What to Do Around the Minneapolis Armory
Get your boogie on in this historical event space, unique to Minneapolis! If you want to grab food or beverages, or just want to waste some time before or after an Armory event, the options are numerous.
![](https://minneapolis-2021.imgix.net/images/The-Armory-Photo-by-Tyler-Allix-copyright-The-Armory-RESIZED.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=0911633a9fbb91d2e60d9395b3a0074d 320w, https://minneapolis-2021.imgix.net/images/The-Armory-Photo-by-Tyler-Allix-copyright-The-Armory-RESIZED.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=69fb828d43a25ffa7dc5f9f70ccfbe7a 540w, https://minneapolis-2021.imgix.net/images/The-Armory-Photo-by-Tyler-Allix-copyright-The-Armory-RESIZED.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=84c322516a1952ccf4b21a2237576b99 768w, https://minneapolis-2021.imgix.net/images/The-Armory-Photo-by-Tyler-Allix-copyright-The-Armory-RESIZED.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=927abdd10ab6e6037fb6c6cc8fcaa1d5 1024w, https://minneapolis-2021.imgix.net/images/The-Armory-Photo-by-Tyler-Allix-copyright-The-Armory-RESIZED.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=c565403c633c896f38f0518661c79233 1200w, https://minneapolis-2021.imgix.net/images/The-Armory-Photo-by-Tyler-Allix-copyright-The-Armory-RESIZED.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1440&s=a1f4e0e0861100dd97d2b87e0f698050 1440w, https://minneapolis-2021.imgix.net/images/The-Armory-Photo-by-Tyler-Allix-copyright-The-Armory-RESIZED.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1920&s=ee2b5b351cede7478f8697e4085f6865 1920w, https://minneapolis-2021.imgix.net/images/The-Armory-Photo-by-Tyler-Allix-copyright-The-Armory-RESIZED.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=2560&s=cdd3556dbd35dbf792360910d73544a3 2560w, https://minneapolis-2021.imgix.net/images/The-Armory-Photo-by-Tyler-Allix-copyright-The-Armory-RESIZED.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=3840&s=9321082a685e8cc07cad908a69ac90ce 3840w)
Minneapolis Armory History
The Minneapolis Armory is located in downtown Minneapolis, just a few blocks from U.S. Bank Stadium.
Completed in 1936, the Armory was operated by the Minnesota National Guard until 1980. During this time it was used to run military drills, host concerts, political conventions and sporting events, including games for the Minneapolis Lakers NBA team between 1947 and 1960, before the team moved to a less awesome city. The Armory was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1985.
Once home to the Minneapolis Lakers, fans of Prince and Aerosmith may also be familiar with the Armory’s made-for-music-and-sports interior! The videos for “1999” and “I Don't Want to Miss a Thing” were filmed here in 1982 and 1998 respectively.
Places to Eat and Drink Near the Armory
Only a few blocks away is Sawatdee, a local favorite that has plenty of Thai food classics. This location prides itself on being the pioneer of Thai in the Twin Cities, as the first Thai restaurant that opened in 1986. Across the Washington Ave., another local hot spot can be found. Zen Box Izakaya is all about the Japanese comfort food. Get yourself a hearty bowl of ramen and a couple pieces of sashmi on the side before getting your night started.
Even closer is Bar Zia, serving a pleasingly priced, comfortingly familiar array of burgers, sandwiches, pizzas and small plates. They offer $4 rail drinks, house wine, and tap beers plus $8 appetizers during their daily happy hour. Having recently been reinvented with a short but respected menu is Dan Kelly’s Pub. The old Irish bar is still dark as a cave, but it has a strong selection of beer and whiskeys and an attractive happy hour. Day Block Brewing Company doubles as a brewpub with a full bar and a live music venue! The menu offers snacks, sandwiches and pizzas to hold you down.
Things to See & Do in the Area
In agreeable weather, kick back at The Commons, a downtown park right across the street from the Armory. They host a lot of pop-up events here, but it’s also a nice place to sit in green grass (or snow), play Frisbee and relax.
If pairing your concert energy with fascinating Minneapolis history sounds appealing, the Mill City Museum is your ticket. The museum tracks the history of flour milling and how it transformed Minneapolis from scattered settlements into the flour milling capital of the world for 50 years, powered by the only naturally occurring falls on the entire length of the Mississippi River. You'll encounter more than just history, with stunning views and exquisite architecture!
Finally, there’s the allure of the West River Parkway (this particular section is designated as a regional park), with bike and walking paths, more open areas on which to pass your time. The St. Anthony Falls Visitor Center and the historic (and highly Instagrammable) Stone Arch Bridge are local favorites for walks, bike rides and photo-ops galore!
For more night out options in the area, check out our neighborhood guides for East Downtown/Mill District, Nicollet and the Central Business District.
Stay the Night!
A good night's sleep after your concerts, after parties, and nights out is just blocks away...
- Raddison RED: on-site parking for $32/night
- Hyatt Place: on-site parking available for a fee
- Best Western Plus: on-site parking for $15/night
- Elliot Park hotel: daily valet parking for $48
- Emery, Autograph Collection: daily valet parking for $48, off-site parking available
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There’s a reason Prince chose to stay here.
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Get psyched for an event or celebrate a team win without going far with these tasty and fun spots within walking distance of the stadium.
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East Town – Downtown East and Elliot Park Neighborhoods
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