20 Incredible Things To Do In Downtown Minneapolis

1. Travel Through Buildings In The Minneapolis Skyway System

The best way to explore Minneapolis in USA, is via an architectural journey with the Skyway system. This vast system of covered walkways spans more than 80 blocks, permitting you to saunter from one building to the next in climate-controlled luxury.

The use of the skyways is at its most effective when climbing up onto the observation deck for a birds-eye view from Foshay Tower. From there, start walking and let this underground passageway lead you through a world of eateries and shops lined with lots of art.

Keep an eye out for the occasional busker or Segway-riding police officer, and enjoy this unique skyway experience.

2. Climb To The Top of Foshay Tower

The facilities include a 64-story skyscraper measuring 447 feet that was the tallest building in the Midwest for nearly half a century and currently contains a W Hotel. The inception of the trip is at the reception area of your hotel, and the ticket prices are $10 for adults and $6 for children aged between 4 and 14 only.

After successfully purchasing a ticket, guests get a key card to access the 30th floor, where there is also a mini museum. This tower was constructed in 1929 for businessman Wilbur Foshay.

It was explicitly modeled after the Washington Monument. It is only two tiny flights of stairs from the museum to the observation deck.

3. Attend Events At Minneapolis Convention Center

One of the top destinations to visit when in this city is the Minneapolis Convention Center. This is a one-of-a-kind venue, where you can find trade shows running all over and concerts everyone has been waiting for.

Among the future events, one can find a Sneaker Con expected on September 7th, 2024, and the IANA 21st Annual Meeting planned for September 1st, with a focus on discussion and the creation of the network.

Because of the adequate and convenient public transport available and the adequate car parking available within and around the area, it is quite easy to get to the convention center.

4. Stroll Through Minneapolis Sculpture Garden

Located just down from the Walker Art Center, the Minneapolis sculpture garden is an oasis in a major city that will give you over 40 fantastic sculptures, such as the now-famous Spoonbridge and Cherry. There is a fee payment at the gate, and the gardens are open at any time of the year.

Visitors are welcome to wander through a series of beautifully landscaped walks and themed garden rooms, making for an afternoon well spent. Along the way, be sure to stop by lively pollinator gardens that provide habitat for local wildlife and whimsical interactive installations.

Also keep in mind the monthly "Free First Saturday," a yearly event with complimentary admission to both Walker Art Center and its garden.

5. Visit The Beautiful Basilica of St. Mary

Minneapolis has America's first basilica, its astonishing Roman Catholic church with beaux-arts like a domed copper roof, marble floors, and fine art mosaics.

Located at 1600 Hennepin Avenue, the basilica is centrally located in Minneapolis. It is frequently available for tours, making it accessible to both locals and tourists. At a Sunday mass or special concert, the Basilica Cathedral Choir performs music that is magnificently soothing to hear.

6. Explore Mill City Museum

When in downtown Minneapolis MN, the museum would be a great place to visit that reflects on some history found within this city. Located in the ruins of a historic Washburn "A" Mill, this museum explores Minneapolis as the city that once was known as the largest flour milling community on earth.

Interactive exhibits include the Flour Tower ride, which moves you through a mill seen and heard as if in operation. There are tons of hands-on activities, including but not limited to the Water Lab, where you can bake and sample fresh bread. Be sure to take in the incredible sights of St. Anthony Falls and the Stone Arch Bridge.

7. Enhance Your Visit Through Minneapolis Tribune

One thing one must do to enhance their tour in Minneapolis is get a copy of the Minneapolis Tribune. Also known as the Star Tribune, it is a major daily newspaper in the city.

While originally a news source, visitors to the city have multiple uses for the Star Tribune. The Tribune carries news of upcoming events, festivals, and attractions in downtown Minneapolis, providing for your amusement.

From live music shows at First Avenue to art exhibitions at the Walker Art Center, the Tribune gives you all the details you need to experience the city. In the paper, besides schedules for upcoming events, there are also features on the Minneapolis best restaurants, bars, and shops.

8. Catch A Minnesota Twins Baseball Game

For any sports lover who is getting into downtown Minneapolis today, it will be difficult for him or her to forget the moments that will be offered at the baseball game at Target Field. This modern multipurpose stadium was inaugurated in 2010 and is an example of a picturesque open-air stadium with amazing perspectives on the skyline.

Besides that, the guests and viewers of this place like its rather active and noisy atmosphere. Transportation to the field is also quite accessible, and there are many public means of transport within a short walking distance of the focal point.

You will get a chance to take pictures with the Minnie and Paul statue. It represents the foundation of "Twins" in the community.

9. A Luxurious Stay At Hyatt Place Minneapolis Downtown

Falling within the top Minneapolis hotels downtown, this luxurious hotel is situated in the center of Minneapolis Downtown. Its central location provides quick access to some of the top attractions, such as the climate-controlled Skyway.

Its contemporary rooms feature 42-inch HDTVs, mini-fridges, and free Wi-Fi. Breakfast is free, and a cafe and bar serve happy hour offers. You are in luck, as just a short walk away are the Target Center and the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, where you can do some of everything.

10. Participate In Minnesota State Fair

The Minneapolis state fair, known as "The Great Minnesota Get-Together," attracts over two million visitors annually and runs from August 22 through Labor Day until September 2, 2024. It is a short drive from downtown Minneapolis, and the fairgrounds are easy to get into with free shuttle service, and bike or metro transit.

The culinary creations take on the form of over 500 food items offered at the fair, including more deep-fried delights and new fair treats. Whether you like livestock shows, enjoy checking out the unique exhibits, or just want to catch free entertainment with 900 performances, there's something here for everyone.

11. Browse Electric Fetus Record Store

A trip to downtown Minneapolis finds any music enthusiast at Electric Fetus. An iconic independent record store built in 1968, this beloved fixture has earned a reputation for its large selection of vinyl records, CDs, and unique gifts.

Perched on the corner of E. Franklin Ave. and S. 4th Ave. at its southern edge near downtown, this shop is among the Twin Cities' most musically well-versed record repositories, with around 50,000 titles to meet any sonic fancy.

Beyond the music, you find gifts and such, like clothing, jewelry, or vintage candy.

12. Walk or Bike Across Stone Arch Bridge

The Stone Arch Bridge is one of the most photographed bridge locations in all of Minneapolis. This was constructed in 1883 as a railroad bridge but later converted to a very impressive pedestrian and cycling bridge that fills both views of the Mississippi River and the city skyline.

This is a unique perspective through which one can gauge the architectural, historical, and scenic beauty of the city of Minneapolis while crossing the touristic architecture of a city bridge.

The famous St. Anthony Falls is visible from the bridge and helps reveal facets of Minneapolis' industrial history. Notably, during the summer months, this area becomes a hub for music events and festivals.

13. Minneapolis Farmers Market

Since 1876, Minneapolis Farmers Market, located at 312 East Lyndale Ave., has been selling fresh produce along with handmade crafts and ready-to-eat bites. Inside the market's iconic red sheds, over 170 vendors, including farmers and producers of local fruits and vegetables, meat, and seafood, gather to sell their fresh, delicious produce.

A great thing to appreciate about this vibrant outdoor market is that it is accessible by public transportation and has free parking in the market. The market sits from Wednesday to Sunday, with longer hours on the weekend.

14. Witness A Performance At Guthrie Theater

This is a top-rated theater founded by Sir Tyrone Guthrie in 1963. The theater has been successful in entertaining people of all ages for approximately 60 years. All of this was possible through contemporary construction and the faithfulness of brilliant art.

Throughout the year, audiences can enjoy a wide range of plays, from familiar classics to modern masterpieces, from today's playwrights' projects to adaptations of the greats.

Visitors can look forward to being enveloped in an engaging world, with dynamic lobby spaces, live music occasions, and a novel restaurant. A complete evening's activity goes beyond just seeing the show.

15. Sip Cocktail With A View At Hewing Hotel Rooftop

One of the most rejuvenating places to relax in downtown Minneapolis is the rooftop bar found inside the Hewing Hotel. This is the perfect spot to sip masterfully created cocktails against a beautiful cityscape brick wall, no matter what the situation is.

The bar offers an extensive drink menu and a range of locally brewed beers as well as signature spirits. You might as well add a charcuterie board or their famous duck fat fries to pair with your drink.

Boasting a rooftop that is open all year round, it is especially popular during the summer months, when you can embrace both the sun and downtown vibes.

16. Walker Art Center

A respected home since 1879, this institution has more than 13,000 works in its archives from greats like Andy Warhol and Yayoi Kusama. The center is more than a gallery, as it hosts artist talks and film screenings, events meant to bring people together around creativity.

In addition to the venues that connect visitors directly with art, there is still a whole range of cultural phenomena surrounding them, like the stunning architecture of the building designed by Herzog and de Meuron, which enhances the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden.

The Walker Art Center is open year-round, making art available to everyone.

17. Snap A Photo With The Mary Tyler Moore Statue

The bronze statue located at the corner of Nicollet Mall and 7th Street represents that scene in the Mary Tyler Moore show where Mary Richards tosses her hat up, indicating liberation and optimism.

Named after the TV show that put the city on the map, the sculpture was dedicated in 2002. Despite the brief shift down the sidewalk, by 2017, the show had returned to where it was supposed to be, according to fans and tourists. Remember to take a picture like Mary.

18. Relax In Peavey Plaza

The modern architecture of Peavey Plaza blends perfectly with the vibrant outdoor atmosphere of downtown Minneapolis. Peavey Plaza, opened in 1975, was recently renovated in 2019. The recessed plaza boasts beautiful fountains, a wading pool, and lush greenery, making it ideal for relaxation or meeting friends.

Near Minnesota Orchestra Hall, it's a great place to relax before or after a performance. With amphitheater-style seating, Peavey Plaza often hosts events and performances, adding to its lively charm.

19. Shop And Dine Along Nicollet Mall

Nicollet Mall is a big asset to downtown. This is a 12-block pedestrian-only area and is the central business district of the city. It has both luxurious and affordable areas, as well as dining options.

Since its rebirth, it has mixed newer dramatic buildings and existing architectural landmarks such as the IDS Center and Orchestra Hall with new eateries and shops.

Meals can be taken at any of the several restaurants, such as the Nicollet Diner, which is open around the clock, or the Sushi Train, where sushi is accessed on a moving conveyor belt.

20. Experience Live Music At First Avenue

It will be pertinent to add that the historic club is one of those places that music lovers visiting downtown Minneapolis should not miss. The club that was established in 1970 was the music venue for many bands and artists, such as Prince, U2, The Ramones, and others. First Avenue has two stages that differ significantly and cater to all people.

The Mainroom, a 1,550-person venue, hosts over 200 concerts annually, and the intimate 7th St. Entry showcases more than 350 shows per year. With sets ranging from punk and hip-hop to rock and electronic, the list is diverse, and producer events are always a treat.