What to Do on a Layover in Minneapolis, Minnesota
When you have a layover in Minneapolis, consider yourself lucky! Sure, it can sometimes feel like a drag when you have extra time between flights; however, there’s a lot to do in Minneapolis that you can fit into a short amount of time. With these suggestions, you’ll be able to make the most of your layover and be back through security before your plane boards.
If you have three hours...
If you have three hours…
You have time for a quick trip to the Mall of America if you have about three hours between flights. The Mall of America, often called MOA by locals, is only a few miles from the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. The mall opened in the 1990s, and it has about 40 million visitors each year. The facility is one of the largest malls in the United States, and the largest one if you count floor size. With more than 500 stores and the Nickelodeon Universe theme park, you’ll wish your layover was longer. To get there from the airport, either catch an Uber, local taxi or take the Light Rail Transit.
Mall of America, 60 E Broadway, Bloomington, MN, USA, +1 952 883 8800
Avatar Airbender roller coaster at Nickelodeon Universe | Courtesy of Mall of America
If you have five hours…
Beat the airport blues and get outdoors. If you have a five-hour layover in Minneapolis, consider visiting the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge. It’s close to the airport and accessible by taking the Metro Transit. The refuge is along the Minnesota River, and it was formed to provide habitat for the migratory waterfowl, fish, and other species threatened by commercial and industrial development. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service set aside more than 14,000 acres of land for wildlife and wildlife-dependent recreation. At no cost, you can learn about the multiple habitats within the refuge at its two visitor centers, and witness nature by bird-watching, biking, hiking, fishing, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing.
Destinations Unlocked:
Let our travel expert Stefano help you find your perfect Culture tripLooking for an expert's perspective?
Uncover my top 3 recommended places from each continent on the map.
CentralAmerica
1. Guatemala
An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.Next
CentralAmerica
2. Belize
A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea. Next
CentralAmerica
3. Mexico
An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different. SouthAmerica
1. Ecuador
A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.Next
SouthAmerica
2. Peru
An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon. Europe
1. Italy
The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.Next
Europe
2. Scotland
Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers. Next
Europe
3. Portugal
A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers. Asia
1. South Korea
Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.Next
Asia
2. Thailand
From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise. Next
Asia
3. Sri Lanka
A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great price Africa
1. Morocco
An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!Next
Africa
2. Egypt
From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt. Next
If you have seven hours...
If you have seven hours…
Seven hours is just enough time to make it to downtown Minneapolis for a little sightseeing. Check out the Walker Art Center, a world-class multidisciplinary and contemporary art center that is home to the popular Minneapolis Sculpture Garden. Plan to spend about two hours at the Art Center and approximately 1.5 hours at the Sculpture Garden. You can get there via the Metro Transit. Once you’re done, you can snag dinner at Cafe Lurcat. The restaurant offers American cuisine and is known for having one of the best summer patios, the best burgers, and the best wine bar in the Twin Cities. Make sure to reserve a table before you go.
Walker Art Center and Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, 725 Vineland Place, Minneapolis, MN, USA, +1 612 375 7600
Spoonbridge and Cherry at Minnesota Sculpture Garden | © Paul VanDerWerf / Flickr
If you have twelve hours
If you have twelve hours
The longer the layover, the more you can enjoy Minneapolis. Take the Metro Transit’s Blue Line to Minnehaha Regional Park. It’s one of the city’s oldest and most popular parks, with a 53-foot (16-meter) waterfall that’s the main attraction. Experience limestone bluffs and river outlooks as one of the park’s 850,000 annual guests. When it’s warm, you can walk, bike, play disc golf and enjoy the garden and wading pool, or you can play with pups at the Minnehaha Dog Park. And when it’s cold, the waterfall freezes, making for a beautiful sight. There’s a Punch Neapolitan Pizza nearby, which is a pizza place popular with locals. If you still have time, check out the John H. Stevens House Museum to explore local history or grab a drink at Venn Brewing Company before heading back to the airport.
Minnehaha Regional Park, 4801 S Minnehaha Dr, Minneapolis, MN, USA, +1 612 230 6400
Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip
meet our Local Insider
Hanna
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?
2 years.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?
It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.
WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?
I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!
Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.
KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?
Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world
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.
