Things To Do
Minnesota State Fair
This great Minnesota get-together is the largest state fair in the United States by average daily attendance! Should you go, don't miss the Crop Art, the giant pumpkins, the endless options for deep-fried food on a stick, or the livestock shows.
Minneapolis Institute of Art
The Minneapolis Institute of Art is one of the largest art museums in the United States, and it's free to attend! The museum is home to over 100,000 works of art spanning 5,000 years of world history, representing art from six continents.
Science Museum of Minnesota
The Science Museum of Minnesota is a great way to spend time with your family! It is one of the only science museums in the country that develops touring exhibits. Since the department's founding in 1983, the science museum has created 26 original exhibits, reaching more than 48 million visitors. A wonderful place to go for hands-on fun!
Walker Art Center
The Walker is a contemporary art center in Minneapolis! They also have an incredible mini golf course that is only accessible in the summer. There's free admission to its sculpture garden and to the entire museum on Thursdays after 5pm.
Kramarczuk's Sausage Co. Inc.
Want amazing Ukrainian food from a restaurant that doesn't take itself too seriously? Try out Kramarczuk's in Northeast! Note that this restaurant has not been the most allergy-friendly place on our past trips, AND we absolutely adore it if that's not a barrier for your dining.
Gai Noi
This is one of Kata and Paolo's favorite restaurants! The owner, Ann Ahmed, is a celebrated Laotian-American chef who grew up in Minnesota. Gai Noi was named one of the 50 best restaurants in the US in 2023 by the New Yorks Times. We've successfully eaten here with folks who have peanut and seafood allergies, and if you're sober, they have incredible mocktails! We highly recommend eating here, though you should note they DO NOT take reservations. First come, first serve!
Black Walnut Bakery
We love this pastry shop! Friends from New York and Europe are constantly astounded by how incredible the pastries are. Unfortunately, they're not very vegan-friendly or celiac-friendly, but it's a cute spot in our neighborhood.
Atuvava Bakery
Atuvava is the outcome of a pastry chef and her daughter getting a celiac diagnosis in the same year. The owner, in her gluten-free journey, wondered, 'Why aren't there better gluten-free pastries out there?' Both gluten-free and gluten lovers have enjoyed this pastry shop. It's also next to a fun romance book store if that's your jam!