Things To Do
First Avenue
First Avenue is more than just four walls, a soundboard, and a stage; it is the epicenter of live music and entertainment in Minneapolis. It was also one of the first clubs to book Black performers in Minneapolis's once largely segregated music scene. First Avenue has served as the launching pad for countless artists and bands like Hüsker Dü, the Replacements, Semisonic, Hippo Campus, Soul Asylum, Lizzo, and of course, the incomparable Minneapolis legend... Prince.
Minneapolis Sculpture Garden
Explore more than 60 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. Enhance your visit using the free Bloomberg Connects app to learn about the Garden’s history and uncover the meaning behind the sculptures on display.
Guthrie Theater
A striking addition to the urban view from the Stone Arch Bridge, the Guthrie Theatre produces a mix of classic and contemporary plays on it's three state-of-the-art stages, and continues to set a national standard for excellence in theatrical production and performance. Equally iconic is its amber glass box that’s cantilevered 15 feet from the face of the building. You’ll see a stunning view of the historic surrounding area so it’s no wonder the Guthrie is a popular spot for the Instagram-worthy pictures of visitors and locals alike.
Mill Ruins Park
Entrepreneurs like the Pillsburys flocked to the falls and Mississippi – first for logging, later to harness its power for flour milling. When the first ‘A’ mill was built by tycoon Cadwallander Washburn in 1874, it was the called the largest flour mill in the world. Four years later, it was reduced to rubble by an explosion caused by a spark of dust. Today, the ruins are the site of an historic museum, park and bike path leading to West River Parkway.
Saint Anthony Falls
Owamniyomni, the Dakota name for St. Anthony Falls, have been a meeting place for thousands of years since the glaciers melted and poured into the Minnesota Valley. The Dakota, Ho-Chunk and Ojibwe people made their camps by the falls along the Mississippi River, seeking the waters’ spiritual power, creating trade routes and harvesting maple sugar. During the 17 and 1800s, the falls became the main source of power for the many lumber and flour mills built by European settlers around the area.
Saint Anthony Main
Located right on the Mississippi River with stunning views of downtown, St. Anthony Main is a pocket of Northeast Minneapolis worth exploring.
Minnehaha Falls
If you're looking for a little nature not far from the city, look no further than Minnehaha Falls! One of Minneapolis' oldest and most popular parks (and one of Molly's favorite places to visit as a child) it features a majestic 53-foot waterfall, limestone bluffs, and river overlooks, attracting more than 850,000 visitors annually.
Puttery
Hit the course for immersive, adults-only mini golf, craft cocktails, and upscale eats.
Kramarczuk's Sausage Co. Inc.
A MPLS staple and the best cabbage rolls around.
Owamni by The Sioux Chef
Experience the true flavors of North America, at This James Beard Winner foe "Best New Restaurant of the Year" featuring foods of Mni Sota Makoce, Land Where the Waters Reflect the Clouds. Reservations book fast.
Walgreens
Closest pharmacy to both hotels.
Eat Street
Eat Street — a vibrant stretch of Nicollet Avenue that runs roughly between Franklin Avenue and W 29th Street — is perhaps Minneapolis's most iconic dining corridor. With more than 30 diverse restaurants, Eat Street has certainly earned its name. Eat Street is a diverse, 17-block stretch along Nicollet Avenue within an eclectic neighborhood that’s home to an array of independent and often family-run businesses. It’s one of the only places where you can have a chocolate bacon donut for breakfast (Glam Doll Donuts), pho for lunch (Pho 79) and vegan tacos for dinner (World Street Kitchen). Whatever your taste is, Eat Street is sure to please.
Hai Hai
Southeast Asia meets Northeast Minneapolis. Chef Christina Nguyen's dishes from Vietnam, Bali, and Thailand.
Rainbow Chinese Restaurant, Carry-out and Catering
Family favorite for Chinese dine-in or Take-out. Be sure to get the cream cheese wontons (fire emoji).
Matt's Bar and Grill
In this humble unassuming bar, you'll find the home of the TRUE (and best) Jucy Lucy in Minneapolis, or at least thats our opinion. If you want to formulate your own, after visiting Matt's you'll have to travel about 3 miles south on Cedar Ave to try the 5-8 Club's pathetic excuse for this Minneapolis classic. You know what? Better make Matt's your second stop so you can wash out the bone dry nothingness that is the 5-8 Club's attempt. Both locations claim to have invented the Jucy Lucy, but only Matt's has offered not one, but TWO potential origin stories. WARNING: They are not kidding when they describe the cheese as molten. If you partake, please do proceed with caution.
Khâluna
OK, we had dinner here last night and I have to put it on the list, it's earned a spot as a late addition. Fantastic Laotian food in a beautiful dining room with wonderful service. A+ Chef Ann-Ahmed knocks it out of the park! 3 words: Duck Fried Rice.