Things To Do
Minnesota State Fair
The Minnesota State Fair is the nation's premier and busiest state fair! Our community prides itself on the Great Minnesota Get Together, located in Saint Paul, for 10 days every year at the end of August through Labor Day. Bring cash, arrive hungry, and we HIGHLY recommend you take Metro Transit/a bus to get to the fair. It is much faster, more convenient, and cost-effective. Enjoy live performances, tons of wacky food on a stick, and plenty of educational opportunities. Gabi's job sponsors and creates the Eco Experience Pavilion each year.
Como Park Zoo & Conservatory Visitor Center
Gabi's absolute favorite spot in the city, the Como Conservatory is free (donations appreciated) city park building with a historic Edwardian greenhouse. Enjoy the orchids, ferns, and the sloth!
Minneapolis Institute of Art
The Minneapolis Institute of Art (MIA) is a historic museum featuring a broad collection and rotating special exhibits. It is free to all visitors to see the regular collection! Grab something to eat on nearby Nicollet Ave, nicknamed Eat St, after strolling through the museum.
Walker Art Center
A very cool contemporary art museum with a neighboring sculpture garden. Walking through the famed sculpture garden with the spoon and cherry fountain is free, and the museum boasts rooftop mini golf in the summer. This was Gabi and Samir's first date!
Stone Arch Bridge
Take a stroll across the only natural waterfall on the Mississippi River by crossing an over 100 year old bike and pedestrian bridge connecting the Mill District with Historic St Anthony. Take in the views of the river and enjoy the Mill City Museum, Guthrie Theater, or old cobblestone streets of St. Anthony Main on either side of the river.
Lake Bde Maka Ska (Chain of Lakes)
Enjoy a walk, bike, kayak, or canoe around the Chain of Lakes. This beautiful public park system features miles of walking and biking trails around 4 lakes in Western Minneapolis. Kayaks and canoes are available for rental, and you can enjoy city views with a slice of nature by paddling through the lakes.
Can Can Wonderland - St. Paul
A very cool entertainment destination that features unlimited Vintage pinball, video game consoles, DDR, skee-ball, and more. Tons of old-fashioned arcade games sit alongside a restaurant and bar plus occasional live entertainment. In addition, for an extra charge, there is the coolest, most unique 18-hole mini golf course you have ever seen. All indoors and with each hole artist-designed, you're in for a unique time with cup holders for your drink at each stop. If you want to play mini golf, we recommend making a reservation, as it gets busy.
Bouldering Project - Minneapolis
Samir's favorite place in the city! You can rent a pair of shoes and a chalk bag and try your hand at bouldering.
Guthrie Theater
Catch a world-class production at this local gem, which simultaneously features dual productions of a musical and a straight play. The building is open to the public during the day, and the architecture is unique! Head to the 5th floor and step out onto the cantilever balcony to overlook the city and the Mississippi River.
Owamni by The Sioux Chef
Unparalleled cuisine in a beautiful setting. Owamni by the Sioux Chef features James Beard-winning Native cuisine with only pre-Colombian ingredients. Make a reservation in advance!
Vinai
Upscale James Beard-winning family-style Hmong food. An absolute treat that you'll only get in Minnesota.
Khue's Kitchen
Samir and Gabi's favorite neighborhood restaurant that, unfortunately for them, was named Best New Restaurant by the Star Tribune...make a reservation but get the jicama ribs and the chicken sandwich.
Francis Burger Joint
We've taken true carnivores to this vegan burger dive without telling them, and they asked when we'd be going back. This local treasure has two locations, amazing fries, and a solid cocktail bar.
Check out Eat Street (Nicollet Ave)
Check out a variety of tasty restaurants all down Nicollet Ave between 24th and 40th.