8 Things to Do in Minneapolis Besides Watch the Super Bowl
In just days the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and Saint Paul will roll out the red carpet to welcome fans to the 52nd annual Super Bowl. Thousands of visitors will flock to the downtown Minneapolis area for the biggest night in football. With no hotel rooms currently available in Minneapolis or Saint Paul, Airbnb hosts are preparing for over 125,000 visitors. However, if you're among those football fans whose beloved team didn't make it to the big game, you may be looking for something more to do. Luckily, Minneapolis is a vibrant city that welcomes its visitors with plenty to explore. Discover all the ways you can make the most of your visit to the Bold North during the 10-day long celebration.
1. Mall of America
Who needs the Super Bowl when shopping at this mall is a sport in itself? Since opening its doors in 1992, the Mall of America has been a leader in retail, entertainment and attractions in Minnesota. Boasting over 520 stores, 60 restaurants, an aquarium and the largest US indoor theme park, this mall in Bloomington, Minnesota is one of the top tourist destinations in the country. While you can't expect to experience everything in one trip, be one of the 40 million visitors each year (12,000 visitors per day) to indulge in the endless options to shop till you drop — literally.
2. Mill City Museum
Explore Minneapolis' industrial past at the Mill City Museum, one of the only major institutions dedicated to the early milling industry in the US. Housed in what was once the world's largest flour mill, this museum offers galleries and features historical artifacts and interactive exhibits for visitors to enjoy such as the flour tower ride and baking lab. Tourists and locals alike deem this museum one of the best places to experience the city's history. After a day of learning, head up to the observation deck to catch a panorama of the Mississippi River, Saint Anthony Falls and Stone Arch Bridge.
3. Guthrie Theater
After your visit to the Mill City Museum, consider a trip to the historic Guthrie Theater. Also located on the banks of the Mississippi River, you'll find one the city's most renowned and beloved theaters. The Guthrie Theater opened in 1963 with a production of Hamlet directed by Sir Tyrone Guthrie, the theater's founder. Since then, this classic playhouse has produced some critically-acclaimed playwrights and has made a name for itself with high praise from generations of visitors. Round out the Guthrie experience with a magnificent view of the Mississippi River from the museum's 178-foot cantilever bridge known as the "Endless Bridge."
4. Walker Art Center
Even if you're not a cultural enthusiast or art buff, a trip to the Walker Art Center is definitely worth a visit. Known for its diverse collection of contemporary art, this museum houses a variety of films, books and arts from early 20th century to the present. Not to be confined to its indoor attractions, the museum's biggest draw is the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, the largest urban sculpture park in the country. Since opening in 1988, the garden has showcased more than 40 works from the Walker Art Center's collection. Stroll through the 11-acre garden and catch a glimpse of the iconic Spoonbridge and Cherry sculpture and fountain — you won't regret it.
5. Chain of Lakes
Most big cities boast about their towering skyscrapers, but no other city can rival Minneapolis' scenic lakes and parks. Appropriately dubbed the "City of Lakes," Minneapolis has 22 lakes, with the largest located in the southern part of the city. Situated southwest of downtown Minneapolis, the Chain of Lakes — Cedar Lake, Lake of the Isles, Lake Calhoun and Lake Harriet — are most popular for ice skating and ice fishing, although open to visitors year round. Whether you're taking a spin on the ice or watching pond hockey, the Minneapolis Chain of Lakes offers a great outdoor and scenic escape.
6. Minnehaha Park
Overlooking the Mississippi River, Minnehaha Park is one of Minneapolis' oldest and most popular parks. More than 850,000 visitors each year travel near and far to venture through the 167-acre park. With more than three miles of trails, you can easily find a place to enjoy the scenic byway, which includes the park's most-visited attraction, the Minnehaha falls. In the winter, the fall freezes and creates a frozen cave which is easily accessible by foot.
7. Weisman Art Museum
The Weisman Art Museum is a wonderfully intimate art museum founded (and financed) by philanthropist Frederick R. Weisman. Exhibited on seven floors, the museum contains more than 25,000 works of contemporary art. Here, you'll find pieces by famed artists Andy Warhol, Georgia O'Keeffe and Roy Lichtenstein, in addition to an impressive permanent collection of ceramics and Korean furniture. The Weisman Art Museum can be found nestled in the University of Minnesota campus.
8. Minnesota Zoo
If you're interested in learning more about animals native to the state, plan on visiting the Minnesota Zoo. This 485-acre zoo in Apple Valley, Minnesota houses more than 5,300 animals and 268 species — 38 of which are endangered. Perhaps the best time to visit the zoo this year is Feb. 17 – Mar. 11 for the annual Tropical Beach Party. There, families can escape the cold and warm up as they explore the wildlife at the Minnesota Zoo.
Featured photo of Mills Ruins Park, Minneapolis, MN. (Photo by @gccooper_ via Twenty20)
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| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits.Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits.Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.