5 Things to do in Minneapolis

Image via Flickr by kla4067

Part of the Twin Cities along with St. Paul, Minneapolis, Minnesota, offers plenty of things to do. From theater to museums, there’s something fun for everyone. Minneapolis is also full of wonderful history as well as some great festivals, which makes this a fun city for any occasion  bachelorettes, proposals, Christmas trips and so forth.

While there’s plenty to do in Minneapolis, here are five things tourists should not miss while visiting this wonderful city.

Five Things To Do in Minneapolis

Image via Flickr by Dougtone

One of the first things to do while in Minneapolis is to visit Minnehaha Park. Known for the 53-foot Minnehaha Falls, Minnehaha Park offers outdoor activities, bike paths, volleyball courts, and playgrounds. During the summer, there are more attractions available, such as the Wabun wading pool. This park is open daily and is free of charge. As for hotels, there are a few nearby, such as the Sheraton Minneapolis and Snelling Motel.

If architecture is more appealing to you than museums, then visit the Stone Arch Bridge. This historic span over the Mississippi River measures 2,100 feet long by 28 feet wide. Segway tours are conducted around the bridge, and there’s also a Stone Arch Bridge Festival in June that offers more than 250 musicians and artists. A few hotels surround the Stone Arch Bridge, such as the Renaissance Minneapolis Hotel, Residence Inn by Marriott, and Alma Hotel.

Another thing to do is visit the Chain of Lakes, which consists of Lake Harriet, Lake of the Isles, Cedar Lake, Brownie Lake, and Lake Calhoun. Access to the lakes is free and located about 5 miles southwest of downtown Minneapolis. Every lake has something different to offer such as live music, rose gardens, family friendly beaches, boat rentals, picnics, and more.

If theater is what you are looking for, then the Guthrie Theater should be next on your list. The Guthrie was founded in 1963 and has since been producing some of the greatest works of dramatic literature. The theater has three stages that feature a mix of classic and contemporary plays. Near the Guthrie Theater, you will find hotels such as the Aloft Minneapolis and the Residence Inn.

The fifth thing to do while in Minneapolis is to visit the Mall of America. The mall, which opened in 1992, is the largest mall in the United States. It has more than 520 stores with at least 12,287 parking spaces. This mall is also known for appearing in the 1996 Christmas movie, “Jingle All the Way.” Near the mall are a few hotels, such as the Marquette Hotel Curio Collection by Hilton.

Minneapolis has some great hotels near these attractions that are very budget friendly as well as close by. For a complete list of hotels and a mini guide, check out the Hotel Planning Guide. Not only does this list offer plenty of hotels, but it also has an overview of Minneapolis and the best times to visit this wonderful city.