ice cream flavors you won’t find anywhere else.

• Selection of unique treats such as waffles and bubble tea

In addition to Milkjam Creamery, we also recommend stopping by Treats if you find yourself craving some great ice cream in Minneapolis; Treats serves unique ice cream, drinks, and waffles topped with any ingredients you want.

Treats serves modern-day selections of vibrant food and toppings that look like the kind of delicious desserts you’d see on Instagram

With their perfectly swirly ice cream cones and huge waffles topped with whipped cream and fruity pebbles, all of their food is picture worthy.

Treats also offers great bubble tea, milk teas to-go, chai, and a large menu of one-of a kind ice cream flavors such as berry kiss, bananagram, and crisp n cream.

36. The Escape Game Minneapolis

Rating: 4.9★

Entry Ticket: From $37.99 per person

Address: 300 E Broadway, Bloomington, MN 55425

• Great for close friend groups

• Located in the Mall of America

Another one of the top fun things to do in Minneapolis with friends or family, is The Escape Game, located within the Mall of America.

The Escape Game is a fun activity in which you and any friends or family you bring along attempt to escape from the room that you book from the company.

You’ve probably heard of escape rooms before, but this differs from the others due to its amazing set design and detailed puzzle pieces needed to complete the room and escape, with each room offering challenges, but none that are impossible.

The Escape Game has tons of hidden gems and attention to detail that makes booking one of these rooms a great way to spend an hour or two in Minneapolis with friends.

37. Upstairs Circus

Rating: 4.4★

Entry Ticket: Depends on activity and date, averages around $30 per person

Address: 135 N Washington Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55401

• Project social; make something while you meet people.

• Drinks, such as cocktails, provided

Upstairs Circus requires its participants to book a table before coming in, and you’ll get to attend a project social, in which you’ll sit with friends and strangers while crafting or creating something, such as jewelry or leatherwork.

The staff are also here to help and will assist you with beginning your project or if you need help.

You’ll get to sip on a cocktail, or similar drink while making something you’re passionate about and socializing with others.

If you’d like to meet new people in Minneapolis or simply relax while crafting and drinking, Upstairs Circus is a wonderful way to invest your time.

38. Travail Kitchen and Amusements

Rating: 4.8★

Entry Ticket: Free

Address: 4134 Hubbard Ave N, Robbinsdale, MN 55422

• Elaborate tasting menu with experiments by the chefs

• Immaculate presentation and tableside service

Possibly the most expensive restaurant on this list, but absolutely one of the most entertaining both for the experience and the delectable food that they serve you, Travail Kitchen and Amusements is an acclaimed tasting menu-style restaurant in an industrial-chic style.

The hospitable staff and chefs serve famously experimental and unique foods that knock all other restaurants out of the park; as if this wasn’t enough to make you want to visit, they also provide tableside entertainment each time a new dish is brought out.

Travail is a not to be missed experience for those with refined tastes and those wanting the high-end experience of a typical tasting restaurant mixed with an elaborate menu.

39. Stone Arch Bridge Festival

Entry Ticket: Free

Address: 100 Portland Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55401

• Live music, food trucks, and art vendors

• Takes place on a weekend each summer

Another yearly event not to be missed is the Stone Arch Bridge Festival, which typically takes place in June.

The festival has live music, artists, food vendors as well as culinary artists all attending the festival to impress guests and provide a great experience.

Stone Arch Bridge Festival is all about celebrating the arts in Minneapolis, and right beside the river, you’ll find plenty of seating and things to do as you walk through the area, browsing handmade jewelry and pottery and listening to the sounds of local musicians playing live nearby.

Tons of food will be available, from food trucks to snack vendors, where you’ll get to try coconut ice cream, fun-shaped cotton candy, and some of the most delightful tacos you’ll ever try, all in just one weekend.

40. Dusty’s Bar

Rating: 4.6★

Entry Ticket: Free

Address: 1319 Marshall St NE, Minneapolis, MN 55413

• Great food and great drinks

• Local live music and an old school bar feel

The last spot on our list is for those who are looking for a great nightlife place or just somewhere to wind down, relax, and sip on a drink or two after a long day of exploring Minneapolis.

Dusty’s bar is an old-school neighborhood bar that promises not only great drinks but also uncommon food and amazing local music that will make your bar experience feel welcoming and comfortable.

Try Dusty’s ‘Almost Famous Reuben’ or their classic barbecue bacon cheeseburger; all burgers also come with the option to switch out the patty for a vegetarian option instead.