Things To Do in Minneapolis
With easy access to lakes and other outdoor attractions, there are plenty of things to do in Minneapolis, the perfect getaway destination for active travelers who also enjoy a bit of urban sophistication. For the best views of skyscrapers and nature combined, lace up your sneakers and head out for a run.
Three Great Places to Run in Minneapolis
The largest link in the Chain of Lakes, Lake Calhoun, has three beaches and is circled by running and biking trails that are a little over three miles. It’s about a ten-minute drive from downtown, making it easily accessible for a morning run with a beautiful view of part of Minneapolis’s skyline. Runners will appreciate the separate path for bikers, wide trails that leave room for everyone, even on busy days, and bathroom and water fountain located in the loop for longer jaunts. On a hot day, take a dip in the lake to cool off after a sweat session.
Another great place to run in Minneapolis is the Sculpture Garden, an 11-acre park that boasts one of the largest urban sculpture collections in the country with more than 40 installations. The “crown jewel” of Minneapolis’s park system, the Sculpture Garden offers a unique combination of culture and fresh air. The Sculpture Garden is undergoing renovations for the next year and a half, but iconic pieces like Spoonbridge and Cherry are on view until Spring 2016.
For a run in a more urban setting, try the two-mile St. Anthony Falls Heritage Trail that will take you through the heart of the mill district and along the Minneapolis waterfront. To begin run down historic St. Anthony and cross the Stone Arch Bridge, a former railroad bridge and the only arched bridge made of stone on the entire length of the Mississippi River. Don’t forget to stop, take a breather and read some of the signs telling stories of American Indians, early white settlers and other groups related to the falls. A great spot to check out in the area is the Mill City Museum. Built into the ruins of what used to be the world’s larges flour mill, the riverfront museum has a number of interesting exhibits on the history of the flour industry, the Mississippi river and Minneapolis.
Three Great Places to Eat in Minneapolis
After all that running, you’re sure to have worked up an appetite. Luckily, Minneapolis has no shortage of great places to eat. You can’t go wrong with the “Jucy Lucy” at cash-only burger joint Matt’s Bar. A favorite of locals and a can’t-miss meal for tourists, the Jucy Lucy consists of two beef patties stuffed with melted cheese, complete with pickles and caramelized onions for just $6.95. Insider tip: the French fries are pretty delicious as well. There’s usually a line out the door, but it’s well worth the wait.
Another top place to eat in Minneapolis is – surprisingly – a brewery. At Surly Brewing, you’ll quickly discover that patrons are there just as much for the food as they are for the brews. There’s often a wait for tables, but if you’re down to dine picnic-style, there’s a food truck in the adjacent park that also has fire pits, sculptures and corn hole. If you’ve braved the wait for a table inside, don’t miss the roasted pork shoulder and skillet cornbread. And of course, wash it all down with one of Surly’s distinct craft beers!
Finally, you can’t miss Pizzeria Lola in south Minneapolis. New Yorkers and Chicagoans can keep arguing over who makes the best pie, but we think we might have found it at this busy spot serving up wood-fired pizzas with a Korean-inspired twist. Lola offers several unique menu items, including the popular Sunnyside Pizza, topped with shredded leeks and two sunnyside up eggs, and the Korean BBQ, topped with beef short ribs, mozzarella, scallions, arugula and a sesame and soy-chili vinaigrette.
Three Great Places to Drink in Minneapolis
For after dinner cocktails, head to the Polynesian-inspired Psycho Suzi’s Motor Lounge. In addition to having a fantastic name, Psycho Suzie’s has three themed bars serving up an array of tiki drinks and craft beers in different settings to fit the type of night you’re after – from rowdy to date night. Try to snag a table on the deck overlooking the river during nice weather!
Minneapolis has no shortage of kooky bars, and another local favorite is Betty Danger’s Country Club. Don’t let the name fool you – this is no typical country club. Instead, the bar services Mexican-American fusion fare and cocktails in a retro fun setting complete with mini golf and a ferris wheel! That’s right, you can sip your beverage aboard a ferris wheel… now how’s that for impressing someone?
Another great spot in Minneapolis is Marvel, a hipster hangout and speakeasy that’s swanky and lively but also just laid back enough that you can still have a good time. The cocktails are the only focus here, and the expert bartenders will be more than happy to point you in the right direction since many of the ingredients are obscure or unique, like olive oil. Just don’t come hungry, because the only food Marvel serves is Cheetos!
