Minneapolis is a beautiful city in the Northern state of Minnesota, full of vibrant activities and distinct local touches. There is a fluid mix of food, shopping, entertainment and culture to immerse in during your stay in Minneapolis. Explore the wonders of the city’s historical landmarks, along with its distinctive riverfront skyline, the home of various professional sports stadiums, and the wealth of food venues and cultural hotspots. It features the Minneapolis Institute of Art, the American Swedish Institute, the Mill City Museum, Minnehaha Regional Park and other tourist attractions that have received attention and recognition over the years. Locals are friendly and inviting, typically going out of their way to provide tourists with directions and recommendations, making the journey for solo travelers slightly less daunting. If you’re in need of accommodation for your solo trip, you’ll find options ranging from hotels with balcony to Vrbo vacation rentals. Scroll down for the best things to do alone in Minneapolis, Minnesota!
1. All-inclusive Minneapolis Craft Brewery Tour (from USD 85.0)
This all-you-can-drink tour will introduce you to some of the city’s best craft beer from various breweries and taprooms. If you’re not fond of walking, don’t worry as there will be a minibus to take you around to different stops. Both pick-ups and drop-offs are at The Royal Sonesta Minneapolis Downtown Hotel. Different time slots in the afternoon and evening are available for the tour, so you can choose whichever suits you best.
You can also buy the beer you like and store it in the cooler provided.
Minneapolis Brewery All-Inclusive Guided Tour with Tastings
Duration: 3 hours
2. Minneapolis: History and 4-Bar Crawl Guided Walking Tour (from USD 69.0)
This fascinating tour will take you through four of the city’s best bars and introduce you to Minneapolis’ colorful past, including the histories of the bars you visit. The tour will mostly take place in North Loop, also known as Warehouse District, famous for its eating and drinking joints.
You can choose to enjoy drinks at all four bars with a premium ticket. Grab a glass of your favorite brew and settle down as the guide recounts tales from the past.
Minneapolis: History and 4-Bar Crawl Guided Walking Tour
Duration: 3.0 hour
3. Historic Minneapolis Riverfront Private Walking Tour (from USD 349.0)
Get up close and personal to some of the city’s history by joining the Historic Minneapolis Riverfront Private Walking Tour. Minneapolis was once known as the flour-milling capital of the world and this walking tour takes you back in time as you stroll along, and across, the scenic Mississippi River through historical buildings and industrial areas—all while listening to the stories behind each place told by a guide.
This means that not only will you learn more about the city’s storied past but you also get to appreciate the natural beauty of the city.
Minneapolis Historic Riverfront Private Walking Tour
Duration: 2 hours
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4. Immersive Van Gogh Exhibit Minneapolis
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Immersive Van Gogh Exhibit Minneapolis is definitely not your typical art gallery where you only get to see the master’s works of art. In fact, you will get to appreciate the beautiful works of Van Gogh not just from the outside but from the inside of the paintings, which are digitally animated and projected on the ceilings and walls.
Furthermore, as the master’s brushstrokes of bright colors swirl around you, ethereal sounds play in the background, offering a truly unique and immersive art appreciation experience and one of the most amazing Minneapolis attractions.
Immersive Van Gogh Exhibit Minneapolis
Address: 1515 NE Central Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55413, United States
Website: Immersive Van Gogh Exhibit Minneapolis
Opening hours: Mon, Thu, & Fri: 1pm - 8pm; Sat: 11am - 8pm; Sun: 11am - 6pm (closed on Tue & Wed)
5. Lyndale Park Rose Garden
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Lyndale Park Rose Garden offers visitors a scenic spot to fully appreciate the beauty of nature. The rose garden was established in 1883, making it the second oldest rose garden in the country. It features more than 4000 plants and 250 species, all beautifully arranged on landscaped grounds that also feature two Florentine fountains.
Visit the rose garden from mid-June to early October as it’s when the flowers are in their full bloom. You also get to enjoy seeing butterflies and hummingbirds throughout the summer.
Lyndale Park Rose Garden
Address: 4124 Roseway Rd, Minneapolis, MN 55409, United States
Website: Lyndale Park Rose Garden
Opening hours: 7:30am - 10pm (daily)
6. SEA LIFE Minnesota Aquarium (from USD 26.0)
SEA LIFE Minnesota Aquarium is home to thousands of sea creatures and several unique marine displays. Located in the Mall of America, SEA LIFE enables you to be in an environment that brings out your inner child through gazing at the marine life in four themed tanks, namely the Amazon River, Atlantis, Sturgeon Lake and Rainbow Reef. Observe the tropical fish, seahorses, rays and octopuses as they gracefully navigate through the waters. Don’t forget about the Cow-nose Rays and Sandtiger Sharks along the transparent glass tunnel! You can also learn about the marine conversation and preservation efforts in Minnesota, American and the rest of the world, such as through the successful breeding programmes for sharks and other endangered creatures. If you’re visiting with family and looking for fun things to do with kids, add this activity to your itinerary.
SEA LIFE Minnesota Aquarium Admission at the Mall of America
Duration: 2 hours
7. Minneapolis Indoor Skydiving Admission (from USD 96.0)
If you’re one of those who really want to try out skydiving but haven’t plucked up the courage yet to actually do it, this is the perfect activity in Minneapolis for singles. Indoor skydiving allows you to experience sky diving without having to jump out of a plane. This means that you get to enjoy all the thrills and the adrenaline rush minus the risks.
No, it does not require any experience at all as you’ll be guided by a seasoned instructor who will teach you how it’s done properly and safely. You also don’t have to bring any special equipment as everything will be provided for you. At the end of the “jumps”, you’ll receive a certificate of this unlocked achievement!
Minneapolis Indoor Skydiving Admission with 2 Flights & Personalized Certificate
Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes
8. FlyOver America (from USD 22.0)
In FlyOver America, glide over America’s most dramatic landscapes in this 10-minute flight simulation, that comes with state-of-the-art special effects like mist, scents, wind and moving seats. This experience ensures that you feel as if you are actually flying across the vast terrain, simulating entering the realm of a beautiful landscape screensaver. FlyOver America was created from 50-hours of helicopter footage across close to 16,093 km (10,000 miles), and features familiar tourist attractions such as the Statue of Liberty, Central Park and the Chicago Skyline, definitely making it a simulation not to miss. This is a great date night idea if you’re planning something for a special someone!
FlyOver America
Duration: 15 to 30 minutes
9. The Museum of Russian Art admission ticket (from USD 12.0)
The Museum of Russian Art has amassed a strong and positive reputation for being a must-go tourist attraction during one’s visit to Minneapolis. Founded in 1980, the museum has been the home to a collection of Russian art from the 20th century, as well as many temporary exhibitions of art and artifacts relevant to the Soviet Union and her history. It is an educational experience for tourists and locals alike. Features include its core collection from human rights activist Alexander Glezer’s private holdings, along with Skate’s 5000 notables, Evgeny Kropivnitsky, Dmitry Krasnopevtsev, Erik Bulatov and Alexander Kharitonov. A complimentary guided museum tour is also provided, along with easily-accessible parking at the nearby Mayflower Church.
Skip the Line: The Museum of Russian Art Admission Ticket
Duration: 30 to 120 minutes
10. Prison Break Escape Room (from USD 41.0)
Situated in the Mall of America shopping center, pit yourself against the clock in this immersive Prison Break themed escape room. Each game is designed for 60-minutes of excitement and brainwork. As prisoners, work as a team to escape the locked room by navigating through the complexities of the mission and discovering the clues and loopholes in the mysterious journey. Arm yourself with teamwork, quick wit, problem-solving deliberation and a whole lot of enthusiasm. You are bound to feel a deserving sense of accomplishment, and heave a sigh of relief, if you do manage to beat the game!
Prison Break Escape Room
Duration: 1 hour
11. Minneapolis eat and sip food tour (from USD 63.0)
The Minneapolis eat and sip food tour will bring you on a specially curated culinary tour of Minneapolis, exploring the streets and urban landscapes as you venture to the best food and beverage delights that the city has to offer. Food is a way to the heart, and Minneapolis is going to hold a special place in your heart after the culmination of food and beverage samples from the top local establishments. They include ham and pear crisp sandwiches, rotisserie chicken wings, Chicago’s popcorn, heirloom cornbread, chocolates and locally brewed craft beer, among many other treats! Be sure to voice out your dietary requirements and allergies for the best experience possible!
Minneapolis Eat and Sip Food Tour
Duration: 3 hours
12. Minneapolis pizza bus tour (from USD 63.0)
Pizza is often one of the first food options that come to mind when one thinks of Minneapolis and the Midwest. This pizza bus tour is not just for pizza lovers, but for anyone who is looking for a local flavor to their holiday. With this unconventional food experience, immerse yourself in a slice (or multiple slices) of Minneapolis, exploring the city while treating your taste buds. Feel just like a local as you enjoy the authenticity of the heartland areas and compare the many pizza crusts, cheese and sauces. The guide and the city bus will bring you straight to the best pizza joints in town, with a variety of methods that include firewood preparation and Minnesota-style pizza.
Minneapolis Pizza Bus Tour
Duration: 3 hours 15 minutes
13. Wacky adventure walk game (from USD 9.0)
Wacky Walks is a unique walking game that follows the concept of a chess game, constantly shifting power and responsibilities across the players. Participants navigate around the heart of Minneapolis, and they learn about the historical legacies and beauty of the city in the process. Players are assigned specific roles that include the King, Queen and Pawns, with specific roles and assignments at each checkpoint. The game is meant to be done on foot and takes about two hours to complete. A trusty remote guide is on standby if you ever need a little bit of assistance along the way!
Wacky Adventure Walk Game - Minneapolis, MN
Duration: 2 hours
14. Minneapolis City of Lakes tour (from USD 179.0)
If you only have 36 hours or less in Minneapolis, make the most of your time by taking the City of Lakes tour which comes with a skilled interpreter. Spanning over the duration of either half-day or full-day tours, be enchanted by the largest city in Minnesota, exploring the heart of the city and visiting an extensive list of hallmark attractions and things-to-do. For the non-English speakers, the interpreters can cater to a multitude of nationalities as well. Different levels of language interpretation, as well as the type of tours desired, can also be negotiated and carried forward to specially curate a tour just for you. Venue tickets, attraction fees and meals are not included in the aforementioned fee.
City of Lakes Tour With An Interpreter In Minneapolis
Duration: 3 to 8 hours
Enjoy the best that Minneapolis has to offer
Minneapolis is such a vibrant and exciting place that one may feel overwhelmed with the flurry of things to do, places to see, and great restaurants and bars to check out. With our list of recommended activities to keep the solo traveler occupied and entertained, you are bound to find activities of interest and enjoy your visit to this complex yet charming city.
Frequently asked questions about the top things to do alone in Minneapolis, Minnesota
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