Once the MofA is exhausted, what else to do?
September 13, 2010 12:53 PM Subscribe
MinneapolisFilter: What to do for five nights and six days in Minneapolis, from around 15‐21 September?
I have a couple of friends who will be travelling to Minneapolis for business and staying for about a week. They're looking for things to do while they're in town, and I've asked some people and browsed past ask.mefi questions (examples here, here, here, here, here, and here), but all the information I've found seems a bit outdated.
Suggestions should hopefully include, but not be limited to: restaurants, comedy clubs, skating rinks, seasonal activites, shows, nature areas and places to go for walks/hikes. They will have a car, so if there is something that is a little way out of the city proper, it should be doable.
I have a couple of friends who will be travelling to Minneapolis for business and staying for about a week. They're looking for things to do while they're in town, and I've asked some people and browsed past ask.mefi questions (examples here, here, here, here, here, and here), but all the information I've found seems a bit outdated.
Suggestions should hopefully include, but not be limited to: restaurants, comedy clubs, skating rinks, seasonal activites, shows, nature areas and places to go for walks/hikes. They will have a car, so if there is something that is a little way out of the city proper, it should be doable.
I'd strongly recommend your friends take a stroll across the Stone Arch Bridge and explore the surrounding area (especially near The Guthrie Theater / Mill Ruins Park / Gold Medal Park), as well as the Chain of Lakes, with Lake Calhoun being one of the most popular.
The City of Minneapolis has a wonderful sculpture garden just across the street from the Walker Art Center, which also makes for a nice evening stroll.
posted by SemiSophos at 1:08 PM on September 13, 2010
The City of Minneapolis has a wonderful sculpture garden just across the street from the Walker Art Center, which also makes for a nice evening stroll.
posted by SemiSophos at 1:08 PM on September 13, 2010
Oh, and if your friends are nerds, William Gibson will be doing a book signing at Magers and Quinn on Thursday the 16th.
posted by SemiSophos at 1:10 PM on September 13, 2010
posted by SemiSophos at 1:10 PM on September 13, 2010
Response by poster: Argh! *I'm* a nerd, and I'd LOVE to go to a William Gibson book signing!
posted by the luke parker fiasco at 1:15 PM on September 13, 2010
posted by the luke parker fiasco at 1:15 PM on September 13, 2010
I was just in Minneapolis. We had to fill a lot of time since we had booked the trip for an event that ended up being cancelled, and trying to refund/rebook would have cost more than just going.
Here are some of the things that amused us:
--Bryant Lake Bowl was a lovely way to pass an evening. The food was delicious and the bowling fun (we like bowling). We went on a Sunday and were bowling with a wide range of locals.
--The deck at the Guthrie Theater has a lovely and unusual view.
--If the Twins are not in town, take a tour of Target Field. (Tours are only offered when the team is on the road.) If the team is in town, standing room tickets are about $22, I believe, and it's a great place to see a game.
--Psycho Suzi's Motor Lounge was a ton of fun.
--Hunt down a destination to have a Juicy Lucy (I recommend Matt's Bar but every local has their own fave)
--Breakfast at Al's Breakfast is worth the wait, but not on a weekend
--If you don't want to go to the museum, at least go get your photo taken with the Spoonbridge & Cherry!
posted by micawber at 1:19 PM on September 13, 2010 [1 favorite]
Here are some of the things that amused us:
--Bryant Lake Bowl was a lovely way to pass an evening. The food was delicious and the bowling fun (we like bowling). We went on a Sunday and were bowling with a wide range of locals.
--The deck at the Guthrie Theater has a lovely and unusual view.
--If the Twins are not in town, take a tour of Target Field. (Tours are only offered when the team is on the road.) If the team is in town, standing room tickets are about $22, I believe, and it's a great place to see a game.
--Psycho Suzi's Motor Lounge was a ton of fun.
--Hunt down a destination to have a Juicy Lucy (I recommend Matt's Bar but every local has their own fave)
--Breakfast at Al's Breakfast is worth the wait, but not on a weekend
--If you don't want to go to the museum, at least go get your photo taken with the Spoonbridge & Cherry!
posted by micawber at 1:19 PM on September 13, 2010 [1 favorite]
Do they have transportation? The Minnesota Renaissance Festival is a nice way to spend an autumn day. http://www.renaissancefest.com/MRF/
Only open on the weekend though, and roughly 20 miles from downtown.
posted by cosmicbandito at 1:21 PM on September 13, 2010
Only open on the weekend though, and roughly 20 miles from downtown.
posted by cosmicbandito at 1:21 PM on September 13, 2010
Big Stone Mini-Golf and Sculpture Garden. Sculptures instead of the usual windmills etc. You've never seen a mini-golf course like it. About half an hour out of town, in the city of Mound.
There's loads of live theater in town, but most of it is lame and conventional. One exception might be Deadwood: The Last Bleeping Episode, at the Bryant-Lake Bowl Theater (a combination theater/bowling alley/bar/restaurant-with-very-good-food).
The Cathedral of St. Paul in, er, St. Paul. Much bigger and more impressive than you might expect. A truly beautiful building.
The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, if you like that sort of thing. About forty minutes out of town, in Chaska.
The two local zoos are OK, nothing special. The Minnesota Zoo in Apple Valley is rather expensive, but maybe worth it for the Tropics Trail. The Como Park Zoo in St. Paul is worth the price of admission (free), and the Como Park Conservatory (small suggested donation) is fabulous.
This is going to sound crazy, but you MUST visit an Ax-Man surplus store (four Twin Cities locations). The signs used to label the merchandise are hilarious.
Finally, yes, the bike trails are lovely. Try the lakes in South Minneapolis.
posted by copperykeen at 1:31 PM on September 13, 2010 [1 favorite]
There's loads of live theater in town, but most of it is lame and conventional. One exception might be Deadwood: The Last Bleeping Episode, at the Bryant-Lake Bowl Theater (a combination theater/bowling alley/bar/restaurant-with-very-good-food).
The Cathedral of St. Paul in, er, St. Paul. Much bigger and more impressive than you might expect. A truly beautiful building.
The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, if you like that sort of thing. About forty minutes out of town, in Chaska.
The two local zoos are OK, nothing special. The Minnesota Zoo in Apple Valley is rather expensive, but maybe worth it for the Tropics Trail. The Como Park Zoo in St. Paul is worth the price of admission (free), and the Como Park Conservatory (small suggested donation) is fabulous.
This is going to sound crazy, but you MUST visit an Ax-Man surplus store (four Twin Cities locations). The signs used to label the merchandise are hilarious.
Finally, yes, the bike trails are lovely. Try the lakes in South Minneapolis.
posted by copperykeen at 1:31 PM on September 13, 2010 [1 favorite]
What SemiSophos said and adding Minnehaha Falls to the list of outdoor places to go. Seconding them checking out the Nice Ride bikes as September in Minneapolis is the height of gorgeous biking weather and there's lots of nice trails to ride on. Thrifty Hipster has info on happy hour specials and shows/events that are free/cheap as well.
posted by radioaction at 1:34 PM on September 13, 2010
posted by radioaction at 1:34 PM on September 13, 2010
Eat breakfast at Hell's Kitchen. It's a can't miss.
posted by hijinx at 1:42 PM on September 13, 2010
posted by hijinx at 1:42 PM on September 13, 2010
Matt's Bar is the ONLY place to have a Jucy Lucy (note the spelling). Eat your fries first! Also seconding Minnehaha Falls (should be stunningly gorgeous this weekend) and Hell's Kitchen.
The Midtown Global Market is worth a stop for sightseeing, purchases and more. You really get a sense of how international the Twin Cities are, including loads of African and Middle Eastern shops owned by locals.
The 32 flavors at Izzy's Ice Cream in St. Paul are what Baskin Robbins only dreams it could have. A perfect night: pizza at Punch and dessert at Izzy's.
Another place for some old-time St. Paul charm: Mancini's Char House. You'll think you're in a Rat Pack lounge, and the grilled garlic bread... ummmmm.
Irish/British Isles pub (owned by genuine Welsh and Irish and British guys): Merlin's Rest. Fish fry in newspaper, mmmm.
If anyone in your party enjoys knitting, go to Borealis in St. Paul (just off University near Hamline). If they sew or do other things: Crafty Planet in Minneapolis, home of the sock monkey ballgown.
If you're up for a little car ride, check out Stillwater, about half an hour/45 minutes away (a very easy drive). It's sort of a quaint higher-end touristy town, with antiques and stuff, but it's easy to walk around and very pretty to view even if you don't buy stuff. Lots of beautiful old houses and buildings perched on bluffs, and coffee shops here and there for a pick-me-up.
Then, check out Phil's Tara Hideaway at dinner. It's kind of tucked down a gravel frontage road next to a highway as it slopes down toward the river, and you'll think it's some sort of dumpy bar. But the food (Mediterranean, seafood, Greek, etc.) is sooooo gooooood, and they have a nice wine selection too. It's just a super comfortable place that does what it does well.
posted by Madamina at 1:51 PM on September 13, 2010 [1 favorite]
The Midtown Global Market is worth a stop for sightseeing, purchases and more. You really get a sense of how international the Twin Cities are, including loads of African and Middle Eastern shops owned by locals.
The 32 flavors at Izzy's Ice Cream in St. Paul are what Baskin Robbins only dreams it could have. A perfect night: pizza at Punch and dessert at Izzy's.
Another place for some old-time St. Paul charm: Mancini's Char House. You'll think you're in a Rat Pack lounge, and the grilled garlic bread... ummmmm.
Irish/British Isles pub (owned by genuine Welsh and Irish and British guys): Merlin's Rest. Fish fry in newspaper, mmmm.
If anyone in your party enjoys knitting, go to Borealis in St. Paul (just off University near Hamline). If they sew or do other things: Crafty Planet in Minneapolis, home of the sock monkey ballgown.
If you're up for a little car ride, check out Stillwater, about half an hour/45 minutes away (a very easy drive). It's sort of a quaint higher-end touristy town, with antiques and stuff, but it's easy to walk around and very pretty to view even if you don't buy stuff. Lots of beautiful old houses and buildings perched on bluffs, and coffee shops here and there for a pick-me-up.
Then, check out Phil's Tara Hideaway at dinner. It's kind of tucked down a gravel frontage road next to a highway as it slopes down toward the river, and you'll think it's some sort of dumpy bar. But the food (Mediterranean, seafood, Greek, etc.) is sooooo gooooood, and they have a nice wine selection too. It's just a super comfortable place that does what it does well.
posted by Madamina at 1:51 PM on September 13, 2010 [1 favorite]
Go to St. Paul! I'm a 'paulite, so I'm deeply biased, but I think most people don't realize how close it is - it really is just down the street from Mpls. If you're not from here, you may not even realize you've left one city and entered the other.
Good reasons to go:
Summit Ave - drive/walk/bike. Full of historic mansions and old-world charm. Runs from the Cathedral (near downtown) to the Mississippi.
Grand Ave (parallels Summit Ave): lots of great restaurants, bars, cafes and shops
Science Museum and Omnitheater- good for a rainy day (after the 17th, anyway - closed for maintenance until then).
St. Paul Farmer's Market: Sat and Sun - held in Lowertown. Funky district with artists lofts, great cafes, Mears Park...
Mickey's Diner - featured in movies, tv shows, etc. Also: AMAZING pancakes. Go during the week to avoid the line out the door on weekends.
Riverboat cruises on the Mississippi - Pretty any time of year, but the fall colors tours are amazing.
If they like being outside, fall is a great time of year around here: no heat/humidity and few bugs. Dunno what kind of outdoor activities they like, but besides the nice city parks, there are some really great regional and state parks within a hours drive: Afton SP, Ft. Snelling SP, Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge, Taylor's Falls, etc.
Some of the most beautiful places in the state are right along the St. Croix River (the boundary between WI and MN). Even if hiking isn't their thing, the St Croix Scenic Byway is amazing. Lots of cute little towns (cafes, antiques, etc), great scenery, etc. An easy day trip from the cities.
Feel free to memail me for more....
On preview: seconding, thirding, etc. madamina's Mancini's suggestion. Not hipster, ironic lounge-y. Truly old school, old St. Paul family lounge-y. And great food.
posted by East Siberian patchbelly wrangler at 2:07 PM on September 13, 2010
Good reasons to go:
Summit Ave - drive/walk/bike. Full of historic mansions and old-world charm. Runs from the Cathedral (near downtown) to the Mississippi.
Grand Ave (parallels Summit Ave): lots of great restaurants, bars, cafes and shops
Science Museum and Omnitheater- good for a rainy day (after the 17th, anyway - closed for maintenance until then).
St. Paul Farmer's Market: Sat and Sun - held in Lowertown. Funky district with artists lofts, great cafes, Mears Park...
Mickey's Diner - featured in movies, tv shows, etc. Also: AMAZING pancakes. Go during the week to avoid the line out the door on weekends.
Riverboat cruises on the Mississippi - Pretty any time of year, but the fall colors tours are amazing.
If they like being outside, fall is a great time of year around here: no heat/humidity and few bugs. Dunno what kind of outdoor activities they like, but besides the nice city parks, there are some really great regional and state parks within a hours drive: Afton SP, Ft. Snelling SP, Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge, Taylor's Falls, etc.
Some of the most beautiful places in the state are right along the St. Croix River (the boundary between WI and MN). Even if hiking isn't their thing, the St Croix Scenic Byway is amazing. Lots of cute little towns (cafes, antiques, etc), great scenery, etc. An easy day trip from the cities.
Feel free to memail me for more....
On preview: seconding, thirding, etc. madamina's Mancini's suggestion. Not hipster, ironic lounge-y. Truly old school, old St. Paul family lounge-y. And great food.
posted by East Siberian patchbelly wrangler at 2:07 PM on September 13, 2010
It's at least a couple hours drive away, but it does look like there'll be a powwow in Mankato that weekend. Mahkato Wacipi site for info.
(Based on your profile, it looks like you might be posting from Europe? If your friends are coming in from out of the country, this would be a unique, authentic experience they could never have at home. It also looks like the organizers are open to educating visitors and first-timers, so being an outsider or spectator wouldn't be an issue.)
posted by gimonca at 2:18 PM on September 13, 2010
(Based on your profile, it looks like you might be posting from Europe? If your friends are coming in from out of the country, this would be a unique, authentic experience they could never have at home. It also looks like the organizers are open to educating visitors and first-timers, so being an outsider or spectator wouldn't be an issue.)
posted by gimonca at 2:18 PM on September 13, 2010
If you do everything on micawber's list, you will have a freaking great time.
Twins are in town over the weekend--it's probably the most exciting place to be for baseball this year, so do that if you can. Go to stubhub.com for last minute tix on the cheap. IMO, it's not critical to have actual seats, get cheap standing room only tix and just wander about. There's an outdoor bar in left field with a good view of the action.
Currently killing myself for not being in town Thursday night for Gibson.
posted by mcstayinskool at 2:50 PM on September 13, 2010
Twins are in town over the weekend--it's probably the most exciting place to be for baseball this year, so do that if you can. Go to stubhub.com for last minute tix on the cheap. IMO, it's not critical to have actual seats, get cheap standing room only tix and just wander about. There's an outdoor bar in left field with a good view of the action.
Currently killing myself for not being in town Thursday night for Gibson.
posted by mcstayinskool at 2:50 PM on September 13, 2010
Regarding their airport experience, MSP has two terminals, Lindbergh (Terminal 1) and Humphrey (Terminal 2). Here's a list of the airlines that fly out of each so that when they depart our fair city they go to the right one! If they are flying out of the Lindbergh Terminal, I recommend French Meadow, there's one in the mall between Concourses D and E (for full service) and one in Concourse F. Good food and coffee and they have meals to go. I try to stop there when I fly so I know I will have a good lunch or dinner.
posted by radioaction at 2:53 PM on September 13, 2010
posted by radioaction at 2:53 PM on September 13, 2010
Bike around the lakes, then rent kayaks at Lake Calhoun.
Go to Minnehaha Falls and eat at Sea Salt.
More noms at Chino Latino, 112 Eatery and, if you like steak, Manny's.
posted by Maxa at 5:41 PM on September 13, 2010
Go to Minnehaha Falls and eat at Sea Salt.
More noms at Chino Latino, 112 Eatery and, if you like steak, Manny's.
posted by Maxa at 5:41 PM on September 13, 2010
I have 3 from out of town coming this weekend too. It's a big sports and concert week/weekend.
Dave Matthews Band, Xcel Center 9/15
Twins 9/17,9/18,9/19
Gear Daddies, Fine Line 9/17
Gophers vs USC 9/18
Patton Oswalt, Pantages 9/18
Vikings 9/19
Flaming Lips, Roy Wilkins Auditorium 9/19
posted by thilmony at 6:25 PM on September 13, 2010
Dave Matthews Band, Xcel Center 9/15
Twins 9/17,9/18,9/19
Gear Daddies, Fine Line 9/17
Gophers vs USC 9/18
Patton Oswalt, Pantages 9/18
Vikings 9/19
Flaming Lips, Roy Wilkins Auditorium 9/19
posted by thilmony at 6:25 PM on September 13, 2010
I was just there 2 weeks ago. Goodness yes do walk around the Mill Ruins! And if you'd like, go into the Guthrie's Endless Bridge and see it all from above. You might see a boat go through the lock too. (If you go downstairs at the Guthrie and start walking towards the river, you'll go right into the area of the Mill Ruins. You'll see the roads from the Endless Bridge too.) Slight warning: The river was stinky in places along the ruins, and bring some bug spray.
Skip the science museum unless you've got kids. Lots of places have bigger & better science museums, like Chicago for example.
A warning about the Xcel Center (if you've never been in a sports arena like I hadn't): It's crazy steep. If you get vertigo with heights, you will here. I finally did get used to it after a little bit but the first half hour or so was scary... even the people sitting next to me mentioned they were scared.
posted by IndigoRain at 6:45 PM on September 13, 2010
Skip the science museum unless you've got kids. Lots of places have bigger & better science museums, like Chicago for example.
A warning about the Xcel Center (if you've never been in a sports arena like I hadn't): It's crazy steep. If you get vertigo with heights, you will here. I finally did get used to it after a little bit but the first half hour or so was scary... even the people sitting next to me mentioned they were scared.
posted by IndigoRain at 6:45 PM on September 13, 2010
If you like musicals even a tiny bit, Wicked the Musical is in its last week in Minneapolis. I'd give my left nut to go see it again, and I've already seen it twice (right nut fortunately still intact). Saw it three weeks ago, and can't recommend it enough. As a friend said, "It's what a musical would be like if done by Pixar."
posted by liquado at 6:51 PM on September 13, 2010
posted by liquado at 6:51 PM on September 13, 2010
This looked like so much fun but we didn't have time when we visited: The Magical History Tour -- on Segways!
posted by lois1950 at 7:03 PM on September 13, 2010
posted by lois1950 at 7:03 PM on September 13, 2010
The Vikings are hosting the Miami Dolphins on Sunday, September 19. The Twins have a home stand vs. the Oakland A's that weekend.
Mall of America. 520 stores, 2.5 million sq ft. of shopping.
posted by kirkaracha at 7:35 PM on September 13, 2010
Mall of America. 520 stores, 2.5 million sq ft. of shopping.
posted by kirkaracha at 7:35 PM on September 13, 2010
A twins game is a good choice. If they like to hike, Taylors Falls is about an hour outside of town.
If they are the adventurous type they can make a stop at Vertical Endeavors in St Paul for some indoor rock climbing.
posted by Climber at 6:48 AM on September 14, 2010
If they are the adventurous type they can make a stop at Vertical Endeavors in St Paul for some indoor rock climbing.
posted by Climber at 6:48 AM on September 14, 2010
This thread is closed to new comments.
Comedy clubs are a dead-end, so don't bother.
Here's something: Minneapolis has been voted to be the best city for bikes by . . . like . . . people I guess. Anyway, we've got a new Nice Ride program that allows you to rent bikes for super cheap and take them anywhere. Rumor has it that if you hit every bike lock area and exchange bikes within a day, you get a free jersey. . .
posted by Think_Long at 1:03 PM on September 13, 2010