Minneapolis holidays
Perched on the banks of the Mississippi River, Minneapolis is one half of Minnesota’s Twin Cities with neighbouring St Paul. But this vibrant metropolis stands out all on its own. Holidays to Minneapolis revolve around the outdoors, with lakeside hikes, river paddles and sprawling urban parks. Throw in top-tier restaurants and breweries and a music scene christened by none other than Prince, and you’ve got the new must-see city of the Midwest.
Minneapolis holiday highlights
Minneapolis
Lane Pelovsky
Lake life
Minneapolis may be a cosmopolitan city, but it has no shortage of outdoor activities, like paddle boarding on the city’s largest lake, Bde Maka Ska. In winter the lake freezes over, making it a go-to spot for ice skaters. In spring hike the trails around Minnehaha Falls and enjoy blooming wildflowers, or walk or bike across the Stone Arch Bridge to catch a view of St Anthony Falls.
Cultural hotspot
If you plan your holiday to Minneapolis during summer, catch a free outdoor movie or live music at the Walker Art Center. Wander through its sprawling sculpture garden and take in iconic large-scale works like ‘Spoonbridge and Cherry’. You’ll find theatrical productions at the Guthrie Theatre, and top touring bands usually make a stop at First Avenue, the legendary venue where Prince filmed ‘Purple Rain’.
Where to stay
Staying in the downtown area offers easy access to major attractions year-round via the Skyway System, a series of enclosed bridges. For a trendy atmosphere, upmarket shopping and craft breweries, consider booking a hotel in the North Loop neighbourhood. Uptown leans more bohemian, with nearby lakes and lots of nightlife. Or, explore Dinkytown and the University area for budget-friendly stays in a lively part of the city.
Minneapolis: Know before you go
Language
English
Currency
United States dollar ($)
Time zone
UTC-6 (CST) and UTC-5 (CDT)
High season
July – August
Low season
January – February
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Photographer name
Things to do in Minneapolis
Minneapolis
BUMP OPERA MEDIA; LLC
Places to eat
Celebrate the city’s Swedish heritage and indulge in Scandinavian-inspired dishes, or experience the state’s best summer produce at one of the many farm-to-table restaurants in town. Visit the Midtown Global Market for authentic international street foods. And don’t leave without sampling the famed cardamom bread from a local bakery.
Take in the culture
The Walker Art Center and Minneapolis Sculpture Garden are some of the most popular contemporary art museums in the region. Head to the Minneapolis Institute of Art and discover artefacts spanning 5,000 years of human history. Or check out the Mill City Museum — be sure to take the Flour Tower lift ride for an immersive journey through the mill’s history.
Free things to do
There are plenty of things to do in Minneapolis if you’re travelling on a budget. Explore the Chain of Lakes, including Bde Maka Ska and Lake Harriet, and stop by the Lake Harriet Bandshell, which hosts free concerts in summer. Visit the Minnehaha Regional Park, where you can enjoy the Minnehaha Falls and scenic trails. Come winter many parks have outdoor ice-skating rinks with free admission.
FAQs about Minneapolis holidays
The United States dollar (USD) is the currency you'll use for day-to-day purchases and entertainment during your trip to Minneapolis.
English is the language you'll hear most while on a city break in Minneapolis.
The rainiest month is June, which gets an average rainfall of 12 cm. But don't let that put a damper on your Minneapolis trip — there's still plenty to do indoors like shopping for unique finds, visiting museums, or hanging out in cosy cafes.
Organise your Minneapolis trip for January and you'll be there at the coolest time of the year. -19ºC (-2ºF) is as cold as it gets.
Aim to book flights and hotels to Minneapolis from late spring to early autumn. Summertime offers warm weather, outdoor events and lake activities. The city is very cold from December to February, which means smaller crowds and lots of snow sports.
With temperatures peaking at 29ºC (84ºF), July is the hottest month in Minneapolis.
When planning a holiday in Minneapolis, set aside three to four days. This should give you enough time to unwind lakeside, visit the Walker Art Center, tour the Mill City Museum and enjoy the local dining and shopping in North Loop.
Whether you splurge a little or save a lot, your travel style will help determine the cost. When budgeting for your Minneapolis flights and hotels, consider the options, from flying economy or business class to booking basic or upscale stays. When you go also matters, with some seasons offering better value for a city break in Minneapolis.
Minneapolis is generally considered a safe city for travellers, but like any destination, it's best to take sensible precautions. Limit the amount of cash you carry, keep emergency numbers handy and only use licensed ride-share services or cabs. Also, keep to well-lit areas if you venture out at night during your holiday to Minneapolis.
Minneapolis is a great holiday destination, especially for outdoor enthusiasts and culture lovers. From kayaking, biking and paddle-boarding to world-class art and history museums, iconic nightlife venues and the renowned Guthrie Theatre, there’s plenty to keep you entertained on a holiday to Minneapolis.
