Things To Do
Historic Stone Arch Bridge
Just a 5 minute walk from the hotel - enjoy beautiful views of the Mississippi River, St. Anthony Falls, and the downtown skyline. The nearby park and riverfront paths are perfect for a relaxing walk, photos, and sightseeing. Mill Ruins Park on the West Side. Father Hennepin Bluff park on the East Side.
Minneapolis Chain of Lakes
Walking, jogging, or biking around the Minneapolis Chain of Lakes is a great activity. Trails loop around Lake Harriet (2.8 miles/4.4k), Lake Bde Maka Ska (3.1 miles/5k), and Lake of the Isles (2.8 miles/4.4k), offering beautiful water views, beaches, and parks along the way. It’s a relaxing way to enjoy nature while still being close to the city. There is a restaurant/cafe on both Bde Maka Ska and Harriet.
Enjoy a Minnesota Beach Day
If you’re looking for a Minnesota summer beach day/ afternoon on one of the Twin Cities' many lakes, we'd recommend Lake Nokomis (city of Minneapolis), Bryant Lake (three rivers), Shady Oak Lake (near our home - has a small admission fee), or French Regional Park Beach (three rivers). These lakes are a little further outside of downtown Minneapolis, however offer a break from the busy pace of the city.
Excelsior/ Lake Minnetonka
A quintessential small town located famous Lake Minnetonka, is perfect for our "supporting local" enthusiasts. Browsing shops, and enjoying restaurants, coffee, or ice cream by the water. They also host one of the best 4th of July firework shows in the metro area. (PSA: Lake Minnetonka beaches will probably be the busiest in the Twin Cities area for the 4th of July weekend). Favorite Restaurant: Lago Tacos (they do not take reservations) and Olive's Fresh Pizza Bar Favorite Hard Serve Ice Cream: Licks Favorite Frozen Custard: Adele's Favorite Coffee Shop: The Lobby and Dunn Bros
St. Paul Saints Baseball Game
Unfortunately, none of the Twin Cities' major professional sports teams are playing during our wedding weekend, but sports fans can still enjoy a St. Paul Saints game - who play the Blue Jays' AAA affiliate from Thursday to Sunday! The Saints offer a fun ballpark atmosphere with great promotions, making for a classic and affordable night at the game. A great chance to see the Capital of Minnesota!
Mill City Museum
Built within the ruins of an old flour mill, the museum tells the story of Minneapolis’s milling history and offers great views of St. Anthony Falls from the observation deck.
Theodore Wirth Regional Park
Theodore Wirth Regional Park is a great place to explore nature close to the city. The park offers walking and biking trails, wooded areas, and scenic views, making it a perfect spot to relax, get outside, and enjoy Minneapolis’s natural beauty.
Minnehaha Falls
This park features a beautiful waterfall, walking paths, river views, and nearby restaurants, making it an easy and scenic spot to explore and enjoy the outdoors.
Minneapolis Sculpture Garden
Home to the famous Spoonbridge and Cherry sculpture, the garden features walking paths, art installations, and great photo opportunities near downtown.
Mall of America
As the largest mall in the United States, it features hundreds of stores, restaurants, and attractions, including an indoor amusement park, making it a fun option just a short drive/ uber from downtown Minneapolis.
Boat Rentals (Non- Motorized) - Bde Maka Ska
Non- motorized water vessels - if you're interested in getting on the water near the city!
Boat Rental (Motorized) - Your Boat Club
If you are interested in getting on Lake Minnetonka, Your Boat Club offers a seamless experience for getting on the water with their pontoon rentals. We recommend avoiding the rental for July 4th unless you are a frequent boater and you enjoy driving in lake traffic. July 4 is the busiest day of the year and you will not be opening up full throttle.
Food and Drink - Isles Bun & Coffee
Amazing bakery and coffee shop! The best Cinnamon and caramel rolls!
Food and Drink - Pryes Brewing Company
Minneapolis has a great craft beer scene. Pryes is one of our favorties. They have a great selection of beers including a few sours. They have a great outdoor space with river and skyline views. Matt and I go here often after we rock climb at Minneapolis Bouldering project.
Food and Drink - Utepils Brewing
Awesome brewery environment and conveniently located near Theodore Wirth Park that has golfing, walking paths, and off-road trails for mountain biking and trail running. It's not our favorite beer, but it's an amazing spot to hangout for a few hours in their patio space along the river.
Food and Drink - Chimborazo
Amazing traditional cuisines of Ecuador and the Andean Highlands!
Food and Drink - Red Cow North Loop
Known for their burgers!
Food and Drink - Gai Noi
A Laotian restaurant in the heart of the Loring Park neighborhood. Walk-in only, no reservations.
Food and Drink - Porzana
If you're looking for a fancy date night, Porzana is one of the best restaurants in Minneapolis! You will definitely need a reservation!
Arcade/Bar - Up-Down Minneapolis
Fun bar with many arcade games!
Arcade/Minigolf/Bar - Can Can Wonderland - St. Paul
Indoor mini golf, vintage pinball, arcade games, full bar, tap wall, food, and two performance stages for live entertainment.
Pickleball
First come, first serve courts. Bring your own paddle and a ball and be ready to play all ages.
Bowling - Park Tavern
Great local bowling alley.