Things to Do in the Twin Cities
Tourist Attractions Not to Miss in Minneapolis & St. Paul, Minnesota
If you're looking for an authentic Twin City experience, here are 20 things to see and do that you shouldn't miss!
Spending some time in the Twin Cities metro area? Here's a quick guide to must-see attractions and activities.
- Minnehaha Falls. (4801 Minneheha Avenue South, Minneapolis). Need to relax? Take a deep breath and watch these 53 foot falls cascade into the creek below.
- Como Conservatory. (1225 Estabrook Drive, St. Paul). This commanding glass structure houses gardens filled with plants and flowers from all over the world. It's a great place to warm up on a frigid day.
- Mall of America. (60 East Broadway, Bloomington). You've got to see it, even if your only intent is to mock it. There's an aquarium, an amusement park, gourmet and family-friendly restaurants, and lots of shopping. Be sure to catch a glimpse of the Chapel of Love.
- The Minnesota State Fair. This authentic Minnesota experience convenes during the two weeks before Labor Day and features butter carvings, livestock shows, thrill rides, political candidates, and every edible thing you can imagine fried on a stick.
- The Minneapolis Chain of Lakes. Minnesota is known for its beautiful lakes, and some of the prettiest are the Chain of Lakes-- Harriet, Calhoun, Lake of the Isles, and Cedar Lake. They're part of the Grand Rounds Scenic Byway, a series of interlinked park lands in Minneapolis.
- Mississippi River Boulevard. Also known as River Road, this quiet and curvy boulevard runs through Minneapolis and St. Paul and gives you a fantastic view of the river.
- The Sculpture Garden. (1750 Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis). This somewhat eccentric garden of modern sculpture is located outside of the Walker Art Center, and is best known for its iconic Spoonbridge and Cherry sculpture.
- The Minnesota Zephyr. (601 North Main Street, Stillwater). This restored dining train takes guests on a historic tour of Stillwater and the beautiful St. Croix Valley, complete with a wait staff in period costumes who sing hits from back in the day.
- May Day Parade and Festival. (Powderhorn Park, Minneapolis). In early May, Minneapolitans welcome spring with this joyous festival that features enormous handmade puppets.
- Grand Avenue. This formerly run-down street in St. Paul has become a hot spot of funky coffee shops, restaurants, and stores. Be sure to stop by Cafe Latte for their insanely delicious turtle cake.
- The Science Museum. (120 West Kellogg Boulevard, St. Paul). Located on the banks of the Mississippi in downtown St. Paul, this fun museum is filled with kid-friendly, interactive exhibits and a huge Omnitheater.
- Basilica of St. Mary. (88 North 17th Street, Minneapolis). At the corner of downtown sits the oldest basilica in the United States, an architectural landmark that features a 200-foot dome. Every summer, the Basilica hosts a concert fundraiser called the Basilica Block Party.
- The Weisman Art Museum. You'll either love or hate the architecture of the University of Minnesota museum, which looks likes a collection of intricately smashed tin cans. Regardless, you'll enjoy the galleries, which are among the most beautiful in the U.S., and the stunning view of the Mississippi River and the skyline.
- Uptown Minneapolis. This vibrant neighborhood is hopping with a little of everything-- Thai restaurants, an independent movie theater, upscale shopping, funky alternative shopping, and many bars and coffee shops.
- Lyndale Park Rose Garden and Peace Gardens. (4125 East Lake Harriet Parkway, Minneapolis). Located next to Lake Harriet, the Rose Garden is the second largest rose garden in the U.S., and the Peace Garden is a secluded enclave with an impressive rock garden.
- The Guthrie Theater. (818 South 2nd Street, Minneapolis). Previously located in the Walker Art Museum, the new Guthrie is an architectural impressive new facility on the banks of the Mississippi.
- The Rivercity Trolley. From Memorial Day through Labor Day, this is a fun way to explore Minneapolis. Tickets are $17 for adults and $12 for kids, and you can hop on and off as often as you like to explore the sights--which include the Mill City Museum, the Lake Harriet Bandshell, and more.
- Minnesota Zoo. (13000 Zoo Boulevard, Apple Valley). This is one of the largest zoos in the United States, and it's open year round. Tickets are $12 for adults and $7 for kids.
- First Avenue & 7th Street Entry. (701 First Avenue North, Downtown Minneapolis). Minneapolis has a great music scene, and this is the center of it all . Twin City native Prince made the spot famous by featuring it in Purple Rain.
- The Mary Tyler Moore Statue. (Nicolett Mall and 7th Street, Downtown Minneapolis). The Mary statue throws off her hat with joy, just as the title character of The Mary Tyler Moore Show did in that same spot during the opening credits of the show.
See also:
Twin Cities Activities for Kids
Twin City Birthday Parties for Kids
The copyright of the article Things to Do in the Twin Cities in Minnesota Travel is owned by Naomi Rockler-Gladen. Permission to republish Things to Do in the Twin Cities must be granted by the author in writing.
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