Public privacy in Minneapolis?

February 10, 2008 1:56 PM

Where can my girlfriend and I find public privacy in Minneapolis?

My girlfriend and I are currently living at our parent's houses (post-college). I'm looking for someplace in Minneapolis where we can have some "privacy". On one of our first dates, I found that the roof of a parking ramp at 2am is pretty private. Any other secret places for us to have some romantic privacy?

posted by senseigmg to human relations (18 comments total)

The spoon and the cherry.
posted by umbú at 2:06 PM on February 10 [2 favorites]

Do they have to be outside? It's mighty cold out.
posted by streetdreams at 2:09 PM on February 10

I've never had to find public privacy in Minneapolis this time of year, but I have found public privacy in other states. You need to find places where parking isn't overly conspicuous at night, yet isn't overly visited either. You've already mentioned parking garages, and similarly parking lots behind large buildings aren't a bad choice.

You could also consider possibly moteling/hoteling it for a night, avoid the illegalities of the situation. (I don't know about Minnesota, but in other states, doing what I assume you're doing is public indecency)
posted by Quazie at 2:11 PM on February 10

When the weather gets nicer, heading out to the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is great for this. Pack a lunch, a blanket, a bottle of wine, jump off the trail for a few minutes, you're solid.

Bring bug spray.

Also, if you bring a bottle of water and a corkscrew, judicious application of the foil knife on the wine key will yield you two serviceable wine glasses.
posted by baphomet at 2:17 PM on February 10

There are all sorts of hidden nooks at Coffman Memorial Union. I swear, you could hide a body there. Also, most classrooms at the U of M are not locked when they are not being used, and easy to sneak into for some private time.

Spoonbridge and Cherry is monitored 24 hours a day by closed-circuit surveillance cameras, and there are speakers nearby where security guards can bark commands at you. Not recommended.
posted by Astro Zombie at 2:25 PM on February 10 [1 favorite]

I *ahem* have experience, so to speak, with this problem. My suggestion is look for strip malls and so forth that have been built, but don't have any tenants. They are unlikely to be lighted or monitored in any way, in my experience. Any parking lot that turns its lights out at a certain hour is a good idea, especially if you can get around to the back part with the dumpsters and loading bays and such. This is assuming you are OK with having your... private time in a car. As for non-car suggestions, a motel is probably your best option. If you can stand the embarrassment, that is. Good luck :).
posted by MadamM at 2:44 PM on February 10

The east bank river trail that starts by the U of M at one end. Not recommended at night. Kinda creepy, and there are people that do sleep under some of the bridges. They may or may not be a danger, but it still feels kinda creepy. But you can definitely walk down the trail a bit, then veer off several meters into the woods, and not be noticed by anyone. Hidden Falls park ought to be good too. It's on river road adjacent to the Ford plant. You may notice a theme here, which is "down by the river". Parks in general can be good, but a lot of them are more field-ish than wooded-ish, which is not conducive to privacy. Parks, and park-ish areas "down by the river" tend to be more wooded. These suggestions ought to give you enough privacy for romance, but not necessarily for *ahem-wink-nudge* romance, depending on exactly how low your tolerance is for being caught in the throes of *ahem-wink-nudge* romance.
posted by gauchodaspampas at 2:48 PM on February 10

Get a car cover for your car, park in an inconspicuous place, and don't be too loud or move too much. You're set.
posted by SciGuy at 5:06 PM on February 10

I would recommend somewhere like a motel/hotel over anything outdoors as, regardless of weather or legalities, this could be highly dangerous. How would you feel if something happened and you were attacked in your vehicle?
posted by slavlin at 5:18 PM on February 10 [1 favorite]

The room is set for V-day, but I'm not getting a room a few times a week. Also, the car windows are fairly tinted. We did find an empty parking lot one day where.
posted by senseigmg at 5:28 PM on February 10

As soon as it warms up a bit, buy a tent and take up camping. There are several state parks within 40-60 minutes of the twin cities where you can rent a campsite for much cheaper than a motel room, and I'd argue that the great outdoors is much more romantic to boot. If you're really noisy, you might want to take up backpacking on the more remote trails, rather than staying in a campground.

Also, I've definitely seen people making out in the hallways of crowded bars and dance clubs around town. I guess that might just make you more desperate for a truly private place, depending on what kind of activities you're looking to engage in... But in certain ways, it's a lot more private to be surrounded by strangers and loud music than to be across the hall from your parents in a quiet house.
posted by vytae at 6:48 PM on February 10 [1 favorite]

The spoon and the cherry.

VIDEOTAPES OF THIS PERFORMANCE WILL BE AVAILABLE IN THE WALKER ART CENTER GIFT SHOP DURING NORMAL BUSINESS HOURS.


In other words, not so much. Anywhere around a museum or library has monitored cameras everywhere.
posted by louche mustachio at 7:14 PM on February 10 [1 favorite]

Spoonbridge and Cherry is monitored 24 hours a day by closed-circuit surveillance cameras, and there are speakers nearby where security guards can bark commands at you. Not recommended.
posted by Astro Zombie at 2:25 PM on February 10

Wait...that was you?

Also, to be more helpful, the more industrial areas of NE and SE Minneapolis offer a wide variety of not terribly well travelled or well lit nooks and crannies for adventures and shenanigans.
posted by louche mustachio at 7:25 PM on February 10

Long-term airport parking garages are surprisingly dark and private. But you have to pay a little.
posted by kingtaj at 7:48 PM on February 10

Action Squad is an urban exploring group which has documented many of their missions to notable abandoned places in and around the Twin Cities. You have to take care, of course, when climbing grain elevators and old fire escapes, but at the end of the journey you'll more often than not find yourselves alone.
posted by Demogorgon at 8:00 PM on February 10 [2 favorites]

Are there any drive-in movie theaters left in Mpls? They're somewhat private and the windows get all steamy!
posted by Sweetie Darling at 8:17 PM on February 10

Well, looky here. There are some nearby.
posted by louche mustachio at 9:24 PM on February 10

During the summer, what about on top of a wooden ski slope at Theodore Wirth Park? The trek is heinous but it's completely deserted during the night. The view is incredible.

Or what about different nature areas? I know of one in Golden Valley which was heavily frequented by gay men hoping to copulate. I believe it is called Bassett Creek. There are parking lots tucked away behind trees and whatnot.

I know the Minneapolis hidden beach was closed down, but one still exists in Golden Valley. During warmer weather, make a day of it. There are lots of trails and hiding spots to steal some privacy. Plus, it's legal to be naked in the hidden beach area so you're half way there.

I'm pretty sure this camera secured, but I would think it'd be awfully fun to have sex at the Majorie McNeely Conservatory at the Como Zoo. Or what about the Como Park? They have a (granted, unheated) pavilion and such.

I agree with the parking ramp idea. Buy a monthly pass somewhere out of the way..?

Pretty much anywhere that is deserted and hidden would be my bet. What about bathroom stalls in large arena/museum/corporate places on their off hours? Nice family-style bathrooms are heaven.
posted by fiasco at 10:50 AM on February 12