Minneapolis, a city near the confluence of the Mississippi River and Minnesota River has 18 historic districts and 175 notable landmarks. Map out your city tour to include the Spoonbridge and Cherry sculpture, W Minneapolis - The Foshay, and The 15 Building, which showcases the iconic Bob Dylan mural. In addition, the 22 lakes and lagoons and 170 parks comprise an urban wilderness best explored on trail runners or two wheels. Yet, this City by Nature offers excellent opportunities for indoor entertainment and recreation. Take photos of the skyline while sitting in a downtown café, such as Aster Cafe. Hop from one brewery, distillery, and cidery to another. Update your wardrobe and buy souvenirs in boutiques, farmers’ markets, and thrift shops. You can also seek out novelty experiences and cultural enrichment to lift your understanding of Minneapolis. Read more about the top things to do indoors in Minneapolis, Minnesota, below.
1. Be inspired by artistic genius at Minneapolis Institute of Art
Minneapolis Institute of Art (MIA) is a nonprofit organization on a mission to inspire wonder through art. Important works from diverse cultural traditions are on exhibit here. Make this one of your first stops on your first day in the city. The museum holds tours, classes, and other special events to promote active involvement in the community. You can also request a private tour for your group using an online form on the MIA website.
Minneapolis Institute of Art
Address: 2400 Third Avenue South, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55404, United States
Website: Minneapolis Institute of Art
Opening hours: Fri - Sun, Tue - Wed: 10am - 5pm; Thu: 10am - 9pm (closed on Mon)
Price: Free admission
2. Walk around the city via the Minneapolis Skyway System
Minneapolis Skyway System makes Minneapolis a highly walkable city all year. This second-level system offers an elevated perspective of the city and connects hotels, government buildings, and retail centers. Start your exploration early to explore most of its 9.5-mi (15.29-km) length, which encompasses 80 city blocks.
This modern marvel is considered the largest contiguous system of enclosed pedestrian footbridges on the planet. The climate-controlled Minneapolis Skyway System also features signages and maps to help you find your way.
Minneapolis Skyway System
Address: 101 S 7th St, Minneapolis, MN 55402, United States
Website: Minneapolis Skyway System
Opening hours: Varies per connected building
3. Laugh, cry, and cringe in terror at Guthrie Theater
Look forward to a transformative theater experience during your visit to Minneapolis. Guthrie Theater’s in-person performances will reawaken your interest in William Shakespeare. You can also take the opportunity to get acquainted with the works of modern playwrights. Essential theater classics and exciting contemporary works of every genre are on the lineup too.
Depending on which show you want to see, you can catch matinees or gala performances. Check the playdates and ticket prices before your visit. Groups of 15 or more will benefit from discounted rates.
Guthrie Theater
Address: 818 South 2nd Street, Minneapolis, MN 55415, United States
Website: Guthrie Theater
Opening hours: Sat - Sun: 9am - 8pm; Tue - Fri: (10am for matinees) 11am - 8pm (closed on Mon)
Price: Varies per show and time
4. Learn about the largest country in the world in The Museum of Russian Art
The cultural presentations and exhibits of The Museum of Russian Art (TMORA) are guaranteed to expand your horizons. What you know about the Russian Empire, Muscovite Russia, and the Soviet Union and its former republics might only be the tip of the iceberg. The exhibits here will add to your knowledge of one of the most influential cultures in the world. Marvel at Russia’s pioneering contributions to religion and art.
Moreover, TMORA is an independent American organization that boasts a diverse collection of works. At least eight exhibitions are presented each year in the museum’s four galleries.
The Museum of Russian Art
Address: 5500 Stevens Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55419, United States
Website: The Museum of Russian Art
Opening hours: Sun: 1pm - 5pm; Sat: 10am - 4pm; Mon - Fri: 10am - 5pm
Price: 14 USD (Adults); 12 USD (Seniors 65+); 5 USD (Students, active military); Free (Children aged 0-13 and TMORA members)
5. Shop until you drop at City Center
City Center is a 51-story retail and office complex that can be accessed directly from the airport and an adjacent rail station. This mall is connected to the Minneapolis Skyway System. Restaurants are ready to serve breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner. You can have your nails done. Indoor recreational amenities are also within walking distance from retail merchants. Best of all, the shopping center has a 687-stall parking garage and numerous ATMs for your convenience.
City Center
Address: 33 South Sixth Street, Minneapolis, MN 55402, United States
Website: City Center
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 6am - 6pm (closed on Sat & Sun)
6. Go on a fantastic tour of Weisman Art Museum
This remarkable institution is part of the University of Minnesota campus. The museum was named after its patron, Frederick R. Weisman, and its exhibits are accessible to the public for free. The building itself is a Minneapolis landmark designed by world-renowned architect Frank O. Gehry.
Weisman Art Museum promotes the arts in their relevant cultural, historical, and social contexts and maintains an active touring program. Furthermore, handmade jewelry and unique items are for sale at WAM Shop.
Weisman Art Museum
Address: 333 E River Pkwy, Minneapolis, MN 55455, United States
Website: Weisman Art Museum
Opening hours: Sat - Sun: 11am - 5pm; Thu & Fri: 10am - 5pm; Wed: 10am - 8pm (closed on Mon & Tue)
Price: Free admission
7. Search the diverse collections of Walker Art Center
Since around 1940, this institution in Minneapolis has curated about 12,000 works of art. The exhibits include paintings, sculptures, books, and films. Additionally, the Library & Archives are an expanding collection of 37,000 books, journals, and other documents plus more than 6,000 audio, video, and film holdings. Walker Art Center hosts compelling performances as well.
Visitors are welcome to spend time in Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, which is a sprawling urban sculpture park. It is open daily and accessible for free from 6am to midnight. The iconic Spoonbridge and Cherry sculptural fountain is the park’s main attraction.
Walker Art Center
Address: 725 Vineland Pl, Minneapolis, MN 55403, United States
Website: Walker Art Center
Opening hours: Wed, Fri - Sun: 10am - 5pm; Thu: 10am - 9pm (closed on Mon & Tue)
Price: 18 USD (Adults); 16 USD (Seniors 65+); 12 USD (Students with ID); 2 USD (EBT cardholders)
8. Play arcade games at Up-Down Minneapolis
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Experience the thrill of gaming victory and the agony of defeat, all while enjoying a refreshing drink on our spacious patio.
Posted by Up-Down Minneapolis on Friday, June 2, 2023
Arcade games never get old. The ‘80s and ‘90s classics at Up-Down Minneapolis will keep you rooted to the spot. Aside from over 50 arcade games, this watering hole has four Skee-Ball alleys, Jenga, Nintendo 64, and pinball machines.
Gaming is hungry work, but the establishment offers tasty pizza by the slice with unique toppings to boot. The 60-strong beer craft selection is on the tap as well. Don’t forget to sample the beer in bottles and cans on the lineup.
Up-Down Minneapolis
Address: 3012 Lyndale Ave S., Minneapolis, MN 55408, United States
Website: Up-Down Minneapolis
Opening hours: Sat - Sun: 11am - 2am; Mon - Fri: 3pm - 2am
Price: 0.25 USD per game
9. Immerse in the flour industry at Mill City Museum
For almost 50 years, Minneapolis bore the nickname, “Mill City.” The city was touted as the Flour Milling Capital of the World. Today, Mill City Museum occupies an eight-story landmark building on the riverfront. The museum stands within the ruins of the historic Washburn A Mill. This museum offers signature experiences, such as screenings of “Minneapolis in 19 Minutes Flat!” and viewings of the Flour Tower.
Don’t miss out on the chance to see the view of the Mississippi from Koch Rooftop Observation Deck. Photographers will find many interesting landmarks in the surrounding area to point their cameras.
Mill City Museum
Address: 345 W. Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul, MN 5510, United States
Website: Mill City Museum
Opening hours: Sat - Sun: 10am - 5pm; Thu - Fri: 10am - 4pm (closed on Mon & Tue & Wed)
Price: 12 USD (Adults); 10 USD (Seniors 65+, veterans, active military, college students); 8 USD (Children aged 5-17)
10. Learn a new skill at Bad Axe Throwing Minneapolis
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
You throw first. No you throw first! Fine, at the same time!
Posted by Bad Axe Throwing on Saturday, June 20, 2020
Bad Axe Throwing Minneapolis lets you throw big axes at a wooden target. The facility has 10 lanes for axe throwing. In addition, the throwing instructors here are on top of their game, and the activities are fun but organized for the safety of everyone involved.
This facility offers merchandise for sale as well as beer and wine to go with your dine-in meal. There is no age limit for axe throwing in the two Minneapolis venues of Bad Axe Throwing. Walk-in clients are welcome for smaller groups.
Bad Axe Throwing Minneapolis
Address: 2505 Kennedy St NE Suite A, Minneapolis, MN 55413, United States; 611 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55403, United States
Website: Bad Axe Throwing Minneapolis
Opening hours: 8am - 11pm (daily; for private bookings); Walk-in hours vary
Price: From 26.98 USD
Make remarkable memories in Minneapolis
Minneapolis is a City by Nature with hundreds of notable landmarks. Plan your city tour around recreational facilities, museums, and other cultural experiences and come home with remarkable memories of Minneapolis.
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