Minneapolis 7 Days
Day 1: Arrival and Downtown 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: Riverfront and Entertainment
Morning: Nicollet Island and Boom Island Park
– Start your day with a walk or bike ride along Nicollet Island and Boom Island Park, enjoying views of the Mississippi River and historic landmarks.
Late Morning: Northeast Minneapolis Arts District
– Explore the Northeast Minneapolis Arts District, known for its galleries, studios, and vibrant arts scene.
Lunch: Northeast Minneapolis
– Have lunch at one of the local eateries in Northeast Minneapolis, known for its diverse culinary offerings.
Afternoon: Brewery and Distillery Tour
– Take a tour of a local brewery or distillery in Northeast Minneapolis. Learn about the brewing process and sample craft beers or spirits.
Evening: Dinner at North Loop
– Enjoy dinner at one of the upscale restaurants in the North Loop neighborhood, known for its innovative cuisine and lively atmosphere.
Day 6: Relaxation and Nature
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: Como Park
– Explore Como Park, featuring walking paths, a historic carousel, and scenic picnic areas.
Lunch: St. Paul
– Have lunch at a local restaurant in St. Paul, exploring the neighborhood’s culinary scene.
Afternoon: Mississippi River Cruise
– Take a scenic cruise along the Mississippi River, learning about its history and natural beauty.
Evening: Dinner in Highland Park
– Enjoy dinner in Highland Park, known for its cozy restaurants and neighborhood feel.
Day 7: Shopping and Departure
Morning: Mall of America
– Spend your last morning shopping and exploring at the Mall of America in Bloomington, one of the largest shopping malls in the United States.
Late Morning: Nickelodeon Universe
– Have some fun at Nickelodeon Universe, an indoor amusement park inside the Mall of America, featuring rides and attractions for all ages.
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: Last-minute Explorations
– Take time for any last-minute shopping or sightseeing before departing.
Evening: Departure
– Depending on your flight or travel plans, relax or have a farewell dinner before heading to the airport.