Welcome to the Land of 10,000 Lakes!
The Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul are two major cities located across from each other along the Mississippi River. The Twin Cities are rich in culture, history, natural beauty, outdoor recreation, family fun, and known for some of the Midwest’s best food, art, and music scenes.
Here is a our list of favorite things to do in the Twin Cities! Enjoy!
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Our onboard snack bar serves beer, wine, lemonade, soda, coffee, candy, chips, and sandwiches. Pre-order a River Rock Meal to add to your trip or grab a pizza or sandwich at our River Rock Patio before boarding the boat.
We do not allow outside food to be brought onboard, but if you have a personal water bottle you want to bring, that is okay.
Our onboard snack bar serves beer, wine, lemonade, soda, coffee, candy, chips, and sandwiches. Pre-order a River Rock Meal to add to your trip or grab a pizza or sandwich at our River Rock Patio before boarding the boat.
We do not allow outside food to be brought onboard, but if you have a personal water bottle you want to bring, that is okay.
Shop Photography Prints:
1. Minnesota State Capitol
The Minnesota State Capitol in St. Paul is one of the most impressive and beautiful buildings in Minnesota. Join a free guided tour!
Related blog posts: Spring in the Twin Cities, Minnesota; Minnesota State Capitol in St. Paul, Minnesota
2. Walker Art Center & Sculpture Garden
Spoonbridge and Cherry is a fountain and sculpture by husband-wife artists Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen. It is the centerpiece of the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, which sits adjacent to the Walker Art Center. The giant spoon and cherry fountain has become an icon for Minneapolis since it’s installation in the 1980’s. Free museum admission every Thursday night 5-9pm. Sculpture garden is always free and open to the public.
Related blog posts: The Walker Art Center & Sculpture Garden in Minneapolis, Minnesota
3. Stone Arch Bridge
Stone Arch Bridge is a pedestrian and bike trail that connects the east and west banks of the Mississippi River. It was built in 1882 by James J. Hill’s Minneapolis Union Railway Company. The bridge is now a popular place to walk, bike, and enjoy the views of St Anthony Falls on the Mighty Mississippi and the Minneapolis skyline. Access to the bridge is free and open to the public.
Related blog posts: The Mills District in Minneapolis, Minnesota; Foshay Tower & Observation Deck in Minneapolis, Minnesota
4. Chain of Lakes
The Chain of Lakes and Grand Rounds Scenic Byway is a popular destination for walking, biking, swimming, and boating. Green parks, bike trails, and walking paths surround the lakes while fishing, wind surfing, swimming, sailing, canoeing, and paddle boarding are all popular activities among summertime visitors. The Chain of Lakes draws millions of visitors each year making it the second most popular visitor destination after the Mall of America. Access is free and open to the public.
Related blog posts: Chain of Lakes in Minneapolis, Minnesota; Lake of the Isles in Minneapolis, Minnesota
5. Mall of America
Mall of America is the largest shopping mall in the United States with over 520 retail stores, 50 dining option, the nation’s largest indoor amusement park, and the state’s largest aquarium with a 300 ft underwater shark tunnel. Children 1 and under visit the aquarium for free.
Related blog posts: Mall of America, Minnesota
6. Minnehaha Falls
Minnehaha Falls is a 53 ft waterfall in Minneapolis surrounded by 193 acres of parkland. The waterfall is one of Minnesota’s most beloved sights and famous for its natural beauty any time of year, historical significance, and convenient location right in the heart of the city. The park and waterfall is free to all visitors.
Related blog posts: Spring in the Twin Cities, Minnesota
7. Como Zoo & Conservatory
Como Zoo & Conservatory in St. Paul is home to one of the few remaining glass-domed Victorian-style gardens in the U.S. The conservatory was built in 1915 by a Como Park gardener who became St. Paul Park Superintendent and who as a young man worked at London’s Kew Gardens. Admission is free every day of the year.
Related blog posts: Minnesota’s Como Zoo & Conservatory: Winter Flower Show
8. Minneapolis Institute of Art
The Minneapolis Institute of Arts (MIA) features an impressive collection of paintings, photographs, prints, drawings, textiles, architecture, and decorative arts. With approximately 80,000 objects spanning 5,000 years of world history, the MIA is considered one of the best free museums and houses “one of the finest and most comprehensive Asian art collections in the country.” Admission is always free and open Tuesday-Sunday.
Related blog posts: Minneapolis Institute of Art: Scavenger Hunt with Kids; Celebrating Valentine’s Day at the Minneapolis Institute of Hearts, Minnesota; Sandro Botticelli at the Minneapolis Institute of Art, Minnesota; Minneapolis Institute of Art, Minnesota
9. Summit Avenue
The iconic street of Summit Avenue is home to the longest stretch of Victorian-era homes in the United States including F. Scott Fitzgerald’s house. The Cathedral of Saint Paul stands at the intersection of Summit Avenue and Selby Avenue.
Related blog posts: Spring in the Twin Cities, Minnesota
10. Minnesota History Center
The Minnesota History Center is an award winning museum all about Minnesota with interactive exhibits for all ages. The building itself is beautiful with views of the Minnesota State Capitol. Free admission every Thursday night 4-8pm.
11. Science Museum of Minnesota
The Science Museum of Minnesota features impressive hands-on exhibits, interactive galleries, and an IMAX Dome Omnitheater. The museum has a collection of nearly 2 million artifacts and fossils. Admission for children 3 and under is free.
Related blog posts: Science Museum of Minnesota
12. Minnesota Children's Museum
The Minnesota Children’s Museum features three floors and 65,000 square feet of interactive exhibits and programs. Open-ended and self-directed experiences are perfect for little ones. Free admission the first Sunday of each month.
Related blog posts: Minnesota’s Children Museum in St. Paul, Minnesota
13. Bell Museum
The Bell Museum is located on the University of Minnesota’s St. Paul campus and is the state’s official natural history museum and planetarium. Children 2 and under visit free.
14. Minnesota State Fair
The Minnesota State Fair is also known as “The Great Minnesota Get-Together”. It is one of Minnesota’s best end-of-summer traditions and held over the 12 days leading up to and through Labor Day each year. Over a million visitors are welcomed every year to enjoy 20,000 animals, 900 shows, 500 foods, 30 carnival rides and more! Children 4 and under are always free.
Related blog posts: 12 Things To Do at The Minnesota State Fair
15. Weisman Art Museum
Overlooking the Mississippi River on the University of Minnesota’s Twin Cities campus, the Weisman Art Museum is known for its striking Frank Gehry-designed exterior. The museum features over 30,000 works of art. All are welcome and admission is always free.
Related blog posts: Weisman Art Museum, Minneapolis, Minnesota
16. Guthrie Theater
Enjoy a theater experience, view the Mississippi River and St. Anthony Falls from the Endless Bridge, or visit the iconic Amber Room. The building’s public spaces, including the Amber Room, are free and open to visitors.
Related blog posts: The Mills District in Minneapolis, Minnesota
17. Hennepin Arts
Hennepin Arts owns and manages the historic theater district in downtown Minneapolis. The Twin Cities has a vibrant theater scene and boasts one of the nation’s highest number of theater tickets sold per capita.
Related blog posts: Back to the Future: The Musical at Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis, Minnesota
18. Minnesota Twins MLB Baseball
Enjoy a Twins game at Target Field with unbeatable views of the Minneapolis skyline.
Related blog posts: Minnesota Twins at Target Field, Minneapolis
19. Minnesota Timberwolves NBA Basketball
We love the T-wolves! Minnesota’s NBA team plays at the Target Center in downtown Minneapolis.
Related blog posts: Club Suite at the Minnesota Timberwolves, Minneapolis
20. Vikings NFL Football
Located in downtown Minneapolis, U.S. Bank Stadium is best known as the home of the NFL’s Minnesota Vikings. The multipurpose venue has a seating capacity of about 66,000.
Related blog posts: Foshay Tower & Observation Deck in Minneapolis, Minnesota; Super Bowl LII in Minneapolis, Minnesota
21. Fort Snelling National Cemetery
Fort Snelling National Cemetery is located in Minneapolis. It is Minnesota’s only national cemetery and was dedicated on July 14, 1939. Free and open to all visitors.
Related blog posts: Fort Snelling National Cemetery on Memorial Day in Minneapolis, Minnesota
22. Nicollet Island
Nicollet Island is located in the middle of the Mississippi River near downtown Minneapolis. It is the site of the first bridge across the Mississippi River which opened in 1855.
Related blog posts: Nicollet Island in Minneapolis, Minnesota
23. Lake Harriet Band Shell
Lake Harriet Band Shell in Minneapolis is an iconic and picturesque summer destination. Located on the beautiful lakeshore of the Chain of Lakes, this historic band shell hosts free music concerts, movies, and events in the park all summer long.
Related blog posts: Spring in the Twin Cities, Minnesota
24. University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
Open year-round, the University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is known for its beautiful gardens, trails, and seasonal events and displays. Children 15 and under receive free daily admission when accompanied by an adult.
Related blog posts: University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
25. Minnesota Zoo Apple Valley
Minnesota Zoo in Apple Valley is home to more than 4,500 animals. The zoo is open year-round with fun seasonal events and a woodland adventure nature-based playground and splash pad. Children 2 and under get in free.
Related blog posts: Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular at the Minnesota Zoo
26. Tamarack Nature Center
Tamarack Nature Center is a 320 acre preserve with trails and an outdoor play area for kids to climb, dig, splash, and play! Access is free and open to the public.
Related blog posts: Tamarack Nature Center, Minnesota
27. Saint Paul Farmer's Market
Established in 1854, the Saint Paul Farmers’ Market is Minnesota’s oldest. It is a bustling, 100% grower-and-maker-only marketplace located in Lowertown. Featuring fresh produce, locally raised meats, cheeses, and flowers, all sourced from within 100 miles of the city.
Related blog posts: Saint Paul Farmer’s Market, Minnesota
28. Hmong Market
St. Paul is home to two large and vibrant Hmong markets. Over 200 vendors offer traditional street food, fresh imported produce, and handmade clothing and products. Minnesota has one of the largest Hmong communities outside Asia.
Related blog posts: Hmong Market in St. Paul, Minnesota
29. Twin Cities Book Festival
The Twin Cities is one of the most literate metro areas in the United States. There is a thriving literary scene including fantastic libraries, literary events, major publishers, literary organizations, and a great abundance of highly acclaimed independent bookstores. Find them throughout the Twin Cities or all in one place at the annual Twin Cities Book Festival. Festival admission is free to all visitors.
Related blog posts: Twin Cities Book Festival, Minnesota
30. Saint Paul Public Library & Former James J. Hill Reference Library
In 1912, railroad baron James J. Hill made a significant contribution towards the construction and endowment of a reference library attached to the public library in St. Paul. The building was designed in the Italian Renaissance style using pink Tennessee marble. In 2019 the library was closed permanently and the historic space is now a premier event center.
Related blog posts: Saint Paul Public Library & Former James J. Hill Library, Minnesota
31. Dodge Nature Center
Dodge Nature Center provides environmental and agricultural experiences for thousands of people of all ages every year across four properties on 460 acres of nature preserve. There are school and public programs, camps, community events, a nature-based preschool, community gardens, model farms, and a bee apiary. Hiking trails are free and open to the public sunrise to sunset every day of the year.
Related blog posts: Dodge Nature Center, Minnesota
32. Lake Minnetonka
Summer fishing or ice fishing, Lake Minnetonka is always a good time. Our favorite fishing guide service, Tonka West Guides, are experts and provide all the fishing equipment including boat, poles, bait, and life jackets for summer or warmed ice house and drilled holes in winter.
Related blog posts: Ice Fishing on Lake Minnetonka, Minnesota; Summer Fishing on Lake Minnetonka
33. State Parks
Minnesota has 64 state parks that attract over 10 million visitors each year. There are 6 official state parks located within or immediately bordering the Twin Cities ideal for camping, hiking, biking, snowshoeing, skiing, fishing, and more. Vehicle permit fees apply.
Related blog posts: Camping Under the Northern Lights at Afton State Park, Minnesota; Interstate State Park in Minnesota/Wisconsin; Glacial Potholes at Interstate State Park in Wisconsin/Minnesota;
34. Historic Stillwater
Stillwater is known as the Birthplace of Minnesota and was voted one of America’s Most Picturesque Towns by USA Today Travel. The charming river town is a premier destination for dining, shopping, festivals, and outdoor recreation all year round.
Related blog posts: Historic Walking Tour in Downtown Stillwater, Minnesota; Stillwater River Boat Cruise in Minnesota; July 4th in Stillwater, Minnesota; Colorful Lights at the World Snow Sculpting Championships in Stillwater, Minnesota; Apple Picking at the Orchard in Stillwater, Minnesota; Giant Pumpkin Drop in Stillwater, Minnesota; Pumpkin Regatta in Stillwater, Minnesota; Wintertime Lights and Display in Stillwater, Minnesota; Ice Palace Maze in Stillwater, Minnesota
35. Great Wolf Lodge
Great Wolf Lodge is an indoor water park resort minutes from Mall of America. Enjoy their massive indoor water park, daily family activities, and North Woods-themed rooms with bunk beds.
36. Ice Maze
Building giant ice structures has been a Minnesota tradition since the 1880’s. Large scale ice mazes gained popularity in Stillwater and have grown to become popular winter destinations featuring ice slides, ice sculptures, colorful LED lights, fire pits, and hot cocoa. Minnesota holds the current Guinness World Records title for largest ice maze ever built.
Related blog posts: Ice Palace Maze in Stillwater, Minnesota
37. Snake Discovery
Snake Discovery is a highly interactive reptile zoo featuring over 75 exhibits showcasing exotic and native reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates. Children 2 and under visit for free.
38. Downhill & Cross Country Skiing
The Twin Cities and surrounding areas offer fantastic winter recreation, featuring over 1,100 miles of groomed cross-country trails and nearly 20 downhill ski areas.
39. Bob Dylan Mural
The impressive five-story Bob Dylan mural located in downtown Minneapolis was painted by Brazilian street artist Eduardo Kobra and represents three stages of Bob Dylan’s music career.
Related blog posts: Author Preschool Visit in Minneapolis, Minnesota
40. Murray's Restaurant
Murray’s Restaurant is a Twin Cities legend famous for their award-winning Silver Butter Knife Steak. Founded in 1946 it has been a Minneapolis staple and family-owned business for generations.
Related blog posts: New Year’s Eve at Murray’s Restaurant in Minneapolis, Minnesota
41. Minnesota Orchestra
The Minnesota Orchestra is a world-class Grammy-winning ensemble. They perform over 175 concerts annually, primarily at Orchestra Hall in downtown Minneapolis and tour regularly throughout Minnesota, nationally, and abroad. The Minnesota Orchestra offers a week of free outdoor performances as an annual thank-you to the community.
Related blog posts: Summer Concerts in the Park in Hudson, Wisconsin
42. Foshay Tower & Observation Deck
The Foshay Tower is a 1929 Art Deco landmark in downtown Minneapolis. It was once the tallest building in the Midwest. It is now a luxury hotel, historical museum, and public 30th floor observation deck.
Related blog posts: Foshay Tower & Observation Deck in Minneapolis, Minnesota
