So What to Do in Minneapolis in the Fall

August 14, 2023 3:32 PM

I am planning a trip to Minneapolis in the mid Fall (think later October). My host has asked me what I want to do. The goal is to find things within about a 2 hour drive (including possible hotel stays). I know the usual things (Walker Art Center, Guthrie Theater (sadly, nothing going on), the MIA and so on from Days of Yore, but what would you recommend?

I like museums, cultural stuff, and restaurants. Less keen on hiking and outdoorsy thing (health stuff). Throw me your suggestions!

posted by GenjiandProust to Travel & Transportation (10 answers total)

I haven't been there yet, but there's a museum exhibit in Shakopee (~25 miles SW of Minneapolis) called "Mdewakanton: Dwellers of the Spirit Lake." It's about Dakota history and culture. I've heard great things!

Downtown St. Paul has the Minnesota History Center and the Science Museum of Minnesota. I like the Science Museum in particular; it has great views of the river and an IMAX theater. It's also within walking distance of Cossetta, which is a (deservedly, IMHO) wildly popular Italian food empire on West 7th street with multiple restaurants, a market, etc.

Another St. Paul food rec is to grab some Vietnamese food on University Avenue. My favorite place is Trieu Chau at 500 University Ave W; it's a complete dive in the best possible way.

Pepin, Wisconsin is only about 90 minutes away and home to an absolutely delicious restaurant called the Harbor View. I'm sure there are plenty of other things to do in the area as well, but my family usually just drives down for a trip to the restaurant and to admire Lake Pepin.
posted by leftover_scrabble_rack at 3:56 PM on August 14, 2023

Depending on when, leaf peeping up in Duluth is worth the drive. If it's after the first week of October, it might be too late. Feel free to msg me for more info if you decide to explore the area.
Edit: Just saw later October. Oops! Still, fun place to explore if you haven't.
posted by starman at 4:04 PM on August 14, 2023

If you like restaurants you definitely want to try Owamni. It was the best place I ate the last time I was there.
posted by Hypatia at 4:21 PM on August 14, 2023

The History Center has the best gift shop in St. Paul, and all their properties are worth a visit. The Mill City Museum is fantastic.

Yes, Cosetta's is good. Breakfast at Key's is legendary, and....what's that "Home Something" place in St. Paul, by 35? Their carrot cake pancakes are amazing.
posted by wenestvedt at 5:11 PM on August 14, 2023

Hope breakfast bar?
posted by Bacon Bit at 7:35 PM on August 14, 2023

Stillwater is a 45 minute drive from Minneapolis and is a pretty town to wander around - lots of antique malls and shops, nice hotel bar lobbies with deep couches like Hotel Crosby for a drink and a read, or my fave grubby booth bar there Meister’s Bar and Grill, places to walk along the river or up onto the ridge overlooking the town.
posted by honey-barbara at 8:02 PM on August 14, 2023

The Guthrie has For the People as its October show; not sure what you mean by "nothing going on" there? The dinners that Jamie Malone has been coordinating at MIA have been expensive and decadent and amazing if you want to splurge. The Twin Cities Horror Festival might overlap with your visit-- more arty, more highbrow, less scary/gory, and funnier than it sounds.
posted by shadygrove at 8:25 PM on August 14, 2023

Also, if you can't get in to Owamni, or even if you can, visit the Indigenous Food Lab in the Midtown Market. Check out something -- maybe Strangers Meeting Strangers -- at Public Functionary.
posted by shadygrove at 8:35 PM on August 14, 2023

The Guthrie has For the People as its October show; not sure what you mean by "nothing going on" there?

Ugh, I was misremembering from an earlier trip plan that fell into a valley. It looks like theater is off the table anyway for reasons.
posted by GenjiandProust at 4:59 AM on August 15, 2023

I enjoyed the art museum, grabbing a pickle pizza at happy hour in the back lounge of Young Joni, grabbing pretty good food at the park at Minnehaha falls, the surprisingly good coffee at Fragment and Dogwood, the weird panorama room at the theatre downtown that overlooks the Mississippi. The Como Conservatory is free and had a sleepy sloth.

Owamni was closed for fire/damage in May but I hope it's back on its feet.
posted by sibboleth at 11:49 AM on August 15, 2023