1. The Walker Art Center
The Walker Art Center is one of the most celebrated art museums in the country. It is known for its acclaimed collections of contemporary art across the spectrum of visual, performing, and media arts. Be sure to check out the famous Spoonbridge and Cherry overlooking the Minneapolis landscape.
Admission is free to the museum on the first Saturday of every month and every Thursday night from 5 PM - 9 PM.
Address: 725 Vineland Pl, Minneapolis, MN 55403
2. Take a Walk Along the Stone Arch Bridge
The Stone Arch Bridge is a former railroad bridge crossing the Mississippi River. It offers a panoramic view of St Anthony Falls and is recognized as a National Civil Engineering landmark. Visit the free Visitor Center nearby which is open from 9:30 AM - 5 PM every day except Mondays.
Address: 1 Portland Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55401
3. Como Zoo & Conservatory
Open 365 days a year, the Como Zoo and Conservatory is home to an array of native and exotic animals. The conservatory features gorgeous themed gardens spanning over half an acre. Check out the Ordway Garden, Sunken Garden, and Orchid House. Stop by and soak in the beauty of nature. Como Zoo and Conservatory are open 10 AM - 4 PM every day of the week.
Address: 1224-1256 Midway Pkwy, St Paul, MN 55103
4. ACME Comedy Club
Laughter is always the best medicine. Acme Comedy Club, located in Uptown’s Warehouse District, hosts an open mic night every Tuesday! You can sign up yourself or watch local comics looking to make a name for themselves. Some jokes may kill, others may bomb; but either way, it’s going to be a good time. Doors open at 7:30 PM.
Address: 708 N 1st St, Minneapolis, MN 55401
5. The Mall of America
Who doesn’t love to shop? The Mall of America is one of Minnesota’s best tourist attractions. It is the United States' largest shopping mall and the 12th-largest mall in the world! It has more than 570 retailers and restaurants hosted at the mall Its Nickelodeon Universe theme park is the United States' largest indoor theme park, offering roller coasters and family thrill rides.
Address: 60 E Broadway, Bloomington, MN 55425
6. Minnehaha Regional Park
Minnehaha Regional Park is a 193-acre riverfront park in Minneapolis that draws more than 850,000 annual visitors. The park was named for the indigenous Dakota word meaning "waterfall" for its impressive 53-foot waterfall. The park is open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. or midnight. Free parking is available near the Longfellow Gardens and bike rentals are available through Wheel Fun Rentals!
Address: 4801 S Minnehaha Drive Minneapolis, MN 55417
7. Uptown Art Fair
The Uptown Art Fair is an annual festival held in Uptown Minneapolis, at the intersection of Lake Street and Hennepin Avenue. What started as a neighborhood art event grew to be a nationally recognized art festival. Over 300 artists are featured each year. Be sure to check out Williams Uptown Pub & Peanut Bar, or try food from one of the many local food truck vendors!
This year’s fair will be held on August 5 -7, 2022, rain or shine.
Address: 2815 Hennepin Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55408
8. Spend the Day Exploring the Chain of Lakes
No Minnesota summer would be complete without a few lake days. The Minneapolis Chain of Lakes consists of the shorelines of Lake Harriet, Bde Maka Ska, Lake of the Isles, Cedar Lake, and Brownie Lake. Lake access is free, and visitors are welcome to bring their own motorless watercrafts. Don’t feel like getting in the water? There are trails connecting each lake, and the lakes make perfect backdrops for a picnic.
Address: 4135 W Lake Harriet Pkwy, Minneapolis, MN 55409
9. Minneapolis Institute of Art
Experience the history of art without the need to travel far. As one of the largest art museums in the United States, the Minneapolis Institute of Art (MIA) is home to over 90,000 artworks spanning several millennia. Visitors can immerse themselves in the themed art galleries that MIA often holds or contemplate complex artworks done by hundreds of famous artists throughout the years.
Address: 2400 3rd Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55404
10. Visit the Guthrie Theater
The Guthrie Theater is home to some of the best views of Minneapolis. Visitors can take pictures in the Pohlad Lobby, better known as ‘The yellow room’, as well as in large windows on the Endless Bridge. Visitors can enjoy the scenic views of the river and landscape right from the balcony. Take a stroll outside along the Mississippi and climb to the top of the hill of Gold Medal Park to admire the beauty of the theater from the outside. Experience the heart and soul of Minneapolis in the summertime.
Address: 818 S 2nd St, Minneapolis, MN 55415
What's on the top of your to-do list this summer?
Written by Neha Bhupatiraju,
Jacob Guenther, Brandon Hua,
Grace Kosel, & Caitlin Maloney