When people consider a visit to the Twin Cities, certain major attractions are the first items that comes to mind. Though Minneapolis is the home to several major sports teams and the world-famous Mall of America, there is so much more to this city less traveled than comes to mind.
You won’t just find hearty foods, dairy, and cheap hotels in Minneapolis. No matter what time of year you decide to visit, you’re sure to find something that will not only entertain you, but make you want to come back for more. Here’s some of the top reasons travelers end up in Minneapolis every year.
Image by Ron Reiring via Flickr
Minneapolis: The Art House of the North
When you think of the arts, Minneapolis isn’t the first destination you dream of. But believe it or not, this great city plays host to a robust and diverse arts community. It’s not just the visual arts, either: you’ll find great local music, installation arts, and plenty of festivals throughout the year.
Minneapolis Skyline
Image by Peter Ladd via Flickr
One of the most entertaining displays of art that (literally) rolls through town is the annual ArtCar parade. Participants come in from hundreds of miles around just to decorate their cars as rolling gallery pieces and parade through the Twin Cities. Locals describe it as a collaborative mix between a bike rally, car show, and artistic event. No matter how you describe it, the word “fun” will definitely show up in your explanation to friends.
Image by mike appel via Flickr
The visual arts aren’t the only thing to see in Minneapolis. Throughout the year, live music can always be found at one of the many parks, theatres, and other local venues. In fact, Minneapolis has the second most theatre seats per capita in the United States – offering a number of great venues for you to enjoy the performing arts. Don’t have tickets? No problem! Many theatres offer rush lines for those who want to get the last-minute discount.
Downtown plaza
Image by Matt’ Johnson via Flickr
The Weisman Art Museum
A Foodie’s Paradise in Minneapolis
It’s not just the arts and entertainment that have people raving about Minneapolis. The food scene offers something to fit everyone’s taste. After all, where else in the world can you enjoy over 450 deep-fried delicacies or drink nearly every type of gin in the world?
Spoonbridge and Cherry
Image by Meet Minneapolis via Flickr
The Minnesota State Fair, an annual summer event, boasts about their incredible number of food offerings throughout the event. With over 450 offerings, many of them deep-fried (and at least 93 of them on a stick), you’ll be sure to get your food fill for the entire year at the State Fair.
Minneapolis Public Library
Image by Ellen Forsyth via Flickr
Deep fried doesn’t strike you as a delicacy? There are still plenty of great offerings you’ll be able to enjoy. Start at Nye’s Polonaise Room, for a true 60’s supper-club experience. Leave the suit at home and enjoy nightly music from a true piano bar. Enjoy a nip of gin? At the Marin Restaurant, you’ll find over 100 types of gin served at the bar!
Mississippi River
Image by Matthew Paulson via Flickr
Stone Arch Bridge
Image by memories_by_mike via Flickr
No matter what fits your fancy, you’ll find it in Minneapolis! What other treasures did I miss in this city less traveled? Let me know your thoughts in the comments.
Gold Medal Flour
Image by Matthew Paulson via Flickr
Target Store at Downtown
About the Author
Joe Cortez is an award-winning travel and lifestyle writer who spends his time chasing the travel bug across North America and Europe. Based in Ohio, Joe writes for a number of respected publications and websites, including Hipmunk.