Lake Harriet
Lake Harriet ranks highly on any Minneapolis resident’s list of favorite lakes in the city for good reason. Located on the southern end of Linden Hills, this lake is one of the most peaceful in the Twin Cities area. Surrounded by expansive running trails, shady forest, and paved sidewalks, Lake Harriet is a nice spot during all seasons to relax and take in nature. Make sure to look for performances at the bandshell and for bike rentals.
43rd St W and E Lake Harriet Blvd, Minneapolis, MN (612) 230-6475
Wild Rumpus
This eclectic bookstore is known for its wide variety of books, from adult fiction to fantasy, but is especially highly regarded for its children’s section. With resident cats and chickens wandering between the bookshelves, poetry readings, and murals on the ceiling, Wild Rumpus Books is a magical and unique store for children and adults alike.
2720 W 43rd St, Minneapolis, MN (612) 920-5005
Bibelot
This store is not your typical gift shop. At Bibelot, gifts made in Minnesota include beer-scented soap, Minnesotan cookbooks, and trinkets of all kinds. For cheaper fare, take a gander at handmade gift cards and wrapping paper. You’ll never have the need (or desire) to visit the airport gift store again after visiting Bibelot.
4315 Upton Ave S Minneapolis, MN (612) 925-3175
Twiggs Home & Garden
Located a short walk from Lake Harriet, this whimsical yet chic shop has indoor and outdoor decor, jewelry, and other beautiful objects that make for perfect window shopping. Twiggs Home & Garden is full of lush vegetation, which can be a great respite from infamously long, cold, and dark Minnesota winters.
4301 Upton Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 612) 823-8944
Lyndale Park Rose Garden
Just between Lake Calhoun and Lake Harriet, Lyndale Park Rose Garden is glorious during many times of year. From early morning strolls carrying coffee with blooming cherry blossom trees in May to the main attraction of roses in mid-June, visitors here will find winding trails and gorgeous vistas everywhere they look. Don’t miss the Japanese zen garden nearby.
Linden Hills Farmers’ Market
Small in size but large in fresh, local food options, this farmers’ market is also a great place to find local food trucks and vendors selling specialty foods. Falafel, Indian food, and Red Wagon pizza take center-stage alongside dozens of different varieties of strawberries and free yoga every Sunday morning and afternoon.
2813 W 43rd St, Minneapolis, MN (612) 516-2163
Minnesota Streetcar Museum
Linden Hills pays homage to its heritage as a streetcar suburb of downtown Minneapolis by hosting this historical museum. The museum offers affordable streetcar rides in vintage vehicles around the neighborhood, with tour guides sharing stories about the history of the Minneapolis area. The streetcar is also a handy and scenic way of getting from Lake Calhoun to Lake Harriet.