Minneapolis, Minnesota
Whether bundling up to sled on those sunny but bitterly cold winter days or diving into one of the state’s 10,000 lakes in the height of summer, Minnesotans will do anything to get outside. One of the top three bike-friendly cities in the United States and home to influential art galleries and iconic music venues, Minneapolis is a cultural mecca once dismissed as flyover country. The largest Somali and Hmong populations in the country live in Minnesota, and the metropolitan area is home to one of the largest and most tribally diverse American Indian populations in the country. The result is a refreshing blend of cultures and influences, from the hottest cuisine to centuries of tradition. In short, Minneapolis has more than earned the credit it’s receiving from a growing population of tastemakers. Here’s a sampling of what makes it a must.
Know Before You Go
Pick your season
Minneapolis can be scorching in the summer, or frigid in the depths of winter, but nothing beats fall in the Midwest. Minnesotans know how to have a good time regardless of the season. We ice fish in the winter and find hidden beaches in the summer. Spring weather can be unpredictable, but the buzz about the city when the worst of winter is behind us is palpable.
10,000 Lakes
It’s not just a tourism tagline: Minnesota really is the land of 10,000 lakes. Twenty-two of those lakes are in Minneapolis alone. From the 15 miles of lakeside trails that make up the Chain of Lakes to the wakeboarding and jet skiing of Lake Minnetonka in the city's western suburbs, there’s something for everyone on one of Minnesota’s bodies of water.
Art Everywhere
Minneapolis is home to world-class institutions the Walker Art Center and Minneapolis Institute of Art (the 18th largest gallery in the world), smaller collections and galleries like the Weinstein Hammons Gallery (specializing in photography from names like Robert Mapplethorpe and local Alec Soth), and the open-to-the-public studios of the Northeast Arts District (the Northrup King Building alone is home to 350 artists and small business).
Breweries + Distilleries
A glut of empty warehouses has helped fuel the brewery and distillery boom throughout Minneapolis. Norseman specializes in the Scandinavian spirit aquavit, Brother Justus in whiskey (it also shares a building with Lucky Shots Pickleball Club), and Du Nord is the first Black-owned distillery in the nation. Northeast alone has 10+ breweries within walking distance of each other. Sociable Cider Werks craft innovative libations using freshly pressed apples.
Local Pride
It may come as no surprise that Minneapolis is almost certainly the most LGBTQIA+ friendly city in Minnesota – but it’s also earning a reputation as one of the most inclusive cities in the country. That’s due in part to the city’s history of trailblazing initiatives on issues like same-sex marriage, but it can also be felt culturally among the nightlife scene, top-notch theaters, enormous annual Pride festival, and general “come as you are” approach to diversity. To experience it for yourself, check out inclusive queer dance parties like GRRRL Scout and The Klituation, or one of Flip Phone's many Drag Brunches.
Twin Cities
Looking for a slower-paced vacation? Maybe St Paul is your thing. Just across the Mississippi river from Minneapolis, “Saint Easy” is home to the Minnesota state Capitol, Vaudeville-era Palace and Fitzgerald Theaters, Como Park Zoo and Conservatory, and dozens of museums. Shop menswear at the stylish BlackBlue, find indie designs at the fashion-forward Idun, pick up rare cacti and tropicals at Mother Co., Plants, and dine at the iconic Mancini’s Char House. Grab a nightcap at W.A. Frost or stroll along the many bars and restaurants on downtown’s West 7th.
Can’t-Miss Neighborhoods
North Loop
This former warehouse district is in the midst of a decade-long glow-up as Model-T factories and instant coffee plants have been reborn as breweries, James Beard Award-winning restaurants, and luxury condos. Hewing Hotel draws on Nordic inspiration for its rooftop sauna and heated pool (with impeccable views of Downtown Minneapolis) and Pendleton-clad, industrial-chic rooms. Catch a Minnesota Twins game at Target Field and a nightcap at the Monte Carlo, established in 1906.
Saint Anthony Main
Minutes away from the dive bars and karaoke joints of Northeast, just north of the University of Minnesota campus, is where you’ll find another one of the city's many art institutions: the Frank Gehry-designed Weisman Art Gallery. Saint Anthony Main is located on the banks of the Mississippi, so take a stroll from the Hennepin Avenue Bridge (the first bridge to traverse the Mississippi) to Stone Arch Bridge for the best view of Downtown Minneapolis. Shopping highlights include 1920s-90s vintage at The Golden Pearl, mid-century modern furniture at Find Furnish, and handcrafted home decor at The Foundry Home Goods.
Uptown
South of Downtown and nestled against the chain of lakes Bde Maka Ska, Lakes of the Isles, and Lake Harriet, the Uptown neighborhood puts you smack in the middle of entertainment and the outdoors. Sweat it out at the Uptown VFW for one of their many dance parties, or visit the castle-like American Swedish Institute for a taste of Minnesota’s Scandinavian history. Magers and Quinn Booksellers is one of the country's premier independent booksellers; Sooki & Mimi serves Mexican-Korean fusions (and be sure to check out their secret bar).
Featured Local: James Taylor
James Taylor is a born-and-bred Texan who now finds himself immersed in the Land of 10,000 Lakes. As the operating partner and general manager of Holy Mountain, a live music venue and bar in Austin, he learned firsthand how vital small businesses are for the local economy. After moving to Minneapolis to escape the Austin heat, James joined the booking team at First Avenue, one of Pollstar’s Top 50 Promoters. As a touring drummer, he’s performed nationally and internationally and loves to get lost in a new city. Co-curator of the monthly jazz vinyl night, Call it Anything, at Japanese whiskey bar Gori Gori Peku, James knows the best places to dig for vinyl, catch an up-and-coming live band, or relax with a cocktail and a lakeside view. He’s still searching for the perfect breakfast taco.
James’s Must-Dos
Minnehaha Regional Park
Minnehaha Regional Park is the crown jewel of Minneapolis’s 180 city parks, home to a 53-foot waterfall, limestone bluffs, and miles of biking and walking trails. Reward yourself post-walk with clam fries, scallop tacos, and oysters from the popular Sea Salt Eatery. Lines at Sea Salt can get long on nice weekend days, but the patio is large and accommodating to the masses.
First Avenue & 7th Street Entry
The epicenter of live music and entertainment in Minneapolis since 1970, First Avenue (and its smaller side-room, the 7th St Entry) is a must-visit. Prince was known to pop in for a surprise visit and featured the venue in his 1984 classic, Purple Rain. The iconic wall of stars outside the building features the names of legends who’ve graced the First Avenue stage. Owner Dayna Frank led the charge to help save independent music venues during the COVID-19 pandemic, helming the National Independent Venue Association and the Save Our Stages campaign.
James’s Recs
Dogwood Coffee Co.
Dogwood’s three locations are all in highly walkable, bustling neighborhoods. Grab a Zamboni Cold Brew after beers at Bauhaus Brew Labs in Northeast, or a honey pistachio spumoni latte from their Midway location before digging for vinyl at Barely Brothers Records. The coffee brand recently partnered with North Minneapolis entrepreneur Houston White to help bring his Get Down Coffee Co. to life in the city’s underserved, historically Black Northside neighborhood.
Walker Art Gallery
Home to immersive pieces like James Turrell’s Sky Pesher, the iconic Spoonbridge and Cherry, and the recently added Hahn/Cock by Katharina Fristch, the Walker Sculpture Garden is the largest urban sculpture garden in the country. Photo-worthy art installations and an unmatched view of the Minneapolis skyline make the Sculpture Garden a must-visit. Weather isn’t cooperating? Head inside the Walker to view thought-provoking contemporary art from names like Andy Warhol, Jasper Johns, Chuck Close, Donald Judd, Nam June Paik, and more.
Owamni by the Sioux Chef
An Indigenous restaurant on the shores of the Hahawakpa (Mississippi) river, Owamni was named Best New Restaurant by the James Beard Foundation in 2022. Chef Sean Sherman focuses on non-Eurocentric ingredients, highlighting flavors that existed in the region prior to European colonization. Local tip: Lunch reservations are much easier to come by than dinner, and the menu is just as exciting.
