Minneapolis Sights

Sights in Minneapolis

  1. A

    Minneapolis Sculpture Garden

    The 7-acre Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, studded with contemporary works, like the oft-photographed Spoonbridge & Cherry by Claes Oldenburg. The garden is connected to attractive Loring Park by a sculptural pedestrian bridge over I-94.

    reviewed

  2. B

    University of Minnesota

    The University of Minnesota, by the river southeast of Minneapolis' center, is one of the USA's largest campuses, with over 50,000 students. Most of the campus is in the East Bank neighborhood. A uni highlight is the Weisman Art Museum (www.weisman.umn.edu; 333 E River Rd), which occupies a swooping silver structure by architect Frank Gehry. Works inside include early 20th-century American paintings. Dinkytown, based at 14th Ave SE and 4th St SE, is dense with student cafés and bookshops.

    The University of Minnesota at Minneapolis, straddling both banks of the Mississippi River, is one of the USA's largest campuses with over 55,000 students. The university was founded in…

    reviewed

  3. C

    Chain of Lakes

    Uptown is a convenient jump-off point to the Chain of Lakes - ie Lake Calhoun, Lake of the Isles, Lake Harriet and Cedar Lake. It seems all of Minneapolis is out frolicking by the water - not surprising, really, since this is known as the 'city of lakes.' Paved cycling paths (which double as cross-country ski trails in winter) meander around the four lakes, where you can go boating in summer or ice-skating in winter.

    The Lake Calhoun kiosk (base of Lake St) rents canoes, kayaks and paddleboats for around US$15 per hour. Thomas Beach, also on Lake Calhoun, is popular for swimming.

    reviewed

  4. D

    St Anthony Falls Heritage Trail

    At the north edge of downtown at the foot of Portland Ave is the St Anthony Falls Heritage Trail, a recommended 2-mile path that provides both interesting history (markers dot the route) and the city's best access to the banks of the Mississippi River. View the cascading falls from the car-free Stone Arch Bridge. On the north side of the river, Main St SE has a stretch of redeveloped buildings housing restaurants and bars.

    reviewed

  5. E

    Mill City Museum

    The building is indeed a former mill, and highlights include a ride inside an eight-story grain elevator ('the Flour Tower'), Betty Crocker exhibits and a baking lab. It's a bit dull unless you're really into milling history. The Mill City Farmer's Market takes place in the museum's attached train shed; cooking demos fire up at 10am.

    reviewed

  6. Guthrie Theater & Endless Bridge

    Definitely head next door to the cobalt-blue Guthrie Theater and make your way up to its 'Endless Bridge' - a cantilevered walkway overlooking the river. You don't need a theater ticket - it's intended as a public space - though see a show if you can, as the Guthrie is one of the Midwest's finest companies. Next door is spiraling Gold Medal Park.

    reviewed

  7. F

    Mary Tyler Moore statue

    Nicollet Mall is the pedestrian-friendly portion of Nicollet Ave in the heart of downtown, dense with stores, bars and restaurants. It's perhaps most famous as the spot where Mary Tyler Moore (of 70s TV fame) threw her hat into the air during the show's opening sequence. A cheesy Mary Tyler Moore statue depicts our girl doing just that.

    reviewed

  8. G

    St Paul Curling Club

    Stop in and watch the action just across the Mississippi at the St Paul Curling Club. For those uninitiated in northern ways, curling is a winter sport that involves sliding a hubcab-sized 'puck' down the ice toward a bulls-eye. While you might not understand it at first, it's fun to see the 'pitcher' scream at the frantic ice brushers.

    reviewed

  9. H

    Fort Snelling

    The Fort Snelling is the state's oldest structure, established in 1820 as a frontier outpost in the remote Northwest Territory. Guides in period dress show restored buildings and reenact pioneer life.

    reviewed

  10. I

    Minneapolis Institute of Arts

    The fabulous Minneapolis Institute of Arts houses a veritable history of art, with a whopping modern and contemporary collection. The Prairie School and Asian galleries are also highlights.

    reviewed

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  12. J

    Minnesota Zoo

    Minnesota Zoo in suburban Apple Valley, which is 20 miles south of town. It has naturalistic habitats for its 400-plus species, with an emphasis on cold-climate creatures. Parking is $5.

    reviewed

  13. K

    Walker Art Center

    The first-class Walker Art Center has a strong permanent collection of 20th-century art and photography, including big-name US painters and great US pop art.

    reviewed

  14. L

    Weisman Art Museum

    The Weisman Art Museum, which occupies a swooping silver structure by architect Frank Gehry. Works inside include early 20th-century American paintings.

    reviewed

  15. M

    Mill City Farmer's Market

    On Thursday evenings and Saturday mornings, the Mill City Farmer's Market takes place in the Mill City museum's attached train shed.

    reviewed

  16. N

    Children's Theatre Company

    The local Children's Theatre Company is so good it won a Tony award for 'outstanding regional theater.'

    reviewed