Top Things to Do in Minneapolis

The Mississippi riverfront theater draws raves for first-class performances. Look for current event information on the Guthrie website; also check for events at other popular local theaters, including The Cowles Center and Orpheum Theatre. 

Seven Yankee stadiums could fit inside the Bloomington mega-mall, home to 500-plus stores, a Nickelodeon theme park and an aquarium. 

Ride the Flour Tower, an eight-story elevator show about the city's rich milling history at Mill City Museum. A ninth-floor observation deck overlooks St. Anthony Falls. Open Thursday-Sunday.

Related: Top Things to Do with Kids in the Twin Cities

Five lakes and the trails connecting them provide opportunities for biking, walking and boating. The park is part of the Grand Rounds National Scenic Byway, a 51-mile urban loop. 

Related: 9 Ways to Navigate Minneapolis' Chain of Lakes Like a Local

Admission is free to view this museum's permanent collection of more than 90,000 objects, which includes European tapestries and intricate Turkish embroideries.

The 11-acre green space in the heart of the city houses more than 40 sculptures, including Spoonbridge and Cherry and Hahn/Cock.

Captain Greg Hoseth takes small groups on a solar-powered boat for cruises along the Mississippi River near downtown. 

Related: Experience Minneapolis' Vibrant Theater Community, Trails and Dining Scene

Hikers and bikers on the 10 miles of trails stop to see the Mississippi River, limestone bluffs and 53-foot-tall Minnehaha Falls at Minnehaha Park.

Families come to the downtown stadium to cheer on the Minnesota Twins while savoring local fare like Polish sausages from Kramarczuk's.

Related: Meet the Midwest's Major League Baseball Parks

The Vikings' $1.1 billion stadium typically hosts a concert and behind-the-scenes tours; check website for events.

Frank Gehry's gleaming silver building houses the University of Minnesota's collection of more than 25,000 objects, including numerous pieces showcasing American modernism.

Related: Explore the Twin Cities' Distinctly Different Worlds of Art, Food and Attractions

Order fresh viennoiserie and patisserie at Bellecour Bakery in the heart of an upscale cookware shop. The crepe cake and chocolate-almond croissants rule.

For lunch at Borough it's hard to beat the Parlour Burger, a mix of ribeye, brisket and sirloin. Dinner in the former warehouse building goes fancy with choices like octopus, quail and scallops.

Playful touches like a tiny rubber duck on your cocktail set the tone for your Colita experience. Expect a mix of upscale Mexican (lobster tostadas) and barbecue (Kansas City pork ribs).

If you're lucky enough to snag a reservation, get ready to splurge and be delighted by an intimate evening composed of many tiny but soul-filling courses.

Each shareable plate at Hai Hai shows chef Christina Nguyen's understanding and creative interpretation of Vietnamese food.

You can't go wrong with anything at this underground joint known for its Mahnomin porridge (wild rice, cream, berries and hazelnuts).

Head to the burb of Golden Valley for some of the region's finest duck, ramen and curry dishes, cooked up at Lat14Asian Eatery by executive chef Ann Ahmed. 

You'll want to try a little bit of everything at The Market of Malcolm Yards. Think about: Korean-style chicken from Abang Yoli, Indian and Nepalese street food from Momo Dosa, and a scoop of ice cream from Bebe Zito.

Argentinian-inspired cuisine includes potato churros, a charred jalapeño burger, seafood and pasta dishes in the Linden Hills neighborhood.

Shop for ethnic groceries and ready-made foods at an indoor market.

Flavors both familiar and unexpected guarantee a choice for every taste bud at Milkjam. Lil Jam, aka Milkjam Ice Cream and Hot Dogs, is open seasonally in south Minneapolis.

Chefs grind, cure and smoke meats on-site at Nighthawks, elevating dishes like pulled pork and burgers. Neon purple lights at the bar illuminate 20 taps with local and regional brews.

The namesake pizza comes topped with Italian sausage, garlic, onion and mounds of gooey mozzarella at Pizza Luce. Mashed taters and bacon star on the popular Baked Potato Pizza.

Go all out with the lobster boil at Smack Shack: a whole lobster with corn on the cob, Polish sausage, red potatoes, coleslaw and milk bread. 

Gerard and Brittney Klass founded this fast-casual soul food treasure serving mix-and-match bowls of fried chicken, mac 'n' cheese, collard greens and more. It's part of Graze Provisions and Libations, a food hall in the North Loop. 

Related: Try These Soul Food Recipes

James Beard Award-winner Gavin Kaysen churns out French-inspired cuisine made with seasonal Midwest ingredients, like duck breast with green wheat berries and kale, at Spoon and Stable.

You might have to wait for a seat in the cavernous beer hall, but it's worth it for beers like the hoppy Surly Furious and top-notch pub food: cheese boards, squash tacos and smoked meats.

For both cocktails and entrees focused on hyper-local sourcing, head to Tullibee at the Hewing Hotel. Tullibee aims to perfect the art of traditional Scandinavian cooking, featuring seasonal ingredients from regional farmers, fishermen and other local vendors.

Chef-owner Ann Kim continues her success with gourmet wood-fired pizza at Young Joni. But diners can also branch out with dishes inspired by her Korean heritage: Korean beef short ribs and grilled whole fish.

Seven rooms in Alma's historic building come with handwoven rugs and custom furniture made from local white oak. Round out your stay with fancy take-out from the restaurant on-site.

The renovated 1910 Plymouth building offers two-room suites accented with local artwork, plus an excellent breakfast buffet.

Before getting cozy at the Four Seasons, taste the Mediterranean at chef Gavin Kaysen's on-site restaurant, Mara.

Framed hatchets, exposed timber and brick, and custom Faribault Woolen Mills throws reflect the artsy vibe of this former warehouse in the North Loop. Get skyline views from the rooftop pool.

The former Hotel Minneapolis reopened in 2019 after a boutique makeover. The 222-room downtown hotel features midcentury minimalist style, a Spyhouse Coffee in the lobby and Giulia, an Italian restaurant.

This super-luxe hotel spares no detail, even when it comes to pets. Four-legged family members dine on gourmet room service.

A lobby awash in a blue glow welcomes guests to this hotel attached to the Mall of America. Relax in the spa or indoor saltwater pool.