Top 55 Attractions and Activities in Minneapolis, MN

The city that introduced the world to renowned artists such as Prince and Bob Dylan stands as one of the Midwest’s cultural and economic strongholds, sharing the Twin Cities metropolitan area with its neighboring city, Saint Paul.

Minneapolis is fortunate to possess an abundance of public parkland, characterized by 13 lakes, the mighty Mississippi River, wetlands, and waterfalls.

A remarkable aspect is the opportunity to immerse oneself in this natural environment, traveling from lake to lake in the Chain of Lakes without straying from the lush greenery of lakeshores and creek banks.

The Saint Anthony Falls on the Mississippi River served as the catalyst for establishing the largest water-powered milling complex in the world during the 19th century. The remnants of this extensive operation are preserved close to the iconic Stone Arch Bridge.

This article will explore numerous engaging activities within the broader Twin Cities metropolitan area, considering that downtown Minneapolis and Saint Paul are conveniently situated approximately 15 minutes apart.

Recommendation: A delightful approach to commence your visit would be through the Historic Northeast Minneapolis Food Tour or the Twin Cities Highlights Tour.

1. Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia)

This is a paradise for art enthusiasts, housing an extensive collection of over 80,000 pieces spanning five millennia and various regions worldwide.

The collection includes an impressive assortment of Asian art, recognized as one of the finest in the United States, featuring bronzes, samurai armor, jade, ceramics, and elements of Chinese architecture.

The museum also showcases pre-Columbian artifacts from the Americas, naturalistic terracotta shrine heads from Nigeria, ornate European decorative arts, and classical sculptures.

The European fine art collection is astounding and includes pivotal works from renowned artists such as Lucas Cranach the Elder, El Greco, Joshua Reynolds, Gerard van Honthorst, Manet, Pissarro, Signac, van Gogh, Gauguin, Max Beckmann, Matisse, Francis Bacon, and many more notable figures.

2. Mill City Museum

As an excellent introduction to the Mississippi riverside and the industry it fostered during the 19th century, Mill City Museum is located within the remnants of the Washburn A Mill complex, which dates back to 1880 and was once regarded as the largest flour mill globally.

Here, visitors can learn about the innovative milling techniques that first made fine wheat accessible to the mass market.

The exhibition offers insights into the experience of working at the facility, complemented by interpretation boards and engaging activities for children at the Water and Baking Labs.

The Flour Tower elevator show elevates guests through eight floors, providing a historical narrative of workers’ experiences, including a dramatic recreation of a catastrophic explosion caused by airborne flour.

The observation deck on the roof offers expansive views of Minneapolis’s historic riverfront, stretching from the Stone Arch Bridge to Saint Anthony Falls.

3. Stone Arch Bridge

Constructed by railroad magnate James J. Hill in the early 1880s for his Great Northern Railway, this bridge spans the Mississippi and establishes a vital link between the railway system on the east bank and the Union Depot, which opened nearby in 1885 to increase passenger traffic on this successful venture.

It stands as the second-oldest surviving crossing on the Mississippi and is the oldest arched stone bridge in the river.

The last passenger train traversed the bridge in 1978, and it was later adapted in the 1990s into a pedestrian and cycling bridge, providing remarkable views of Saint Anthony Falls and the Minneapolis skyline.

During the summertime, the Stone Arch Bridge serves as the focal point for fireworks displays on the Fourth of July and during the Minneapolis Aquatennial celebrations at the end of July.

4. Walker Art Center

This multidisciplinary contemporary art center features ten galleries, a theater, cinema, a cafe, and restaurant on a 17-acre campus originally designed by Edward Larrabee Barnes. It was inaugurated in 1971 and underwent a $67 million renovation and expansion in the 2000s, subsequently merging with the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden in 2017.

The exhibitions are frequently thought-provoking, showcasing selections from the museum’s collection, which includes works by Edward Hopper, Chuck Close, Yves Klein, and Andy Warhol.

Visitors can experience various performances, including dance, avant-garde theater, music, and spoken word, while the cinema presents a mix of contemporary films, classics, and video art.

5. Minneapolis Sculpture Garden

The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, linked to the Walker Art Center in 2017, is now one of the largest urban sculpture gardens in the United States.

This sprawling space, with its avenues and formal hedges, is framed by the Basilica of Saint Mary and the towering skyscrapers of downtown Minneapolis.

The centerpiece is the Spoonbridge and Cherry fountain, created by Claes Oldenburg and his wife Coosje Van Bruggen, surrounded by works from notable artists like Henry Moore, Ellsworth Kelly, Alexander Calder, Roy Lichtenstein, Mark di Suvero, and many others.

With over 50 permanent and temporary installations, new pieces continuously appear, such as Katarina Fritsch’s Hahn/Cock and Theaster Gates’ Black Vessel for a Saint, both unveiled in 2017.

6. Mississippi National River and Recreation Area

As the sole national park dedicated entirely to the Mississippi, it extends through Minneapolis and Saint Paul along the riverbanks, forming a 72-mile green corridor between Dayton and Ramsey, Minnesota, as well as Hastings.

The riverbanks are dotted with museums, historical monuments, and ample dense parkland.

This national park frequently hosts engaging activities along Minneapolis’s riverfront, such as bike rides, guided walks, and film screenings, all organized by park rangers.

Visitors can enjoy hiking, fishing, cycling, canoe rentals, bird-watching, and exploring various visitor centers.

Numerous attractions from this article can be found within the National River and Recreation Area, including the Stone Arch Bridge, Saint Anthony Falls, Fort Snelling, Minnehaha Park, and the Mill City Museum.

7. Guthrie Theater

Established by celebrated director Sir Tyrone Guthrie in 1963, this distinguished producing theater moved to a striking facility designed by Jean Nouvel on the banks of the Mississippi in 2006. It boasts a resident company and produces a range of both contemporary and classic plays across three stages, significantly elevating the standards of performance and theatrical production.

The Mainstage features approximately nine productions each year, with memorable performances during the 2019-20 season including Guys and Dolls, As You Like It, Cyrano de Bergerac, Metamorphoses, and two new works: The Great Leap and Floyd’s, alongside a local tradition of A Christmas Carol.

Creative smaller productions can be enjoyed at the Dowling Studio, and visitors shouldn’t miss the opportunity to overlook the rushing Mississippi River from the Endless Bridge viewpoint.

8. Chain of Lakes Regional Park

Minneapolis’s lakes are undoubtedly a significant asset to the city.

Throughout the 19th century, the lakeshores remained free from development and designated as public property, uniting the land around Brownie Lake, Cedar Lake, Lake of Isles, Bde Maka Ska, and Lake Harriet into a single regional park.

The Chain of Lakes was poetically described in its time as resembling “a necklace of diamonds set against emerald.” As the Chain of Lakes Regional Park encompasses a substantial area, consider renting a bicycle from any Wheel Fun Bike Rentals location.

During warm summer days, feel free to enjoy a picnic and seek out sandy beaches, grilling spots, or tranquil fishing locales for bird-watching.

In the winter, the Chain of Lakes transforms with ice rinks, cross-country skiing trails, and cozy spots for enjoying hot cocoa.

9. Minnesota History Center

Located in the state capital of Saint Paul, this museum and library provides extensive insights into the heritage of Minnesota.

Opened in 1992, the Minnesota History Center is purpose-built and showcases thoughtfully curated exhibitions that shed light on the state’s history and its people.

Open House: If These Walls Could Talk recreates a 19th-century residence from Saint Paul’s East Side, allowing visitors to glimpse into the lives of its diverse inhabitants over the decades.

Minnesota’s Greatest Generation recalls the state’s residents’ contributions during WWII, and First Avenue: Stories of Minnesota’s Mainroom showcases the history of the iconic venue that launched the careers of Prince and many other artists (exhibitions available until May 2020). Children can explore the replica grain elevator in Grainland, while the interactive Then Now Wow invites them to trade at a colonial fur post, board a streetcar, mine for iron ore, and learn about the buffalo herds that once roamed the western prairies.

10. Minnehaha Regional Park

This picturesque natural area, just a short distance from downtown Minneapolis, is located where Minnehaha Creek descends into the Mississippi.

This 22-mile tributary of the Mississippi flows through the city, passing several lakes along its path.

In the limestone setting of Minnehaha Regional Park, dramatic landscapes emerge.

Approximately three-quarters of a mile from the Mississippi, the creek dramatically cascades down 16-meter-high Minnehaha Falls.

This waterfall often freezes in harsh winters, offering the unique experience of walking behind a frozen curtain of ice.

After significant rainfall, visitors can witness the falls in their full glory.

Options include renting a bike from Wheel Fun Rentals, enjoying picnics, or engaging in a game of disc golf, with a wading pool available for younger children to enjoy during the summer months.

11. Weisman Art Museum

The Weisman Art Museum, with its striking curves and angles designed by Frank Gehry, is situated at the University of Minnesota.

Established in honor of Minneapolis-born art collector Frederick R. Weisman (1912-1994), the museum hosts a robust collection of American artist works, featuring notable figures like Alfred Maurer, Charles Biederman, and Marsden Hartley, alongside Korean furniture, ceramics, and Native American Mimbres pottery.

The exhibitions rotate every few months, and in summer 2019, they featured expanding collections showcasing works from women artists (including Portia Zvavahera, Alexa Horochowski, and Iva Gueorguieva) and a display of hundreds of postcards from between the 1890s and 1930s.

12. Theodore Wirth Park

The largest city park in Minneapolis also boasts a variety of exceptional amenities that are both conventional and unique.

While standard amenities include playgrounds, lakes, walking trails, and sports facilities, Theodore Wirth Park is also home to a 15-acre wildflower garden, bird sanctuary, a quaking bog accessible via boardwalk, a disc golf course, and a beach. In winter, it features cross-country ski trails and a hill for sledding/tubing equipped with a rope tow.

The hilly terrain is ideal for mountain biking during the warmer months, and on pleasant days, visitors can challenge themselves at the 18-hole par-73 and nine-hole par-3 golf courses.

13. Science Museum of Minnesota

This cherished institution in Saint Paul focuses on natural history, physical science, mathematics, and technology.

The Dinosaurs & Fossils exhibition captivates children with mounted fossil skeletons of a triceratops, stegosaurus, and diplodocus, along with replicated skeletons.

The Human Body Gallery provides insights into human biology and anatomy, allowing for an in-depth exploration of our organs, systems, and tissues.

The Experiment Gallery features interactive displays where young scientists can manipulate waves, create tornadoes, and engage with the exhibit “Race: Why are we so different?” which examines both our similarities and differences.

The Mississippi River Gallery offers knowledge about the wildlife, geology, and anthropology of the majestic river situated just beyond the museum’s window.

The IMAX/Omnimax theater showcases high-quality projection on both flat and dome surfaces, enhancing the visitor experience.

14. Target Field

The Minnesota Twins, three-time world champions, established this acclaimed stadium in the North Loop/Warehouse District, which opened its doors in 2010. Target Field was the host venue for the All-Star Game in 2014 and has a seating capacity of 38,500 for baseball games, accommodating even more for concerts featuring artists such as Paul McCartney, Billy Joel, Def Leppard, and the Eagles. As of June 2019, the Twins were leading the American League Central Division with a strong record of 40-20.

Given the ever-changing fortunes of baseball, Target Field has also introduced a “ballpark access” program. For as little as $5, patrons can gain entry to the stadium without a reserved seat.

Visitors can also indulge in a vast selection of culinary offerings at Target Field, ranging from shawarma wraps and burgers to sophisticated grilled cheese and classic hot dogs paired with refreshing beverages.

15. Mall of America

Not merely a shopping center, the Mall of America represents the largest mall in the United States. Alongside its more than 520 stores, the mall houses attractions like the Nickelodeon Universe Theme Park, the SEA LIFE Aquarium, and the Crayola Experience among many others.

This complex ranks among the world’s most visited tourist destinations, drawing approximately 40 million visitors annually.

With a plethora of shopping options to suit various tastes and budgets, over 60 food and beverage choices complement the dining experience, ranging from full-service and fast casual eateries to the convenient options in the Food Court.

The mall also features a CMX Market cinema, which includes an innovative “popcorn lab” and an in-house pizza station, all conveniently located just 15 minutes from downtown Minneapolis and adjacent to the international airport.

A notable benefit for shoppers is that clothing and shoes are exempt from sales tax in Minnesota, providing an additional incentive to indulge.

16. Lake Harriet

Stroll or cycle along the serene banks of Lake Harriet, located just north of Minnehaha Creek, and you might forget you are within a bustling city.

Spanning 335 acres, Lake Harriet, like the other lakes in the Chain of Lakes, is enveloped in verdant parkland.

This location features two sandy beaches: North Beach and Southeast Beach. During the summer, Wheel Fun Rentals provides bicycles, paddleboards, canoes, rowboats, and kayaks to explore the area.

Additionally, Lake Harriet is recognized as a popular sailing destination in Minneapolis, offering lessons for both adults and children.

On the north shore, the Lake Harriet Bandshell, constructed in 1986 to replace an earlier bandstand from the 1920s, hosts a summer program of free concerts and movie screenings.

17. Como Park Zoo & Conservatory

First landscaped in the 1870s, the expansive 300-acre Como Park features a lake, public art, picnic areas, sports facilities, and a plethora of family-friendly attractions, including a small amusement park and mini golf.

The standout features are its impressive zoo and the exquisite conservatory (established in 1915), both of which offer free admission (with a suggested nominal donation). Visitors can encounter various animals, including gorillas, giraffes, orangutans, tigers, and lions.

The Aquatic Building houses numerous species, from archerfish and seahorses to tufted puffins and penguins, while the captivating Tropical Encounters exhibition juxtaposes rainforest plant species with a variety of reptiles and birds.

The Marjorie McNeely Conservatory, open year-round, presents a diverse range of stunning rooms and gardens, including the tropical Noah Garden, Japanese Garden, Palm Dome, Fern Room, butterfly garden, and Ordway Garden with a native grass terrace and bonsai gallery.

18. Minneapolis Skyway System

Initiated in the 1960s and 70s, downtown Minneapolis is interconnected by a network of enclosed pedestrian bridges spanning over 80 blocks.

This system was developed to alleviate congestion on sidewalks and effectively allows residents and visitors to avoid outdoor conditions during the frigid winter months.

There are 9.5 miles of pathways within the system, connecting the second and third floors of office buildings, restaurants, government facilities, banks, shops, hotels, gyms, and numerous other services downtown.

New constructions continue to incorporate enclosed bridges, and there are way-finding signs to assist navigation throughout the system, which can be confusing for newcomers.

19. Foshay Tower

This Art Deco skyscraper, located at 821 Marquette Avenue, was the tallest building in Minneapolis until the completion of the IDS Center in the early 1970s, which remains the tallest structure in the state.

Visitors will immediately notice the tower’s sloping walls and its set-back position from the street.

Since 2008, the tower has operated as a hotel, preserving its intricate Art Deco interiors, characterized by Italian marble, African mahogany, hand-forged iron, and gold-plated details.

Non-guests can access the rooftop observation deck on the 30th floor, which includes a small museum detailing the history of this enduring Minneapolis landmark.

20. American Swedish Institute

In a region where many residents cherish strong ancestral connections to Scandinavia, the American Swedish Institute serves as both a museum and cultural center that highlights the contributions of Sweden and Swedish Americans to U.S. history and culture.

The main building, located in the Phillips West neighborhood, was commissioned by affluent Swedish immigrants Swan and Christina Turnblad in the early 1900s.

Since 1929, the American Swedish Institute has operated from this site, with a new gallery space added through the adjacent Nelson Cultural Center in 2012. In 2019, exhibits included artifacts from Viking boat graves, a retrospective of Minnesota’s Vikings NFL team history, and a showcase of kinetic works by sculptor Danny Saathoff made from paper and wood.

The institute’s restaurant, Fika, specializes in contemporary Nordic cuisine and receives high recommendations.

21. Basilica of St. Mary

Upon the decision to build a new church for Minneapolis’s Roman Catholic congregation, the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis engaged Franco-American architect Emmanuel Louis Masqueray for the design.

Constructed in a lavish Beaux-Arts style using Vermont granite, the Basilica of St. Mary was built over a period of seven years, concluding in 1914. Its barrel-vaulted nave reaches 25 meters in height, surpassing St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican and illuminated by ten magnificent stained glass windows.

Perhaps the most striking feature is the dome, which rises 42 meters above the sanctuary and is topped with a lantern that fills the interior with ethereal light.

Recognized for its superb acoustics, the Basilica hosts approximately 30 concerts each year by various ensembles, including the National Lutheran Choir, Minnesota Sinfonia, and the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra.

22. Saint Anthony Main

Saint Anthony Main, likely the most picturesque avenue in Minneapolis, lies on the eastern bank of the Mississippi River, featuring cobblestone streets, rows of repurposed warehouses, and unobstructed views of downtown Minneapolis’s skyline.

Saint Anthony Main is also characterized by riverside parkland and shaded areas created by flourishing trees.

Visitors can wander down to the river at Water Power Park, catch a film at the St. Anthony Main Theater, or dine outdoors at one of the many restaurants.

One standout establishment is the Aster Café, boasting beautiful views along with a European-style terrace hosting live music events.

23. Target Center

Since 1988, Target Center has primarily served as the home to the Minnesota Timberwolves and also hosts the WNBA’s Minnesota Lynx.

During the Kevin Garnett era, the Timberwolves had their most successful years, clinching the Midwest Division title in 2004 before losing to the Lakers in the Conference Finals.

Following a 14-year postseason drought, the team finally returned to the playoffs in 2018. Should on-court performance be lacking, visitors can still enjoy an enticing and diverse selection of food and drink options, which as of 2019 includes loaded nachos, Philly steaks, and sushi, complemented by a variety of craft beers.

Target Center’s capacity expands to 20,000 for arena concerts, with notable performances by Prince, Paul McCartney, Metallica, and Elton John recorded over the past 30 years.

24. Bde Maka Ska (Lake Calhoun)

As the largest lake within the Chain of Lakes, Bde Maka Ska covers more than 400 acres and serves as a vibrant hub for outdoor recreation on land and water.

Surrounded by a biking path, visitors can rent paddleboards, rowboats, kayaks, canoes, or bicycles through Wheel Fun Rentals, ensuring a delightful summer experience.

Three sandy beaches, namely 32nd Street Beach, North Beach, and Thomas Beach (the latter offering scenic skyline views), cater to visitors. Numerous sports fields accommodate soccer, softball, and volleyball activities.

For those looking to engage with the Midwest’s 19th-century history, the opportunity to try log-rolling in summer presents a fun challenge, while fishing enthusiasts may try their luck at the fishing pier.

Renamed in 2018, Bde Maka Ska translates to “White Earth Lake” in the Dakota language; this change reflected a movement to honor the legacy of the seventh Vice President John C. Calhoun, known for his defense of slavery in the early 1800s.

25. Midtown Greenway

Minneapolis features extensive green corridors, and one of the most beloved is the Midtown Greenway, located on the former trackbed of the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul, and Pacific Railroad.

This 5.7-mile trail runs east to west, situated one block north of Lake Street.

While much of the infrastructure dates back to 1912, the greenway was initiated in the late 1990s, with the most recent phase completed in 2007. Commuters often find it quicker to cycle across town via Midtown Greenway rather than drive, as the trail is isolated from street traffic by tunnels and overpasses.

The trail connects to the Chain of Lakes, allowing cyclists to extend their ride for several additional miles without having to navigate road traffic.

26. Museum of Russian Art

In recent decades, collectors Raymond and Susan Johnson amassed the largest collection of Soviet-era Realist art outside Russia.

This extensive collection eventually found a permanent home at the transformed Mayflower Church in south Minneapolis, inaugurating the Museum of Russian Art in 2007. Using this collection, the museum hosts up to ten temporary exhibitions each year, featuring Russian painting and decorative arts from all historical periods.

In 2019, guests could explore exhibitions featuring the works of Surrealist Russian-American ceramicist Sergei Isupov, as well as a selection from the collection highlighting depictions of the human body in Soviet art, emphasizing labor and collective experiences.

The museum’s schedule is filled with events, including performances of Russian classical music by Minnesota Orchestra members, folk music and dance performances, lectures, discussions, and tastings of vodka.

27. James J. Hill House

James J. Hill (1838-1916), a railroad titan, acquired the defunct St. Paul and Pacific Railroad in the 1870s, ultimately transforming it into the prosperous Great Northern Railway, which linked Saint Paul to Seattle.

At the dawn of the 1890s, Hill spared no expense constructing his own 3,344 square meter residence, which became the largest home in Minnesota at that time, blending Richardsonian and neo-Romanesque architectural styles.

Guided tours reveal Hill’s substantial impact on the region, showcasing the mansion’s innovations in ventilation, heating, plumbing, security, and lighting.

Visitors can admire exquisite chandeliers, stained glass, detailed wood carvings, and a unique pipe organ within the house.

A dedicated art gallery, two stories high and filled with natural light, showcases French Realist and Impressionist pieces, much of which is now housed at the Minneapolis Institute of Art.

28. Minnesota State Capitol

Saint Paul, the capital of Minnesota, is home to the intricately designed Beaux-Arts building that houses the Minnesota Senate, the Minnesota House of Representatives, and the offices of the Attorney General and Governor, situated on a sprawling landscaped hilltop.

From the steps of this architectural marvel, visitors enjoy sweeping views over downtown Saint Paul to the southeast.

Constructed in 1905 and designed by Cass Gilbert, the architect behind New York’s Woolworth Building, the design draws inspiration from Vatican’s St. Peter’s Basilica.

The dome is the second-largest self-supported marble dome globally, following St. Peter’s.

Free guided tours depart at the top of each hour and last approximately 45 minutes, providing insight into the Capitol’s recently restored art and architecture, with access to the Quadriga statue atop the roof.

29. Mill Ruins Park

The connection between flour milling and Minneapolis is firmly established, and Mill Ruins Park is situated just a block from the Mill City Museum, allowing visitors to explore remnants of historical industrial structures that once designated this area as the “Flour Milling Capital of the World.”

The park showcases the ghostly echoes of several mills, preserved from demolition during a road project in the 1980s.

Visitors can traverse a network of catwalks that provide views of millraces and ruins, complete with interpretive boards that narrate the history of the flour and saw mills along the fast-flowing section of the Mississippi River.

30. U.S. Bank Stadium

Opened in 2016, the U.S. Bank Stadium serves as the new home for the Minnesota Vikings, representing an investment exceeding $1 billion.

This venue is the first NFL stadium built with a fixed roof since Detroit’s Ford Field (2002), accommodating significant events beyond NFL games, including the NCAA Final Four and the ESPN X Games.

Super Bowl LII took place here in 2018, where the Eagles triumphed over the Patriots.

In the fall and winter, fans gather to cheer on the Vikings as they vie for their 20 Division championships, four conference championships, and an elusive first Super Bowl win since 1977. Alternatively, visitors may appreciate the stadium’s cutting-edge architecture, with daily tours led by Vikings specialists, covering the press level, premium clubs, suites, the locker room, and the field itself for a glimpse of the excitement shared by 66,860 enthusiastic Vikings supporters.

31. Orpheum Theatre

When this historic theater on Hennepin Avenue opened in 1921, it was the nation’s largest vaudeville venue, with famed acts including the Marx Brothers gracing its stage.

Today, the opulent venue, with a seating capacity of 2,579 and easily identifiable by its luminous sign, holds a unique history, as Bob Dylan was an owner from 1979 to 1988 before selling it to the city, which transformed it into Minneapolis’s central entertainment hub.

Since 1993, the Orpheum has welcomed performances from renowned artists including Prince, Neil Young, The Cure, Tori Amos, R.E.M., John Denver, and Pink, along with touring Broadway musicals like Mean Girls and Rent.

Throughout the theater, visitors will find rich decor, notably in the lobby featuring terracotta bas-relief sculptures, and within the auditorium that showcases stucco garlands and medallions.

32. North Loop/Warehouse District

The North Loop, or Warehouse District, encompasses the area north and west of 1st Avenue North in the outskirts of downtown Minneapolis.

Characterized by evocative brick warehouses constructed at the turn of the 20th century, these structures have been repurposed into vibrant shops, entertainment venues, and dining establishments.

Home to Target Field and the Target Center, this vibrant area also offers numerous live comedy shows and entertainment at Acme Comedy Company and the Lab Theater, along with live music opportunities at the Fine Line Music Cafe and Gay 90s, showcasing Minneapolis’s burgeoning craft beer scene through breweries like Inbound Brew Co and Fulton Brewing.

Shoppers will find a mix of cutting-edge design shops and boutiques, while diners can explore a diverse assortment of cuisines from Japanese (Kada No Mise) and seafood (Smack Shack) to contemporary American (Borough) and pub grub (Lyon’s, O’Donovan’s, Gluek’s, and Kieran’s).

33. Nickelodeon Universe

The Mall of America is expansive enough to accommodate a complete amusement park, and Nickelodeon Universe is recognized as the largest indoor theme park in the United States.

Originally an attraction downplaying Peanuts characters, the park underwent a rebranding and refurbishment opening in 2008, benefitting from significant financial investment over the past decade.

Younger guests can meet their favorite Nickelodeon characters like Dora, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and Spongebob while enjoying 27 rides and attractions, including swing rides, a hayride, log flume, Ferris wheel, and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Shell Shock ride.

For older children, three spectacular indoor roller coasters, namely Pepsi Orange Streak, SpongeBob SquarePants Rock Bottom Plunge, and Fairly Odd Coaster, are the main highlights.

Meanwhile, younger children will relish lighter rides such as Paw Patrol: Adventure Bay, Reptarmobiles, and Bubble Guppies Guppy Bubbler.

34. SEA LIFE Centre Minnesota

This installation, part of a global aquarium network, is located within the Mall of America and contains over 4.5 million liters of tanks housing more than 10,000 marine creatures.

The main attraction features a 91-meter tunnel running through four different tanks, where visitors can observe stingrays, seven species of sharks, freshwater species from the Amazon, and quintessential Minnesotan fish swimming around and above.

Touch experiences, including Stingray Adventure in a shallow pool, complement the immersive Jellyfish Discovery exhibit, which combines vibrant displays and interesting facts about these unique creatures.

At Seahorse Kingdom, visitors encounter six species of seahorse and learn about shark conservation through multimedia stations at Shark Discovery.

The Rainforest area provides a transformative environment, teeming with crocodiles, piranhas, and Madagascar hissing cockroaches.

35. All Inclusive Three-Hour Brewery Tour

Minneapolis boasts a craft beer scene rivaling that of any city in America, offering a diverse range of breweries and trendy taprooms. Thus, enlisting an expert to guide you through this vibrant experience can be immensely rewarding.

This service includes transportation from the Radisson Blu in Downtown Minneapolis, with Bitter Minnesota providing a comfortable, enjoyable, and flavorful three-hour exploration in an air-conditioned minibus, stopping at three of the finest breweries.

During this all-you-can-drink excursion, a visit to Bent Brewstillery, Fair State Cooperative, Bauhaus Brew Labs, La Dona Cerveceria, and Modest Brewing allows guests to sample some of the best beers available.

36. Grand Rounds Scenic Byway

Developed over decades, the Grand Rounds Scenic Byway is one of the longest continuous urban parkway systems in the United States, stretching approximately 50 miles.

This road system accommodates vehicles alongside pathways designed for pedestrians and cyclists.

The byway weaves through the Downtown Riverfront along the banks of the Mississippi, passing through parks such as Minnehaha, the Chain of Lakes, Theodore Wirth, Victory Memorial, and Columbia Park in the northeast.

Along this picturesque route, visitors encounter various natural features, including creeks, lakes, woodlands, wetlands, along with man-made attractions such as lagoons, canals, gardens, parklands, greenways, playgrounds, bridges, and picnic spots.

37. Minnehaha Mile

In a short time, a stretch of Minnehaha Avenue and its adjacent streets has evolved into a vibrant district renowned for shopping and dining with distinctive charm.

Minnehaha Mile is the ideal destination for those seeking reused items, including antiques, vintage decor, clothing, second-hand books, vinyl records, upcycled goods, and a wide variety of intriguing curiosities.

Within this district are yoga studios and alternative health centers alongside diverse dining options, with offerings ranging from soft-shell crab sandwiches and gourmet grilled cheese to fair-trade coffee, quesadillas, Southeast Asian cuisine, pizza, and craft cocktails.

Due to the varying opening hours of many stores, it is advisable to check the Minnehaha Mile Facebook page prior to visiting.

38. Somali Cuisine

In Minneapolis, visitors can embark on a culinary journey off the beaten path, sampling flavors that may be entirely new.

The roots of the Somali community in Minneapolis trace back to the early 1990s when the Somali Civil War erupted.

With approximately 75,000 residents of Somali heritage now residing in the Twin Cities, there are countless opportunities to engage with the diverse and vibrant East African culinary scene.

Main courses are frequently accompanied by spaghetti or rice, often served alongside a banana that can be integrated into the dish.

Slow-roasted goat is a favored protein option, complemented