Minneapolis and St. Paul: Minnesota's Twin Cities
Minneapolis and St. Paul: Minnesota's Twin Cities
Kenzie
Hey everyone! 🌟 Dive into my ultimate Twin Cities guide, perfect for families and adventurers alike! Discover the best spots to stay, dine, and unwind, with recommendations for cozy cafes, wellness spas, and engaging museums. Enjoy family fun at the zoo, explore beautiful lakes, and soak up the sun at seasonal outdoor areas. Whether you're catching a game or exploring local boutiques, this guide has something for everyone.
Writer's Note: I’ll continually update this guide, so be sure to save it for future use! Let’s create unforgettable memories in Minneapolis and St. Paul!"
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Fly into: MSP Airport
Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport
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Taxis, ride shares, public transportation, and shuttles are available to and from the airport. Check with your hotel if they provide a free shuttle service for you arrival and departure days.
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Lodging
InterContinental Minneapolis - St. Paul Airport
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For the convenience travelers, this hotel is on-site of the MSL airport. While TSA doesn't approve of travelers using the Skywalker to get into the airport, the hotel's shuttle service is free to use as hotel guests.
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Four Seasons Hotel Minneapolis
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Pamper yourself at one of the many amenities this four season odder. Enjoy a jacuzzi, clink cocktails with you partner on the balcony, or enjoy a soothing massage. This is the perfect romantic getaway spot.
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Radisson Blu Mall of America
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Need to do a little shopping? Stay here to have walking access to the Mall of America. With plenty of activities, shops, and restaurants tourists stay busy for days. Catch a movie or even visit the mall's Sea Life Aquarium.
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Moxy Minneapolis Downtown
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Intended to be like the European hostels, this eccentric chain is minimalistic supplying rooms with soft beds and bathrooms but that's about it.
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Great Wolf Lodge Water Park | Minnesota
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I was so envious of kids that got to stay here growing up. It's fun for the whole family with the water park and hotel activities on-site.
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Things to Do
Sports Fans
Allianz Field
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Enjoy watch Minnesota's soccer team play spring through fall. Matches begin as early as February so keep an eye on the MNUFC schedule for updates.
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Twins Target Field - Event Parking
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In the mood for a hot dog at the ball game? Summer time is perfect to see the Twins in action while catching some rays. Bring sunscreen!
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Target Center
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The Target Center hosts concerts, events, and is the Timber Wolves' home court.
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Culture Enthusiasts
Visit one of the many museums or art galleries the cities have to offer.
Science Museum of Minnesota
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I remember many field trips to this museum in Elementary school. The exhibits change pretty consistently and while some of the museum stays the same, they offer featured events throughout the year.
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Paisley Park
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It would have been amazing to see Prince in concert but the closest I will ever get is the end of the tour where they play old footage in Prince's at-home stage where you can feel the music vibrate through your soul. It was such an amazing experience.
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Minneapolis Institute of Art
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I had several philosophical conversations with classmates over sculptures and paintings. It's a great way to spend a leisurely day indoors.
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Mill City Museum
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A historic site that shows tourists a glimpse into Minnesota's past: the world's largest flour mill.
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Profeshie
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Rent a space to take photos in this curated photography studio. Start your session with some bubbly, pick your backdrop, and start having fun with your friends as the camera rolls.
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Outdoor Adventures
Minneapolis Water Taxi
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Enjoy a boat ride down the river as you relax and take in the city views.
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Minnehaha Falls
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It's the best time to catch the falls just after the snowmelt. The rushing water is beautiful to witness.
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Minneapolis Sculpture Garden
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A free outdoor garden filled with unique sculptures. Grab a picnic basket and gather with your friends on the lawn amid artistic structures.
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Lyndale Park Rose Garden
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Why dont you stop and smell the roses. Parking is pretty accessible and walling the grounds is a great way to pass the time or to have a nice conversation.
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Lake of the Isles
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From winter to summer, locals and tourists use the lale of isles to bike, cross country ski, run, kayak, and watch wildlife in the middle of the city.
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Pinehaven Farm
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Autumn is the best time to visit this farm. Take a wayside, enjoy mini donuts, and pet the friendly farm animals. For thrill seekers, the horror event runs on certain nights with different themes each year. Check their website for tickets.
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Stone Arch Bridge
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View St Anthony falls whether you're biking or walking this old railway bridge.
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Beaches (summer)
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Bde Maka Ska 32nd Street Beach
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Walk, skate, or cross country ski around this beautiful lake. In the summer, you will see mamy people lounging on the sandy beaches, swimming in designated areas, or socializing on the green lawns.
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Cedar Lake Point Beach
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Always check the local website for swimming regulations and update.
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Family Fun
Mall of America®
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I can never stop visiting the MOA no matter how many times I've experienced it. Constantly changing it currently houses an amusement park (which used to be Camp Snoopy), countless retail stores, exhibits, concerts, restaurants, and an aquarium.
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Como Park Zoo & Conservatory
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Partially indoors and outdoors this zoo is free but donations are recommended. While the paths to different exhibits are outside, there are different buildings for the animals and conservatory. Personally the conservatory is my favorite part because the zoo exhibits afw hard to see animals in tight spaces.
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Minnesota Zoo
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More than 4,500 animals call MN zoo their home, it's the largest indoor continuous zoo in the USA making it fun all year long despite the cold winters.
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Midtown Global Market
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Shop from multiple vendors and enjoy walking through the market while immersing yourself in global culture.
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Seasonal
Ice Castles
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Step into a glittering castle made of ice. Every winter the location changes but it's fun for everyone. Ice slides, cozy drinks, fire entertainers, maze tunnels, and dazzling lights.
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U of M Arboretum
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If you're here for the holidays, stop by the MN arboretum to tour the holiday light display across the property.
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Minneapolis Farmers Market
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Enjoy Minnesota's largest farmers market 🥨🫒
Sadly no dogs are allowed. Sp keep your furry friends at the hotel or home.
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Valleyfair
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So many memories here from visiting as a kid on school trips and family vacations. Wild thing was one of my favorite rides. Don't forget the mini donuts!
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Restaurants
Twin City Grill
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I love the staff here. I have never had a bad waiter or waitress. They also find some way to make banter with their diners. I don't know if that is policy or if their staff are just that happy. Regardless, the food is great too.
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CRAVE American Kitchen & Sushi Bar (LaSalle Plaza - Minneapolis)
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Impress your coworkers with their vast menu, treat your family, or hang out with your friend group at one of Crave's restaurants in the Twin Cities. It's cuisine is diverse enough and all ages tend to become part of this well-known chain.
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RH Rooftop Restaurant Minneapolis
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This is my all-time FAVORITE place to eat in the Twin Cities. Especially in the winter time when you need a break from the cold.
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Psycho Suzi's Motor Lounge
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From Tiki to crazy Christmas decorations, this bar and lingerie is a great night out with the girls or for date night.
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Wakame Sushi & Asian Bistro
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This was my favorite sushi bar when I lived in the cities. Absolutely great service a d wonderful sushi.
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Taberna
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Craving tacos and magharitas? Tabernacle is located next to a lake so you can walk off the marghs after. 😉
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Khâluna
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So hard to get reservations when it first opened but this luxury dining spot is a great way to celebrate any evening.
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Sugar Factory Minnesota
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It's every child's dream. Cake on shakes, sugary drinks, American cuisine, what more could a child want? 😆
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Hazelwood Food and Drink
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Vegetarian-friendly and has fireplaces to add ambiance to your night out on the town.
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Cedar + Stone, Urban Table
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Open for breakfast through dinner, modern dining has never been more chic. Serving American cuisine with a contemporary twist you'll fond normal dished with a dash of elegance mixed in.
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Ciao Bella
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More of a romantic dining option. Expect a less casual environment and the food is fantastic. The food, atmosphere, and service are worth the prices.
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Turtle Bread
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This bakery is popular with tourists and regulars that there isn't really a down time. Enjoy pastures, fresh baked bread, and sp much more in this cozy Minnesota-style bakery.
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Good Day Cafe
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Just go. It's charming, the staff are friendly, the atmosphere is welcoming, the food is great for the prices. Just go. Especially for breakfast!
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Earl Giles Restaurant and Distillery
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For my brewery fans. Bonus: Gluten free crusts are available!
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Thirty-Six Cafe
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Known for their souffle pancakes.
Get the girls together for an Instagram-worthy brunch. This cafes hours are limited.
Note: their team seats all guests on a first-come, first-serve walk-in basis ONLY when ENTIRE parties are fully present. There is a max dine-in timeframe of 1 hour and 15 minutes once your group is seated at a table.
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Coffee & Tea
Curiouser Coffee and Conservatory
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What every Midwestern knows is that winter months can be depressing. So we appreciate it when a coffee shop adds plants to their interior design as a way to perk us up. 😉
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Black Walnut Bakery
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Very interesting and contemporary style pastries. Cubed fluffy sandwiches are always a favorite here.
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Cafe Ceres
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A local chain throughout the twin Cities. Good coffee brings good company. So chic and airy. It's a great place to work.
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The Mad Hatter House of Curiosities and Tea Parlour
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We are all mad here... but seriously why not enjoy a tea party with your favorite people in a house themed by the book, Alice in Wonderland.
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SALT Salon Spa Cafe
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From coffee to a calming salt cave this salon, spa, and cafe is every girl's best friend.
Need a coffee and broke a nail? No worries! The cafe is also a salon. Pamper yourself with more than just coffee when you stop by.
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Silver Fern
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Get your flights of coffee here! A bit pricey but what artisan coffee isn't these days?
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FRGMNT Coffee - St. Anthony Main
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Amazing lighting and lots of seating for influencer looking for a spot to film a casual coffee reel.
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Spyhouse Coffee Roasters | Downtown / Emery
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Artisan coffee and artisan pastries at artisan prices but the chic contemporary interior design adds another level to the experience.
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Backstory Coffee Roasters - North Loop
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It kind of has this industrial, steam punk, library kind of vibe.
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Boutiques & Shopping
Brown & Greene Florist
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From plants to chic decor this adorable florist shop is the perfect souvenir store for my green thumb boho-loving travlers.
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Hazel & Rose
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Clean, chic, and contemporary. Browse this modern sleek boutique for gifts to remember your trip by!
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Parc Shop
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Parc is a thoughtfully curated shop of simple, minimalistic pieces and unique goods from independent designers & makers.
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Mall of America®
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I can never stop visiting the MOA no matter how many times I've experienced it. Constantly changing it currently houses an amusement park (which used to be Camp Snoopy), countless retail stores, exhibits, concerts, restaurants, and an aquarium.
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Pamper Yourself
The Glow Lounge
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I was feeling anxious about my body image before going into my appointment. The glow lounge staff made me feel so welcome that I forgot my anxiety. The tan lasted over 7 days and I absolutely loved the color she chose for me based on my wants.
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SALT Salon Spa Cafe
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From coffee to a calming salt cave this salon, spa, and cafe is every girl's best friend.
Need a coffee and broke a nail? No worries! The cafe is also a salon. Pamper yourself with more than just coffee when you stop by.
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The Spa at Four Seasons Hotel Minneapolis
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If you're into a luxurious spa day then this is the perfect wellness location for you. Amazing city views with gold standard services.
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Woodhouse Spa - Arbor Lakes
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They provide services for facials, massages, and nails. Bridal parties are known to book here.
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* * *
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Kenzie
Hey there! I’m Kenzie, inspiring your ongoing journey through life’s wonders—from breathtaking hikes and stunning waterfalls to captivating sunrise views, trendy cafes, salt cave massage rooms, serene beaches, and luxe lodging worldwide. Join me in exploring urban gems and natural escapes as I curate guides blending adventure with tranquility.
**About Me**
My journey began with a life-changing trip to Costa Rica during college, sparking a passion I pursued through hospitality studies and my own travel blog. As a digital nomad, I've explored the United States and immersed myself in Australian culture, blending urban adventures with nature escapes in my guides.
**Where I Have Lived**
🏞️ Duluth, MN
🌆 Twin Cities, MN
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