10 Things to do in Minneapolis for First Time Visitors

Minneapolis is one of the two cities that serve as the center of the metropolitan area called the Twin Cities in the state of Minnesota. It has the distinction of being the biggest city in said state, while its counterpart has the distinction of being the capital of said state. Given its size as well as its location, it should come as no surprise to learn that Minneapolis boasts its fair share of attractions for first-time visitors. Here are 10 things that first-time visitors in Minneapolis might be interested in:

1. Shop At the Mall of America

The Mall of America is situated in Bloomington, which is one of the suburbs of the Twin Cities. When counted by floor area rather than one of the other possible measurements, it is the biggest mall in the United States, meaning that it offers a lot of excellent shopping for interested individuals.

2. Shop At the Midtown Global Market

Some people might find the Mall of America to be unexciting. Said individuals might prefer the Midtown Global Market, which hosts dozens of vendors selling a wide range of products while offering various cultural events on a regular basis as well.

3. Visit the Chain of Lakes

Minnesota has a reputation for being the Land of 10,000 Lakes. As a result, it is perhaps unsurprising that Minnepolis is home to a regional park called the Chain of Lakes, which boasts five lakes offering plenty of opportunities for lakeside entertainment.

4. Cross the Stone Arch Bridge

The  has a notable impact on Minneapolis by making it easier for people as well as products to move both in and out of the city. Due to this, it is a historical landmark of some note, meaning that first-time visitors might want to check it out. Be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes.

5. Visit the Guthrie Theater

Named for a man named Sir Tyrone Guthrie who had a very important role in the history of drama in a significant chunk of both Canada and the United States, the Guthrie Theater has the distinction of being an award-winning institution. For people who want something of cultural interest, this makes said theater interesting for not one but two reasons.

6. Visit First Avenue

Meanwhile, someone who is more interested in music might want to head on over to the nightclub called the First Avenue, which is the place where more than one performer has started out. Amusingly, the First Avenue is home to other events of interest as well, with an excellent example being local wrestling highlighting Minnesotan wrestlers.

7. Check Out the Walker Art Center

Situated close to Downtown Minneapolis, the Walker Art Center is interesting because it is one of the five biggest museums in the United States that specialize in modern art. For people who are interested in that particular kind of art rather than the other varieties that can be found out there, this should make it a top priority for them to visit.

8. Minneapolis Institute of Art

With that said, the Walker Art Center is far from being the biggest art museum that can be found in the city. Instead, that would be the Minneapolis Institute of Art, which is home to about 100,000 pieces of art from various genres in its permanent collection.

9. Visit the Mill City Museum

Once upon a time, Minneapolis was a city built on industry. Nowadays, industry isn’t as important to the city as it once was, but there can be no doubt about the fact that it has had an indelible impact on the city as a whole. As a result, people who are interested in learning more about Minnesota’s industrial past should head on over to the Mill City Museum, which can be both educational and entertaining.

10. Go to the Minnesota Zoo

The Minnesota Zoo isn’t situated in Minneapolis, but it isn’t that far out, seeing as how it can be found in the suburb of Apple Valley. In total, it is home to more than 4,700 animals, which range from species that can be found in the state to more exotic animals such as camels and sharks. Of course, the appeal of the Minnesota Zoo isn’t limited to its animal inhabitants, seeing as how it is home to both retailers and restaurants as well.