Minneapolis 5 Days

Day 1: Downtown Minneapolis and Cultural Exploration

Morning: Minneapolis Institute of Art

– Start your day at the Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia), exploring its extensive art collection spanning thousands of years and diverse cultures.

Late Morning: Sculpture Garden and Walker Art Center

– Visit the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden adjacent to the Walker Art Center. Admire iconic sculptures like the Spoonbridge and Cherry and explore contemporary art exhibitions at the museum.

Lunch: North Loop

– Head to the North Loop neighborhood for lunch at one of its trendy restaurants or breweries. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and eclectic cuisine options.

Afternoon: Mill City Museum

– Tour the Mill City Museum to learn about the history of flour milling in Minneapolis. Explore the ruins of the Washburn A Mill and enjoy views of the Mississippi River.

Evening: Guthrie Theater

– Attend a performance at the Guthrie Theater, known for its innovative architecture and contribution to the performing arts scene in Minneapolis.

Day 2: Lakes and Outdoor Activities

Morning: Chain of Lakes

– Start your day with a visit to the Chain of Lakes, including Lake Calhoun, Lake Harriet, and Lake of the Isles. Rent a kayak or paddleboard to explore the lakes or bike along the scenic trails.

Late Morning: Minneapolis Farmers Market

– Visit the Minneapolis Farmers Market near downtown for fresh produce, artisanal goods, and local snacks.

Lunch: Eat Street

– Enjoy lunch along “Eat Street” (Nicollet Avenue), known for its diverse culinary offerings from around the world.

Afternoon: Minnehaha Regional Park

– Explore Minnehaha Regional Park and visit Minnehaha Falls, a beautiful 53-foot waterfall set amidst limestone bluffs and scenic trails.

Evening: Brewery Tour

– Take a brewery tour in Northeast Minneapolis, known for its craft breweries and taprooms. Sample local beers and enjoy dinner at one of the brewery restaurants.

Day 3: Historical Exploration

Morning: Historic Fort Snelling

– Visit Historic Fort Snelling, a National Historic Landmark where you can learn about military history, fur trading, and Native American culture.

Late Morning: Minnesota History Center

– Explore the Minnesota History Center, featuring exhibits on the state’s history, culture, and heritage. Don’t miss the interactive exhibits and special collections.

Lunch: Grand Avenue in St. Paul

– Cross the river to St. Paul and have lunch on Grand Avenue, known for its charming cafes, restaurants, and boutiques.

Afternoon: Cathedral of Saint Paul

– Visit the Cathedral of Saint Paul, an architectural masterpiece offering panoramic views of the Twin Cities skyline.

Evening: Summit Avenue

– Take a stroll along Summit Avenue, lined with historic mansions and Victorian architecture. Consider joining a guided tour to learn about the area’s rich history.

Day 4: Art and Culture

Morning: Weisman Art Museum

– Start your day at the Weisman Art Museum, located on the University of Minnesota campus, featuring modern and contemporary art collections.

Late Morning: University of Minnesota Campus

– Explore the University of Minnesota campus, known for its historic buildings, green spaces, and cultural landmarks.

Lunch: Dinkytown

– Have lunch in Dinkytown, a lively neighborhood near campus with casual dining options and student hangouts.

Afternoon: Science Museum of Minnesota

– Visit the Science Museum of Minnesota, featuring interactive exhibits on science, technology, and natural history.

Evening: Dinner in Uptown

– Enjoy dinner in Uptown Minneapolis, known for its trendy restaurants, bars, and nightlife. Afterward, catch a movie at the historic Uptown Theatre or enjoy live music.

Day 5: Relaxation and Departure

Morning: Como Park Zoo and Conservatory

– Spend your morning at Como Park Zoo and Conservatory in St. Paul, home to a variety of animals and beautiful botanical gardens.

Late Morning: Shopping at Mall of America

– Head to Bloomington and spend some time shopping and exploring the Mall of America, one of the largest shopping malls in the United States.

Lunch: Mall of America

– Enjoy lunch at one of the many restaurants inside the Mall of America, offering a wide range of dining options.

Afternoon: Nickelodeon Universe

– Have some fun at Nickelodeon Universe, an indoor amusement park inside the Mall of America, featuring rides and attractions for all ages.

Evening: Departure

– Depending on your flight or travel plans, take time to relax or do some last-minute shopping before heading to the airport for your departure.