Dan and Mikki
When in MN
Minnesota State Fair
The Great Minnesota Get Together is officially on for 2021! For the 10 days before Labor Day (Aug 26-Sept 6, 2021) hundreds of thousands of people from all over the country converge on St. Paul, Minnesota to enjoy some of the best food on a stick, livestock, and carnival rides there are to offer! Come early, come hungry, and wear your best walking shoes!
Bde Maka Ska, Lake of the Isles, or Lake Harriet
Take a walk around the lakes, sit in giant Adirondack chairs while you watch the sailboats, or rent a paddle board or kayak to explore the lakes ON the lakes! Bde Maka Ska (formerly Lake Calhoun) is connected to Lake of the Isles by a channel, and Lake Harriet is just around the corner. Each is approximately 3 miles around, and there are stops for ice cream or a drink at each! Occasionally you can find free parking, but there's a plethora of meters to use.
Minneapolis Sculpture Garden
Explore the larger-than-life hands-on exhibit from Minnesota local artists, including the iconic "Cherry and the Spoon," "Big Blue Cock," and so much more! Take the artistic bridge across the highway to the beautiful Loring Park! Park in the lot for the ice arena just down the block or across the street at the Blake School for free.
Stone Arch Bridge
This bridge is a staple of Minneapolis life, and is a beautiful way to experience the Mississippi River! With restaurants and bars to the north, and the Mill City Museum and Guthrie Theater to the south, you can't go wrong with a visit to the Stone Arch! Metered parking.
Guthrie Theater
If you're in the area, this is worth a stop! It may feel like you're not supposed to be there when a show isn't on stage, but take the escalator up and get a breathtaking view of the river from the observatory deck! On the same floor make your way back to the elevators and up to the top floor for a picturesque view through yellow windows, it's a quick stop that's free and absolutely worth it! Metered parking.
Minnehaha Falls
Admire these falls from above or below, and walk across the Minnehaha Creek before it joins the mighty Mississippi River! Sea Salt restaurant at the top of the falls offers fresh seafood if you're hungry during your visit! Free parking throughout the neighborhood.
Lyndale Farmers Market
This farmer's market has anything and everything you could ask for, all in one bustling location! Open on Saturdays from 6am-1pm, stop by for some fresh cut flowers, or freshly picked fruits and veggies! Free parking.
Mill City Farmers Market
Right outside of the Mill City Museum, and overlooking the Stone Arch Bridge, this farmers market offers a relaxing Saturday morning (8am-1pm) or brunch outing! Started by a farm-to-table chef, the market has a more eclectic feel than the Lyndale Farmer's Market, and is definitely smaller, but it pairs perfectly with a walk along the river or across the Stone Arch Bridge! Metered parking.
Mill City Museum
Pillsbury (now General Mills) got it's start and is headquartered here in the Twin Cities, and this museum is a nod to our city's roots, with stunning views of the Mississippi River! $12 adult admission. Metered parking.
Mall of America®
If you were concerned that your shopping experience would be lacking without a theme park, look no further! With over a mile of store front on each level, plus restaurants and the aforementioned roller coasters, you won't be bored! Free parking, and lots of it! Just remember which store you entered through and on which level because it will be easy to lose your car if you don't!
Como Park Zoo & Conservatory
While this zoo might not live up to the standards of a zoo in New York of San Diego, it's free! It also has a conservatory with gorgeous flowers in bloom year-round! Free parking.
Breweries
We love our beer, which is perfect as there are nearly 100 craft breweries across the Twin Cities! Some of our favorites: North Loop, Minneapolis: Fulton, Modest, Inbound Brew Co, Freehouse, Pryes North East, Minneapolis: Dangerous Man, 612Brew, Able, Indeed, Bauhaus Greater Twin Cities: Steel Toe (St. Louis Park), Wooden Hill (Edina), Boom Island (Minnetonka), Unmapped (Minnetonka), Lake Monster (St. Paul) Non-Beer Favorites: Sociable Cider Works (North East Mpls), Tattersall Distilling (North East Mpls), The Vine Room (wine, Hopkins)
Instagrammable Attractions
Hewing Hotel - Great drinks and a gorgeous view of the Minneapolis skyline at their rooftop bar (you do not need to be a hotel guest to visit) RH Rooftop Restaurant - This restoration hardware is so much more than a furniture store in Edina, and the pictures from the rooftop restaurant are stunning I Like You - This North East Minneapolis gift store has fun items, but it’s outside wall is the biggest attraction and the cutest picture background