Introduction
Looking for a low-key weekend getaway? Look no further than the ample green spaces, vibrant arts scene, and diverse food offerings of Minneapolis.
In 2024, Minneapolis was named the Happiest City in the United States, according to a London-based research firm called Institute for Quality of Life. So read on as I outline how you can get a slice of happiness and fill a weekend in this Midwestern metropolis.
Preparing For Your Trip
Public Transportation
If, like me, you fly into Minneapolis, getting downtown from the airport is a breeze. You can catch the light rail/metro from either of the airport’s two terminals. Simply take the Blue Line Northbound. I leveraged the Blue Line route a ton throughout the weekend because it runs all the way South to Mall of America and all the way North to Target Field.
The metro costs $2 per adult, one-way. You can also purchase all-day passes for $4 per adult, and take advantage of reduced fares for children, seniors, and Medicare card holders. Tickets are available for purchase at the kiosks while waiting for the train. In my experience, the train comes on time, every 15 minutes or so. Plus, if you want the full “Twin Cities” experience, the Green Line runs between Minneapolis and St. Paul.
Minneapolis was also one of the most bike-friendly cities I’ve visited. In fact, it was voted the 6th most bike-friendly city in the country. If you are roadtripping, I suggest throwing the bikes on the rack and bringing them with you. I couldn’t find much by way of bike rental shops. However, there were a ton of rentals scattered throughout the city from bike share apps like Lime and Uber.
Accommodation
I stayed in the Downtown West/Elliot Park region of Minneapolis, which was very convenient for accessing everything from Mall of America to Minnehaha Falls. If you get off the Blue Line at the U.S. Bank Stadium Station & Platform stop, you’re just two blocks from the center of Downtown West.
I stayed at the Marriott Aloft Minneapolis, which was a 10-minute walk from the metro station. If you want a more luxurious hotel experience, I suggest searching for options near the IDS Center. This part of Downtown West had a ton of options as well as trendy restaurants and the city’s Theater District.
Now onto the itinerary!
Day 1: Downtown West With Optional Hike
Downtown West is home to the Mill City Museum and the Washburn A Mill ruins. In its prime, the mill could grind enough flour in one day to make 12 million loaves of bread.
Grab Breakfast
A breakfast of champions is easy in a place like Downtown West. This neighborhood is the central business district of Minneapolis so you’ll be a glutton for choice.
The Mill City Farmers Market runs year-round on Saturday mornings, right outside the Mill City Museum. It is a great introduction to the city. Here, you can explore more than 100 local food and artisan vendors alongside a host of events like free outdoor yoga and activities for kids.
If you want to avoid the hustle and bustle of the farmers market, I highly recommend breakfast at Mother Dough. This French bakery makes everything in-house on a daily basis, and the chef uses a 130-year-old starter to make all the baked pastries and breads.
Stroll Along the Riverfront
Stone Arch Bridge, which is recognized as a National Civil Engineering Landmark, offers a panoramic view of St Anthony Falls and the Mississippi River.
If you’re interested in the city’s history of flour milling, you can spend a couple of hours at at the Mill City Museum. The museum offers exhibits like antique milling equipment and the option to design your own cereal box. You can also view the ruins of the Washburn A Mill, which, in its prime, could grind enough flour in one day to make 12 million loaves of bread.
Then stroll the riverfront to catch a glimpse of the iconic Stone Arch Bridge. This used to be a railroad bridge that, sadly, was closed to pedestrians during my visit. Under normal circumstances, you can walk or bike across it to witness panoramic views of St. Anthony Falls.
Take in the Local Arts
While exploring Downtown West, I stumbled upon the Open Book Art Center, which houses a small cafe, independent bookseller, free art gallery, and a cute little shop. This was a great place to find some local-made souvenirs and learn more about the vibrant arts scene in Minneapolis.
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Minnesota is commonly known as the "Land of 10,000 Lakes".
If you’re feeling up for a hike and want to soak in some lake views, you can drive or take the Blue Line south to the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge.
Another option, which has no easy access via the metro, is Lake of the Isles Park. This a 15-minute drive from downtown.
Enjoy Dinner and a Show
After relaxing in the hotel for a few hours (or freshening up after your hike), have a date night out on the town.
The Guthrie Theater is a nonprofit founded in 1963. It is one of the many playhouses in downtown Minneapolis.
Downtown West is the epicenter of theaters and restaurants so you have a ton of options. You will find everything from casual Korean BBQ at Dong Hae Korean Grill & Sushi to upscale Native American cuisine at Owamni by The Sioux Chef.
After dinner, I went to the Guthrie Theater for an Agatha Christie play. The proper Minneapolis Theatre District is a little west of Downtown West. Here, you will find The Orpheum Theatre, State Theatre, Pantages Theatre and Dudley Riggs Theatre all within a block of each other.
Day 2: Balancing the New and the Old
Experience Mall of America
After breakfast, either at your hotel or somewhere nearby, it’s time to head to the epicenter of chaos: Mall of America.
As a former “mall rat” of the early 2000s, I had to see what Mall of America offers. This is especially worthwhile if you are traveling with kids and want to keep them entertained all day.
Aside from its hundreds of stores, The Mall features a theme park, aquarium, mirror maze, and more. The highlight of my day at The Mall was lunch at Fair on 4. This carnival-themed restaurant has attractions like axe-throwing and go-karts as well as surprisingly delicious bar food. I suggest the nachos made with homemade tortilla chips.
Decompress with a Cozy Dinner
Dinner in the Marcy-Holmes neighborhood is the perfect way to decompress after the chaos of The Mall. This is the city’s oldest neighborhood and, as such, it is dotted with renovated industrial buildings from the 1800s. Marcy-Holmes offers a romantic charm in the evenings, which was a wonderful juxtaposition from the fluorescent new-ness of The Mall.
I suggest catching a movie at The Main Cinema and grabbing dinner nearby, either before or after your showtime.
Alma, which is about a 10-minute walk from the theater, serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Their crispy, duck-fat potatoes are the stuff of dreams. Additional options, which share a block with the theater, include Aster Cafe, Jefe Urban Cocina, and The Cabana Club.
Day 3: The Campus and Minnehaha Falls
The Weisman Art Museum is free and open to the public.
See Dinkytown & The University of Minnesota
Start your day with breakfast north of the Mississippi River, at either Alma or Aster Cafe. Then head through Dinkytown toward the University of Minnesota.
During my visit, Dinkytown was a construction zone so I didn’t see much. However, this neighborhood is renowned for its cafes, ecclectic shops, and diverse cuisine. Also, Bob Dylan lived in Dinkytown, which got its name because the streetcars (called Dinkys) used to run through this area.
Once on The University of Minnesota campus, you can take advantage of free public admission to the Weisman Art Museum. This small art museum is open from 10 am to 5 pm on Wednesday through Sunday (closed Monday and Tuesday).
Also, I have bad news if, like me, you’re interested in the Katherine E. Nash Gallery. You have to be a student or faculty member of the University to access the building that houses her gallery. Such a shame because Katherine’s artwork was my favorite exhibit in the Weisman and I wanted to learn more about her.
The bike path along West River Parkway is paved and mostly flat.
Bike to a Waterfall
After filling up on free art, it’s time to ride!
The campus was dotted with Lime and Uber bike shares during my visit so finding a rental was easy.
From the Weisman Art Museum, cross the Washington Avenue Bridge and through the promenade to get to the southern side of the Mississippi River. This allows you to bike along 4th Street, which becames West River Parkway and runs parallel to the Mississippi River.
This ride is beautiful. I rode past gorgeous historic houses as well as the Mississippi Gorge Regional Park. This route also passes the The Danish American Center, which hosts public events, including an annual Danish Day outdoor festival on the first Sunday in June.
I didn’t know this until my trip, but hundreds of thousands of Scandinavians, mostly Danish people, immigrated to Minnesota between 1860 and 1920. Perhaps the Scandinavian ethos, passed down through generations of Swedes, Danes, and Norwegians, is why Minnesota is such a happy place.
After about 5 miles biking along the paved and mostly flat bike path, you’ll reach Minnehaha Falls. Minnehaha is a 53-foot waterfall that attracts more than 850,000 annual visitors.
Minnehaha Falls is a 53-foot waterfall that attracts more than 850,000 annual visitors.
Refuel With Brick-Oven Pizza
Minnehaha Park has a seafood restaurant that was very crowded. Instead, I opted to walk through the park and have lunch at The Tipsy Steer. This restaurant has something for everyone, from burgers to tacos. The brick-oven pizza was delicious. Plus, I had leftovers, which made my travel day home a delight.
An added bonus: The Tipsy Steer shares a parking lot with a Blue Line metro stop so it’s super convenient to get back downtown.
Conclusion
This was my first visit to Minneapolis, and it was a pleasant surprise.
This city has a small-town, Midwestern feel with kind people and affordable entertainment. Plus, gorgeous nature is weaved throughout the city, and it is all easily accessible. Minneapolis is large and dynamic enough that I could always find something to do, but cozy enough that I felt safe walking around at night. I didn’t rent a car this trip, and I don’t feel like I missed out or was inconvenienced. The biggest downside was all the construction, but I know that isn’t forever.
Especially in the years following these big construction initiatives, Minneapolis will continue to become an incredible weekend getaway.