| Things to do in Minneapolis |
Fine Arts and Museums
University of Minnesota / Weisman Art Museum
Visit the Weisman Art Museum at the University of Minnesota to see contemporary art and the work of 20th century American artists such as George O’Keeffe and Marsden Hartley. Admission is free.
Guthrie Theater
Nestled in the historic Mills District on the banks of the Mississippi in downtown Minneapolis, Guthrie Theater is a sleek, dark-blue steel building – a work of architectural wonder described variously as “brazen” and “amazing” - designed by architect Jean Nouvel.
Minneapolis Institute of Arts (MIA)
Minneapolis Institute of Arts houses more than 80,000 objects from diverse cultural traditions spanning 5,000 years of world history. Admission is free except for special exhibits. MIA is situated one mile south of downtown Minneapolis at the intersection of 3rd Avenue South and East 24th Street.
Mill City Museum
View artifacts and learn the history of milling in the state. Located in the downtown historic riverfront district. A national historic landmark, roof top observation deck gives a panoramic view of the Mississippi river and the St. Anthony Falls.
Farmers Market
Seasonal, located on Nicollet Mall, purchase locally grown produce , flowers and much more.
The Walker Art Center
One of the nation’s most renowned contemporary art museum. Newly renovated, doubled in size, easy walk. Home to Wolfgang Puck Restaurants. Closed on Mondays.
Minneapolis Sculpture Garden
View the famous Spoonbridge and Cherry in the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, located at the Walker Art Center. Open 7 days, free admission.
Minnesota Museum of American Art
Features works that express the unfolding of the American multi cultural experience. Admission fees vary.
The Ordway Center
Minnesota's premier Performing Arts Center, The Ordway Center offers a wide range of world class productions, classes and programs annually.
The Minnesota Opera
Immerse yourself in culture and the arts with a classic evening at The Minnesota Opera.
The Schubert Club
Thrill to live, first-class musical performances across a variety of genres at The Schubert Club, situated within The Ordway Center.
Historic Attractions
St. Anthony Main
Overlooking the Mississippi River in the downtown riverfront district, St. Anthony Main boasts the oldest brick and stone buildings in Minneapolis. It was originally the center of the Village of St. Anthony. Along with your “trip back in time” walking the cobblestone streets, enjoy several restaurants, a coffee shop and a 5-screen movie theater or one of the dozens of festivals and events held throughout the year.
Historic Fort Snelling
Now surrounded by freeways and a metropolis, Fort Snelling was a lonely 1820s American outpost on the wild frontier. Explore American Northwest history at Fort Snelling, situated at Highways 5 & 55 near the Twin Cities International Airport. It’s a 20 minute ride via the light rail.
Cathedral of St. Paul
One of the most distinctive cathedrals in the U.S., The Cathedral of St. Paul sits atop Summit Hill overlooking downtown St. Paul. Tours are offered.
Basilica of St. Mary
This Church is the oldest basilica in north America, listed on the national register of historic places. Public tours, easy walk from hotel.
Minnesota State Capital
The capital of MN, St. Paul is the second most populous city in the United States. A wealth of sightseeing and entertainment opportunities can be found in St. Paul, from government buildings to historic districts, financial centers, shopping, dining and nightlife. Along with Minneapolis, St. Paul forms the core of the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area.
Sightseeing, Shopping & Markets
Nicollet Mall
A portion of Nicollet Avenue in downtown Minneapolis, Nicollet Mall is a pedestrian-only thoroughfare thriving with culture, arts, shops and sidewalk dining. Visit a farmers market that stretches for several blocks. Don’t miss the statue of American actress, Mary Tyler Moore that is located at the corner of 7th Street and Nicollet Mall. The famous opening scene of her long-running television show was filmed here. Street entertainers and vendors create a festive atmosphere all through the year. Discover upscale retailers, unique boutiques, hip shops and popular restaurants. Stretching for 11 blocks between Washington Avenue and South 13th Street, Nicollet Mall is the place to “see and be seen” in Minneapolis - just steps away from Hyatt Regency Minneapolis.
Nicollet Mall and Hennepin Avenue represent the cultural and commercial heart of Minneapolis. Wide sidewalks are pedestrian friendly, while only buses, taxis and bicycles are allowed on the streets. Sidewalk dining venues offer opportunity to sample eclectic and ethnic cuisine. Shops such as Macy’s and Neiman Marcus, the IDS Center and a variety of office buildings are located within the Mall. The Mall is named for Joseph Nicollet, an early explorer who led three expeditions in this Northwest Territory. True to the explorer’s spirit; every visit yields new discoveries at Nicollet Mall.
Midtown Global Market
Midtown Global Market is an internationally themed public farmers market housed in a renovated historic building. More than 50 independent vendors sell fresh and prepared foods. Shopping, dining and a variety of special events are available at the market, which is open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., daily.
www.midtownglobalmarket.org
Sports
The Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome
Located in downtown Minneapolis, the Metrodome is home of the MN Twins, MN Vikings and the University of MN football team. The Metrodome has hosted Major League Baseball's 1985 All Star Game, two World Series, two NCAA Final Fours and a Super Bowl. In addition, state-sponsored events are often hosted at the Metrodome.
Mariucci Hockey Arena
The Mariucci Ice Hockey Arena is located on the campus of the University of Minnesota. This breathtaking arena has hosted an NCAA Regional three times in the last seven years and it has a seating capacity of 10,000.
Target Center
Hosting everything from sporting events and circuses to top musical concerts, Target Center offers a wide variety of first class entertainment year-round, in addition to its role as home to the Minnesota Timberwolves. This is the place to catch the Minnesota Timberwolves in action on their home turf! Situated on 1½ square blocks encompassing 831,533 square feet, Target Center has ten floors, with escalators for your convenience. The most popular bands in the US have played here.
600 First Avenue North, Minneapolis
612.673.1600
X-cel Center
Home to the Wild hockey and popular concerts. Buy tickets at Ticket Master.
199 W.Kellog Blvd.
St. Paul, Minnesota
The Great Outdoors
The Mississippi River / Historic Minneapolis Riverfront District
Mark Twain made it famous in The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, but the Mississippi River has been a major attraction since humans first discovered it.
Mississippi Riverboat Cruises
Cruise the mighty Mississippi in a paddle wheeler, such as the Minneapolis Queen or Paradise Lady. Departing from Boom Island Park in the historic Riverfront District, Minneapolis Queen offers both public and private cruises.
St. Anthony Falls
”The birthplace of Minneapolis,” St. Anthony Falls marks the point where The Missouri River meets The Mississippi. Located in downtown Minneapolis, you can view St. Anthony Falls from many vantage points, including Water Power Park, Guthrie Theater and Stone Arch Bridge.
Stone Arch Bridge / Twin City Trolley Tours
Located in the downtown riverfront district, the Stone Arch Bridge is unique as the only stone arch bridge across the Mississippi River and the oldest mainline railroad bridge in the Northwest. It is a key link between St. Anthony Falls Heritage Trail and historic buildings on both sides of the river.
Minnehaha Falls
This 193-acre park showcases a 53-foot waterfall, limestone bluffs and the Mississippi River. Reach the park at the intersection of Hiawatha Avenue and Minnehaha Parkway in Minneapolis. Light rail available. The Falls and their environs are listed on the National Register of historic places.
Como Park Zoo & Marjorie McNeely Conservatory
Discover nature’s bounty and beauty in the wild kingdom at Como Park Zoo & Conservatory. Admission is free, but donations are appreciated. Open daily, including holidays.
Minnesota Zoo and Imax Theatre
Boasting 2,300 animals on 500 acres, Minnesota Zoo is located in Apple Valley, near Minneapolis and St. Paul.
Boom Island Park
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