Minneapolis’s scenic Minnehaha Falls cascading through a wooded park and the Walker Art Center’s outdoor sculpture garden give visitors both refreshing natural beauty and one of the Midwest’s premier contemporary art collections.

Why Visit Minneapolis

Known as the City of Lakes for its numerous urban lakes and parks, Minneapolis combines abundant green space with a thriving arts and culinary scene, making it one of the Midwest’s most livable major cities.

Top Experiences in Minneapolis

  • Minnehaha Falls Visit: This scenic waterfall, immortalized in Longfellow’s poetry, cascades through a lush park offering walking trails and picnic areas.
  • Walker Art Center Sculpture Garden Tour: This outdoor sculpture garden, featuring the iconic Spoonbridge and Cherry, ranks among the largest urban sculpture parks in the country.
  • Chain of Lakes Bike Tour: This network of interconnected urban lakes offers scenic biking and walking paths popular with locals throughout the year.
  • Mill City Museum Visit: This museum, built within a former flour mill ruin, explores Minneapolis’s history as a major center of the milling industry.
  • Stone Arch Bridge Walk: This historic railway bridge, now pedestrian-only, spans the Mississippi River offering views of St. Anthony Falls and the city skyline.

Book Tours & Activities in Minneapolis

From Minnehaha Falls to the Walker Art Center, these tours cover Minneapolis’s natural beauty and thriving arts scene.

Minneapolis Skyway Walking Tour

Minneapolis Skyway Walking Tour

★ 5.0 (59)
From USD 79
View Price & Book Tour on Viator
Minneapolis Local Bar Tour with Tastings

Minneapolis Local Bar Tour with Tastings

★ 5.0 (21)
From USD 109.99
View Price & Book Tour on Viator
Walking St. Paul Summit Ave. Victorian Homes Private Tour (2 hrs)

Walking St. Paul Summit Ave. Victorian Homes Private Tour (2 hrs)

★ 5.0 (19)
From USD 195
View Price & Book Tour on Viator
Challah Baking Experience

Challah Baking Experience

★ 5.0 (6)
From USD 72
View Price & Book Tour on Viator
Spirits of Summit Avenue Walking Tour

Spirits of Summit Avenue Walking Tour

★ 5.0 (4)
From USD 34.99
View Price & Book Tour on Viator
Minneapolis Mill City Self Guided Audio Walking Tour

Minneapolis Mill City Self Guided Audio Walking Tour

★ 5.0 (3)
From USD 9.75
View Price & Book Tour on Viator

Practical Tips for Visiting Minneapolis

  • Minnehaha Falls is especially impressive in spring when snowmelt increases water flow.
  • The Walker Art Center’s sculpture garden is free and open to the public year-round, including winter months.
  • The Chain of Lakes offers rental options for bikes, kayaks, and paddleboards during warmer months.
  • Stone Arch Bridge offers one of the best photo vantage points of St. Anthony Falls and the downtown skyline.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Spoonbridge and Cherry?

It is an iconic large-scale sculpture at the Walker Art Center’s outdoor garden, depicting a giant spoon balancing a cherry, and one of Minneapolis’s most photographed landmarks.

Why is Minneapolis called the City of Lakes?

The city contains numerous interconnected urban lakes offering extensive recreational trails, giving it this distinctive nickname.

Final Thoughts

Minneapolis’s abundant lakes and thriving contemporary arts scene make it one of the Midwest’s most livable and rewarding cities.