Minneapolis, as of 2017, is the largest city in the state of Minnesota and 45th largest in the United States. It experiences a continental climate with very cold, snowy winters and humid, warm to hot summers making it a year-round destination. Lying on the banks of Mississippi River, Minneapolis is very rich in water bodies boasting 13 lakes, wetlands, the river itself, creeks and waterfalls. Known for its strong music and performing arts scenes, shimmering lakes, top museums and beautiful skyscrapers, Minneapolis offers an ideal place for couples to indulge in various indoor or outdoor activities whilst creating sweet cherished memories. Let us dive in into the romantic things to do when in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
1. Tour the Basilica of Saint Mary
With its beautiful architecture and the stained glass windows, Basilica of Saint Mary is a unique place to visit, regardless of whether you are a religious person or not. It is located along Hennepin Avenue between 16th & 17th Streets in downtown Minneapolis, Minnesota. From the exterior to the interior, the church is attractively designed with a very serene and peaceful atmosphere. Since 1995, it has been used as the venue of the annual Basilica Block Party, a two-day music festival. If you are a spiritual couple, you can attend the Sunday mass.
Basilica of Saint Mary
Address: 1600 Hennepin Ave Minneapolis, MN 55403
Website: Basilica of Saint Mary
2. Explore scenic nature at Minnehaha Park
For the nature lovers, take your date to enjoy the breathtaking view of the central feature of the park, Minnehaha Falls, located on Minnehaha Creek. It freezes in winter creating a dramatic cascade of ice, making the park a popular year-round attraction. The park can be explored by walking or riding bicycles, which are available for rent. Enjoy taking in the captivating scenery of the waterfall and various gardens with trees native to Minnesota such as basswood and unusual plants such as spring-blooming skunk cabbage. Go back in history as you view the ancient geological history of Minnesota and the preserved historic sites such as the Minnehaha Princess Station, the Jon H. Stevens House and Longfellow House. With all this beautiful scenery, it’s no wonder this park is a popular site for weddings.
Minnehaha Park
Address: 4801 S Minnehaha Dr, Minneapolis, MN 55417, USA
Website: Minnehaha park
Opening hours: 6.00 am-12.00 am in developed areas and 6.00 am-10.00 pm in undeveloped areas
3. Smell the roses at Lyndale Park Rose Garden
Posted by Lyndale Park Gardens on Sunday, 28 February 2016
Rose flowers have always been used to symbolize love. What better way to spend a day with your loved one than by visiting a garden full of over 3000 roses of over 250 varieties on display? This rose garden is the second oldest public rose garden in the United States and it sits on 1.5 acres (0.6 hectares) near the North-east corner of Lake Harriet. Enjoy the colorful blooming flowers and breathe in the floral scents that will leave you feeling rejuvenated as you walk hand in hand. You will also see the amazing Heffelfinger Fountain, a bronze and marble sculpture imported from Italy.
Lyndale Park Rose Garden
Address: 4124 Roseway Rd, Minneapolis, MN 55409, USA
Website: Lyndale park rose garden
Opening hours: 7.30 am-10.00 pm
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4. Watch a play at Guthrie Theater
For the art lovers, set on three different stages, you can spend an evening enjoying a performance that aims at exposing and connecting audiences to classic literature and new works from diverse cultures around the globe. The theater offers package deals for tickets to their stage productions along with dinner at the Sea Change, a restaurant that specializes in seafood. There are also other restaurants and bars that offer a variety of meals for a romantic dinner for two prior to the show. The great architectural design of the building provides great scenery to admire. On the Endless Bridge, you can enjoy watching the sunset and the Mississippi River, with your loved one, from one of the best views that the city has to offer.
Guthrie Theater
Address: 818 S 2nd St, Minneapolis, MN 55415, USA
Website: Guthrie theater
5. Admire amazing works of art at Minneapolis Institute of Art
Fine arts are developed primarily for their aesthetic content and the Minneapolis Institute of Art is known for its collection of fine arts from six different continents. Its collections include paintings, photographs, prints and drawings, textiles, architecture and decorative arts. Enjoy a day here admiring the outstanding works of art and scheduled exhibitions that bring in traveling collections from other museums for display, thus enriching your knowledge of the world’s diverse cultures. You can also engage in some quiet reading time in the museum’s library, which contains more than 60,000 volumes on art and art history. Definitely, a great place to explore and learn together.
Minneapolis Institute of Art
Address: 2400 3rd Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55404, USA
Website: Minneapolis institute of art
6. Explore the Chain of Lakes
The Chain of Lakes comprises five different lakes surrounded by walking, biking and skating paths with each lake having something different to offer. Lake Harriet has a bandshell that features music concerts nearly every evening during the summer, a bird sanctuary, rose garden and two beaches. Lake Calhoun offers boats, kayaks, canoes and bike rentals and has three beaches with adjacent picnic grounds. The Lake of the Isles is ideal for picnics and hiking and during winter, the paths are used for ice skating. Cedar Lake has three beaches and a fishing dock. Brownie Lake is great for picnics and hiking. Together, explore these five lakes as you take in the amazing scenery and indulge in the different activities each has to offer.
Chain of Lakes
Address: 400 S 4th St, Minneapolis, MN 55415-1411
Website: Chain of lakes
7. Catch a film at Riverview Theater
A movie date is fun, romantic and a great chance to hang out with someone special while enjoying a good movie. Riverview Theater is a neighborhood movie theater in the Howe neighborhood of Minneapolis. Its uniqueness comes from the auditorium, featuring classic 1940s décor, a single screen, high-backed rocker seats, and good, digital sound and picture. It typically shows second run films ranging from Hollywood blockbusters to niche art films. Visit this theater and experience the uniqueness and thrill that comes with watching a movie at a classical theater that takes you back in time.
Riverview Theater
Address: 3800 42nd Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55406, USA
Website: Riverview theater
Price: 2-3 USD per ticket
8. View amazing contemporary art at Walker Art Center
In these drawings by painter and sculptor Robert Longo, the juxtaposition of contorted bodies with the title National...
Posted by Walker Art Center on Tuesday, 14 August 2018
Contemporary art is the art of today. Walker Art Center, located in the Lowry Hill neighborhood of Minneapolis, will expose you to multidisciplinary modern and contemporary art with its collections including books, costumes, drawings, media works, paintings, photography and prints. Experience pleasure through art that is globally influenced, culturally diverse and technologically advanced. This is showcased through visual arts and design exhibitions comprising of dance, theater and music performances, film screenings and educational programs. What better place to gain exposure to modern artworks than here? It provides a great learning experience that you can bond over with your partner.
Walker Art Center
Address: 725 Vineland Place Minneapolis, Minnesota 55403
Website: Walker art center
9. Marvel at exquisite sculptures at Minneapolis Sculpture Garden
Located near the Walker Art Center, Minneapolis Sculpture Garden is endowed with 40 permanent art installations and several other temporary pieces that are moved in and out periodically. The centerpiece of the garden is the iconic Spoonbridge and Cherry. Enjoy strolling together in the beautiful garden as you take cute photos that will create an album of a spectacular experience with amazing art installations in the background. A visit here is the perfect definition of a day well spent, that is educative, different from usual experiences, entertaining and romantic for couples.
Minneapolis Sculpture Garden
Address: 725 Vineland Pl, Minneapolis, MN 55403, USA
Website: Minnepolis Sculpture Garden
Opening hours: 6.00 am-12.00 am
10. Stone Arch Bridge
Stone Arch Bridge is recognized as a historic civil engineering landmark that is now used as a bicycle and pedestrian bridge but was formerly used as a railroad bridge. It is the only arched bridge made of stone on the Mississippi River, that crosses the river at Saint Anthony Falls in downtown Minneapolis, Minnesota. It offers a view of Saint Anthony Falls and the city as you walk or bike across it. Watching the sunset from the bridge is spectacular. Visit this bridge and get a chance to observe these breathtaking views and outstanding architecture.
Stone Arch Bridge
Address: 100 Portland Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55401, USA
Keep the fire burning
With all these amazing places to visit that offer a wide range of activities and unique scenery, Minneapolis is a spectacular city. Plan a visit with your better half, explore and create sweet beautiful memories.
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