Places to see in Minneapolis

Outdoor: Parks and Lakes

While Minneapolis may not have sprawling green pastures, that doesn’t mean you can get put and enjoy some fresh air amongst nature. An obvious place to start is the Minneapolis Sculpture. If you searched “Minneapolis” and scrolled through the images, only a few spots down the page and you’d see the Minneapolis Sculpture. Yeah, it’s the big spoon with the cherry on it. Pretty neat, huh? Making this one of your first stops in your new city would make for a warm welcome.

The next place to go if you’re looking for a relaxing stroll in Minneapolis is Lake Harriet. This afternoon get away is surrounded by the hustle and bustle of Minneapolis but manages to retain its soothing effect. In the summer there are frequent free concerts outfitted with food and beer vendors.

Museums

If you’re looking for some history behind the great city of Minneapolis, the Mill City Museum is a great place to start. This is probably the best, and most engaging way to get some history of Minneapolis, aside from doing hours of reading on Wikipedia. Not to mention, it offers a great view of the Mississippi River.

Probably one of the most visited buildings in the city is the Minneapolis Art Institute. Even for those that wouldn’t call themselves an “art buff,” this is a must see in Minneapolis. The beautiful white stone building in the heart of the city shows some of the finer things that the entire state has to offer.

Landmarks

This is another great stop in the city if you’re looking for something a little quieter. I wouldn’t exactly call Minnehaha Fall an escape from the city, but the falls, food, and surrounding nature is a must-see in Minneapolis. It is the closest thing you’re going to get to a hike within the city of Minneapolis, and it is very easy to spend a whole day there, between the scenery, local grub, and the live music. Also, it is one of the best spots for a picnic in Minneapolis.

It is hard to call this a landmark, but it is part of Minneapolis that you need to see, and it would help if you’re familiar with it. The Minneapolis Skyway System stretches over 12 blocks and is a constant flow of foot traffic between buildings downtown. If you find yourself for a stroll in Minneapolis in the winter, you will be very thankful for this modern architectural masterpiece.

Now go out there and explore, try to discover everything that Minneapolis has to offer. Sometimes it’s better to just get lost and learn for yourself.