Local Attractions
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Whether you are planning a board meeting for 30, a shareholder meeting for 2,500 or a party for 10,000, the Minneapolis Convention Center is equipped with the amenities and services to ensure your event is successful. Between the 475,000 square feet of exhibit space and the 87 meeting rooms, you’ll find the Center’s award-winning Kelber Catering service and technical capabilities are second-to-none.
The Minneapolis-St Paul International Airport (MSP), voted "Best Airport in America" by Travel + Leisure Magazine, is the country’s 14th busiest travel hub with 34 million passengers passing through each year. Compared to other metro areas, only one other U.S. city serves more nonstop markets per capita. The recent arrival of Southwest Airlines offers greater affordability, and MSP’s central location offers a speedy trip (15 – 30 minutes) to the city.
MSP has one airfield with four runways and two terminal buildings - the Terminal 1 (Lindbergh, servicing: Air Canada, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Continental Airlines, Delta Airlines, Frontier Airlines, United Airlines and US Airlines) and Terminal 2 (Humphrey, servicing: Air Tran Airlines, Icelandair, Southwest Airlines and Sun Country Airlines), each with adjoining parking ramp facilities. Travelers who need to transfer from one terminal to the other use the light rail transit service. Trains operate 24 hours a day between terminals. No fare is required between airport stations. There is no pedestrian access between the buildings.
In 2010, MSP served 32 million passengers and accommodated 437,075 landings and takeoffs making it 15th in North America for the number of travelers served and the 12th busiest airfield in the United States.
MSP's 3,400 acres arguably comprise the most valuable economic generator between the St. Croix River and Seattle, supporting more than 150,000 jobs, $10.7 billion in business revenue, $6 billion in personal income, $1.3 billion in local purchases, and $626 million in state and local taxes.
The airport and its leadership have received various awards in numerous categories, including safety, fiscal management, labor relations, legal oversight, snow and ice control, concessions, airport design and development, and marketing and communications.
Most recently, in 2009, Airport Revenue News, the industry leader in airport concession news, awarded MSP its Frequent Traveler Award for the Airport with the Best Retail Stores.
Zoom around town on the Hiawatha Line! Light-rail transit (LRT) connects downtown Minneapolis with the airport, Mall of America and 18 other stations.
Metro Transit operates one of the largest public transportation systems in the country. Riding public transportation is a convenient and inexpensive way to get around. Fares range from $1.75 to $3.00, depending on time of day. If you're already downtown and need to hop a ride a few blocks, the fare is $.50 in the Downtown Zone. Look for buses marked “Free Ride” and pay no fare when boarding along Nicollet Mall or the Minneapolis Convention Center.
Nice Ride is a bike sharing program dedicated to building community around a convenient easy-to-use transportation option that gives residents and visitors a healthy, fun, different way to get around town.
Guthrie Theater
818 South Second Street, Minneapolis, MN 55415
Founded by Sir Tyrone Guthrie and a core of visionary business people, the theater has grown over its three decades to become one of the most respected theaters in the nation.
The historic State, Orpheum, Pantages and New Century Theatres. Top-quality Broadway shows and concerts, established stars.
Leading classical and pop music stars perform year-round at the acoustically-perfect Orchestra Hall, home of the Minnesota Orchestra.
Mill City Museum
704 South 2nd Street, Minneapolis, MN 55401
The story of a mighty river, a young city and how one product - flour - fueled the growth of Minneapolis. Mill City Museum’s 12,000 square feet of exhibit space is packed with fun for visitors of all ages.
Ranked among the top comprehensive U.S. art museums, the Minneapolis Institute of Arts showcases art from all over the world and from every period of human history, with free general admission every day.
Walker Art Center
1750 Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55403
One of the world's premier contemporary art museums and outdoor sculpture gardens, the Walker Art Center features casual and fine dining, theater, cinema, dance and more.
Weisman Art Museum
333 East River Road, Minneapolis, MN 55455
The Weisman Art Museum is an elegant gallery space used for receptions, dinners, special events, lectures or conferences.
Minneapolis means the City of Lakes, but you'll also find a variety of inviting trails and paths, regional parks, neighborhood parks, recreation centers and more. There's so much to see and experience, from the Grand Rounds Parkways, to our enticing Chain of Lakes, plentiful parks, beautiful gardens and activity-filled Recreation Centers. Minneapolis Golf offers five 18-hole championship golf courses, one 9-hole Par 3 golf course, one 9-hole executive golf course, and three driving ranges.
Perfect for Celebrations, Family Outings, Retreats, Bachelor/ette Parties, Fitness, Corporate Outings and Simple Get Away Breaks. ATFS offers spectacular Mississippi River group kayaking tours out of our downtown Minneapolis location! Ever have that Mark Twain dream of spending time on the Mississippi? Well, now’s your chance to explore the River at its most majestic.
metroConnections
1650 West 82nd Street, Suite 125, Minneapolis, MN 55431
metroConnections offers award-winning sightseeing tours for individuals and groups, with English and bilingual speaking step-on guides available.
The 125 passenger Minneapolis Queen offers public tours and private charters on the Mississippi River cruising through historic Downtown Minneapolis departing from Boom Island Park.
Experience a segway on a magical history tour of historic St. Anthony Main, or rent anywhere from two to over 70 segways for corporate events, parties and conventions
Dakota
1010 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN 55403
The Dakota’s inspired menu of innovative regional Midwestern fare paired with the best jazz in the Twin Cities guarantees visitors come for the food, and stay for the music.
City Center
40 South Seventh Street, Minneapolis, MN 55402
City Center, the most connected building downtown, is home to Brooks Brothers, Office Depot, len, Marshall’s and various restaurants including Baja Sol, Au Bon Pain, Greek Grill, Leeann Chin, Fogo de Chao and Starbucks.
Gaviidae Common
555 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN 55402
Gaviidae Common, located on Nicollet Mall between 5th and 7th Streets, offers a wide variety of stores for every shopper including: JUUT Salonspa, Len Druskin Man, Pacifier, Presence, St. Croix Shop, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue Off Fifth, R.F. Moeller Jeweler, Ann Taylor, Talbots, Soleil Brule and JV and Company.
The Crystal Court has a unique collection of apparel, jewelry and gift shops, a wide array of services including banking, and acclaimed restaurants Mission American Kitchen and Bar and Basils.
The heart of Minneapolis, Downtown has enough to keep you coming back night after night. Theaters, restaurants, bars, art galleries…you name it, Downtown has it! Plus, the sports enthusiast will enjoy the possibility of Twins, Timberwolves, Lynx and Vikings games happening throughout the year.
Eat Street puts its best foot forward by telling you what you can expect right in their name. Over 50 destinations occupy this neighborhood for a unique, authentic, and ethnic food experience from independent and family-run businesses. While you're exploring these 17 blocks, enjoy the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, or go climbing at Vertical Endeavors. Take in some theatre and then dine alfresco. Whether your taste is spicy or traditional, Eat Street will definitely leave an impression on your tastebuds.
Minneapolis’ Mill City District is the historic "birthplace of Minneapolis" that celebrates and entertains with an eclectic collection of historic buildings, scenic parks, cultural venues, dining, shopping and lodging. Home to the inspiring St. Anthony Falls on the Mississippi River as a dramatic backdrop, as well as the “Most Explosive Museum in America” in the Mill City Museum. Breezy and tree-lined, this park setting in downtown Minneapolis is the perfect place to unwind, explore and entertain.
Discover “Nordeast,” a neighborhood rich in culture, history and recreation. You can find some of the best bars and delis in the city, as well as mingle on the Historic Mississippi Riverfront. Finally, immerse yourself in the warehouses and factories of the past, now filled to the brim with the galleries of artists who work in a variety of mediums. In the spring and summer, you’ll find art crawls and craft fairs to buy one-of-a-kind Minneapolis gifts.
The Minneapolis Riverfront District is many things to many people. To some it is a giant archaeological find, to others it's a playground of dining and nightlife. And yet to others it is a maze of beautiful parks and trails. Learn about history, relax aboard a paddle boat cruise, sip drinks overlooking the river. No matter what you are into, the Riverfront District has something for you.
Spanning the Mississippi River, the University’s academic core is surrounded by the Frank Gehry-designed Weisman Art Museum, as well as quaint eateries and an energetic nightlife in Dinkytown. Plus, TCF Bank Stadium, Mariucci Arena and Williams Arena offer Top-25 caliber football, basketball and hockey teams.
Follow Hennepin Avenue a few blocks south of downtown and you’ll find the Uptown that Prince sang about. This hip, vibrant neighborhood is home of Jungle Theater, Bryant-Lake Bowl and Lake Calhoun. With late-night dining and an ever-growing nightlife scene, it’s where you’ll want to be.
A nightlife hotspot of Minneapolis, the Warehouse District is filled with glamorous bars and adventurous restaurants just blocks from the Target Center and First Avenue. Sip cocktails at Seven, strut your stuff at the Friday fashion shows at Visage or groove to the mixes at Envy.
Brit’s is a traditional English pub boasting three unique outdoor areas, including the famous 16,000 square-foot English Garden Park. Special facilities are available to accommodate private events of almost any size.
CRAVE
825 Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55402
Crave offers innovative fresh American cuisine and sushi brought to life in a chic and casual environment for a familiar yet unforgettable experience.
At the award-winning Fogo de Chao, authentic Brazilian "gaucho" chefs carve unlimited servings of beef, chicken, lamb and pork right at your table.
Hell's Kitchen
80 South 9th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55402
Winner of multiple restaurant awards, Hell’s Kitchen offers "Damn Good Food" by celebrated chefs. Breakfast, lunch, happy hour, dinner, weekend brunch are on-tap, with private catering/events welcome.
Kieran's Irish Pub
600 Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55403
If you've ever been to Ireland you will feel at home at Kieran’s with their traditional Irish food, live Irish music and a friendly staff. Patio dining is available, and they accommodate banquets of 20 to 150 people.
Market Bar-B-Que
1414 Nicollet Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55403
For over 55 years, Market has been the Twin Cities standard for pit-smoked barbecue, winning "Best" awards from numerous publications. Plus, they offer good service, a full bar, great music and wonderful people watching.
The News Room
990 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN 55403
The 32-foot News Room sailboat bar is surrounded by four newspaper section themed dining rooms. Find great food, drinks and fun at the News Room for brunch, lunch or dinner.
Nye's Polonaise Room
112 Hennepin Avenue East, Minneapolis, MN 55414
Nye’s Polonaise Room is a northeast Minneapolis landmark famous for prime rib, lobster and Polish specialties served in a classic '60s supper-club atmosphere. When you’re done eating, sing along at the piano bar and enjoy the free live music nightly.
The PourHouse
10 South 5th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55402
Prohibition themed restaurant, sports bar & event space located in the historic Lumber Exchange Building. Features 24ft HD screen, state of the art sound, groups up to 700.
Built in 1890, Pracna is the oldest restaurant on the oldest street in town. Their sidewalk cafe overlooking the Mississippi River adds to the allure, and they serve an American menu of steaks, pasta, fish, and specialty sandwiches with twenty distinctive beers.
Seven Sushi
700 Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55403
Seven is a balance of urban chic and sophistication, infused with charm and warmth to create an ambiance of upscale relaxation.
Spoonriver
750 South Second Street, Minneapolis, MN 55401
At South 2nd St. and Chicago Ave., across the plaza from the stunning Guthrie Theater, Spoonriver serves the finest contemporary gourmet natural cuisine from locally produced products.
Wondrous Azian Kitchen
533 Hennepin Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55403
Wondrous Azian Kitchen’s menu is a combination of East meets West, where Peking duck found a place at the table alongside pho and walleye with a jalapeno-basil sauce.
