Things To Do

Hmong Village

Hmong Village Shopping Center features 17 restaurants, over 10 farmers markets and more than 100 merchandise stores offering a wide range of goods, from traditional Hmong crafts and clothing to fresh produce and authentic Southeast Asian cuisine. Favorites: Try the crazy steak, stuffed chicken wings, boba tea, and pretty much any of the desserts!

American Swedish Institute

A cultural center and museum dedicated to preserving and celebrating Swedish and Scandinavian heritage through art, history, and cultural programs. Housed in the historic Turnblad Mansion, the institute offers exhibits, events, and educational programs that highlight the contributions of Swedish immigrants to American society while fostering connections between contemporary Sweden and the United States. Favorite Parts: The eleven kakelugnar or tiled stoves, vibrant and colorful plasterwork with every color of the rainbow, elaborate woodworking, cinnamon & cardamom buns to end the trip

Farmers Market Annex

The largest open air farmers market in Minnesota, this is my favorite Saturday morning activity in the summer for both affordable and tasty product, delicious international food stalls, beautiful crafts and handmade clothing, as well as some of the most beautiful flowers you will ever see! Pro Tip: Parking is tricky I would walk or uber :)

James J. Hill House

Built for railroad titan James J. Hill, this 36,000-square-foot Gilded Age mansion was once the largest private residence in the state. With 13 bathrooms, 22 fireplaces, 16 chandeliers, a reception hall nearly 100 feet long, sophisticated technical systems, and a two-story, skylit art gallery, the house was a symbol of success, personal taste, and family life. Bonus Tip: While you are there check out the rest of Summit Ave's amazing architecture including the sadly no longer public F. Scott Fitzgerald House at 599 Summit Ave, St Paul, MN 55102 (still see it from the outside)

Mill City Museum

Soon after Minneapolis was born on the Mississippi's west bank, the city's flour milling industry skyrocketed. Powered by the mighty river and fed by boxcars of grain rolling in from the plains, the industry gave Minneapolis bragging rights as the “Flour Milling Capital of the World.” Explore where old mingles with new at Mill City Museum, built into the ruins of what was once the world’s largest flour mill. Bonus Stop: Mill Ruins Park across the street by the Mississippi river

St. Anthony Falls Visitor Center and Lock and Dam

With a lift of 49 feet, the lock at St. Anthony Falls accounts for more than 10% of the total height change of the Mississippi River between the Twin Cities and St. Louis, MO. The area's historic milling district, using the power of falling water at St. Anthony Falls, first for large-scale lumber milling from logs floated down the Mississippi and later Flour mills which changed the way food was produced, marketed, and distributed. Bonus Fun: You can also check out kayak rentals around the Mississippi National Park Rec Area here- https://www.paddleshare.org/

Minnehaha Falls

Known for its stunning 53-foot Minnehaha Falls, which is the park's centerpiece and a popular spot for photography and picnics. Enjoy biking & walking trails winding through scenic woodlands and along the Mississippi River, or relax in the park's gardens and green spaces. Other activities include a meal at the Sea Salt Eatery, visiting the John H. Stevens House Museum, and attending seasonal events and concerts at the park's bandstand. Recommended Fun: try Wheel Fun Rentals for a faster way to get around, hike many of the trails (look on alltrails), & enjoy wade pools with kiddos

Minneapolis Sculpture Garden

This is home to the famous big blue cock & the Spoonbridge and Cherry as well as more than 60 other sculptures from the Walker’s collection on 11 scenic acres in the heart of Minneapolis. The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden is free, open to the public, and is open from 6 am to 12 midnight every day. Bonus Fun: Check out other modern art exhibits at the attached Walker Art Center

Cathedral of Saint Paul

Cathedral of Saint Paul: (another gem of Summit Ave) Completed in 1915, the cathedral was designed by French architect Emmanuel Louis Masqueray in the Beaux-Arts style, characterized by its grandiose scale, classical symmetry, and use of intricate detailing. The cathedral features a massive copper dome, one of the largest in the world, and an interior adorned with marble, stained glass windows, and detailed religious artwork. Basilica of Saint Mary: (1600 Hennepin Ave Minneapolis, MN 55403) Completed in 1914, it was designed by architect Emmanuel Louis Masqueray in the Beaux-Arts style, similar to the nearby Cathedral of Saint Paul. The basilica features a grand facade with twin towers, a large central dome, and intricate interior details, including marble altars, stained glass windows, and an ornate nave. https://mary.org/

Summit Avenue

Either explore on your own while seeing the Hill House & Cathedral or try one of the walking tours! The architecture, charming coffee shops, and beautiful nature make this area one of our favorites to stroll around. Summit Avenue is often cited as one of the longest stretches of largely intact Victorian homes in the United States, including the former residence of F. Scott Fitzgerald, the famed author of "The Great Gatsby." Summit Hill is also home to the James J. Hill House, a grand mansion built by the railroad magnate, adding to the area's rich history.

Saint Anthony Main neighborhood

This is probably the most charming neighborhood in terms of nature and architecture. It is located along the Mississippi River in Minneapolis. It is a historic neighborhood known for its charming cobblestone streets, scenic riverfront views, and vibrant cultural scene. As one of the oldest areas in Minneapolis, it offers a glimpse into the city's early history, with well-preserved 19th-century buildings that now house a mix of restaurants, boutiques, and entertainment venues. The neighborhood is famous for its proximity to the Stone Arch Bridge (unfortunately closed for repairs but walk across one of the other bridges nearby for some of the best city views!) Bonus Rec: FRGMNT Coffee (anther favorite to work from)

Owamni by The Sioux Chef

This is probably our favorite restaurant in the Twin Cities! Try the sweet potatoes, the chimichurri sauce and any of the tacos! "We are the nations first Indigenous restaurant! We prioritize purchasing from Indigenous food producers locally and nationally. We have removed colonial ingredients such as wheat flour, cane sugar and dairy. We are proud to present a decolonized dining experience. Reservations are recommended but not required."- From Owamni by The Sioux Chef

FRGMNT Coffee - St. Anthony Main

Matt's Bar and Grill

"Matt’s Bar & Grill, now a Minneapolis landmark, began in 1954 as a neighborhood burger eatery. Shortly after we opened, founder Matt Bristol explains how the “Jucy Lucy” was created when a local customer asked for two hamburger patties with a slice of cheese in the middle." This is Duncan approved as a delicious spot!

Backstory Coffee Roasters - North Loop

One of my favorite places for a coffee shop work day. They have delicious coffees and snacks with many vegan and gluten free options. It's great place to work or hang out with its spacious seating yet cozy vibes. The building was originally a warehouse for the Minneapolis Iron Store Company, which was one of the nation’s largest dealers in heavy hardware, wagon makers supplies, carriage and sleigh stocks, and lumberman’s needs. Bonus Fun: Here is a website with the history of the many architecturally significant buildings in North Loop- https://northloop.org/neighborhood_notes/north-loop-buildings-from-the-1800s/

Kramarczuk's Sausage Co. Inc.

Mimi approved! Our favorite sanwhiches in the city

Estelle

For a "finer dining evening" try the inventive yet classic Estelle with one of our favorite fancy meals in this city!

Midtown Global Market

Find an awesome collection of shops, restaurants, and grocery stores representing the world. Our favorite are the tacos from the Indigenous Food Lab Market but there are cuisines from everywhere so bring a friend and have fun sampling multiple dishes. If you drive, I recommend parking in the garage, the surrounding area can be a bit sketchy but once inside all good!

Additional Picks Food & Sites!

Food: Food Maps: (copy these links for a google map of pinned cafes and restaurants that I have visited or saved to visit in the future!) Cafe- https://maps.app.goo.gl/ztMt4wzvHCGamaDp7?g_st=i Food- https://maps.app.goo.gl/s9E7tFPCGzhfaYdd6?g_st=i Cecil's- delicious Jewish deli with a so many types of reubens Sushi Takatsu- the best most affordable sushi but only open for lunch in the skyway. Billy Sushi- the fancy sushi spot in town Sanjusan- delicious Japanese Italian fusion Amazing Momo- a bit out of town but fantastic Nepalese food with great vegetarian options Sites: https://maps.app.goo.gl/uquGRwSRSgdhB9yn6?g_st=i - Minneapolis Institute of Art- best museum in the city with great rotating exhibits - Como Park- everything from the zoo to botanical gardens, to a mini amusement park to a normal park to just hang - Wabasha Street Caves- silica mine turned mushroom farm turned prohibition hot spot