7 Best Places to Visit in Minneapolis in 2025

LAST UPDATED ON: 03/09/2025

Discover the Best Places to Visit in Minneapolis that showcase the stunning beauty and rich history of this remarkable region.

Hello, and welcome to Minneapolis! Get ready for an adventure in a city that’s full of surprises. Minneapolis is famously called the “City of Lakes” because it’s dotted with beautiful lakes, creeks, and waterfalls, all connected by the mighty Mississippi River.¹ In fact, the city’s name itself is a clue to its watery heart. It comes from the Dakota word “Mni,” which means water, and the Greek word “polis,” which means city. So, Minneapolis literally means “City of Water”.²

Long before it was a bustling city, this land was the home of the Dakota people, who have lived here for centuries.¹ Later, the city grew around the power of St. Anthony Falls, the only major natural waterfall on the entire Mississippi River. This waterfall powered huge mills that ground so much flour, Minneapolis became known as the “Flour Milling Capital of the World”.¹

Today, Minneapolis is a vibrant and exciting place, part of a duo known as the “Twin Cities” along with its neighbor, St. Paul.¹ It’s a place where you can see a powerful waterfall in the morning, explore amazing art in the afternoon, and walk across a historic bridge as the sun sets over a sparkling skyline. The city is also a wonderful mix of cultures, with thriving Hmong, Somali, and Native American communities that share their delicious food and rich traditions.⁴ This guide will take you to seven of the very best places in Minneapolis, perfect for families, friends, and anyone ready to explore.

Your Unforgettable Adventure: The Top 7 Best Places to Visit in Minneapolis

We’ve picked out seven amazing spots that show off the best of what Minneapolis has to offer. From incredible nature to fascinating history and world-class fun, this list has something for everyone. Here’s a quick look at our top picks to help you start planning your trip.

Place	Best For	Entry Fee (Adult)	Open Year-Round?
Minnehaha Regional Park	Nature, Waterfalls	Free	Yes
Minneapolis Institute of Art	Art, Culture	Free	Yes
Walker Art Center & Sculpture Garden	Modern Art, Iconic Sights	$18 (Museum), Free (Garden)	Yes
Mill City Museum	History, City Views	$15	Yes
Stone Arch Bridge	Scenery, Walking	Free	Yes
Chain of Lakes Regional Park	Outdoor Activities	Free	Yes
Guthrie Theater	Architecture, Theater	Free (to explore)	Yes

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1. Minnehaha Regional Park: Discover a Waterfall in the Heart of the City

Imagine finding a giant, beautiful waterfall right in the middle of a big city. That’s exactly what you’ll discover at Minnehaha Regional Park, one of Minneapolis’s oldest and most loved parks.⁶ The star of the show is Minnehaha Falls, a stunning 53-foot waterfall that crashes down into a rocky gorge below.⁸ It feels like a piece of wilderness hidden in an urban setting, and it’s so beautiful that it was even mentioned in the famous poem, “The Song of Hiawatha”.⁸ With its beautiful trails, green spaces, and the sound of rushing water, this park is a perfect escape for the whole family.

Location

• 4801 S Minnehaha Dr, Minneapolis, MN 55417.⁶

Timing

• The park is open every day. The main, developed areas of the park are open from 6:00 AM to 12:00 AM (midnight). The more natural, undeveloped areas are open from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM.¹⁰

How to Reach

• By Public Transport: The easiest way to get here is by using the METRO Blue Line light rail. Just get off at the 50th St/Minnehaha Park Station. From there, it’s a short and pleasant walk to the falls.¹²
• By Car: If you’re driving, there are several paid parking lots and metered parking spots on the streets around the park. The park is large, with different lots near the main entrance, the dog park, and other areas, so you have plenty of options.¹⁰

Important Tips

• For the best photos and smaller crowds, try to visit in the early morning or late afternoon. The light is beautiful at these times.⁷
• Wear comfortable shoes! There are stairs to walk down to get to the bottom of the falls, and you’ll want to explore the scenic trails that follow the creek all the way to the Mississippi River.¹³
• If you’re visiting in the summer with kids, head to the Wabun Picnic Area, where there’s a fun wading pool to splash around in.⁷
• Don’t think this is just a summer spot! The falls are absolutely breathtaking in the winter when they freeze into a giant wall of ice. It’s a magical sight.¹³
• For a really fun family activity, rent a four-wheel surrey bike from Wheel Fun Rentals. It’s a covered pedal bike that the whole family can ride together to explore the park’s many paths.¹³

Entry Fees

• It is completely FREE to enter Minnehaha Regional Park and see the waterfall. You will only have to pay for parking if you drive.¹⁸

Things to Keep in Mind

• You can bring your dog, but they must be on a leash at all times, unless you are in the special off-leash dog park area.¹³
• To keep the park clean and safe for everyone, alcohol is not allowed.¹⁹
• Please stay on the marked trails. This helps protect the plants and prevents the ground from wearing away, keeping the park beautiful for years to come.¹⁶

Nearest Restaurant

• Sea Salt Eatery: You don’t even have to leave the park to find a great meal. Located right next to the falls, Sea Salt Eatery is open from April to October and serves delicious fresh seafood, like fish tacos and calamari. It’s very popular, so there might be a line, but enjoying your food with the sound of the waterfall in the background is worth the wait.⁹

Nearest Hotel

• Embassy Suites by Hilton Minneapolis Airport: This highly-rated hotel is a short drive from the park. Its location is perfect if you’re flying in or out of Minneapolis, and it’s a comfortable place for families to stay.²²

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2. Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia): Explore a World of Art for Free

Get ready to travel through 5,000 years of history and creativity at the Minneapolis Institute of Art, or Mia for short. This is one of the biggest and best art museums in the entire country, with a huge collection of more than 90,000 works of art from all over the world.²⁴ You can see everything from ancient Egyptian mummies and powerful European paintings to amazing modern photographs and art from Africa, Asia, and the Americas. But the most incredible thing about Mia? General admission is always, 100% FREE for everyone, every day.²⁵

Location

• 2400 Third Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55404.²⁹

Timing

• Mia is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. On Thursdays, it stays open late until 9:00 PM. The museum is closed on Mondays, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and July 4th.²⁵

How to Reach

• By Public Transport: The museum is easy to get to by bus. It is located right on the Metro Transit bus route #11.²⁶
• By Car: There are several paid parking options, including a parking ramp just south of the museum and a few surface lots nearby.²⁷

Important Tips

• While the main collection is free, some special, temporary exhibitions might require a paid ticket. It’s a good idea to check the museum’s website and book these tickets online before you go, just in case.²⁵
• If you’re carrying a backpack or a large bag (anything bigger than 15×15 inches), you’ll need to store it in the free, self-serve coat check area near the entrance.²⁵
• If you have very young children, look for “Mini Mia” events. These are special free programs designed just for toddlers and their families to play and learn about art together.³⁰

Entry Fees

• General admission to see the museum’s amazing collection is completely FREE.²⁵

Things to Keep in Mind

• The art is very precious, so please do not touch any of the artworks. A good rule is to stay about one foot away from them.²⁶
• To protect the art, food and drinks are not allowed inside the galleries. You can enjoy a snack or a meal in the museum’s cafe.²⁶
• If you or your kids like to draw, you are welcome to sketch in the galleries using pencils. However, pens, markers, and paints are not allowed.²⁶

Nearest Restaurant

• Agra Culture Coffee Shop and Cafe: Located right inside Mia’s main lobby, this cafe is the perfect spot for a break. They offer healthy and delicious meals, sandwiches, coffee, and treats. It’s super convenient because it’s open during all museum hours.³¹

Nearest Hotel

• Elliot Park Hotel, Autograph Collection: This beautiful and highly-rated hotel is just a mile away from Mia. It’s known for its stylish rooms, excellent service, and great location, making it a wonderful and convenient place to stay.³⁴

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3. Walker Art Center & Minneapolis Sculpture Garden: Experience Art Inside and Out

Get ready for a double dose of art and fun at this amazing two-in-one destination! First, there’s the Walker Art Center, a world-famous museum filled with exciting modern and contemporary art that will make you think and smile.²⁴ Right next door is the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, a beautiful 11-acre park where art and nature come together. Here, you can wander among more than 60 incredible sculptures, including the city’s most famous landmark: the giant Spoonbridge and Cherry.⁸ It’s the perfect place to experience art in a whole new way—both inside a cool museum and outside in the fresh air.

This combination of an indoor museum and an outdoor park is no accident. The Sculpture Garden is a special partnership between the private Walker Art Center and the public Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board.³⁷ This was done on purpose to make world-class art feel open and welcoming to everyone. By making the garden free and keeping it open from early morning until late at night, it feels less like a formal museum space and more like a neighborhood park where amazing art happens to live. This approach breaks down barriers, inviting families and visitors to enjoy art casually, whether they are planning a full museum day or just taking an evening stroll.

Location

• 725 Vineland Place, Minneapolis, MN 55403.⁴¹

Timing

• Walker Art Center (Museum): Open Wednesday to Sunday, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. It has late hours on Thursdays, staying open until 9:00 PM. The museum is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.⁴¹
• Minneapolis Sculpture Garden: Open every single day of the year, from 6:00 AM to 12:00 AM (midnight).³⁹

How to Reach

• By Public Transport: You can easily get here on Metro Transit bus lines 4, 6, 12, and 25.⁴¹
• By Car: There is a paid underground parking garage right on-site. You can enter the ramp from Vineland Place, across the street from the Sculpture Garden. You can also find metered parking on the surrounding streets.⁴¹

Important Tips

• The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden is always FREE to visit, 365 days a year, even when the museum is closed. It’s a great place to visit anytime.⁴¹
• You can get into the Walker Art Center museum for FREE on Thursday nights from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Admission is also free for the whole family on the first Saturday of every month.³⁰
• Great news for families: admission to the museum is always FREE for kids and teens who are 18 and under.⁴¹

Entry Fees

• Walker Art Center: Adults are $18. Anyone 18 and under gets in for FREE.⁴¹
• Minneapolis Sculpture Garden: FREE for everyone, all the time.³⁹

Things to Keep in Mind

• Inside the museum, remember the golden rule: look, but don’t touch the art. You’ll also need to store any coats or backpacks in the lockers provided.⁴⁷
• You can take pictures inside the museum, but make sure your flash is turned off to protect the artwork.⁴⁷
• In the Sculpture Garden, feel free to take lots of photos with the sculptures, but please do not climb on them.

Nearest Restaurant

• Cardamom: This wonderful restaurant is located right inside the Walker Art Center, with beautiful views overlooking the Sculpture Garden. It serves delicious food with flavors from the Mediterranean Sea. It’s the perfect place to sit down for a meal or a drink after exploring all the art.⁴¹

Nearest Hotel

• Hyatt Regency Minneapolis: Located just a short walk away (about half a mile), this large and highly-rated hotel is a great choice. It offers comfortable rooms and beautiful views of nearby Loring Park and the downtown skyline, putting you right in the heart of the action.⁵⁰

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4. Mill City Museum: Journey Through Minneapolis’s Flour-Milling Past

Take a step back in time at one of the most unique museums you’ll ever visit! The Mill City Museum is built right inside the amazing ruins of the Washburn A Mill, which was once the biggest flour mill in the entire world.³ This is the place where Minneapolis earned its nickname, the “Flour Milling Capital of the World”.¹ Through fun, hands-on exhibits, you’ll learn the story of how the city grew, powered by the Mississippi River and the hard work of thousands of millers. It’s a story of invention, disaster, and the food that feeds the world, all told in the very place where history was made.

Location

• 704 South 2nd St, Minneapolis, MN 55401.³

Timing

• The park is open every day. The main, developed areas of the park are open from 6:00 AM to 12:00 AM (midnight). The more natural, undeveloped areas are open from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM.³

How to Reach

• By Public Transport: Being in the downtown area, the museum is easy to reach using many different bus routes.
• By Car: The museum doesn’t have its own parking lot. However, there are many city-owned parking ramps and lots very close by where you can park for a fee.³

Important Tips

• You absolutely cannot miss the “Flour Tower” elevator show! It’s not a regular elevator ride. As you travel up eight floors, you’ll see and hear what the mill was like when it was running, with cool special effects and stories from former workers.³
• Make sure to go all the way up to the rooftop observation deck. It offers one of the best views in all of Minneapolis! You’ll get amazing pictures of the Mississippi River, St. Anthony Falls, and the historic Stone Arch Bridge.³
• To make sure you have enough time to see all the cool exhibits and enjoy the views, plan to spend at least two hours at the museum.⁵⁸

Entry Fees

• Admission is $15 for adults, $12 for seniors (65+), veterans, and college students, and $8 for children ages 5-17. Kids 4 and under get in for FREE.³

Things to Keep in Mind

• You are welcome to take photos for your own personal use. However, some areas may have restrictions on using a flash or a tripod. If you want to do a professional photoshoot, you’ll need to get permission first.³
• The Ruin Courtyard is a beautiful outdoor space within the old mill walls. Because it’s outside, it might be closed during bad weather, especially in the winter.³

Nearest Restaurant

• Bushel and Peck: Located right inside the Mill City Museum, this is the most convenient place to eat. This cafe serves fresh and tasty family-friendly food, including burgers, sandwiches, and salads, making it a perfect spot for a quick and easy lunch during your visit.³

Nearest Hotel

• Canopy by Hilton Minneapolis Mill District: You can’t get much closer than this! This modern and very highly-rated hotel is just a short, two-minute walk from the museum. Its amazing location and great reviews make it the best choice for anyone wanting to stay in this historic part of the city.⁶¹

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5. The Stone Arch Bridge: Take a Walk-Through History with a View

The Stone Arch Bridge is more than just a way to cross the Mississippi River—it’s a Minneapolis icon and a true landmark.⁸ Built way back in 1883 for trains to chug across, this beautiful bridge is special because it’s the only one on the entire Mississippi River made of arched stone.² Today, no trains run on it. Instead, it has been transformed into a wonderful pedestrian and bike path.⁶⁵ A walk across the Stone Arch Bridge gives you some of the most breathtaking views of the Minneapolis skyline, the powerful St. Anthony Falls, and the historic riverfront. It’s a must-do for anyone visiting the city.

Location

• A great starting point is near the downtown side at 1 Portland Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55401.⁶⁵

Timing

• The bridge is open for everyone to enjoy every day from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM.⁶⁵

How to Reach

• By Public Transport: Many downtown bus routes stop near the Mill City Museum or the Guthrie Theater, which are both right at the entrance to the bridge on the downtown side.
• By Car: You can’t drive on the bridge, so you’ll need to park nearby. There are several paid parking ramps in the Mill District (downtown side) or in the St. Anthony Main neighborhood (the other side) and then take a short walk to the bridge.

Important Tips

• For the best experience, start your walk on the downtown side of the river, near the Guthrie Theater. Walk all the way across to the other side, which is the historic St. Anthony Main neighborhood.⁶⁷
• This is one of the absolute best places in the city to take pictures. The views are incredible, especially at sunrise or sunset when the sky is full of color.²
• After you cross the bridge, take some time to explore St. Anthony Main. It’s the oldest part of Minneapolis and has charming cobblestone streets, cool shops, and great restaurants with patios.⁶⁷

Entry Fees

• It is completely FREE to walk, run, or bike across the Stone Arch Bridge.⁶⁵

Things to Keep in Mind

• The bridge is a popular spot for both walkers and bikers. Remember to share the path and be aware of others around you.
• The bridge is very old and sometimes needs repairs. A major repair project was scheduled for 2024-2025, which could lead to temporary closures of parts of the bridge. It’s a good idea to check the city’s website for any alerts before you go.⁷⁰

Nearest Restaurant

• Aster Cafe: Tucked away on the charming cobblestone street in St. Anthony Main, right at the end of the bridge, is the Aster Cafe. It has a beautiful, tree-covered patio that looks out over the river and the downtown skyline. It’s the perfect place to relax with a meal or a drink after your scenic walk.⁷¹

Nearest Hotel

• Residence Inn Minneapolis Downtown at The Depot: Stay in a piece of history! This hotel is located in a beautifully restored historic train depot and is just a few steps from the Stone Arch Bridge. It offers large suites with extra space, making it an excellent choice for families.⁶³

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6. Chain of Lakes Regional Park: Play in Minneapolis’s Natural Playground

The Chain of Lakes isn’t just one park; it’s a giant natural playground made up of five beautiful lakes all connected together: Bde Maka Ska, Lake of the Isles, Lake Harriet, Cedar Lake, and Brownie Lake.⁶⁶ This huge park is like Minneapolis’s backyard, a place where everyone goes to have fun outdoors. It features miles and miles of trails for walking and biking, sandy beaches for swimming and sunbathing, and huge green spaces perfect for picnics and playing games. It’s the second most popular destination in all of Minnesota, right after the Mall of America, and it’s the perfect place to enjoy a sunny day.⁷⁴

Location

• The park covers a large area southwest of downtown Minneapolis. A great place to start your adventure is the Lake Harriet Bandshell, located at 4135 W Lake Harriet Pkwy, Minneapolis, MN 55409.

Timing

• The park is open every day from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Some of the main, developed areas, like around the bandshell, stay open until midnight.⁷⁴

How to Reach

• By Public Transport: Several city bus routes run through the neighborhoods surrounding the lakes, making it easy to get to different parts of the park.
• By Car: There are paid parking lots located near the most popular spots, such as the main beaches on Lake Harriet and Bde Maka Ska’s Thomas Beach.¹⁵

Important Tips

• Get out on the water! You can rent kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards from Wheel Fun Rentals at a few of the lakes. It’s a fantastic way to explore. You can even paddle through the small channels that connect some of the lakes.⁶⁶
• Lake Harriet is famous for its beautiful, historic bandshell right on the water. In the summer, you can catch free concerts and movies here. It’s a perfect family evening activity.⁸
• Bde Maka Ska is the biggest lake in the chain and a popular spot for sailing, playing sand volleyball, and enjoying the three large beaches.⁷⁵
• If you love to walk or bike, you’re in luck. There are over 13 miles of paths just for walking and another 15 miles of paths just for biking that loop around the lakes.⁷⁵

Entry Fees

• It is FREE to enter the Chain of Lakes Regional Park and to use the trails and beaches. You only have to pay for things like parking, food, or boat rentals.⁷⁴

Things to Keep in Mind

• During the summer, some of the main beaches have lifeguards on duty. However, they are only there during specific hours, so always check the signs at the beach and swim safely.⁷⁴
• If you’re going out on a boat, kayak, or paddleboard, always follow the safety rules and be sure to wear a life jacket.

Nearest Restaurant

• Bread & Pickle: Located right at the Lake Harriet Bandshell, this casual eatery is the perfect spot for a lakeside lunch. They serve delicious burgers, hot dogs, sandwiches, and ice cream. You can eat at one of the picnic tables with a fantastic view of the lake.⁷⁷

Nearest Hotel

• Moxy Minneapolis Uptown: This fun and modern hotel is located in the lively Uptown neighborhood, which is right next to the Chain of Lakes. Its great location gives you easy access to both the parks for daytime fun and all the cool shops and restaurants of Uptown in the evening.⁶⁶

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7. Guthrie Theater: Explore an Architectural Marvel

From the outside, the Guthrie Theater looks like a giant, deep blue jewel sitting on the banks of the Mississippi River.⁷⁸ It’s a world-famous theater where you can see amazing plays, from timeless classics to exciting new stories.⁷⁹ But the Guthrie is more than just a place for shows—it’s an architectural marvel that’s open for everyone to explore. Even if you don’t have a ticket for a play, you can go inside, wander through its dramatic lobbies, and discover one of the most breathtaking views in the entire city.

Location

• 818 South 2nd Street, Minneapolis, MN 55415.⁷⁸

Timing

• The public lobbies are open Tuesday through Friday from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM, and Saturday through Sunday from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM. The building is closed on Mondays.⁸¹

How to Reach

• By Public Transport: The Guthrie is easy to get to. The METRO Green and Blue light rail lines stop at the U.S. Bank Stadium station, which is just a few blocks away. Several bus routes also stop nearby.⁸²
• By Car: The closest and most convenient place to park is the city-owned Riverfront Ramp, located directly across the street from the theater.⁸²

Important Tips

• You absolutely must walk out onto the “Endless Bridge.” It’s a long observation deck that sticks out 178 feet from the side of the building, hanging over the street below. It offers an incredible, one-of-a-kind view of the Mississippi River, St. Anthony Falls, and the Stone Arch Bridge.⁷⁸
• Arrive a little early before your show, or just stop by during the day, to give yourself time to explore the building. The views from the various lobbies are stunning.⁸³
• For a behind-the-scenes look, you can book a backstage tour on select Saturdays to see the costume and prop shops and learn more about how the magic is made.⁸⁴

Entry Fees

• It is completely FREE to enter the Guthrie Theater building to explore the public spaces, including the lobbies and the Endless Bridge. You only need to buy a ticket if you want to see a performance.⁷⁸

Things to Keep in Mind

• There is no dress code, so you can come as you are, whether you’re dressed up for a special night out or just exploring in casual clothes.⁸³
• While you can take photos of the amazing architecture and the set before a show begins, taking photos or videos during a performance is not allowed.⁸³
• If you are seeing a show, remember to turn off your cell phone completely so it doesn’t disturb the actors or other audience members.⁸³

Nearest Restaurant

• Kindee Thai Restaurant: Located right across the street, this is a perfect and convenient spot to grab a delicious Thai meal before or after your visit to the theater. It’s a favorite in the neighborhood.⁸⁵

Nearest Hotel

• Aloft Minneapolis: This trendy and modern hotel is just a two-minute walk from the Guthrie Theater. Its fantastic location in the historic Mill District makes it an ideal place to stay to be close to the theater, the riverfront, and other downtown attractions.⁸⁷

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Your Minneapolis Questions Answered (FAQs)

Disclaimer

The information provided about the Best Places to Visit in Minneapolis is accurate as of the time of writing. However, please note that prices, facilities, and distances may vary, and it’s always best to contact the local tourism authorities or travel operators directly for the most up-to-date information.

This blog aims to provide general guidance and insights about Best Places to Visit in Minneapolis, but it should not be considered an endorsement of any one place over another. We encourage you to do your own research and make informed decisions based on your individual preferences and needs.