How To Spend 24 Hours In Minneapolis MN

Since this year’s Super Bowl, Minneapolis has made its way onto travelers’ radars (and for good reason). Artsy warehouse districts, award-winning cuisine, and breathtaking waterways are just a few of the things that make this Midwestern city a hidden gem. With only 24 hours, it’s difficult to experience all the City of Lakes has to offer, but with this guide, you’ll uncover the prime destinations that give Minneapolis its charm.

1. Wake up at Hotel Alma

Boutique Hotel

Greet the morning among hand-woven blankets and locally crafted white oak furniture in one of Hotel Alma’s seven unique guest rooms. A short walk from the city center, Alma encompasses the charm of Minneapolis’ first neighborhood, and the location of the city’s up and coming destinations. The James Beard semifinalist, Restaurant Alma, sits on the hotel’s ground level in case guests get hungry during their stay, and the hotel’s cafe offers the finest local coffee selections – the perfect way to start a day before exploring the city.

2. Run around the Chain of Lakes

Hiking Trail

Head South for the morning to explore Minneapolis’ Chain of Lakes, a paradise for any biker, runner, or kayaker. Connected by a number of pedestrian paths, the lakes offer an escape from their urban surroundings. Take a break to lounge under Lake of the Isles’ massive weeping willows, or stroll the pathways of Lyndale Rose Garden overlooking Lake Harriet. With 50 miles of parkway, it’s no wonder Minneapolis was named the fittest city in America.

3. Eat breakfast at The Lynhall

Cafe, Restaurant, American

Visit the The Lynhall for a post-workout reward. This counter service restaurant has the atmosphere of a local coffee shop, and the menu of a five-star restaurant. Benedicts, tartines, hash; deciding what to order may be the the most difficult part of this trip. But wait, don’t get too full, their house-made pastries and tarts make for the perfect dessert.

5. Admire the city atop the Guthrie Theater

Theater

Head north to the city center and make a quick stop at the Guthrie. This famous theater is known for more than the fabulous performances it showcases – its fourth floor boasts the Endless Bridge, an observatory overlooking the Mississippi River and old mill district ruins. Among the many spectacles to be seen from the deck: A neon Pillsbury sign from the 1940s, and a pedestrian bridge built as a Mississippi railway crossing in 1881.

6. Uncover history at the Mill City Museum

Museum, Ruins

Step back in time and visit a Minneapolis that was once the “flour milling capital of the world.” Neighboring the Guthrie, the Mill City Museum stands within the ruins of the Washburn A Flour Mill, destroyed by an explosion in 1878. Now, the ruins host Minneapolis’ most fascinating learning experience, and the most beautiful landmark in the city.

7. Grab a beer at Modist Brewing

Craft Ale Bar, Pub Grub

Downtown’s North Loop district was once an industrial warehouse neighborhood. Now, microbreweries, art galleries, and boutiques crowd the streets. In one of these historical buildings sits Modist, representing everything good Minnesotan beer is: Hoppy, malty, and delicious. Enjoy a tasting flight or go behind the scenes with a brewery tour to learn about the crafting process. With over 70 breweries in the city, these guys know what they’re doing.

8. Stroll along the Mississippi River

Natural Feature

Experience the mighty Mississippi along the West River Parkway. Stretching almost nine miles throughout the city, the trail offers the best river views Minneapolis has to offer. Near the old mill district, St. Anthony Falls attracts visitors from across the world. Used as a source of power for mills in the 1700s and 1800s, the falls have been a crucial aspect of the metropolis’ history. They now offer a gathering point for those interested in the river’s history and culture, a must-see for history buffs and nature enthusiasts alike.

9. Grab a nightcap at Young Joni's Back Bar

Bar, Italian

End your night across the Mississippi in Minneapolis’ arts district. Young Joni has been hailed as one of the city’s best new restaurants – but tonight, you won’t be dining. Head to the alley bordering the restaurant to find an inconspicuous door leading to a secret back bar. The speakeasy-style joint has fabulous cocktails, and award-winning pizza from the connected restaurant if you need a midnight snack.

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.