9 Things to Do in Downtown Minneapolis

Together, the words “Minneapolis” and “travel” might conjure up images of Mall of America. While the mall’s wide-ranging experiences live up to the hype, it’s not the only Minneapolis-area attraction that deserves the spotlight. Case in point: the city’s sporty, artsy, foodie-friendly and supremely walkable downtown with plenty to explore during the week and on the weekends. There’s a reason downtown Minneapolis plays host to sporting events that draw national attention, including the college basketball frenzy coming to the city in spring 2019. From the stadiums to the art scene to the Skyway, downtown is home to fascinating sights (and delicious bites). Next time you book a hotel in Minneapolis, consider this your guide to the downtown area.

1.Wander above the city in the downtown Minneapolis Skyway

The downtown Minneapolis Skyway System connects 80 city blocks and counting.

As the largest system of enclosed, second-level bridges in the world, the 9.5-mile downtown Minneapolis Skyway is itself an attraction. The system continues to expand as downtown Minneapolis grows, connecting shops, restaurants, theaters and more—so if you’re inclined to walk from US Bank Stadium to a bar 70 blocks away, it’s possible to do it without even stepping outside. This system makes the city stroll-worthy even during the icy Minnesota winters. Visiting in February? Test your putting skills at the annual “Skyway Open,” an event that recruits teams of designers to create mini-golf holes for public use around the Skyway System.

2. Get cultured at The Minneapolis Institute of Art, Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, Guthrie Theater and Weisman Art Museum

Located on the University of Minnesota campus, Weisman Art Museum stuns inside and out.

Any tour of downtown Minneapolis’s impressive art scene should start at the Minneapolis Institute of Art. This institution originally opened its doors in 1915, and its permanent collection has grown to house 90,000 pieces of art from around the world, plus rotating exhibitions. Weisman Art Museum on the University of Minnesota campus is another worthwhile stop. It’s home to 25,000 works of art—primarily American modernism, ceramics, Mimbres pottery and Korean furniture—and it’s one of the most eye-catching buildings in the city. Wander the 11-acre Minneapolis Sculpture Garden to find the city’s iconic Spoonbridge and Cherry, plus dozens more public art pieces. Looking for world-class live performances? Stop in for a show at Guthrie Theater.

3. Try Juicy Lucys and Walleye

Topping the list of distinctly Minneapolis dishes is the Juicy Lucy, a burger patty stuffed with cheese. You’ll find the two most famous Juicy Lucy restaurants just south of downtown: Matt’s Bar and Grill and 5-8 Club. The two have been locked in a decades-long battle for Juicy Lucy supremacy, and each claim to have invented the concept. Prefer brunch to burgers? Downtown Minneapolis is home to Hell’s Kitchen, a lively, award-winning spot known for its weekend brunch—indulge in lemon ricotta pancakes, maple-glazed bison sausage and their legendary bloody Mary bar. And when visiting this Mississippi River city, Walleye (the state fish) is a must-try. Whether you like your fish beer-battered on a sandwich, served in tacos or fried into fritters, Gluek’s Restaurant and Bar and The Bachelor Farmer are a couple of the best downtown spots to find it.

4. Discover downtown’s craft beer scene

Minneapolis is for beer lovers. More than 130 craft breweries call Minnesota home, and most of them are in the Minneapolis metro area. Downtown's endless highlights include Surly Brewing Co., the brewery that helped kick off the city’s craft beer boom. You’ll also find Fulton Brewing Taproom, a microbrewery with an industrial atmosphere, Modist Brewing Co., a spot that stands out for its experimental beers and its modern space and patio, and Day Block Brewing, which cooks up gourmet pizzas to pair with its unique beer selection.

5. Go behind the scenes at US Bank Stadium

In the heart of downtown Minneapolis, the 66,200-seat US Bank Stadium is home to the Minnesota Vikings and regularly hosts an impressive variety of events.

No matter your stance on the Vikings, if you’re a sports fan, your visit to Minneapolis should include a US Bank stadium tour. On this 90-minute, guided, behind-the-scenes journey, you’ll get an inside look at the stadium’s premium suites, press room, locker rooms, art collection and more. You may even get a chance to stand on the stadium floor. Plus, stadium tour guides are well-versed in Minnesota sports stories. Public and group tours run year-round, but make sure to check the stadium tour information page for blackout dates.

6. Enjoy green spaces or a concert at The Commons

Across from US Bank Stadium, The Commons is a great place to find free pre- or post-game fun. At this 4.2-acre public park, have a picnic, play lawn games or take a riverfront bike tour led by a National Park Service ranger. The park is home to concerts (often on game days) during the warmer months, including free performances put on by the Minnesota Orchestra.

7. Watch the game from the best sports bars in downtown Minneapolis

Didn’t get tickets to the game? Grab a seat at one of these downtown Minneapolis sports bars, and you’ll feel like you’re sitting on the sidelines (except with better food and beer). For Nordic fare and an enthusiastic crowd, check out Erik the Red near US Bank Stadium. Haven’t had your fill of the Minneapolis craft beer scene yet? Head to HopCat Minneapolis near Target Field to pair the game with your choice of 80 brews (30 of which are Minnesota-made) plus top-notch fries.

8. Find panoramic views at Mill City Museum and Mill Ruins Park

Head to Mill City Museum and Mill Ruins Park for fascinating history and captivating views.

Built into the ruins of a mill on the banks of the Mississippi, Mill City Museum boasts fascinating exhibits about the milling industry’s impact on the city, baking demonstrations and an observation deck for visitors to take in some of the most beautiful views of Minneapolis and the Mississippi River. Check out the museum-run tours of Mill Ruins Park and historic areas around the city. And if you’re a college basketball fan heading downtown this spring, Mill City Museum is hosting an event to sweeten your trip—check out their “Starch Madness” cookie-baking competition March 30-31, 2019, which culminates in a final bake-off on April 7.

9. Stroll across Stone Arch Bridge

This former railroad bridge earns landmark status not only because of its beauty, but also because it's the only arched bridge made of stone on the Mississippi River. The Stone Arch Bridge is now reserved exclusively for pedestrians and cyclists seeking stunning, Instagram-worthy views of the city. Wander across on your own, rent a bike through the city’s Nice Ride bike-share program or even take a seasonal guided history tour.