We try to make our first stop in every city the local visitor center. Not only are they usually a good option for postcards or other small collectibles, but they also have a lot of useful information. The Meet Minneapolis Visitor Center was conveniently located in the center of town and had exactly the tchotchkes and information we were looking for. The employees had a good knowledge of local events and recommendations for dining. There was also a wall full of local guide pamphlets in case you’re feeling introverted.
eat
› Ice Cream – Milkjam Creamery and Izzy’s Ice Cream. Definitely take some (healthy) friends or a very empty stomach to Milkjam Creamery and get the 16 scoop flight!
› The Herbivorous Butcher – Plant-based “meats” and “cheeses.” The Korean BBQ Ribs, Brats, and prepared Sandwiches are all delicious
› Edwards Dessert Kitchen – Decadent and beautiful desserts. There’s no wrong choice
› The Anchor Fish & Chips – It’s all in the title
› Glam Doll Donuts – The aesthetic in this store is everything
see
› Minneapolis Sculpture Garden – A giant spoon and cherry, a giant blue chicken, what does it all mean?
› Murals and Public Art – It’s hard to miss the Bob Dylan mural downtown
do
› Minnehaha Falls – It was surprising to find a waterfall so close to the city center
› Skywalk – Get lost in the web of aboveground sidewalks connecting downtown restaurants and shops
› Gold Medal Park – Take a stroll up the “Mound with Spiral Walkway”
› Guthrie Theater – One of the nation’s great regional theaters
› Mall of America – It’s just a big mall with a theme park in the middle, but we were told we had to go
souvenir shops
› Guthrie Theatre Gift Shop – Has the best postcards
› I Like You – Lots of unique and fun items. Great patches
› Lokel Minnesota and the few options in the Mall of America – Mostly the same stuff as the visitor center
bike
› E-bike to Minnehaha Falls – Unlock a Nice Ride e-bike and ride it along the Mississippi River to the Minnehaha Regional Park
› Minneapolis has a ton of bike paths all over the city including ones that connect a chain of five lakes offering gorgeous views
stay
› TownePlace Suites Minneapolis Downtown/North Loop
› Life Time Athletic at the Target Center – One of the perks we often get in each city is free use of a local gym. This gym was one of the nicest we’ve used
getting around
› Nice Ride – Bike sharing with docked and dockless bikes including e-bikes. Their 30-day pass is a great deal if you’re there for more than 3 days
› Scooters – A few different companies offer dockless scooters downtown
› Metro Transit Light Rail – Not very extensive, but it does go to Mall of America
if we go back...
› Milkjam Creamery everyday!
› Edwards Dessert Kitchen everyday!
› Exploring more of the many lakes and parks
