Walker Art Center
The first-class art center has a strong permanent collection of 20th-century art and photography, including big-name US painters and great US pop art. On…
© Gian Lorenzo Ferretti Photography/Getty Images
Minneapolis
Minneapolis is the biggest and artsiest town on the prairie, with all the trimmings of progressive prosperity – swank art museums, rowdy rock clubs, organic and ethnic eateries, and edgy theaters. It's always happenin', even in winter. And here's the bonus: folks are attitude-free and the embodiment of 'Minnesota Nice.' Count how many times they tell you to 'Have a great day,' come rain, shine or snow.
The city owes its existence to the Mississippi. Water-powered sawmills along the river fueled a boom in timber in the mid-1800s. Wheat from the prairies also needed to be processed, so flour mills churned into the next big business. The population grew rapidly in the late 19th century with mass immigration, especially from Scandinavia and Germany. A more recent wave of immigration in the past few decades, from places like Vietnam and Somalia, have added new layers of complexity, as well as some very good places to eat.
Explore Minneapolis
- Walker Art Center
The first-class art center has a strong permanent collection of 20th-century art and photography, including big-name US painters and great US pop art. On…
- Minneapolis Sculpture Garden
This 19-acre green space, studded with contemporary works such as the oft-photographed Spoonbridge & Cherry by Claes Oldenburg, sits beside the Walker Art…
- Minneapolis Institute of Art
This museum is a huge trove housing a veritable history of art. The modern and contemporary collections will astonish, while the Asian galleries (2nd…
- Weisman Art Museum
The Weisman, which occupies a swooping silver structure by architect Frank Gehry, is a university (and city) highlight. The airy main galleries hold cool…
- EEndless Bridge
Head inside the cobalt-blue Guthrie Theater and make your way up the escalator to the Endless Bridge, a far-out cantilevered walkway overlooking the…
- Paisley Park
After Prince died in 2016, his family opened his 65,000-sq-ft home to the public for tours. Fans have been streaming to the mod, boxy white mansion ever…
- Mary Tyler Moore Statue
The late, great Mary Tyler Moore (of '70s TV fame) put Minneapolis on the pop-culture map. The spot, at the corner of 7th St S and Nicollet Mall, where…
- Valleyfair
If the rides at the Mall of America aren't enough, drive out to this full-scale amusement and water park 22 miles southwest of Minneapolis in Shakopee…
- NNickelodeon Universe
The amusement park in the Mall of America offers around 28 rides, including a couple of scream-inducing roller coasters. To walk through will cost you…
Latest Stories from Minneapolis
Planning Toolkit
Tips & Travel trends to help you pick the perfect time to visit this destination.
Golden rules to keep in mind when traveling to this destination.
Put these must-see destinations on your next travel wish list.
Add visiting these must-see local hot spots and culture centers to your next travel itinerary.
Deals and tips on ways to save without sacrificing the fun on your next trip.
Plan a day trip full of local flavor and get back in time with these same-day options.
Browse the various transportation options to make your trip that much easier when you arrive.
Ways to maximize the fun without spending a dime on your next great adventure.
Top attractions
These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Minneapolis.
- See
Walker Art Center
The first-class art center has a strong permanent collection of 20th-century art and photography, including big-name US painters and great US pop art. On…
- See
Minneapolis Sculpture Garden
This 19-acre green space, studded with contemporary works such as the oft-photographed Spoonbridge & Cherry by Claes Oldenburg, sits beside the Walker Art…
- See
Minneapolis Institute of Art
This museum is a huge trove housing a veritable history of art. The modern and contemporary collections will astonish, while the Asian galleries (2nd…
- See
Weisman Art Museum
The Weisman, which occupies a swooping silver structure by architect Frank Gehry, is a university (and city) highlight. The airy main galleries hold cool…
- See
Endless Bridge
Head inside the cobalt-blue Guthrie Theater and make your way up the escalator to the Endless Bridge, a far-out cantilevered walkway overlooking the…
- See
Paisley Park
After Prince died in 2016, his family opened his 65,000-sq-ft home to the public for tours. Fans have been streaming to the mod, boxy white mansion ever…
- See
Mary Tyler Moore Statue
The late, great Mary Tyler Moore (of '70s TV fame) put Minneapolis on the pop-culture map. The spot, at the corner of 7th St S and Nicollet Mall, where…
- See
Valleyfair
If the rides at the Mall of America aren't enough, drive out to this full-scale amusement and water park 22 miles southwest of Minneapolis in Shakopee…
- See
Nickelodeon Universe
The amusement park in the Mall of America offers around 28 rides, including a couple of scream-inducing roller coasters. To walk through will cost you…
Guidebooks
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