Walker Art Center & Minneapolis Sculpture Garden. One of the premier contemporary art museums in the US, the Walker pairs its cutting-edge galleries with an 11-acre outdoor sculpture garden open free every day — home to the iconic Spoonbridge and Cherry. The garden runs 6 am to midnight daily; gallery admission is free every Thursday evening and the first Saturday…
Mill City Museum. Built inside the dramatic ruins of what was once the world's largest flour mill, this Minnesota Historical Society museum tells the story of Minneapolis's rise as the 'Flour Milling Capital of the World.' Ride the Flour Tower elevator, experiment in the Water and Baking Labs, and take in sweeping Mississippi River…
Minnehaha Regional Park & Falls. A beloved urban green space since 1889, Minnehaha Park draws over 850,000 visitors a year to its 53-foot cascade — one of the most spectacular urban waterfalls in America. Trails lead from the falls down to the Mississippi River, with bike rentals, beach access, seasonal dining at Sea Salt Eatery, and a direct…
First Avenue. An independently owned concert hall that opened in 1970 in a former Greyhound bus depot, First Avenue is one of the most storied music venues in America — Prince filmed Purple Rain here and launched his career on its stage. The exterior's Hall of Fame stars and gritty interior make it a pilgrimage site for music…
Paisley Park. Prince's legendary 65,000-square-foot creative compound in nearby Chanhassen is now open for guided tours, giving fans an intimate look at the studios where he recorded, the soundstage where he rehearsed, and the archives of his iconic costumes and instruments. The 90-minute Paisley Experience ($75) is the…
Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia). Minnesota's largest art museum holds over 100,000 works spanning 5,000 years and six continents, with free general admission every day and no reservations needed. Highlights include Impressionist masterworks, an extraordinary East Asian collection, and arms and armor galleries that appeal to all ages.
Minnesota State Capitol. Saint Paul's stunning Beaux-Arts capitol, completed in 1905, is one of the largest self-supported marble domes in the world and offers free guided tours that cover its art, architecture, and state history. Tours run every hour Monday through Saturday and start in Room 126 off the south entrance — no reservation needed.
Chain of Lakes & Grand Rounds Scenic Byway. A 52-mile National Scenic Byway that loops entirely within the city, the Grand Rounds connects lakes Bde Maka Ska, Harriet, Nokomis, and Lake of the Isles by paved paths perfect for cycling, walking, kayaking, and open-water swimming. In summer the lakeshores pulse with sail boats, volleyball nets, and food stands;…
Top-rated tours & activities in Minneapolis-Saint Paul
The Escape Game: Epic 60-Minute Adventures at the Mall of America — 5.0★ (358 reviews)
Minneapolis Skyway Walking Tour — 5.0★ (57 reviews)
Narrated Scenic Tour on the Minneapolis Trolley — 4.9★ (313 reviews)
All-Inclusive Minneapolis Craft Brewery Tour — 4.9★ (252 reviews)
Minneapolis Local Bar Tour with Tastings — 5.0★ (21 reviews)
#1 Ghost Tour in the Midwest : Candlelight Trolley Tour — 4.8★ (198 reviews)
St. Paul Historic Cave Tour — 4.8★ (188 reviews)
Minneapolis' "Shocking" True Crime Trolley Tour — 4.8★ (35 reviews)
The Escape Game: Epic 60-Minute Adventures at the Mall of America — 5.0★ (358 reviews)
Minneapolis Skyway Walking Tour — 5.0★ (57 reviews)
Narrated Scenic Tour on the Minneapolis Trolley — 4.9★ (313 reviews)
All-Inclusive Minneapolis Craft Brewery Tour — 4.9★ (252 reviews)
Minneapolis Local Bar Tour with Tastings — 5.0★ (21 reviews)
#1 Ghost Tour in the Midwest : Candlelight Trolley Tour — 4.8★ (198 reviews)
St. Paul Historic Cave Tour — 4.8★ (188 reviews)
Minneapolis' "Shocking" True Crime Trolley Tour — 4.8★ (35 reviews)