Minneapolis
A lively city of lakes, music and art.
Points of interest
- Chain of Lakes
- Walker Art Center
- Stone Arch Bridge
- First Avenue
State guide
Things to do in Minnesota
The Land of 10,000 Lakes: Minneapolis and St Paul's music, lakes and arts, canoe trips in the Boundary Waters, the rugged North Shore of Lake Superior and the source of the Mississippi.
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Hostels across its 3 main cities
7.7
Average, from 25 reviews
10,000+
Lakes
Lakes, music and the north woods
Minnesota is a state of water: it has more than 10,000 lakes, the source of the Mississippi River and a long shore on Lake Superior, the largest freshwater lake in the world by area. In summer, life moves outdoors, to cabins, canoes and lake beaches.
Minneapolis and St Paul, the Twin Cities, sit on either side of the Mississippi. Minneapolis has a chain of city lakes with paths and beaches, a strong arts scene, with the Walker Art Center and its sculpture garden, and a famous music history, including Prince's Paisley Park. St Paul is older and quieter, with grand historic buildings. Up north, Duluth is a port city on Lake Superior, the North Shore has waterfalls and cliffs, and the Boundary Waters is a huge wilderness of lakes for canoeing.
Give Minnesota four or five days. Summer is the best time, and autumn colour is spectacular. Winters are long and very cold, but locals embrace them with festivals and frozen lakes.
Where to base yourself
Minneapolis for the cities, and Duluth for the North Shore.
St Paul
The older, quieter twin city and state capital.
Points of interest
- Cathedral of St Paul
- Summit Avenue
- Science Museum
Duluth
1 hostel
A port city on Lake Superior.
Points of interest
- Aerial Lift Bridge
- Canal Park
- North Shore
Regions of Minnesota
The Twin Cities in the south, lakes everywhere, and forests and Lake Superior in the north.
Twin Cities
Music, arts, lakesMinneapolis and St Paul on the Mississippi.
North Shore and Duluth
Lake Superior, waterfallsDuluth and the cliffs and falls along Lake Superior.
Northern lakes
Boundary Waters, canoeingEly, the Boundary Waters and Voyageurs National Park.
Central lakes
Cabins, Mississippi sourceLake country and Itasca State Park.
Southern Minnesota
Bluffs, river townsMississippi river bluffs and small towns.
Things to do
Things to do in Minnesota
In Minneapolis, walk or cycle around Bde Maka Ska and the Chain of Lakes, see the Spoonbridge and Cherry in the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, and visit the Walker Art Center and the Minneapolis Institute of Art, which is free. Cross the Stone Arch Bridge over St Anthony Falls. Tour Prince's Paisley Park in Chanhassen. The Mall of America, one of the largest shopping centres in the USA, has a theme park inside.
In Duluth, watch huge ships pass under the Aerial Lift Bridge, then drive the North Shore Scenic Drive to Split Rock Lighthouse, Gooseberry Falls and the hiking trails of the Superior Hiking Trail.
Paddle into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness from Ely, with a permit, and visit Itasca State Park, where you can walk across the source of the Mississippi.
Free things
And what it costs nothing to do
The Minneapolis Institute of Art and the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden are free, and so are the city lakes, beaches and paths. The Stone Arch Bridge and the Mississippi riverfront cost nothing.
In Duluth, Canal Park and watching the ships are free. Many North Shore waysides and trails are free.
State parks need a vehicle permit.
Food and drink
Eating and drinking
Try the Juicy Lucy, a burger with cheese melted inside, a Minneapolis invention, and hot dish, the Minnesotan casserole. Wild rice, walleye fish and Scandinavian food reflect the state's heritage.
Minneapolis has a strong restaurant scene, with many Somali, Hmong and Vietnamese restaurants, especially along Lake Street and University Avenue. The State Fair in August is famous for food on a stick.
Craft breweries are everywhere.
Nightlife
Going out
Minneapolis has a strong live music scene, centred on First Avenue, the club made famous by Prince. Northeast Minneapolis has breweries and bars, and Uptown and downtown have clubs.
Theatre is big here too: the Guthrie Theater is one of the best in the country.
Bars close at 2am.
Getting around
Getting around
Minneapolis-St Paul International Airport has light rail to both downtowns and the Mall of America. The Twin Cities have light rail, buses and good bike paths.
Amtrak's Empire Builder stops in St Paul. A car is needed for Duluth, the North Shore and the northern lakes.
Winter driving needs care, with snow and ice.
Costs
What Minnesota costs
Minnesota is moderately priced. The Twin Cities are cheaper than the coasts, and the north is affordable outside summer weekends.
Sales tax is 6.875 per cent statewide, higher in Minneapolis. Clothing is exempt. Tip 18 to 22 per cent in restaurants.
Boundary Waters permits and canoe outfitters are extras.
Safety
Safety and scams
The Twin Cities are generally safe; take normal city care at night downtown.
Winter is extreme, with temperatures far below freezing: dress properly and avoid frostbite. Lake Superior is very cold, even in summer.
In the Boundary Waters, you are far from help, so go prepared or with an outfitter. Mosquitoes are fierce in early summer. In an emergency, call 911.
What's on
What is on while you are there
The State Fair, winter carnivals and lake summers.
Staff pick
13 October
The Smashing Pumpkins
St Paul
Emerging from the grunge explosion of the early '90s, The Smashing Pumpkins carved out a unique niche with their mesmerizing blend of alternative rock,…
Staff pick
21 October
Juvenile
Minneapolis
Terius Gray, known by his stage name Juvenile, is an American rapper who has collaborated with the likes of DJ Khaled, Drake, and Lil…
Staff pick
2 November
Jonas Brothers
St Paul
The Jonas Brothers is a pop rock band formed in 2005. They gained most of their popularity from appearing on the Disney Channel network.…
Staff pick
16 October
Skillet
Minneapolis
Christian rock band, Skillet, consists of husband and wife, John and Korey Cooper, John Ledger, and Seth Morrison. Two of Skillet’s albums, Comatose and…
Staff pick
25 October
Randy Feltface
St Paul
Randy Feltface is a purple puppet comedian whose rapid-fire delivery and philosophical tangents mix absurdity with insight. His unique blend of stand-up and puppetry…
Staff pick
7 November
Twin Cities Book Festival
St Paul
A full day of literary exploration awaits at this free community gathering, now in its 26th year. Browse the book fair, catch author presentations…
Staff pick
8 November
Neil deGrasse Tyson
Minneapolis
Neil deGrasse Tyson, an American astronomer, author, science communicator, and planetary scientist, was born on October 5, 1958. Tyson attended Harvard University, the University…
Staff pick
22 November
Andrea Gibson
St Paul
Andrea Gibson is an activist and poet from Calais, Maine, who has been residing in Boulder since 1999. Gender standards, social reform, politics, and…
Hostels
Where to stay
The highest-rated hostels in Minnesota, straight from Hostelworld. Prices and availability are live on each property page.
When to go
June to September is the best time, with lakes, festivals and the State Fair. Late September brings autumn colour. Winter, from December to March, is very cold, with frozen lakes and winter festivals.
Jan
Winter carnival
Feb
Frozen lakes
Mar
Cold
Apr
Spring
May
Mild
Jun
Summer begins
Jul
Lake season
Aug
State Fair
Sep
Pleasant
Oct
Autumn colour
Nov
Cold
Dec
Winter
Bar height is temperature. Colour is how busy it gets:
quiet
busy
peak
Average highs for Minneapolis, rounded.
What your trip will cost
Per night, for one person, based on Minneapolis prices.
Treat these as a guide. Car hire and outfitters cost extra.
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- Beds—
- Food and drink—
- Getting around—
- Doing things—
Minnesota questions
The ones we get asked most.
How many days do you need in Minnesota?
Four or five for the Twin Cities and the North Shore.
When is the best time to visit Minnesota?
June to September, with autumn colour in late September.
Do I need a permit for the Boundary Waters?
Yes, for overnight trips, and they are limited in summer. Book ahead.
Is the Mall of America worth visiting?
It is huge, with a theme park inside, and easy to reach by light rail.
How cold is Minnesota in winter?
Very cold, often well below freezing for weeks.
Can I visit Paisley Park?
Yes, with guided tours in Chanhassen, near Minneapolis.
Do I need a car in Minnesota?
Not in the Twin Cities. For the north, yes.
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