Minnesota’s largest city has been a longtime favorite Midwestern destination, but the sleek and sometimes snowy streets of Minneapolis deserve attention from travelers far beyond the region. With a vaunted food and beverage scene, stately lodging options, a celebrated arts tradition, and copious natural beauty, the “city of lakes” shines in every season. Our Midwest expert, Minnesotan born-and-bred travel journalist @katysjoyce, tackles one of her favorite cities in our signature 1, 2, 3, destination guide format. (Be sure to put Minneapolis on your travel bucket list once the world opens up again!)
Best Place To Stay:
Hewing Hotel (@hewinghotel): A Minneapolis fixture, this elegant boutique hotel drips “up north” charm in its stunning urban setting. Pattern and textural play add to the cozy and upscale ambiance, as does the distinctly Scandi sauna. (Pictures #2 & 3)
Best Places To Eat:
Spoon & Stable (@spoonandstable): Elevated North Loop haunt, ensconced within a vintage carriage house. Hometown hero Chef Gavin Kaysen’s award-winning restaurant. (Picture #4)
Hai Hai (@haihaimpls): This celebrated Southeast Asian bar and eatery, with James Beard cred to boot, will delight your senses both with its vibrant decor and flavorful dishes.
Best Places To Visit:
The Chain of Lakes (@minneapolisparks): To get your dose of watery wonder, check out the famous Chain of Lakes in Southwestern Minneapolis. Bike the Grand Rounds, ride the streetcar between Lake Harriet and Bde Maka Ska, or canoe at Lake of the Isles.
Minneapolis Institute of Art (@artsmia): This massive free museum is a highlight in a city renowned for its art scene and features almost 100,000 works of art that span thousands of years. (Picture #5)
Paisley Park (@exploreminnesota): “I like Hollywood. I just like Minneapolis a little bit better”, said Minnesotan musical legend Prince. Tour his massive creative complex known as Paisley Park and be sure to look out for the numerous Prince murals sprinkled around the city. (Picture #6)
