Why You Need To Visit Minneapolis In 2017

Minneapolis, one of the ‘Twin Cities’ of Minnesota, is more than the late Prince’s prized hometown. This city, intersected by the Mississippi River, is known for its many parks, cultural landmarks, eclectic arts scene, and as a long-time center for folk, funk, and alternative rock music; though, it rarely spends much time in the limelight. With 2017 named the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development, there’s no better time to promote tourism to less-visited US cities, with hopes to revive many under-the-radar towns that make America so unique. In 2017, Minneapolis is where it’s at.

It’s full of history

The region where Minneapolis stands was first occupied by Sioux natives; it was discovered by the French in the late 17th century and remained occupied until it was officially acquired by the US in the early 19th century. With the construction of Fort Snelling in 1819, the area became a popular post for merchants and traders, with many settling near Saint Anthony Falls, where most of the power for the mill industry was generated. By the late 1800s, the city was flourishing with a large percentage of America’s grain coming from Minneapolis; it also became known for its thriving performing arts scene – early theaters included the Pence Opera House, Grand Opera House, the Academy of Music, and the Metropolitan Opera House. After struggling through the aftermath of the Depression, the city was revamped in the 1950s with an urban renewal plan that razed several buildings within the city.

It’s a thriving cultural center for music, arts, and theater

The food scene is on point

The city isn’t just for the thespians and the musically inclined; along the streets of downtown, find a number of award-winning restaurants, specialty food stores, and breweries. For a look into what makes Minneapolis so special, head to the North Loop neighborhood, an area filled with young creatives, chic stores, and coffee shops. First-timers can get their hands on fresh produce at the Mill City Farmers’ Market, or grab artisanal cheese and meats at Lowry Hill Meats; there’s also Spoon and Stable, The Bachelor Farmer, Tilia, 112 Eatery, and Butcher & The Boar for the foodies. In the warmer months, seasonal restaurant The Sea Salt Eatery serves fresh seafood between April and October.

With so many year-round festivals, you’ll never get bored

This Twin City is brimming with annual festivals. From film and arts festivals to beer and food fests, there’s plenty of chances to experience Minnesotan culture. Located across the river in Minneapolis’ twin city, the Saint Paul Winter Carnival will be held from Jan. 26th to Feb. 5th. Signature events at the Carnival include the construction of ice palaces, the Disc Golf Ice Bowl, a snowplow competition, ice carving competitions and three large parades.

Another annual winter festival to check out is the City of Lakes Loppet Ski Festival, taking place from Feb. 3rd to 5th in 2017. In addition to the skiing events, the festival also hosts the Luminary Loppet, where ‘luminaries’ are placed in a trail-like sequence around the lake, and visitors receive hot chocolate and treats while they navigate the path. Because, who wouldn’t want to see a winter-themed light installation?

City of Lakes Luminary Loppet, Minneapolis

It’s said to have the best park system in the US

Considered the best-designed and best-maintained park system in America, Minneapolis – with over 15 percent of the city as parkland – boasts beautiful lakes and an unusual landscape filled with wetlands and waterfalls, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. The waterfall in Minnehaha Park in particular provides a serene escape from city life, and during the winter months, when it freezes over, visiting is akin to exploring an urban glacier.

It’s also been named one of the best cities for runners, and with five golf courses, a wildflower garden, and a bird sanctuary located within the city, Minneapolis offers plenty to see and do during the spring and summer months. June 2017 will also see the reopening of the celebrated Minneapolis Sculpture Garden.

It’s a sports destination

A newly established hub for national sporting events, Minneapolis will see several big-time sports events hosted in its downtown next year, including two USA national volleyball tournaments and the 2017-2018 X-Games. A three-hour drive from the city, visitors can also venture to the US Hockey Hall of Fame in Eveleth, northern Minnesota for a unique showcase of the sport’s history. Baseball enthusiasts can take tours of Target Field, home of the Minnesota Twins. And, all football-loving eyes will be on the Vikings in the lead-up to Super Bowl LII, which will be held in Minneapolis in 2018.

Now, do you really need another reason to visit this Minnesota gem?

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.