Minneapolis has a special place in my heart, my first job out of college was headquartered there and I was able to visit a few times for work and absolutely loved it. Last year I was lucky enough to go back and spend about a week exploring a little bit beyond my old office and had so much fun. I was there taking a class so most of my recommendations in this guide are for downtown and perfect to get your own itinerary started!
If you’re planning a trip and need help figuring out where to stay or are looking for things to do, I pulled together my ultimate Minneapolis MN travel guide to help make sure you don’t miss anything!
Where to stay:
If there is any advice you should take from this post it is this: stay at the Loews Minneapolis. It has to be one of my favorite hotels that I’ve ever stayed in. The location is great, it’s connected to the Skyway (a great walkway connecting buildings around downtown) so in the winter you don’t have to go outside in the freezing temperatures and it’s super close to everything. From my room you could even see into Target Field, which was very cool!
Last time I was there it was snowing and I remember sitting in my room feeling like I was inside a snow globe, it was awesome. The rooms at the Loews are fresh, and gorgeous, not super modern but they don’t feel old and worn out like a lot of hotels, the amenities are great, and I swear to you it is still the comfiest bed I’ve ever slept in.
Where to eat and drink:
Grab drinks at Cosmos at The Loews
Butcher & the Boar
The Bachelor’s Farmer
Hell’s Kitchen (go for breakfast and have the lemon ricotta pancakes)
112 Eatery
Spoon and Stable
Dakota Jazz Club (grab dinner or drinks and listen to some music)
Seven (the sushi is great!)
What to do:
Minneapolis is situated on both sides of the Mississippi River and is one of the Twin Cities, so if you have the time you can visit Minneapolis and St. Paul while you’re there! The city really is gorgeous, if you’re a runner make sure you bring a pair of sneakers and head out for a run along the river or to Lake Calhoun!
Visit the Walker Art Center
Sculpture Garden // I’m not the biggest fan of modern art museums but I do love a good sculpture garden and this one doesn’t disappoint! Especially, the giant spoon with the cherry on it, so fun!
Walk Across the Stone Arch Bridge // Head down and walk along the banks of the river before crossing this bridge, it’s a gorgeous view and a pretty cool bridge in itself. It used to be a railroad crossing and is the only arched bridge made of stone on the Mississippi!
Lake Calhoun // If the weather is nice (read: not -22 degrees) take a walk or run around the lake or enjoy some of the activities it has to offer!
Minnehaha Falls // I love how much water there is in Minneapolis, between the river and all the lakes it’s gorgeous, but the fact that there is a waterfall within the city is amazing. I stand by my statement that I could never settle down in a landlocked state but Minneapolis makes me think I might be able to at least tolerate being away from the ocean.
First Avenue // When planning a trip definitely look at First Avenue and see who’s playing, a quick walk from The Loews this historic venue was one of Prince’s favorites and remains one of the more popular spots!
Mall of America // Okay, I have pretty much been wanting to go to this mall since that Mary Kate and Ashley movie came out when I was like ten. It’s not actually in Minneapolis but you can make a stop on the way from the airport like I did during a layover one time, and live out your Mary Kate and Ashley dreams.
