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From lakes and bike trails to world-class art and dining, Minneapolis and St. Paul offer a dynamic mix of outdoor beauty and cultural experiences.

A Minneapolis cityscape with multiple bridges crossing a wide river, surrounded by greenery and mid-rise buildings under a partly cloudy sky. Railroad tracks and roads run alongside the river in the foreground.

Tips for Visiting the Twin Cities

  • Rent a car: The cities are spread out and easier to explore by car.
  • Dress for the season: Summers are warm and beautiful, winters are long and cold.
  • Wear comfortable shoes: Many parks and museums involve plenty of walking.
  • Stay flexible: Traffic was manageable during our visit, making it easy to adjust plans.

Minneapolis Chain of Lakes Regional Park

Two people walk along a lakeside path in Minneapolis beside outdoor tables. Several sailboats float on the calm water under a partly cloudy sky, with trees lining the far shore and a yellow buoy near the boats.

Known as the “Land of 10,000 Lakes,” Minneapolis shines with its Chain of Lakes just southwest of downtown. This connected park system includes Bde Maka Ska, Lake Harriet, Lake of the Isles, Cedar Lake, and Brownie Lake.

We walked on the flat trails around Bde Maka Ska and Lake Harriet, passing Lakewood Cemetery’s Byzantine-style chapel and the colorful Lyndale Park Rose Garden. The area was lively with people kayaking, swimming, and fishing, yet still felt family-friendly and relaxed.

Lake Minnetonka

View from the bow of a boat looking out over a lake near Minneapolis, with houses partially visible through the tree-lined shore under an overcast sky.

About 30 minutes from downtown, Lake Minnetonka is a favorite for boating and waterfront dining. We joined a sightseeing cruise from the Port of Excelsior and learned about the lake’s islands, history, and lakeside mansions. Even on a hazy morning, the ride was relaxing and full of local stories.

Minnehaha Regional Park and Minnehaha Falls

A waterfall cascades over a rocky cliff into a pool below, surrounded by lush green trees and foliage on a bright, sunny day in Minneapolis.

South of downtown, Minnehaha Park draws visitors to its 53-foot waterfall. We walked the trails, watched families enjoy the Wabun Playground, and admired the gardens. Since it’s near the airport, it makes a convenient stop before or after a flight.

George Floyd Memorial

A memorial with flowers, photos, and tributes lines the street outside Unity Foods, a brick building with a red awning, in a Minneapolis neighborhood. Colorful ribbons and heartfelt messages cover the nearby sidewalk and walls.

At the intersection of Chicago Avenue South and 38th Street East, the George Floyd Memorial is a powerful community-led tribute. Visiting was a quiet, reflective moment for our family and a reminder of the ongoing work for justice and equity.

Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia)

A traditional wooden Chinese temple gate with ornate carvings is displayed indoors at a Minneapolis museum. A statue stands to the left, and informational plaques are on the wall to the right.

Mia houses more than 90,000 works spanning 5,000 years, from Western classics to Asian art. We especially enjoyed the replica Japanese tea house, the Chinese reception hall, and Dale Chihuly’s glass sculpture hanging in the entrance. Admission is free, and the museum feels welcoming for families.

Minneapolis Sculpture Garden

A large outdoor sculpture of a spoon with a bright red cherry on top sits over a pond in Minneapolis, surrounded by green grass, trees, and a partly cloudy sky. Two people stand nearby for scale.

Next to the Walker Art Center, this 11-acre outdoor park is filled with over 40 sculptures. The playful “Spoonbridge and Cherry” was the clear highlight for us, but our kids loved running around to spot the others.

Basilica of Saint Mary

Across the freeway from the sculpture garden, the Basilica of Saint Mary stands as the first basilica built in the United States. Completed in the early 1900s, it features impressive architecture both inside and out, and it’s worth a short visit.

Downtown Minneapolis: Mill City Museum and Stone Arch Bridge

Two women stand smiling by a red railing in front of a river in Minneapolis, with multiple bridges and city buildings in the background on a sunny day.

We spent time exploring the Mississippi Riverfront and downtown highlights:

  • Mill City Museum: Built inside the ruins of the Washburn A Mill, it brings Minneapolis’s flour milling history to life with interactive exhibits and a rooftop view.
  • Stone Arch Bridge: A former railroad bridge turned pedestrian walkway with sweeping views of the river and St. Anthony Falls.
  • Guthrie Theater: The striking blue building is known for outstanding performances. We saw Murder on the Orient Express and loved the experience.

St. Paul Highlights

Front view of the grand, ornate Minneapolis cathedral with a large central dome, twin towers, arched entrance, and circular stained-glass window, set against a bright blue sky with wispy clouds.

We didn’t spend a lot of time in St. Paul, but we still managed to take in a few memorable spots:

  • Cathedral of Saint Paul: The third-largest Catholic cathedral in the US, with a grand dome and remarkable stained glass.
  • James J. Hill House: A Gilded Age mansion that revealed incredible craftsmanship and stories of the railroad tycoon.
  • Summit Avenue: The longest stretch of Victorian homes in the country, with beautiful river views.

What We Ate in Minneapolis

A chef in Minneapolis uses a blowtorch to sear three pieces of beef sushi arranged on a black rectangular plate. The blue and orange flame is visible, lightly charring the surface for a perfect finish.

Food was a highlight of our trip, and we sampled some great restaurants:

  • Hai Hai: A vibrant Southeast Asian restaurant by Chef Christina Nguyen. Dishes like crispy rice salad, coconut shrimp toast, and sticky rice bowls were bursting with flavor.
  • Kado no Mise: An intimate sushi counter led by Chef Hasegawa, serving Edomae-style sushi with seasonal ingredients. Upstairs, the Gori Gori Peku whisky bar offers a cozy spot, while downstairs is Sanjusan, their Japanese-Italian sister restaurant.

How to Get to the Twin Cities

The “Twin Cities” refers to Minneapolis and Saint Paul, Minnesota, a major metropolitan area with excellent transportation links.

By Air

The primary airport for the region is Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP). MSP is conveniently located between the two cities and offers several ground transportation options:

  • Light Rail (METRO Blue Line): The light rail provides a direct, fast, and affordable connection from both airport terminals to downtown Minneapolis.
  • Bus (METRO Route 54): The bus provides a direct connection from the airport to downtown Saint Paul.
  • Taxi/Ride-share: Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available from both terminals.

By Car

The Twin Cities are a major hub for the Midwest highway system. Interstates I-35 and I-94 are the primary routes into the area. Approximate drive times are:

  • From Milwaukee, WI: 5 hours
  • From Chicago, IL: 6.5 hours
  • From Des Moines, IA: 4 hours

Is Minneapolis Worth Visiting?

People walk and play in a sunny Minneapolis courtyard surrounded by historic brick ruins and modern glass architecture, blending old and new building styles.

Minneapolis and St. Paul surprised us with their variety—lakes and trails, museums, theater, and restaurants that rival bigger cities. It felt vibrant yet manageable, with plenty of family-friendly activities. We would happily return in autumn to see the famous fall colors or even in winter to experience a snowy adventure.

More to Explore Nearby

Once you’ve explored the Twin Cities, you’re just a short drive from more attractions:

  • Stillwater: A riverfront town known for boutique shops and paddlewheel cruises.
  • Mall of America: The country’s largest mall with rides, shops, and dining, located in Bloomington.
  • Minnesota Landscape Arboretum: A beautiful garden escape in Chaska.
  • Fort Snelling State Park: Trails and history where the Minnesota and Mississippi rivers meet.

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