If you’ve ever wanted to witness nature showing off, this is your spot. Minnehaha Falls is a 53-foot waterfall conveniently located in the middle of the city—because why not? Walk the trails, grab a bite at Sea Salt Eatery, and pretend you’re in a National Geographic documentary.

You technically aren’t allowed to visit Minneapolis without taking a scenic stroll, bike ride, or paddleboard session at Lake Nokomis, Lake Harriet, or Lake Bde Maka Ska. These lakes are where locals go to people-watch, get their steps in, and have deep, introspective moments about why they don’t spend more time outside.

Come for the Spoonbridge and Cherry, stay for the modern art and existential pondering. The Walker Art Center is perfect for those who appreciate contemporary art, quirky sculptures, and feeling slightly underdressed in an art museum.

Once the flour milling capital of the world (yes, that was a thing), this museum brings Minneapolis’ history to life with interactive exhibits and scenic Mississippi River views. Bonus: it’s inside a beautifully preserved industrial ruin, so your Instagram feed will thank you.

Whether you see a show or just head up to the Endless Bridge for breathtaking city views, the Guthrie is a must-visit. Fun fact: you don’t actually have to know anything about theater to appreciate how cool this place is.

If you enjoy boutique shopping, upscale salons, and trendy finds, welcome to your personal paradise. Just don’t be surprised when you leave with things you didn’t know you needed.

Imagine a Pinterest board of trendy shops, award-winning restaurants, and converted warehouses—now step into it. The North Loop is where style meets substance, and where you’ll find Martin Patrick 3, Statement Boutique, and enough Instagram-worthy brunch spots to fill your entire feed.

Located dangerously close to our house, Heather’s is Lena’s all-time favorite neighborhood eatery. The food is top-tier, the patio is perfect, and Paige, the manager, deserves a medal for making sure every visit feels special. (There’s also a Minnetonka location if you find yourself on that side of the metro—equally great, just a little farther from our fridge.)

If you're feeling fancy, Spoon and Stable delivers with its French-inspired cuisine, stunning cocktails, and a reputation that basically guarantees you’ll need a reservation.

This James Beard Award-winning restaurant is a must-visit for food lovers and history buffs alike. Owamni serves Indigenous, decolonized cuisine, meaning no dairy, wheat, or processed sugar—just bold, locally sourced flavors that celebrate Native American traditions. It’s delicious, educational, and one of the hardest reservations to snag in town—but totally worth the effort. If you manage to get in, consider yourself lucky (and definitely invite us).

Lions, tigers, bears—oh my! This zoo has everything from grizzly bears to adorable farm animals, plus walking trails and interactive exhibits to keep everyone entertained.

It’s free (though donations are encouraged), it’s full of adorable animals and lush gardens, and there’s a historic carousel. Basically, if you’ve got kids—or just enjoy fun—you’ll love it.

Dinosaurs, hands-on experiments, and an actual giant astronaut suit make this one a hit for all ages. Also, there’s a very scientific exhibit where you can see how loud your scream is, so go nuts.

It’s a mall, but make it an entire city—featuring a theme park, aquarium, mini-golf, and more stores than you’ll ever have time for. If you're feeling brave, take a ride on the SpongeBob roller coaster (or just watch others scream while you sip a coffee).

A Minneapolis beer icon with a sprawling beer garden, fantastic food, and brews that even self-proclaimed "I don't like beer" people tend to enjoy.

An actual hidden speakeasy—look for the red light in an alley and step into another era. Expect craft cocktails, live jazz, and just the right amount of mystery.

Home of the legendary Parlour Burger and some of the best cocktails in town. You’ll leave full, happy, and possibly texting your friends about how life-changing a burger can be.