1. Expand your knowledge about Sweden by visiting the American Swedish Institute.
The Turnblad Mansion was completed in 1910 in the West Phillips neighborhood of Minneapolis. It now stands as a museum and cultural center that focuses on the importance of Swedish heritage and its influence in the Midwest. If you haven't visited ASI yet this year, we advise you go for the holidays, when the mansion is covered in Swedish Christmas decorations.
The American Swedish Institute is located at 2600 Park Ave., Minneapolis, MN 55407.
2. Shop local and pick up your produce at the Minneapolis Farmers Market.
Since Minnesota's founding, agriculture has played a critical role in the state's economy. The best way to support farmers in the area is a visit the Minneapolis Farmers Market, and there are several locations to choose from. Markets pop up in Northeast, Downtown, Whittier, Linden Hills, and a variety of other neighborhoods, with the largest market just north of downtown. The farmers market attracts a large number of Minneapolitans annually and you should be one of them.
3. Experience a drag show at The Gay 90s.
Minneapolis has played a very important role in the narrative of LGBTQA and civil rights movements. There are a variety of bars that are celebrated as safe places within the community, and The Gay 90s in downtown Minneapolis is one of these spots. Drag is truly an art form and many have mastered it and perform at this bar any night of the week. It's a show you won't soon forget!
The Gay 90s is located at 408 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis, MN 55401.
4. See a local musician play a show at First Avenue.
Plenty of big acts from around the globe have played at First Avenue on their way to stardom, but it's so incredible to be able to support local musicians in historically cool venues. Jeremy Messersmith, Doomtree, Dessa, Hippocampus, Lizzo, Caroline Smith, The Replacements, Har Mar Superstar, and just about every other local band you can think of has played here, and you can find their names painted in silver stars on the exterior of the building. Minneapolis' music scene is unlike any other in the country.
First Avenue is located at 701 N 1st St., Minneapolis, MN 55403.
5. Walk in a winter wonderland during the Holidazzle.
The Holidazzle was once just an important winter parade in Minneapolis, but in the past three years, it has evolved into a whole festival held in Loring Park. There's ice skating on the pond, a winter market, beautiful lit up scenery, and Santa is surely there to ask if you've been naughty or nice.
The 2017 Holidazzle will take place on Thusdays through Sundays between November 24th and December 24th.
6. Join the Great Minnesota Get-Together at the Minnesota State Fair!
Every August, the Minnesota State Fair comes to town and it's a must-visit for all Twin Cities residents. It's hard to believe that there might be anyone in Minneapolis who hasn't experienced this delightful local attraction. If you can dream it, you can be sure that it's deep fried and on-a-stick at the State Fair. Everyone's favorite? It's a tie between the tasty cheese curds and the freshly baked cookies from Sweet Martha's Cookie Jar.
This year, the Minnesota State Fair opens up on August 24th and will run through September 4th. For more information about tickets, hours, and special events, check out their website
here .
7. Take in the breathtaking beauty of the Washburn Park Water Tower.
For most who live in Minnesota, they know that water towers are usually pretty plain. This beautifully sculpted tower is not. It's a definite must-see in Minneapolis.
The Washburn Park Water Tower is located at 401 Prospect Ave., Minneapolis, MN 55419
8. View Minneapolis like you've never seen it before from the Foshay Tower observation deck.
Have your own Minneapolis version of Ferris Bueller's Day Off. From the 31st floor of the once-tallest tower in Minneapolis, you can experience incredible and unique skyscraper views.
Foshay Tower is located at 821 S Marquette Ave., Minneapolis, MN 55402.
9. Hop on over to Modist Brewing Company.
This brewery is one of the coolest in all of Minneapolis. If you love craft beer, you must visit. There are over 100 breweries in the entire state of Minnesota, so Modist is a great spot to begin. A Modist patron favorite is 'Smoove,' a salted caramel lager that's oh so drinkable.
Modist Brewing is located at 505 N 3rd St., Minneapolis, MN 55401
10. Chase the prettiest waterfall in Minnehaha Park.
The hike to Minnehaha Falls within Minnehaha Park is one of the easiest and most satisfying in the city. In the summer, the falls are constantly running, but in the winter, it freezes over, making the most picture-perfect scenery.
11. Slurp the tastiest pho at Quang Restaurant.
Andrew Zimmern, Minneapolis local and internationally known celebrity chef loves Quang Restaurant on Nicollet. After one slurp of their pho, you'll understand why. The restaurant is entirely unassuming and easy to miss, but the meal you'll have inside will be something you remember forever.
Quang Restaurant is located at 2719 Nicollet Ave., Minneapolis, MN 55408.
12. Contemplate the meaning of art at the Minneapolis Institute of Art.
The Minneapolis Institute of Art is in the top five places to visit in Minneapolis, and with the museum's vast art collection and stunning architecture, it's easy to see why. Whether you have interest in art from varying parts of Asia, Europe, Africa, or the Americas, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
The Minneapolis Institute of Art is located at 2400 3rd Ave S., Minneapolis, MN 55404
13. Visit U.S. Bank Stadium before Minneapolis holds the 2018 Super Bowl!
Minneapolis in February of 2018 is going to be cramped and crowded, as the city is hosting the Super Bowl. While many will continue to hope to see the Vikings play on their home turf, most know just how unlikely that is. Experience the brand new stadium in 2017 before all of the football fanatics go googly-eyed over this attraction early next year.
U.S. Bank Stadium is located at 401 Chicago Ave., Minneapolis, MN 55415
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