Are you looking to travel somewhere a little different for your next USA city break holiday? Then look no further than Minneapolis, Minnesota. With Aer Lingus now flying direct from Dublin to Minneapolis, it’s never been easier to experience all that this fantastic city has to offer. The “Twin Cities” of Minneapolis and state capital Saint Paul are dense with cultural landmarks and are close to not only Lake Superior, North America’s largest freshwater lake, but over 10,000 of the Great Lakes where you can experience everything from surfing, car free islands and the night lights of the aurora borealis.
Our travel expert Shannon has put together a list of her top things to do in Minneapolis.
Dance to Purple Rain at Paisley Park
Paisley Park is the private estate and production complex of the singer Prince and a must-visit for any fans of the singer. Take a tour through this incredible place and see where Prince produced and recorded some of his greatest hits. You’ll also see lots of artefacts from his private collection including iconic concert outfits, awards, musical instruments, artwork, motorcycles, rare music and video recordings.
Visit the Mall of America
One of the top tourist destinations in the USA, Mall of America is a shoppers dream! With over 500 shops, restaurants and entertainment complex’s you’ll be spoilt for choice. Shop til you drop in favourite department stores Macys, Nordstorm and Sears and a host of beauty, sports, fashion and tech shops there is something for everyone. Once you’ve built up an appetite there is plenty to choose from food-wise whether you fancy a sweet snack or a sit down meal. Mall of America also boasts plenty of entertainment options. Visit Nickelodeon Universe®, the Sea Life® Aquarium, Flyover America or enjoy a game of mini golf or get your heads together to break out of the Escape Room.
Minneapolis Institute of Art
Take a trip to the Whittier neighbourhood of Minneapolis and pay a visit to the Minneapolis Institute of Art. The museum is set over 8 acres of land which allows for a number of outdoor exhibits for visitors to enjoy. These include the Chinese Garden and Target Park which feature a number of spectacular statues. Indoors, the museum’s collections includes African Art, American Art and Asian Art spanning over 5,000 years of world history.
Get Outdoors
Spend a day in Mississippi National River and Recreation Area. Stretched over 72 miles, the park has ample spots for fishing, boating, canoeing, birdwatching, cycling and hiking. If you have kids, they can join the Junior Ranger program and earn their badge. The park is also home to a number of museums and cultural sites so a day out here has something for everyone. Minneapolis is also the gateway to many National Parks and Forests where you can camp, bike, hike or walk and take in the great American wilderness and unique wildlife.
Catch a Baseball Game at Target Field
Target Field is home to the Minnesota Twins, the local Major League Baseball team. This open air stadium with a capacity of just under 40,000 is a great place to take in a baseball game. Game day tours which are about 90 minutes long are also available which can really enhance your visit. There are also a number of bars and restaurants at Target Field for when you want to take a break from the action and grab a bite to eat. The park is located in the historic warehouse district of the city so while there soak up as much of the local history as you can.
Fancy a family holiday to Minneapolis? Contact us today to speak to one of our travel experts!
