Loppet
A cross-country ski festival for the whole family! Ski races for all ages, skill-levels and abilities. You’ll find skijoring races, a kubb tournament, a snow sculpture competition, sprint races, ice biking and more.
What is it?
Be sure to experience the popular Luminary Loppet on Saturday, February 3, 2018. The evening will feature luminaries perfectly spaced around Lake of the Isles, the Ice Pyramid, Fire Dancers, the Enchanted Forest, Ice-Cropolis, Ice-Henge, and Ice-ster Island. Cheerleaders and participants can enjoy a free Surly brewat the Loppett’s REI Luminary Party. You can also grab a bite from a variety of food trucks located in Loppet Village during the festival. Take a look at what to expect at the Loppet in this video: http://www.loppet.org/luminary-loppet/photos-video/
Where is it?
Loppet Village is located next to the Lake Calhoun Center (3033 Excelsior Blvd, Minneapolis, MN 55416).
How do I get there?
Biking or Bus: Take the Midtown Greenway, Cedar Lake Trail, or Chain of Lakes to the Loppet Village area. City buses also run up and down Lake Street. Find bus lines at metrotransit.org.
Shuttle from Uptown: The Loppet Foundation offers a shuttle from the Walker Library (2880 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55408) to Loppet Village on Saturday from 10am – 10pm and Sunday from 10am – 5pm.
Shuttle from Western suburbs: The Loppet Foundation offers a shuttle from the Mortenson Construction parking lot off Highway 55 to Loppet Village on Saturday from 10am – 10pm and Sunday from 10am – 5pm.
What to do around the Loppet:
Burger Jones
Jonesing for a burger? Burger Jones knows, and they’re here to help. Build your own burger or choose from their specialities such as the Classic Paddy Melt or White Trash Burger. Or surprise your taste buds with their Sortaburgers like the Nacho, Gyro or Beet Burger. They also offer hot dogs, a tri-fry tasting tower, and hard malts and shakes. Yum!
Rustica
This quaint, cozy bakery is the perfect spot to warm up with a delicious slice of fresh-baked bread, a seasonal pastry, or a hot cup of coffee. Check their menu to see what offerings they’ll have this week.
Punch Pizza
This Neapolitan-style pizza is a Twin Cities favorite. The thin crust and fresh ingredients leave you feeling light and satisfied, similar to the authentic Neapolitan pizzas you’d find in Italy. Sip on a beer or glass of wine while you wait for your made to order pizza or salad.
Urban Eatery
Located right across from Lake Calhoun, Urban Eatery is a trendy spot with global flavors and delicious drinks. Stop in for dinner and get a taste of their locally sourced menu items such as fresh guacamole, tomato and avocado flatbread or grilled shrimp tacos. They also serve brunch and have a great happy hour.
Falafel KingThis fast-casual spot has some of the best falafel and Mediterranean food in town. Choose from a variety of both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options like sandwiches, salads and platters. For you morning people, they serve breakfast anytime.
Barbette
This cozy French-inspired spot is just down Lake Street. Take advantage of their happy hour where you can get $5 glasses of wine, pommes frites (must try!), cheese plate, and ½ lb steamed mussels. They also offer fantastic brunch and dinner menus. Perfect for date night, girls night or a drink before the Loppet festivities.
Lake & Irving
Just up the street is Lake & Irving, a casual spot for craft beer, burgers, sandwiches and some awesome cocktails. Feel like something healthy? Try their Misoyaki salmon or Asian slaw salad. This is also a popular brunch spot (chicken and waffles, brisket hash, kalua pork chilaquiles) and for good reason.