Summary of Activities in Downtown Minneapolis
Downtown Minneapolis is an area characterized by its architecturally distinguished towers and its proximity to the renowned Mississippi River. Comprising six unique neighborhoods that collectively attract approximately thirty million visitors annually, Downtown Minneapolis offers a plethora of activities and entertainment.
Experience the Mississippi River from a paddle wheeler, explore historic 19th-century buildings, or stroll through a crystal courtyard. Engage in the vibrant nightlife with a vast selection of nightclubs, or indulge in a cocktail at a speakeasy-style bar while enjoying starry views of the Downtown skyline.
Regardless of your interests, day or night, you will discover numerous activities among these fifteen premier attractions in Downtown Minneapolis.
1. Minneapolis Queen River Cruise
It would be remiss to be near the Mississippi River without embarking on a paddle wheeler. Board the Minneapolis Queen River Cruise just outside of Downtown at its docking location in Bohemian Flats Park for a timeless steamboat-style outing.
The one-and-a-half-hour cruise showcases the St. Anthony Falls and the Stone Arch Bridge while gliding by the breathtaking Downtown Minneapolis skyline.
For a different experience beyond a traditional sightseeing cruise, consider the Happy Hour and Pizza Cruise, the Margarita Monday or Taco Tuesday Cruise, the Friday Night Dinner Cruise, or the Sunday Brunch Cruise. All are exceptional ways to explore Downtown Minneapolis while enjoying culinary delights and entertainment.
2. City Hall
Enhance your Instagram feed with a photo taken outside the City Hall building on South 5th Street in Downtown Minneapolis.
This Gothic-style governmental structure, constructed in the early 20th century, resembles Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament in London. City Hall features a multi-turreted copper roof and a clock tower that exceeds three hundred feet in height, with clock faces larger than their British counterpart by eighteen inches.
Be present outside the building at midday to witness the clock tower’s fifteen bells chime—a nostalgic sound amid the modernity of Downtown Minneapolis.
3. The Prohibition Bar
Join the stylish crowd in the 1920s ambiance of the Prohibition Bar situated on the twenty-seventh floor of the W Hotel at Foshay Tower along Marquette Avenue in Downtown Minneapolis.
Elegant lighting and luxurious leather seating evoke the charm of a bygone era, augmented by a few chandeliers, creating the perfect environment for unwinding with a drink while observing the Downtown Minneapolis skyline come to life.
The Prohibition Bar also presents a selection of small plates, including deviled eggs, beer-battered cheese curds, and chicken wings.
4. Mill City Museum
Historically, flour milling was a significant industry in Minneapolis, and the Mill City Museum on South 2nd Street in Downtown pays homage to various aspects of this trade.
Within the museum, which could easily serve as a film set, visitors can ascend the flour tower and disembark at various levels to explore replicas of operating mills.
Moreover, there are numerous permanent exhibitions showcasing millstones, a 19th-century boxcar utilized for transporting flour, and an extensive array of equipment.
5. Nice Ride Minneapolis
Acquire a Nice Ride Minneapolis bicycle from any of the numerous bike stations located throughout Downtown Minneapolis to discover the area on two wheels.
Opt for a day pass offering unlimited thirty-minute rides within a twenty-four-hour period, or choose to become a Nice Ride member for unlimited sixty-minute rides over a duration of thirty days.
Be sure to review all safety tips and traffic regulations prior to your cycling adventure.
6. Acme Comedy Club
Enhance your stay in Downtown Minneapolis with an evening filled with laughter at the Acme Comedy Club on North 1st Street.
Regarded as one of the finest comedy venues in the United States, Acme Comedy Club hosts performances by leading local and national comedians six nights a week, alongside open mic nights for aspiring talents.
The venue features an in-house restaurant, Sticks, offering dinner-show packages.
7. Mary Tyler Moore Statue
A celebrated moment from 1970s television is commemorated at the corner of Nicolette Avenue and 7th Street in Downtown Minneapolis with the Mary Tyler Moore Statue.
Filmed in Minneapolis, the Mary Tyler Moore Show was notable for its portrayal of an independent female protagonist, airing for seven years and comprising over one hundred sixty episodes.
The statue represents the show’s iconic opening scene in which the actress tosses her hat into the air. Visitors have adopted the tradition of posing with a hat while replicating Mary’s gesture.
8. Wells Fargo Museum
Delve into the history of the Wells Fargo banking institution at the Wells Fargo Museum located on South 70th Street in Downtown Minneapolis.
The museum, which sits adjacent to a functional bank branch on the second floor, is accessible via a skywalk.
Its exhibits illustrate how money and gold bullion were transported nationally via stagecoach, depict the workings of telegraph offices, and feature an interactive display demonstrating horse team handling.
9. Orpheum Theater
Enjoy a premier performance at the Orpheum Theater located on Hennepin Avenue in Downtown Minneapolis. This historic, fully renovated venue has hosted exceptional productions since the vaudeville era of the 1920s.
With a seating capacity exceeding two thousand five hundred, the lavish Orpheum has featured renowned acts such as the Marx Brothers and Tommy Dorsey. Currently, the theater stages top Broadway productions like Miss Saigon and The Lion King, as well as concerts by internationally acclaimed artists.
The Orpheum is just one of four operating theaters within Downtown’s theater district; if the performance during your visit is not appealing, consider the other three venues: Hennepin 900, the State Theater, and the Pantages Theater.
10. Nicollet
The Nicollet, or Nicollet Mall, serves as a mile-long pedestrian-oriented entertainment and retail center in Downtown Minneapolis.
Enjoy a stroll along the mall during the day to partake in its cosmopolitan-style restaurants and cafes, or visit at night to appreciate the illuminations of the two-block-long Light Walk. Also, remember to look down occasionally to admire the fifty manhole covers that have been transformed into urban art installations.
After exploring Nicollet at ground level, ascend to the Nicollet Skyway, located two stories above. Access the skyway from the Crystal Court in the IDS Center, where you will find numerous restaurants, pubs, and shops, allowing for a full day and night without needing to exit outside.
11. Dakota
A variety of pubs can be found in the Nicollet Mall in Downtown Minneapolis, encompassing Irish, British, and Latin American establishments. However, be sure to visit the Dakota for a meal followed by a live performance.
This warehouse-style venue offers an impressive menu with creative twists on traditional dishes such as sausage and shrimp gumbo, lobster risotto, and roasted lamb.
Live music performances occur nightly, covering diverse musical genres. Due to high demand, it is advisable to make reservations in advance, as both floor tables and balcony seating can often sell out.
12. Museum Louvre It Or Leave It
The Museum Louvre It Or Leave It stands as a contemporary art museum located on 2nd Avenue in Downtown Minneapolis.
Founded through the donation of a private collection, the museum occupies two floors of the Northstar Center Building and is comprised of multiple gallery spaces.
The exhibitions range from whimsical and engaging sculptures to more serious themed paintings, including an original Picasso and photographs addressing human rights issues.
13. Mill City Farmers Market
The Mill City Farmers Market on South 2nd Street in Downtown Minneapolis emphasizes fresh produce, yet offers far more than just vegetables.
Start your day at the market with a communal yoga session, enjoy live music from local performers, participate in cooking demonstrations, or observe artisans at work.
The farmers market features over forty stalls offering handicrafts such as hand-woven textiles, pottery, handmade greeting cards, and various food products.
14. Minneapolis History Tour
Enhance your sightseeing experience in Downtown Minneapolis by exploring the area via a Segway. After a brief orientation on how to operate the device, wear a helmet and glide around to discover Downtown’s most popular attractions.
The Human On A Stick Minneapolis History Tour spans six miles, allowing you to engage with captivating facts about Downtown Minneapolis’s history and the Mississippi River provided by an informative guide.
Commencing just outside of Downtown on Southeast Main Street, the tours include snacks and beverages, along with entry to the Mill City Museum.
15. The Bachelor Farmer
To experience the Nordic influences permeating Downtown Minneapolis’s history, visit The Bachelor Farmer on North 2nd Avenue.
The restaurant, situated in a refurbished 19th-century warehouse, incorporates predominantly organically cultivated ingredients in its evolving menu. Expect hearty dishes, creatively presented with distinct Nordic influences. Sample the pork balls served on mashed potatoes with pickled vegetables or indulge in the delicious gravlax, concluding with a generous serving of upside-down apple pudding.
The Bachelor Farmer embodies the eclectic essence of Downtown Minneapolis, merging history with modernity, making it a compelling destination.
