Minneapolis Attractions

American Swedish Institute - Step into the heart of Swedish America. The American Swedish Institute is a historic house, museum, and cultural center located near downtown Minneapolis. Swedish immigrant newspaperman Swan J. Turnblad founded the Institute in 1929.

Boom Island - Located on the Mississippi River, Boom Island Park is an idyllic park in the center of the city, something few cities can boast of. The park has a biking trail, picnic area and even a dock where you can hop on the Minneapolis Queen for a leisurely riverfront cruise.

Brunswick Zone - Come visit us for all your bowling and arcade fun. At Brunswick, there’s something fun for everyone – bowling, billiards, video games and more. It’s a great way to cut loose and find a smile, so grab your family or a few good friends and get into the good times at Brunswick.

Chain of Lakes - Enjoy lakeside paths for exercise and relaxation, Canoe for nearly two miles from Lake Calhoun to Brownie Lake, Search for the marker at the site of the area's first schoolhouse or Cloudman's village. Step back 50 years in time and ride the Como-Harriet Streetcar Line, Listen to live music at the Lake Harriet Bandshell. Visit the Bird Sanctuary, Rose Gardens and Peace Gardens near Lake Harriet.

Chanhassen Dinner Theatres - We offer a variety of plays and musicals that delight any audience, Enjoy a meal and experience the magic of the Chanhassen Dinner Theatres.

Depot Skating Rink - The Depot Rink is a historic Downtown Minneapolis train shed that now houses a modern-day, indoor rink with floor-to-ceiling glass walls showcasing views of the downtown city skyline.

Historic Fort Snelling - Explore the lives of the soldiers and civilians who called the fort home, learn about the transformation of the fort throughout its history, hear the silent voices of slaves kept in bondage in a free state, and more.

Minnesota History Center - The Minnesota History Center Museum is a must-see for both first time visitors to the Minneapolis area and those curious about the state's past.

Mall of America - Minneapolis may be best known for the Mall of America, an enormous 4.2 million square-foot mall complete with an indoor amusement park. Camp Snoopy, as the park is known has a roller coaster, Ferris wheel and a long floor ride with a 40-foot drop.

Mill City Museum - Built into the ruins of what was once the world’s largest flour mill, Mill City Museum is located on the historic Mississippi Riverfront. We offer plenty of hands-on activities that will teach and amaze children about the history of our city.

Minneapolis Institute of Arts - The Minneapolis Institute of Arts houses more than 80,000 objects from diverse cultural traditions spanning 5,000 years of world history. The museum's free general-admission policy, public programs, classes for children and adults, and award-winning interactive media programs have helped to broaden and deepen this museum's roots in the communities it serves.

Minnehaha Park - The 193-acre park features a 53-foot waterfall, limestone bluffs and river overlooks. The park contains oak, elm, silver maple, basswood, hackberry and cottonwood trees, as well as native and prairie woodland wild flowers.

Minnesota Children's Museum - At Minnesota Children's Museum, kids will have a blast discovering an exciting, adventurous world that arouses their curiosity, increases their understanding, and ignites an appreciation for learning. Come and enjoy this museum with your kids today!

Nickelodeon Universe - Located in the center of Mall of America, Nickelodeon Universe features seven acres of unique attractions and entertainment, including 25 great rides for guests of all ages and courage levels! Meet the Nick characters, experience new rides and attractions, shop exclusive retail and much more!

Stone Arch Bridge - Built in 1882-83 by James J. Hill's Minneapolis Union Railway Company, the Stone Arch Bridge is recognized as a National Civil Engineering Landmark.

The Bakken Museum - A one of a kind museum, exploring the electrical world. Make a 60,000-volt spark with the Wimshurst generator and play the Theremin, the first electronic musical instrument. Don't miss out on this great opportunity to come learn and have some great fun!

The Bell Museum of Natural History - Located on the campus of the University of Minnesota, this museum offers touch and see exhibits. The Bell Museum of Natural History is a portal to experiences that bring people closer to the natural world. It is a small, personable place with big ideas, an historic state treasure, and a landmark destination.

The Minnesota Zoo - The second biggest zoo in the United States, the Minnesota Zoo is home to more than 2,300 animals from five continents, and is breeding ground and habitat to 15 endangered species. Cutting-edge exhibits provide exciting experiences with animals and their habitats introducing guests to species from around the globe.

The Science Museum of Minnesota - The Science Museum's programs combine research and collection facilities, a public science education center, extensive teacher education and school outreach programs, and an Imax Convertible Dome Omnitheater to provide science education to our audience of more than a million people per year.

Minnesota SeaLife Aquarium - Features more than 5,000 sea creatures that you can see and even touch! Come face to face with sea turtles, sharks, stingrays, puffer fish, jellyfish and more in our world famous 300 foot long Tunnel where you are underwater without getting wet!

Valley Fair Amusement Park - The largest in the upper Midwest, Shakopee's Valleyfair Amusement Park includes over 75 rides and attractions on its 90-acre location, just 25 miles southwest of Minneapolis. Get your thrills here.

Walker Art Center - The Walker Art Center is a catalyst for the creative expression of artists and the active engagement of audiences. Focusing on the visual, performing, and media arts of our time, the Walker takes a global, multidisciplinary, and diverse approach to the creation, presentation, interpretation, collection, and preservation of art.