The Top 5 Reasons to Visit Minneapolis, Minnesota Now
BY TRIPVEEL EDITORIAL STAFF | August 2019
A dramatic riverfront skyline, so much art you’re literally surrounded by it and a theater on almost every corner. A place to bring your dancing shoes and party at festivals all year round, enjoy four gorgeous seasons surrounded by 13 lakes, the Mississippi River and a waterfall, and meet friendly locals who can’t wait to show you why they love living here. Meet Minneapolis.
Image courtesy of Dan Anderson, Meet Minneapolis
1. THE FALLS
Minnehaha Falls is located in the oldest park in Minneapolis and features a majestic 53-foot waterfall, limestone bluffs with river overlooks. Descend into the gorge below the falls via a staircase to get a great view of the falls from below.
Image courtesy of Meet Minneapolis
For the more adventurous, take the trail down the gorge past lovely pools and photogenic stone bridges to a sandy beach at the confluence of Minnehaha Creek and the Mississippi River. This beach is a favorite of both the sun-loving and anglers that pursue their quarry in the Mississippi River.
2. THE ARTS
Internationally recognized as a leading arts venue, the Walker Art Center presents contemporary visual arts and design exhibitions; dance, theater, and music performances; and film screenings. With 11 galleries of modern and contemporary art, the Walker Cinema and McGuire Theater, the Walker is an essential experience for the culturally curious.
Image courtesy of Walker Art Center, Meet Minneapolis
Current and future exhibitions are constantly revolving and the schedule can be found here.
3. THE COCKTAILS
Situated in a prime locale overlooking Loring Park on the edge of downtown Minneapolis, Café & Bar Lurcat is a local gem that exudes style, inside and out. Al fresco dining options include an energetic “see and be seen” terrace with scenic park views and equally enjoyable people-watching or a private sanctuary of open-air seating reminiscent of a quaint Parisian bistro patio, while the chic dining room is housed in a historic building boasting floor to ceiling windows that bask the space in natural light and flaunt a spectacular panoramic view of the park.
The captivating menu of artisanal American fare changes throughout the year to highlight each season’s best offerings and is complemented by an extensive wine selection and a creative array of handcrafted cocktails.
Hungry yet?
4. THE AQUARIUM
Located inside Mall of America, Sea Life Aquarium boasts over 10,000 sea creatures. Encounter species never seen in Minnesota, a stingray pool with an acrylic observation deck above and an underwater Atlantis.
Image courtesy of Mall of America, Meet Minneapolis
Come face-to-fin with stunning sea turtles and discover 19 species of jaw-dropping sharks in 300-foot ocean tunnel, while 200 piranha will be circling in the new “Brave the Rainforest” exhibit. The aquarium also offers sleepovers, scuba diving and snorkeling.
5. THE SHOPPING
A proper visit to Minneapolis wouldn’t be complete without a trip to the largest shopping mall in the United States: Mall of America. With 4 floors of over 500 specialty retailers, a 7-acre amusement park, comedy club, mini-golf and world-class entertainment, there is something for everyone at MOA.
Image courtesy of Mall of America, Meet Minneapolis
