Staff Favorites
We really love Minneapolis, and these are the experiences, places and attractions we’re crazy about. All of these unique destinations have been hand-picked by real life humans who work for Meet Minneapolis.
We’re all about exploring the dark corners, secret spots and classic stops that tell Minneapolis’ full story. Enjoy your visit!
Summer
During the summer there are certain things we never miss from sipping delicious Midwest IPA's on a patio to practicing Yoga in Commons Park with celebrities! Either way, our calendars are color coded and jam-packed with weekend festivities and after work rendezvous. Here are our favorite places to hang in the summertime.
Guthrie Theater, The Endless Bridge
No “Minneapolis Tour” is complete without taking in the sweeping views of the Mississippi River from the observation deck of The Endless Bridge at the Guthrie Theater. Although it’s not really a bridge or actually endless, it is FREE and open to the public without needing admission to the theater! And it is great family fun with amazing photo ops!! #nofilterneeded
Psycho Suzi's Motor Lounge
The vibe of this space is unlike anywhere else in the city. The tiki/island style décor is inviting and unique, taking customers to another time and place, while the riverfront patio is a gentle and beautiful reminder that the sunset you are watching is actually falling behind Minneapolis. Great food, delicious drinks and comparable company never fail to make this one of our favorite spots in the city!
Minneapolis Sculpture Garden
With the recent renovations complete, getting to experience the sculpture garden in a new and open manner has been a wonderful opportunity. The innovative pieces in the garden leave room for each individual to interpret the sculptures in their own ways. This is one thing we love about it – the diverse opinions and thoughts that resonate with the audience.
Vikings Football Game
If you haven’t been to a football game at U.S. Bank Stadium – put it on your list! With over 60K seats, a unique view of the downtown skyline, and food and drink vendors galore, this stadium can help add to the excitement of any event. If you go early enough in the season, the 95 feet high glass doors will be open giving you a glimpse of the action outdoors.
Aquatennial Torch Light Parade
This free event occurs every year and is a great opportunity to get the kids in your life outside in the summer in our great city of Minneapolis! Kids will love the characters in each float, the lights, and of course the FREE CANDY! Although downtown is busy the night of Torch Light Parade, getting around is easy – especially if you come early!
Minnehaha Falls
It’s a gorgeous park with tons of green space, hiking trails, running paths and plenty of picnic benches to sit and enjoy lunch! The waterfall is beautiful and there’s nothing like feeling the cool mist hit your face on a hot summer day. The park is always filled with people and it’s even a great spot to bring your dog!
Young Joni
Neighborly, communal and seeping with flavor, Young Joni is a favorite spot to prop during the summer months. Young Joni marries an eclectic blend of global flavors while staying true to Minnesotan roots - a dapper presentation of modern, American cuisine at its best.
Fall
The streets are filled with red and gold leaves, that hot cup of coffee is complemented by a soothing autumn breeze, football season is in full swing and craft beer events are everywhere! We love this time of year in Minneapolis, and we’ll show you our absolute favorite things to do during the season. Experience Minneapolis like a local with our fall staff picks.
Fashion Week MN
People always seem to forget how prominent and innovative Minneapolis and Minnesota fashion is. What we love so much about Fashion Week MN is its celebration of all aspects of diversity. We are all different in many ways, shapes and forms, and this event is one for people of all backgrounds, appearances and identities to enjoy. Its mission of community engagement brings people together and is a space for the best in Minnesota fashion to be recognized and celebrated for their achievements. My younger self, in my home-made tutu, plaid tights and low-top polka dot converse rejoices at the experience that this event gives me.
Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
If you thought Minnesota falls asleep after August – you need to check out the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum! Starting the end of September and then moving into the fall, the Arboretum comes to life with vibrant harvest colors and end of the season blooms. With over 1200 acres, the Arboretum has miles and miles of collections to explore. There are groomed trails for those that enjoy being active but there is also a hop-on hop-off shuttle that drives visitors around the property.
Zombie Pub Crawl
Where else can you participate in the World’s Largest Gathering of Zombies? This is one of the most unique, outrageous, and fun events that Minneapolis has to offer. People go all out and try to make themselves look as gory and disheveled as possible. The creativity with makeup and costumes is incredible. No one is trying to look cute here. It’s all about being an authentic Zombie! Plus, the music line-up and drink specials just add to the energy that’s already booming throughout the streets. You have to go to this event at least once!