10,000 reasons to visit minneapolis in the summer
Minneapolis gets a (possibly justified) bad rap for it’s arctic winter temps, but this city is alive and amazing in the summertime. They aren’t lying when they say Minnesota is the Land of 10,000 Lakes, and Minneapolitans definitely take advantage of them whenever possible. Boats, kayaks and paddleboards are part of the standard scenery. Walking, buking, and running trails go on for over 100 miles. But the best part is that there is so much outdoor space that you never feel too crowded. And I might be biased, but typical of Midwesterners, the people here are super friendly.
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Did you know?
The people of Minneapolis (specifically city planners & architects) are apparently a bunch of geniuses. They created a system of enclosed, elevated walkways between buildings throughout their entire downtown. This Skyway system covers 80 blocks, so you can get from Point A to Point B without having to face the harsh winter climate. It also helps keep pedestrian traffic off the street, keeping people safe and traffic flowing.
A few more fun facts
- Minneapolis has more parkland acres per capita than any other major US city
- It is known as the "Flour-Milling Capital of the World"
- It ranks as having one of the largest LGBT populations in the US
things to do in minneapolis
- Go see a concert at the historic First Avenue
- Tour the Sky(ways)
- Visit a museum (you have 55 to choose from)
- Shop tax-free on clothing at the Mall of America
- Go to the "Endless Bridge at the Guthrie Theater, you'll get a great view of the Mississippi River
- Take a boat tour on the Mississippi
- Visit Lake Minnetonka for shopping, restaurants, and recreation
- Bike the Grand Rounds Scenic Byway System Chain Lakes
- Visit the Wabasha Street Caves
- See Minnehaha Falls and spend some time in the park
- Check out Lake Calhoun
- Grab a drink at a rooftop bar in Uptown
- Browse the Mill City Market
- Head to Nicollet Mall, an 11 block pedestrian strip full of bars and restaurants
- See Stone Arch
- Take a walk through Sculpture Garden
- Take a 20 minute drive to check out neighboring St. Paul
- Go to a game - sports fans can check out the Twins, Vikings, Wild, or FC Minneapolis
Some food & Drink recs, from our favorite locals
- 112 Eatery
- Martina
- Birch
- Kyatchi (sushi and hot dogs)
- Manny's (steak)
- Bar LaGrassa
- Bachelor Farmer (basement bar)
- Cafe Lucrat (seabass)
- Young Joni (cool bar)
- Red Rabbit (good casual)
- Hewing Hotel (fun rooftop bar)
- Psycho Suzi's (for drinks)
- SeaSalt (Minnehaha Falls)
- Betty Dangers
- Midtown Global Market
- Nicollet Mall
- Norseman Distillery
- Happy Gnome (historic St. Paul pub)
- Pryes Brewing (St. Paul)
- Finnegans (St. Paul)
