Minneapolis Tourism
Enjoy Minneapolis tourism with these tips about Minnesota vacations that include Minneapolis attractions and events.Find out where to find exciting Minneapolis nightlife.
There are many reasons that Minneapolis, the "City of Lakes," is one of Minnesota's prime tourist attractions.
Read what other visitors recommend as the best things to see and do in Minneapolis.
The editors of National Geographic Traveler magazine picked Minneapolis as one of their 10 best summer trips for 2011. The list features destinations around the world, and Minneapolis is one of only three in the U.S.
The magazine says Minneapolis is “a pedestrian-and-pedal friendly downtown and welcoming Midwestern vibe make it easy for first-time visitors to quickly feel at home in Minneapolis.”
Minneapolis is high on our list of 10 Best Vacation Spots.
Minneapolis outdoor attractions, including the Minneapolis parks system, offer residents and visitors an extraordinary experience. Twenty-two lakes and, as well, the Mississippi River sparkle in Minneapolis. The more than 180 Minneapolis parks have been called the "jewel in the crown" of the city. The Chain of Lakes that include Lake Calhoun, Lake Harriet, Lake of the Isles and Cedar Lake, in Minneapolis are part of the Grand Rounds National Scenic Byway. This beautiful setting for outdoor activities features more than thirteen miles of biking and walking paths along a connecting chain of lakes and parks.
Minneapolis Attractions
In addition to its natural and scenic beauty, Minneapolis tourism offers visitors its world class museums, concert and art venues. Art museums in Minneapolis include:
- The Walker Art Center and Sculpture Garden
- Minneapolis Institute of Arts
- University of Minnesota's Frederick R. Weisman Art Museum
- Museum of Russian Art
You will discover an outstanding array of history and science museums as well.
Minneapolis entertainment offers far more than museums. There are exciting destinations for the entire family and a wide range of festivals and events throughout the year.
Minneapolis nightlife venues include world class music, dance, restaurants and "see and be seen" opportunities.
Hotels in Minneapolis Minnesota will put you right in the center of the action.

The Mississippi River is a prominant feature in several Minneapolis tourist destinations. A hike along the 1.8 mile St. Anthony Falls Heritage Trail will lead you past St. Anthony Falls, the only natural waterfall on the Mississippi River. The trail also crosses the river on the unique and historic Stone Arch Bridge.
Fort Snelling State Park, a National Historic Landmark, is located at the confluence of the Mississippi and Minnesota rivers. Relive history with costumed reenactors and tours of the fort.
And don't miss Minnehaha Park that showcases the 53 foot waterfall made famous in the Longfellow poem, The Song of Hiawatha.
We recommend that you take a copy of Moon Minneapolis and St. Paul Guidebook with you when you set out to tour Minneapolis.
No city in the U.S. has more seats for live theater than does Minneapolis. Just a few of your top options include the Guthrie Theater, the Children's Theater Company, the Heart of the Beast Puppet and Mask Theater and the multicultural Mixed Blood Theater as well as the historic State, Orpheum and Pantages theaters in downtown. Our Our Minnesota Arts and Culture page offers more information on these, and other music, art and theater venues in Minneapolis and the rest of the Twin Cities.
Minneapolis shopping is a great attraction in itself. If you enjoy unique shops you'll love shopping in Minneapolis.
Get around town on the Minneapolis Light Rail or the Hiawatha Line.
Minneapolis Events
There are a number of Minneapolis events and festivals that have been long-standing traditions for us and we look forward to them every year. Some of these you would expect to find on a list of Minnesota tourism recommendations; others may seem more geared to state residents yet offer lots of entertainment for all.
- Minneapolis Aquatennial: this celebration of summer and of our lakes takes place in July. Downtown Minneapolis is the location for the Grande Day and Torchlight parades. The festival includes hundreds of free events.
- The Minnesota Fringe Festival, in early August, is the largest non-juried performing arts festival in the U.S.
- May Day Parade: a celebration of spring featuring oversized puppets, musicians, and partiers that moves along Bloomington Avenue and ends in Powderhorn Park.
- Holidazzle Parade: brings people to the Nicollet Mall downtown from late November until Christmas. A half hour parade each evening features lighted holiday themed floats. Some of the best viewing is from the heated skyway.
If you are fans of professional or college sports, check out all of our Minnesota Sports Teams
We have lots more ideas about Twin Cities Entertainment on this page.
Minneapolis Tourism with Kids
Most Minneapolis tourism attractions and Minneapolis events already mentioned, make wonderful family fun outings. Minnesota is a great playground for the whole family and the Twin Cities metro area is no exception.
Just across the river you can explore Saint Paul Minnesota vacations as well. And some of our most well known, Minnesota family fun,attractions are in the suburbs surrounding the Twin Cities.
And just a short drive from the Twin Cities is the lovely river town of Stillwater. Here are lots of ideas about what to do on Stillwater Minnesota Vacations.

There are more than forty Minneapolis hotels to choose from. Compare prices and read reviews by others who have stayed in them.
Cheap Flights to Minneapolis
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Things to Do in Minneapolis
Minneapolis Tourism Related Links:
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Hotels in Minneapolis Minnesota
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Saint Paul Minnesota Vacations
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Ely Minnesota Vacations
Duluth Minnesota Vacations
Grand Marais Minnesota Vacations
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Taylors Falls Minnesota Vacations
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Brainerd Minnesota Vacations
Alexandria Minnesota Vacations
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