Sightseeing
Stone Arch Bridge
100 Portland AveThis is a iconic bridge in a beautiful area on the river.
A long time landmark in Minneapolis landmark has been restored in the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden. Read about it below under Arts & Culture.
28 locals recommend
Spoonbridge and Cherry
14357 Loring GreenwayA long time landmark in Minneapolis landmark has been restored in the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden. Read about it below under Arts & Culture.
Food Scene
The Shops at West End
1621 West End BlvdThis is a popular area with many restaurants for everyone.
Caribou is a Minnesota original. This location is about a mile away and offers wifi and pastries as well. Not close to the house? There are plenty of locations all over the city where you can get your favorite. Some locations also have a bagel shop, Einstein Bagels. I love the egg sandwiches at these versions of Caribou.
21 locals recommend
Caribou Coffee
5551 W Lake StCaribou is a Minnesota original. This location is about a mile away and offers wifi and pastries as well. Not close to the house? There are plenty of locations all over the city where you can get your favorite. Some locations also have a bagel shop, Einstein Bagels. I love the egg sandwiches at these versions of Caribou.
Entertainment & Activities
Minnesota's State fair runs this year August 23rd to Labor Day September 3rd! Experience one of the countries largest state fairs. You will want to allow at least one to two days to see it.
Food!
Enjoy "food on a stick" since (most) everything is deep fried and portable. I can recommend some non deep fried alternatives as well.
The grandstand attracts many big name bands. There are several free stages as well.
Shopping!! Shopping and more shopping!!. Everything you didn't know you needed and many others you actually do are for sale here. Vendors come from far and wide to sell their wares here. Some things you can only get during the fair.
The fair is Kristen's Family tradition.
69 locals recommend
Minnesota State Fair
1265 Snelling Ave NMinnesota's State fair runs this year August 23rd to Labor Day September 3rd! Experience one of the countries largest state fairs. You will want to allow at least one to two days to see it.
Food!
Enjoy "food on a stick" since (most) everything is deep fried and portable. I can recommend some non deep fried alternatives as well.
The grandstand attracts many big name bands. There are several free stages as well.
Shopping!! Shopping and more shopping!!. Everything you didn't know you needed and many others you actually do are for sale here. Vendors come from far and wide to sell their wares here. Some things you can only get during the fair.
The fair is Kristen's Family tradition.
It is listed as Spectacular and intimate ... breathtaking views ... dazzling amenities ... and a staggering array of special features! Those are just a few things you can find in your experience at Target Field, the new world class home of Twins Territory. We are within 5 miles of the Twins Stadium. Catch a baseball game or concert here or attend your next event.
236 locals recommend
Target Field
1 Twins Way It is listed as Spectacular and intimate ... breathtaking views ... dazzling amenities ... and a staggering array of special features! Those are just a few things you can find in your experience at Target Field, the new world class home of Twins Territory. We are within 5 miles of the Twins Stadium. Catch a baseball game or concert here or attend your next event.
Essentials
There are no free bags here. Bring a bag or use a box or you can buy one from there. Have a quarter with you. Carts have a deposit of .25 This saves staff when you return the cart yourself. Not everything can be found here, but what they have is good and reasonably priced. Expect store brands.
64 locals recommend
ALDI
1311 E Franklin AveThere are no free bags here. Bring a bag or use a box or you can buy one from there. Have a quarter with you. Carts have a deposit of .25 This saves staff when you return the cart yourself. Not everything can be found here, but what they have is good and reasonably priced. Expect store brands.
This is a farmers market type grocery. Go here for the produce and organics. They alway have something good on sale.
11 locals recommend
Fresh Thyme Farmers Market
2100 W 80th 1/2 StThis is a farmers market type grocery. Go here for the produce and organics. They alway have something good on sale.
Good selection of goods and organics. Mostly sells their own Trader Joe's brands.
82 locals recommend
Trader Joe's
4270 W 78th StGood selection of goods and organics. Mostly sells their own Trader Joe's brands.
Shopping
This is the nearby Cub Foods. Go here for name brands and anything you didn't find at Aldi.
5370 W 16th St
This is the nearby Cub Foods. Go here for name brands and anything you didn't find at Aldi.
Wholesale discount store, also has gas and alcohol. Membership is required but they also sell some items that are not in mass quantity. Good quality items and also has organics. We shop here a lot. The meat is fantastic, good if you plan to stay with us for a while. Only accepts Visa cards or debit/cash/check.
23 locals recommend
Costco Wholesale
5801 W 16th StWholesale discount store, also has gas and alcohol. Membership is required but they also sell some items that are not in mass quantity. Good quality items and also has organics. We shop here a lot. The meat is fantastic, good if you plan to stay with us for a while. Only accepts Visa cards or debit/cash/check.
Parks & Nature
Westwood Hills Nature Center is a 160-acre natural area featuring marsh, woods and restored prairie. The preserve is beautiful throughout the seasons and provides homes for many animals, including deer, turtles, fox, mink and owls.
Admission and parking are free
10 locals recommend
Westwood Hills Nature Reserve
8300 W Franklin AveWestwood Hills Nature Center is a 160-acre natural area featuring marsh, woods and restored prairie. The preserve is beautiful throughout the seasons and provides homes for many animals, including deer, turtles, fox, mink and owls.
Admission and parking are free
This park takes its name after the beautiful stream and its spectacular falls that plunges 53 feet into a gorge before running out to the Mississippi River. Trails lead in all directions and bike rental is available.
613 locals recommend
Minnehaha Falls
4801 S Minnehaha Dr
This park takes its name after the beautiful stream and its spectacular falls that plunges 53 feet into a gorge before running out to the Mississippi River. Trails lead in all directions and bike rental is available.
A popular park, swimming beach, bandshell and restaurant
Features:
Bandstand
Beach
Biking Path
Boat Dock
Decorative Fountain
Drinking Fountain
Fishing Pier
Garden
Pay Parking Lot
Picnic Area
Playground/Tot Lot
Restroom Facility
Walking Path
Water Pump
Well
Good to Know
Restaurant: Bread & Pickle at the Pavilion
Beaches:
North Beach
Southeast Beach
Canoe, kayak, bike, boat, and paddle board rentals offered through Wheel Fun Rentals
Free summer concerts and movies at the Band Shell.
Boat Launch Information
A pay parking lot is available.
86 locals recommend
Lake Harriet Bandshell Park
4135 Lake Harriet PkwyA popular park, swimming beach, bandshell and restaurant
Features:
Bandstand
Beach
Biking Path
Boat Dock
Decorative Fountain
Drinking Fountain
Fishing Pier
Garden
Pay Parking Lot
Picnic Area
Playground/Tot Lot
Restroom Facility
Walking Path
Water Pump
Well
Good to Know
Restaurant: Bread & Pickle at the Pavilion
Beaches:
North Beach
Southeast Beach
Canoe, kayak, bike, boat, and paddle board rentals offered through Wheel Fun Rentals
Free summer concerts and movies at the Band Shell.
Boat Launch Information
A pay parking lot is available.
Arts & Culture
This is one of the leading theatres in town. Always a good show here.
376 locals recommend
Guthrie Theater
818 S 2nd StThis is one of the leading theatres in town. Always a good show here.
One of the twin cities leading museums, they offer free admission on the regular collection. Traveling exhibits are also common and may change a fee. Look for the free docent guided tours to get inspired and learn the history behind the art.
524 locals recommend
Minneapolis Institute of Art
2400 3rd Ave SOne of the twin cities leading museums, they offer free admission on the regular collection. Traveling exhibits are also common and may change a fee. Look for the free docent guided tours to get inspired and learn the history behind the art.
ABOUT THE BAKKEN MUSEUM
The Bakken Museum inspires a passion for innovation by exploring the potential for science, technology, and the humanities to make the world a better place.
Since 1975, The Bakken Museum has been committed to nurturing a passion for science in visitors from around the world. Founded by Earl Bakken, a Minneapolis native and co-founder of Medtronic, The Bakken Museum offers something for everyone.
Located in the historic West Winds mansion on Bde Maka Ska (formerly Lake Calhoun) and home to the Florence Bakken Medicinal Gardens, The Bakken Museum boasts one of the most beautiful settings you will find in the Twin Cities. In addition, the museum maintains a world cla
29 locals recommend
The Bakken Museum
3537 Zenith Ave SABOUT THE BAKKEN MUSEUM
The Bakken Museum inspires a passion for innovation by exploring the potential for science, technology, and the humanities to make the world a better place.
Since 1975, The Bakken Museum has been committed to nurturing a passion for science in visitors from around the world. Founded by Earl Bakken, a Minneapolis native and co-founder of Medtronic, The Bakken Museum offers something for everyone.
Located in the historic West Winds mansion on Bde Maka Ska (formerly Lake Calhoun) and home to the Florence Bakken Medicinal Gardens, The Bakken Museum boasts one of the most beautiful settings you will find in the Twin Cities. In addition, the museum maintains a world cla
The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden has reopened, better than ever! This crown jewel of the city’s park system unites two of Minnesota’s most cherished resources—its parks and its cultural life. Since opening in 1988, the Garden has welcomed millions of visitors, showcasing more than 40 works from the Walker Art Center’s collections, including the iconic Spoonbridge and Cherry. A partnership between the Walker and the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board, the Garden is must-see destination for visitors of all ages. Open 365 days a year, from 6 am to 12 midnight.
251 locals recommend
Minneapolis Sculpture Garden
725 Vineland PlThe Minneapolis Sculpture Garden has reopened, better than ever! This crown jewel of the city’s park system unites two of Minnesota’s most cherished resources—its parks and its cultural life. Since opening in 1988, the Garden has welcomed millions of visitors, showcasing more than 40 works from the Walker Art Center’s collections, including the iconic Spoonbridge and Cherry. A partnership between the Walker and the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board, the Garden is must-see destination for visitors of all ages. Open 365 days a year, from 6 am to 12 midnight.
Internationally recognized as a leading arts venue, the Walker Art Center presents contemporary visual arts and design exhibitions; dance, theater, and music performances; and film screenings.
Hours (Current August 2018)
MondayClosed
Tuesday, Wednesday, Sunday11 am–5 pm
Thursday11 am–9 pm
Friday, Saturday11 am–6 pm
Minneapolis Sculpture Garden
Daily6 am–12 midnight
Closed Major Holidays: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, President’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day
Questions? 612.375.7600
Gallery Admission
MembersFree
Adults$15
Seniors (62+)$13
Active Military$7.50
Students$10
Ages 0–18Free
Parking Available
606 locals recommend
Walker Art Center
725 Vineland PlInternationally recognized as a leading arts venue, the Walker Art Center presents contemporary visual arts and design exhibitions; dance, theater, and music performances; and film screenings.
Hours (Current August 2018)
MondayClosed
Tuesday, Wednesday, Sunday11 am–5 pm
Thursday11 am–9 pm
Friday, Saturday11 am–6 pm
Minneapolis Sculpture Garden
Daily6 am–12 midnight
Closed Major Holidays: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, President’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day
Questions? 612.375.7600
Gallery Admission
MembersFree
Adults$15
Seniors (62+)$13
Active Military$7.50
Students$10
Ages 0–18Free
Parking Available
Enjoy an intimate venue in this 200 seat theater that is now the home of Moore Magic. A high-energy theatrical production for all ages featuring magic, comedy and audience participation enhanced by carefully-selected music, props, and sets. This husband-and-wife duo will make sure you have a great time as you gasp, laugh, and help make unimaginable illusions possible. They have shared their magic, escapes, and humor with thousands of people throughout the Midwest, in Las Vegas, Europe, Latin America, and on television.
Plymouth Playhouse
2705 Annapolis Ln NEnjoy an intimate venue in this 200 seat theater that is now the home of Moore Magic. A high-energy theatrical production for all ages featuring magic, comedy and audience participation enhanced by carefully-selected music, props, and sets. This husband-and-wife duo will make sure you have a great time as you gasp, laugh, and help make unimaginable illusions possible. They have shared their magic, escapes, and humor with thousands of people throughout the Midwest, in Las Vegas, Europe, Latin America, and on television.
Enjoy a broadway show in this historic theatre that opened in 1921.
81 locals recommend
Orpheum Theatre
910 Hennepin AveEnjoy a broadway show in this historic theatre that opened in 1921.
The American Swedish Institute (ASI) is a museum and cultural center in Minneapolis. The organization is dedicated to the preservation and study of the historic role Sweden and Swedish Americans have played in US culture and history. The museum complex includes the Swan Turnblad Mansion, completed in 1910, and the adjoining Nelson Cultural Center, completed in 2012.
Today, ASI serves as a gathering place for all people to share experiences around themes of culture, migration, the environment and the arts, informed by enduring links to Sweden. The museum offers exhibitions from Sweden and the Nordic region.
104 locals recommend
American Swedish Institute
2600 Park AveThe American Swedish Institute (ASI) is a museum and cultural center in Minneapolis. The organization is dedicated to the preservation and study of the historic role Sweden and Swedish Americans have played in US culture and history. The museum complex includes the Swan Turnblad Mansion, completed in 1910, and the adjoining Nelson Cultural Center, completed in 2012.
Today, ASI serves as a gathering place for all people to share experiences around themes of culture, migration, the environment and the arts, informed by enduring links to Sweden. The museum offers exhibitions from Sweden and the Nordic region.