
Minneapolis Sculpture Garden
The Spoonbridge and Cherry is bigger than you expect. The surrounding 11 acres of sculpture make a strong case for skipping the museum entirely.
Minneapolis — Thing to Do on ViaTravelers

The Spoonbridge and Cherry is bigger than you expect. The surrounding 11 acres of sculpture make a strong case for skipping the museum entirely.

The beer garden alone makes Butcher & The Boar worth the detour — but it’s the smoked meats and bourbon list that keep Minneapolis locals coming back.

Hell’s Kitchen is employee-owned, underground, and serves the best bison benedict in Minneapolis. The house-made peanut butter alone justifies the trip.

A brass plaque marks where home plate once stood. Now there’s a roller coaster above it. That’s Mall of America in one image.

Step onto the Stone Arch Bridge and step back in time. Engage with local artists and musicians while taking in the historic architecture. Gain insight into the city’s industrial past and the Mississippi River’s significance.

First Avenue stands as a testament to the pulsating rhythms of live rock that have echoed through its walls since 1970. This legendary venue, with its storied past as an old depot, has been the launching pad for musical acts, etching it into the cultural fabric of the city.

Immerse yourself in a modern fusion of local traditions and contemporary lifestyle. Engage with art, culture, and community.

Experience the Mary Tyler Moore Statue, a cultural tribute to independence, art, and social impact.

The first basilica in the US sits in downtown Minneapolis — and most people walk past it without knowing what they’re looking at.

Immerse in the cultural authenticity, historical significance, and artistic value of the Bob Dylan Mural.

Indulge in artisanal ice cream at Milkjam Creamery, where Chef Sameh Wadi’s Palestinian heritage inspires innovative flavors. Experience a fusion of culinary and artistic expression.

Embark on a journey of scientific and cultural exploration at The Bakken Museum. Delve into the historical significance of electricity and magnetism, while embracing inclusivity and engaging with exceptional STEM education programs.

Minnehaha Falls drops 53 feet into a creek that Longfellow made famous. The trails beyond it are where Minneapolis actually goes to breathe.

Immerse yourself in migration, identity, and art at the historic Turnblad Mansion. Engage with Nordic culture and community.

Immerse yourself in a vibrant tapestry of global cuisine, crafts, and cultural experiences. Celebrate diverse traditions and artistic contributions, while engaging with local communities and supporting social movements.

Mercado Central isn’t a tourist stop — it’s where Minneapolis’s Latin American community actually shops, eats, and gathers.

Immerse yourself in the rich history and cultural significance of the flour milling industry. Delve into the LGBTQIA+ community’s heritage and explore interactive exhibits addressing systemic challenges. Uncover the historical importance of Minneapolis’ flour milling industry within its cultural and national context.

Embrace the cultural and historical significance of Mississippi Gorge Regional Park. Engage in artistic and educational experiences.

Immerse yourself in a cultural oasis, steeped in history and artistic expression. Experience a vibrant community hub.

Discover the profound cultural and historical significance of Saint Anthony Falls, rooted in indigenous heritage and pivotal to regional development. Immerse yourself in efforts to restore and represent Dakota culture, offering a unique and enriching experience.

Fort Snelling sits where two rivers meet — and where U.S. expansion, Dakota displacement, and Minnesota history collide in one complicated place.

Immerse yourself in Minneapolis’ industrial heritage at Mill Ruins Park. Discover the remnants of the flour milling industry and the waterpower infrastructure that shaped the city’s history and economy.

The Sculpture Garden is free, open daily, and frankly better than most paid museums. The Spoonbridge alone justifies the detour.

Mia is free, always — and houses one of the best Japanese art collections outside Japan. Most visitors walk past it without slowing down.