Northside is one of Minneapolis’ most diverse neighborhood areas. Prince spent a few important formative, guitar-strumming, piano-tapping years in the area. The local businesses, events and entrepreneurs are bringing a new life and energy to the area with a focus on community-led growth. These changes include a thriving cultural presence, often seen through food and artistic expression.

Make sure to check out a local resident's perspective on more things to do in Northside.

West Broadway

Sammy's Eatery, Photo Credit: Asha Belk

While visiting the Northside you have to make a stop along the popular street of West Broadway, home to many famous businesses and restaurants.

Catch a performance at The Capri Theater which has been working to develop the artistic and performance community in North Minneapolis for over 50 years. It’s widely believed that Prince’s first solo performance (i.e. headlining as himself, not part of a different group) was at the Capri in January 1979. They host live theater, concerts, film screenings and offer after-school youth classes and workshops.

Juxtaposition Art is a prominent non-profit youth art and design education center, gallery, retail shop, and artists’ studio space. Just outside the building is the Skate-able Art Plaza. This community spot is a mini-park for rollerbladers, skateboarders and BMX riders to gather and it's all surrounded by colorful murals represents the sights of Minneapolis. Another must-visit is Friedman's Department Store. Located in North Minneapolis for 100 years, Friedman's carries hundreds of styles of sneakers and has had stellar customer service since day one.

Part market, part neighborhood celebration, the West Broadway Farmer's Market is open Friday afternoons, June through October. You'll find the requisite fruit and veggies, but there’s also a wide array of clothing, art, live music, DJs and spontaneous dancing.

Finding good food along West Broadway is not hard. Sammy's Avenue Eatery makes delicious sandwiches, homemade soups and freshly baked pies. Known for the relaxed and welcoming atmosphere relaxed it's a great gathering spot. A great spot for a drink is the 4th Street Saloon, the neighborhood bar where many of the locals frequent and where the famous "Welcome to North Minneapolis" mural is displayed. Get your sweet-treat-fix from The Cookie Cart, one of the sweetest cookie shops in the Twin Cities. More than that, thanks to this local cookie shop, teens 15- to 18-years-old learn valuable job skills (for many it’s their first job) and have an opportunity to gain leadership experience.

Breaking Bread Cafe is one of the ringleaders of the West Broadway community-driven revival. Their goal is to inspire others into an entrepreneurial spirit by hiring and training locals, serving as a social gathering point and giving back to the community. The café is a part of the Appetite for Change organization, “a community-based nonprofit, as well as a social enterprise, whose mission it is to use food as a tool to build health, wealth and social change.” And if that's not enough to get you in the door, the food is absolutely outstanding. You won't be getting anything out of a box or frozen. Everything is fresh, homemade, and made with the best ingredients. They serve breakfast and lunch only, focusing on healthy spins on comfort foods. Try the portobello cakes, and definitely add an egg (it's one of our favorite breakfasts in Minneapolis).

Transit

(Starting point of Meet Minneapolis Visitor Center on Nicollet)

Finding free, on-street parking in West Broadway is usually straightforward.

The 14 Bus runs straight up West Broadway Ave., past many of the area’s attractions.

Near North

Minnesota African American Heritage Museum & Gallery

The Minnesota African American Heritage Museum and Gallery is a place to celebrate the achievements and contributions of Black Minnesotans, while also educating and informing the public about Black history. The museum is free and holds a rotating schedule of special exhibits and events.

Spend a serene afternoon at the spacious North Commons Park. It's the perfect place for any recreational activity, including basketball and tennis courts, baseball and football fields, an ice skating rink and a wading pool. In the summer, there's even a free water park with water slides and a splash pool. But if you're wanting an active, indoor activity, check out the Minneapolis Bouldering Project and sign up for a climbing class.

Right along the Mississippi River is Pryes Brewing Company. This spacious craft beer taproom offers signature wood fire pizzas along with their award-winning craft beers. If you're looking for new flavors and dishes, take some time to wine and dine at Bar Brava. The menu can changes several times per week depending on what's in season and what local food vendors provide. Most of the dishes are inspired by Spanish recipes.

Transit

(Starting point of Meet Minneapolis Visitor Center on Nicollet)

Near North is an expansive area, with a lot of on-street parking.

The 14 Bus will take you to North Commons Park and most other locations throughout the area.

The 19 Bus/C-Line will take you to the Minnesota African American Museum.

Bryn-Mawr/Harrison

Theodore Wirth Park

At 740 acres, gigantic Theodore Wirth Park is the largest park in Minneapolis. There are year-round activities, including cycling, golf, archery, soccer, tennis, sledding, cross-country skiing, fishing, picnicking and pretty much any other activity you can imagine in a huge, grassy space. There’s also a garden, bird sanctuary and a beach. Theodore Wirth Parkway is a component of the Grand Rounds National Scenic Byway, a 51-mile loop composed of parkways, trails, lakes and the Mississippi River Boulevard. It’s the only scenic byway in the country located entirely within an urban area.

Utepils Brewing's massive taproom and beer garden not only serves a variety of German, Czech and Belgian beers, but there’s also food trucks and events like “Beer + Yoga” and “Brushes & Brews” for those who feel that any activity is made better with a pint in hand. Their beer is made with water from the city’s historic Glenwood Inglewood wells.

For more locally made beer, check out La Doña Cervecería. This Latin-influenced craft brewery has a collection of unique beers reflective of Minneapolis' multicultural community. La Doña has plenty of space to socialize, they even have an outdoor area with a mini soccer field to get game going with group or practice some drills.

Cuppa Java is that classic neighborhood coffee shop. Stop in and grab a signature coffee drink and some baked goods.

Royal Foundry Craft and Spirits is a distillery with British flair. They produce cocktails and spirits made from classic British recipes using grains, botanicals.

Transit

(Starting point of Meet Minneapolis Visitor Center on Nicollet)

From downtown, you can get to Theodore Wirth Park on the 7 Bus. It’s about a 25 minute trip.

For most locations within the Bryn-Mawr neighborhood the 9 Bus.