Minneapolis features a great park system (with a chain of lakes), lots of museums and attractions, and a unique regional feel. It’s one of the largest metros in the country and is very welcoming to all. Alongside Minneapolis, nearby is the city of St. Paul, and together they are known as the Twin Cities.
• Things to do
I walked with the Frontrunners on Saturday along the Mississippi River. They met at 9:30 a.m. on Nicollet Island just north of downtown and walked along the river. Bruch followed. Nearby are the Falls of St. Anthony and Bde Maka Ska Park (formerly Lake Calhoun Park). The latter is just three miles southwest of town and features walking and biking trails, two beaches, boat rentals and more. Loring Park sits on a lake and is just southwest of downtown. Be sure and walk or jog over.
Indeed, both parks are part of the Chain of Lakes, which is what makes the city so nice. Other nearby lakes include Cedar Lake, Lake of the Isles and Lake Harriett. All feature bike and hike trails, and some have canoe rentals. There are lots of parks and green spaces. They even have the Midtown Greenway Bike and Hike Trail in nearby Uptown, just south of downtown.
Minnesota Orchestra Hall has lots of shows. Last minute seats are just $25, and they have a food truck party in the lobby on certain weekends before the concert, complete with games and an $8 happy hour. I was there for a Triple Beethoven.
Nicollet Street is downtown’s most walkable street and features art, self-guided tours, historical markers, great restaurants and shopping. Pose for a picture in front of the Mary Tyler Moore statue on the corner of Seventh and Nicollet.
• Places to eat
Britts Pub has lawn bowling on the roof. The fish and chips were exceptionally good. The Red Cow has great brunches and healthy drinks. You can sit outside on the patio in the summer. Try the Thai salad. The Dakota Jazz Club on Nicollet Mall downtown is also excellent. Barrio on the mall is great for innovative Mexican dishes. Try the shrimp tacos. Hell’s Kitchen is a basement dive bar and restaurant. I liked the salmon — cooked to perfection! The Living Room in the W Hotel in Foshay Tower is a lot of fun. The building itself is an art deco treasure.
• Getting there
Delta has a hub at MSP with convenient flights from all over. They have the best service and snacks, even Fresca! My flights were affordable and on time. The free internet for SkyMiles members was a plus, as was the in-seat (seat back) entertainment system. Plus you can go nonstop from virtually anywhere.Â
Amtrak fans can take one of two trains daily to and from Chicago (The Empire Builder and the Borealis), which go to nearby St. Paul. You can then take the light rail to Minneapolis. The ride goes through Wisconsin and then over to Winona along the Mississippi River and is very scenic.
Take the Hiawatha Light Rail Green line downtown from MSP. Metro also has rapid and regular buses to take you anywhere you need to go.
• Nightlife
The Gay ’90s night club is still going strong. It’s a night club on several levels that has been a Minneapolis staple for decades.
The Saloon has events every night of the week. They had dancers Sunday night and karaoke Monday. They also serve food and feature an outdoor patio. It is my favorite bar in the Twin Cities. The Sunday night crowd was very friendly, and they also have a dance floor.
Other fun bars include the Eagle as well as a few in nearby St. Paul.
• Where to stay
I stayed at the Hilton near the convention center downtown. Service was top notch, and the rooms were cleaned daily without asking. They have a fun bar, an inviting coffee shop and a handy convenience store open until 10 p.m. in case you need something but don’t feel like going very far. Plus, no annoying resort or destination junk fees. It was one of the best hotels I have ever stayed in. The staff is professional and helpful (and the rooms are spotless).
• Know before you go
They have a huge Target on Nicollet Mall, which is very convenient if you need practically anything, like groceries or additional warm clothing if you visit during the colder times of the year. Minneapolis is the home of Target and 22 other Fortune 500 companies.
An amazing skyway system connects all the buildings, so you can get around downtown without ever going outside, which is great during sizzling summer days or during the long, frigid winter.
Take the light rail to the airport. There are no annoying airport surcharges on the bus or light rail fares.
If you feel like libations in your hotel room, Haskell’s Wine and Spirits is nearby on Ninth Street. Picking up some new duds while in Minnesota is always a good idea because the state has no sales tax on clothes.
Put Minneapolis on your list of cities to visit. Pride is every June and can be a great time to visit. The city is full of parks, theaters, an entertaining bar scene and is very welcoming to all.
Bill Malcolm is a syndicated LBGTQ travel columnist who focuses on value. He lives in Indianapolis.
This story is brought to you by Rosedale Health and Wellness and Dudley’s Place.
