A Comprehensive 3-day Itinerary That will Make Your Trip to Minneapolis a Memorable One

Minneapolis is a city in the state of Minnesota and the county seat of Hennepin County. It is the largest city in Minnesota and the 46th-most-populous in the United States, with a population of 429,954 as of the 2020 census. Minneapolis is nicknamed the “City of Lakes” due to its many lakes, including Lake of the Isles, Bde Maka Ska, and Lake Harriet, and Minnehaha Falls. The city has cold, snowy winters and warm, humid summers. Minneapolis is home to the University of Minnesota’s main campus and has cultural offerings that include the Minneapolis Institute of Art, the First Avenue nightclub, and four professional sports teams. The city is also the birthplace of General Mills, the Pillsbury brand, and the Target Corporation.

There are many exciting things to do in Minneapolis, including exploring the city’s neighborhoods, outdoor activities, and iconic landmarks. Visitors can also find many restaurants, hotels, and other attractions in the city. The Minneapolis-St. Paul area, which includes the state capital of St. Paul, is a rich and diverse area with dramatic skylines and exciting pro sports teams. TripAdvisor has many reviews of Minneapolis hotels, attractions, and restaurants, making it a good resource for planning a visit to the city.

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What is the best time of year to visit Minneapolis

Aurora, IL has been home to many notable people. Here are some famous people from Aurora based on the search results:

Ice JJ Fish: Singer and rapper.
Clive Cussler: Novelist and underwater explorer.
Chick Hearn: Sportscaster.
Dennis Hastert: Former Speaker of the United States House of Representatives.
Stana Katic: Actress, co-star of ABC’s Castle.
Hayden Rolence: Actor.
Phillip Edward Van Lear: Actor.
Ruth VanSickle Ford: Owner of the Chicago Academy of Fine Arts.
Jackie DeShannon: Singer-songwriter.
Dave Johnston: Banjoist, singer, Yonder Mountain String Band.
Linda Chapa LaVia: Illinois state congressman.
Patricia Reid Lindner: Illinois state congressman.

Overall, Aurora has been home to a diverse group of famous people, including singers, actors, writers, and politicians.

Itineraries

Here’s a rough draft of a 3-day itinerary for your visit to Minneapolis, packed with some of the city’s top attractions and activities.

Day 1:

Walker Art Center

The Walker’s new building, designed by Edward Larrabee Barnes and opened in 1971, saw a major expansion in 2005. Swiss architects Herzog & de Meuron’s addition included an additional gallery space, a theater, restaurant, shop, and a special events space.

Morning:

Start your day by immersing yourself in the local art scene at the Walker Art Center, which hosts a variety of visual and performing arts, film screenings, and other events. The center itself is an architectural marvel and the associated Sculpture Garden is a must-see1.

Afternoon:

After the art tour, head to Nicollet, the main shopping center in downtown Minneapolis, for lunch and a bit of shopping. Nicollet is a beautifully laid-out precinct with a large concentration of shops, restaurants, galleries, and public art displays. The Crystal Court piazza and the network of glazed skyways are notable features to check out1.

Evening:

End your day with a leisurely walk along the iconic Stone Arch Bridge. The bridge dates back to 1883 and offers stunning views of the Mississippi River and the city’s downtown architecture1.

Day 2:

Morning:
Start your day with a visit to the Chain of Lakes Regional Park. Here you can enjoy boating, biking, or simply take a stroll along the lakeside walking paths. The Lyndale Park Rose Garden within the park is also worth a visit. If you’re visiting in winter, don’t miss the opportunity to try some of the best cross-country ski trails in the city1.

Afternoon:
Visit the American Swedish Institute in the afternoon to explore the city’s Swedish heritage. The institute consists of the modern Nelson Cultural Center and the historic Turnblad Mansion, where you can observe intricate carved woodwork and Swedish art displays1.

Evening:
Cap off your day with a performance at the Children’s Theatre Company, which offers plays for all ages based on classic children’s literature. They also have theater arts training programs for youth, which might be an interesting experience if you’re traveling with children1.

Day 3:

All day:
Devote your final day in Minneapolis to a trip to the Minnesota Zoo, home to over 2,300 animals from around the globe. Be sure to check out the Northern Trail, a self-guiding outdoor pathway that will take you past a variety of animals. The indoor Tropics Trail offers a taste of the jungle, and the Wells Fargo Family Farm is a hit with kids.

2. Itinerary

Here’s 2. suggested itinerary for a 3-day trip to Minneapolis, including must-see sights, favorite restaurants, and activities.

Day 1: Art & Museums

Start your day with a coffee at Spyhouse Coffee Roasters.
Visit the Minneapolis Institute of Art, which features ancient and contemporary artworks that help us connect to land, people, and place. Don’t miss the Eternal Offerings: Chinese Ritual Bronzes special exhibition designed by Oscar-Winning Artistic Director Tim Yip, featuring some 150 Chinese bronze objects from Mia’s collection.
Peruse the Walker Art Center, a contemporary art museum that showcases a wide range of contemporary art forms, including visual arts, performing arts, and film.
End your day with a stroll through the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, which is home to more than 40 iconic sculptures, including Spoonbridge & Cherry and Hahn/Cock.

Day 2: Outdoor Activities & Food

Start your day with a walk, bike, or people watch along the Chain of Lakes, including the three most popular, Lake of the Isles, Bde Maka Ska, and Lake Harriet.
Head to Afro Deli for lunch, which serves a fusion of African, Mediterranean, and American cuisine.
Spend the afternoon exploring Minnehaha Regional Park, which features a 53-foot waterfall and limestone bluffs.
For dinner, head to Al’s Breakfast, a classic diner that serves the best breakfast in town.
End your day with a fun night out in one of Minneapolis’ neighborhoods. Downtown Minneapolis is dense with office towers, sleek hotels, and plenty of places to imbibe. It’s the epicenter of the city’s nightclub scene, whether that’s the luxe atmosphere at The Exchange, the Top 40 vibe at The Pourhouse, the EDM scene at The Loft @ Skyway Theater or queer nightlife at Gay 90s.

Day 3: Nature & More Food

Start your day with a scenic walk through Loring Park, which is the Central Park of downtown Minneapolis.
Head to Hell’s Kitchen for brunch, which is famous for its homemade peanut butter and delicious Bloody Marys.
Spend the afternoon exploring the Minneapolis Chain of Lakes, which includes Lake Harriet, Lake Calhoun, and Lake of the Isles. You can rent a paddleboard, kayak, or canoe to explore the lakes.
For dinner, head to The Bachelor Farmer, which serves Nordic-inspired cuisine made with local ingredients.
End your day with a nightcap at Marvel Bar, which is located in the basement of The Bachelor Farmer and serves creative cocktails.

Enjoy your trip to Minneapolis!

Tips

Minneapolis is a great destination for a trip. There are many things to do and see in the city, such as:

Enjoy the street life of the picturesque city Midtown Global Market, a perfect place to have fun with friends and family.
Explore the Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden, a heavenly place for nature lovers.
Go for a wonderful boat ride at Chain of Lakes Regional Park, a scenic area with trails, beaches and water activities.
Admire the work of artists at Walker Art Center, one of the most visited contemporary art museums in the country.
Glide along the Mississippi River on a cruise or a kayak and enjoy the views of the city skyline.
Check into a luxury hotel like Loews Minneapolis Hotel or Aloft Minneapolis, both located near popular attractions and transit options.
Experience the music scene at First Avenue, a legendary venue where Prince and other stars performed.
Shop till you drop at Mall of America, the largest mall in the country with over 500 stores and multiple roller coasters inside.

These are just some of the tips for your trip to Minneapolis.

FAQs

Here are some FAQs with answers for a trip to Minneapolis:

Q: When is the best time to visit Minneapolis?

A: Minneapolis has a humid continental climate with four distinct seasons. The best times to visit are summer from June to August and fall from September to October. Summers are warm and perfect for outdoor activities. Fall offers stunning fall foliage and mild weather.

Q: How many days do you need for a trip to Minneapolis?

A: 3 to 4 days is a good amount of time for a trip to Minneapolis. This will allow you to explore the city at a relaxed pace and experience many of the top attractions like:

Mall of America – 1 day
Minneapolis Sculpture Garden and Walker Art Center – 1/2 day
Minnehaha Falls and Regional Park – 1/2 day
Minneapolis Institute of Art – 1/2 day
Take a stroll on Stone Arch Bridge downtown – 1/2 day
Visit the trendy neighborhoods like Uptown, North Loop and Northeast – 1 day

Q: What are the must-see attractions in Minneapolis?

A: Some must-see attractions in Minneapolis include:

Mall of America – The largest shopping mall in the U.S. with hundreds of stores, restaurants, entertainment options.
Walker Art Center and Minneapolis Sculpture Garden – A renowned contemporary art center and a scenic outdoor garden.
Minnehaha Falls – A stunning 53-foot waterfall located within a 193-acre regional park. Great for hiking, biking and summer activities.
Stone Arch Bridge – An iconic stone bridge over the Mississippi River with amazing views of St. Anthony Falls and downtown Minneapolis skyline.
Guthrie Theater – A fascinating cantilevered building housing multiple theater venues. Even if you don’t catch a show, the building itself is an architectural marvel.
U.S. Bank Stadium – Home of the Minnesota Vikings NFL team. Take a stadium tour to appreciate the architecture and get access to areas otherwise closed during events.
Chain of Lakes – A scenic 5-mile pathway around a chain of six lakes ideal for walking, jogging, biking or paddle boarding.
Minneapolis Institute of Art – A renowned art museum housing a world-class collection of artifacts from all over the world spanning over 20 centuries. Admission is always free!

Q: What is the best way to get around in Minneapolis?

A: The best ways to get around in Minneapolis include:

Light Rail and Metro Buses: Minneapolis has a reliable transit system covering most of the city. Fares are $2.50 per ride.
Nice Ride Bike Share: For short distances, the bike share system is a great option with over 500 bikes and 70 stations across Minneapolis. Rides under 30 minutes are free.
Drive and Park: If driving into the city, park at your attraction/neighborhood of choice and walk around. Ramp and meter parking options are available for around $1-2 per hour.
Ridesharing: Uber and Lyft both operate extensively in Minneapolis. Rides around the city center average $5-10 per trip.
Skyway System: The Skyway is a series of enclosed pedestrian footbridges that connect 80 full city blocks over 9 miles of downtown Minneapolis. It’s free to use and open weekdays 6am to 6pm.
Segway Tour: For a fun way to sightsee, take a guided Segway tour of uptown, downtown or the Chain of Lakes areas. Tours last 2-3 hours and cost around $50-70.