10 Amazing Things To Do And See In North Loop, Minneapolis

Residents from all over the Twin Cities frequent the long-standing tradition of the Minneapolis Farmers Market located in the North Loop. The first market of that area opened in 1876 and has continued ever since with the newest Lyndale Market opening in 1937. Surrounded by three iconic red sheds, the market provides the freshest, most organic, and a nearby source of produce that attracts even those outside of the neighborhood. With 170 stalls and 230 vendors, there’s something there for everyone.

Built in 2007, Target Field of Minneapolis is home to the Minnesota Twins major league baseball team. It also hosts performances such as Kenny Chesney, which had a record attendance of 44,152 guests, and Paul McCartney in 2014. This was his fifth Minnesota concert. The field is open-air and has won the LEED Silver Certification by the US Green Building Council, only the second sports stadium in the US to be awarded such a certificate.

Minneapolis and more specifically the North Loop was voted one of the most bike-friendly neighborhoods in the US, and for good reason. With cycle shops and bike trails around every corner, there’s plenty of ways to get your hands on some wheels and take them out for a spin. Check out Chrome Industries, a retail store specializing in everything bicycle-related. Find your new pair of biking shoes, trendy cycling gear, or bike-friendly bags.

If you wish to stay indoors, check out the Traffic Zone Center for Visual Art. Located in the Warehouse Zone, there’s an artist co-operative, founded in 1993. Created as a sort of safe space for mid-career artists, there are currently 23 members who work together to create a diverse and unique gallery. There’s always something new to see and in 2015, there were eight different gallery sets.

The men’s section of department stores can often be lackluster and monotonous, so try MartinPatrick 3, a unique men’s clothing store with a diverse selection and fresh style. It doesn’t stop at just clothing, though. They also sell men’s apothecary items, accessories, bags, and technology. It’s the trendy one-stop-shop for you or the important man in your life.

Biking and shopping lead to an appetite and Spoon and Stable know how to help in that department. This North Loop staple focuses on midwestern cuisine and local flavors. Housed in a renovated horse stable and operated by chef Gavin Kaysen, the menu is based on what is currently in season in the area. For autumn, diners can expect to find cuisine such as grilled wild acres pheasant, which consists of wild rice, pears, foie gras, parsnips and natural jus; or there’s the exquisite 50-day-aged Peterson beef ribeye for two, which includes broccolini, pommes lyonnaiseand black truffle jus.

At Moose and Sadie’s, guests will find that every menu item is made from scratch whether you order the quiche of the day for breakfast or their weekly special of spaghetti and meatballs, which consists of Fischer Farm pork, local beef meatballs with marinara sauce, parmesan Reggiano, and a baguette. Besides the handmade aspect, you’ll also find that the owners operate on what they call their ‘own standards of eating and drinking well’ and they do their best to find organic and locally sourced ingredients to work with.

Cave Paper is a great place to find a gift for the person who has everything, even if that person is you. Specializing in handmade paper, they have been chosen as the material for books, art exhibitions, and publications of all varieties. Named because of their basement and cave-like location, they take an age-old necessity and make it new and modern again.

James and Mary Laurie is home to over 120,000 volumes of personally selected books and publications as well as more than 30,000 records and types of vinyl. Founded in 1969, the bookstore is a part of the Antiquarian Booksellers Association of America. Browse the many categories online or in store for an enveloping print experience. In addition to books, visitors can find retro or vintage posters and art prints to buy as well, so this is an ideal spot for those who are interested in either/or books, art, and interior design.

If the North Loop puts you in a loving state of mind, check out Filigree Jewelers for a one-of-a-kind engagement ring, or for other special stones, whether it be new or antique. The family business began back in 1923, giving them a long history of finding the best jewels and most unique pieces, both young and old. They also specialize in estate and fine jewelry. Even if you won’t be frequenting the North Loop location, you can build a relationship with the store to find the right piece for you or someone you love. By Sarah Russek