Minneapolis, Minnesota: 10 Must-Do Activities and Local Attractions

on

10 Fun & Easy Things To Do Near Minneapolis, Minnesota (Hennepin County)

Planning a trip to Minneapolis, Minnesota and wondering what to do once you get there? Or maybe you’re local and looking for fresh ideas for a weekend in the city. Either way, this guide walks you through 10 fun things to do in and around Minneapolis that are simple, low-stress, and perfect for couples, families, or solo travelers. From lakes and bike trails to art museums and legendary malls, Minneapolis has a little bit of everything. Let’s dive in.

1. Stroll (or Bike) Around the Chain of Lakes

If you only have time for one thing in Minneapolis, make it the Chain of Lakes in southwest Minneapolis. It’s one of the best ways to see how outdoorsy this city really is. The main lakes include:
  • Lake Bde Maka Ska (formerly Lake Calhoun)
  • Lake Harriet
  • Lake of the Isles
Each lake has its own personality. Lake Harriet feels calm and family‑friendly, while Bde Maka Ska is usually more lively with volleyball games, runners, and paddleboarders. What you can do:
  • Walk or run the paved paths (most are around 2–3 miles each)
  • Rent a kayak, canoe, or paddleboard in summer
  • Pack a picnic and sit by the water
  • Watch the sunset — the reflections on the lake are beautiful
Personal tip: I like to grab a coffee from a nearby shop and walk around Lake Harriet in the morning. It’s quiet, peaceful, and you’ll see plenty of locals walking dogs and pushing strollers. If you’re trying to “live like a local” in Minneapolis, this is the place.

2. Explore the Stone Arch Bridge & St. Anthony Falls

Right in downtown, the Stone Arch Bridge might be the most iconic sight in Minneapolis. It’s a former railroad bridge that now serves as a pedestrian and bike bridge crossing the Mississippi River. Why it’s worth a visit:
  • Get sweeping views of the Minneapolis skyline
  • See St. Anthony Falls, the only major natural waterfall on the Mississippi
  • Walk between the charming St. Anthony Main area and downtown
On one side, you’ve got cobblestone-style streets, restaurants, a theater, and patios. On the other side, you can easily connect to the riverfront parks and trails. If you’re into photography, this is where you’ll want to take those classic Minneapolis photos. Sunset or early evening is especially pretty, when the buildings light up and reflect on the water.

3. Get Lost in Art at the Minneapolis Institute of Art

The Minneapolis Institute of Art (often called “Mia”) is one of the best free things to do in Minneapolis. Yes, you read that right — general admission is free. Inside, you’ll find:
  • Over 90,000 works from around the world
  • Everything from ancient Egyptian art to modern photography
  • Famous names like Van Gogh, Monet, and Rembrandt
You don’t have to be an art expert to enjoy it. You can wander at your own pace, and there are plenty of benches if you want to sit and just soak things in. Not sure where to start? Ask at the front desk for highlighted works or popular galleries. They’ll point you to some “must-see” pieces so you don’t feel overwhelmed. It’s an easy indoor activity if the Minnesota weather turns cold, snowy, or rainy — which, let’s be honest, happens a lot.

4. Visit the Walker Art Center & Minneapolis Sculpture Garden

If you like modern and contemporary art, the Walker Art Center and the connected Minneapolis Sculpture Garden make a great combo stop. Highlights:
  • Spoonbridge and Cherry – The giant spoon with the cherry on top is one of the most famous sculptures in the Midwest.
  • Dozens of outdoor sculptures you can walk around and photograph.
  • Indoor galleries at the Walker featuring bold, creative, and sometimes very quirky pieces.
The Sculpture Garden is free and open year-round. You can visit even if you don’t go inside the Walker Art Center itself. It’s a nice spot for:
  • Casual walks
  • Family photos
  • A quick stop before dinner downtown or in the nearby Lowry Hill neighborhood

5. Spend a Day at the Mall of America (Just Outside Minneapolis)

Technically, the Mall of America is in Bloomington, but it’s only about 10–15 minutes from Minneapolis by car and is one of the top attractions in the entire state. This isn’t just about shopping. Inside the mall, you’ll find:
  • Nickelodeon Universe, an indoor theme park with roller coasters
  • An indoor aquarium (SEA LIFE® at Mall of America)
  • Mini golf, escape rooms, and interactive experiences
  • Hundreds of stores and more restaurants than you could ever try in one trip
If you’re traveling with kids or visiting in winter, the Mall of America is a lifesaver. You can spend an entire day inside and never run out of things to do. Tip: Wear comfortable shoes. This place is huge — over 5 million square feet of space. It’s easy to get your steps in without even noticing.

6. Walk or Bike the Grand Rounds Scenic Byway

One thing that makes Minneapolis special is how easy it is to get around without a car, especially if you like walking or biking. The Grand Rounds Scenic Byway is a connected loop of parks and trails that circles much of the city. What you’ll see along the way:
  • Lakes, creeks, and riverfront views
  • Neighborhood parks and gardens
  • Views of downtown Minneapolis in the distance
You don’t have to do the whole thing. You can just pick a segment:
  • The lake loops if you want water views
  • The Mississippi Riverfront if you like bridges and city skylines
  • The Minnehaha Parkway area for a quieter, residential feel
If you didn’t bring a bike, you can often find rental bikes or scooters in popular areas when the weather’s nice.

7. Discover Minnehaha Falls & Minnehaha Regional Park

Looking for nature without having to leave the city? Head to Minnehaha Regional Park, home of Minnehaha Falls. This 53-foot waterfall is easy to reach and doesn’t require a long hike. You can:
  • View the falls from above at the main overlook
  • Walk down the stairs to see it from below
  • Follow the creekside trails for a peaceful walk
In summer, the park is full of life:
  • Families grilling and picnicking
  • Live music at the bandstand sometimes
  • Sea Salt Eatery – a seasonal restaurant with seafood, tacos, and beer
In winter, the falls often freeze into a dramatic wall of ice. It’s a different kind of beauty and worth a visit if you’re in Minneapolis during the colder months.

8. Catch a Game or Concert in Downtown Minneapolis

Minneapolis is a great city for live events. If you like sports, concerts, or both, check schedules before your trip — chances are something will be happening. Big venues in or near downtown include:
  • Target Field – Home of the Minnesota Twins (MLB). An open-air ballpark with great skyline views.
  • U.S. Bank Stadium – Home of the Minnesota Vikings (NFL) and host to big concerts and events.
  • Target Center – Home of the Minnesota Timberwolves (NBA) and Lynx (WNBA), plus concerts and shows.
Even if you’re not a huge sports fan, going to a game is a fun way to experience the local culture. Minnesotans are serious about their teams, and the game-day energy is contagious. Example: A summer evening baseball game at Target Field, with a hot dog in one hand and the Minneapolis skyline glowing in the background, is a classic Midwest experience.

9. Eat Your Way Through Minneapolis Neighborhoods

Food is a big part of travel, and Minneapolis has a surprisingly strong food scene. You can spend an entire weekend just exploring different neighborhoods and trying local spots. A few areas to check out:
  • North Loop – Trendy and walkable with warehouses turned into restaurants, bars, and shops.
  • Northeast Minneapolis – Known for breweries, casual eats, and art studios.
  • Lyn-Lake & Uptown – Near the lakes, with coffee shops, ice cream, and restaurants.
What to look for:
  • Walleye – A local fish you’ll often see on menus.
  • Juicy Lucy (or Jucy Lucy) – A cheese-stuffed burger that’s a Minneapolis specialty.
  • Craft beer – The Twin Cities have a strong brewing scene.
If you’re not sure where to start, pick a neighborhood like the North Loop, park once, and then just walk around. You’ll usually find several good options within a few blocks.

10. Experience the Theater & Music Scene

Minneapolis has one of the best theater scenes in the country for a city its size. Along with live music, it gives the city a creative, lively vibe at night. Places to consider:
  • Guthrie Theater – A nationally known theater with top-quality productions and a stunning building that overlooks the Mississippi River. Even if you don’t see a show, you can visit the lobby and the “Endless Bridge” for views.
  • First Avenue – A legendary music venue where Prince once performed. Great for live shows and a bit of music history.
  • Smaller theaters and clubs scattered around downtown and surrounding neighborhoods.
If you enjoy live performances, check what’s playing at the Guthrie or who’s on the schedule at First Avenue before your trip. It can turn a regular night in Minneapolis into something memorable.

Planning Your Minneapolis Trip: Quick Tips

To make the most of your visit to Minneapolis, Minnesota:
  • Season matters: Summer and early fall are great for lakes, patios, and bike rides. Winter brings snow, ice, and holiday lights, but you’ll want warm layers.
  • Getting around: Rideshares and light rail help, but Minneapolis is also very walkable and bike-friendly in many areas.
  • Mix city and nature: Try to pair at least one lake or park visit with a more urban activity like a museum, game, or restaurant crawl.

What Did We Miss? Share Your Favorite Minneapolis Spots!

There are many more things to do in and around Minneapolis and Hennepin County — from hidden neighborhood cafes to small galleries and local festivals. This list of 10 things to do near Minneapolis is just a starting point. Have you visited Minneapolis before?
  • Which spots were your favorites?
  • Did you find a great restaurant, park, or viewpoint that others should know about?
Drop a comment below and share your tips, stories, or questions. And if you found this guide helpful, please share it with a friend or on social media to help others plan their Minneapolis getaway.
Location: Georgetown, IN, USA

Comments

Post a Comment