normanbates

hi. we are 3 people from norway who are going to minneapolis in april. one of us are going to visit family, the two others are staying in downtown minneapolis. what do you think is a must see? we are open to anything. any ok pubs that we can go out for a beer or two?

angethereader

Where in downtown are they staying? There is lots to do in Minneapolis, and lots of bars. All buildings are now non smoking, and there is no alcohol sold in Sundays.
Another thing we found out over Thanksgiving weekend is to buy beer from a liquor store. Any other place will be selling lower alcohol beer. I found it very weird.

Ackislander

Well, prepare to enjoy drinking because by Norwegian standards, prices are laughably low.

You should see both art museums, the downtown public library, and the Guthrie theater, all new by famous architects and all with interesting collections.

See a play at the Guthrie. Try to hear the symphony; even though the conductor is a Finn (Osmo Vanska), it is becoming one of the best symphonies in the US and doing world-class recording.

canyonjane

One destination that I would highly recommend for you to visit is the American Swedish Institute in Minneapolis which prides itself on including other Scandinavian countries in its Christmas celebrations and perhaps in other activities during the year. It's an amazing organization that portrays the story of emigrants to the United States and sponsors an impressive array of programs.

Here is the website:
www.americanswedishinst.org

I checked Garrison Keillor's schedule, but unfortunately, he will be in New York City in April for his live broadcasts and not in St. Paul.

Jane

MollyM

You should definitely spend time in Uptown/Lake Calhoun. The weather will just be turning nice, and a walk around the lake is a great way to take advantage. The uptown area has (in my opinion) the best restaurants and shops, all unique. Uptown is just a short drive or bus ride from downtown, so very accessible. On your way, stop at the Walker Art Center. They have the coolest outdoor sculpture garden--- and it’s free! I lived in Minneapolis for four years and it’s my favorite city in the country. You’ll find lots to do! Enjoy!

Knowing

Cosmos is a great bar and is breathtaking. It's up on the fourth floor of the Graves 601 in Minneapolis, on First Avenue. It's accessible only through the hotel lobby. It's American Posh so is a little more expensive.

BoulderCO

Go to Brit's Pub on the Nicollet Mall. If the weather is good you can have a drink on the roof next to the lawn bowling court.

normanbates

thanks for the input. we are staying at best western normandy inn, 405s 8 street.is a good location? what do you think is a must see in minneapolise?.we are open for anything.

Kelly1212

Your hotel is in a fine downtown location, very convenient to all the downtown attractions. Minneapolis's downtown is fairly compact and certainly walkable.
I was raised in Minneapolis and just got married there last fall. There are lots of great bars and restaurants downtown.
The bars we particularly liked: The Local & the Newsroom. Both are an easy walk from your hotel.
There are many great restaurants to choose from downtown and it really depends on what you're looking for. For upscale, you might try the Firehouse Grill or La Belle Vie or W.A. Frost in St. Paul.
For a delectable breakfast, try Hell's Kitchen (downtown) or Key's Cafe (also downtown).
I agree with the previous poster that you should also check out the Uptown/Lake Calhoun area of Minneapolis, as it has its own relaxed charm. It's about a 10-15 car ride from downtown.
Minneapolis doesn't have a lot of big sightseeing stops like, say, the Sears Tower in Chicago. But its theaters and art offerings are some of the best in the nation. I agree that checking out the new Guthrie Theater and the Walker Art Center are worth it. Also just walking through the city's elaborate skyways is fun. There's a museum called the Mill City Museum that gives a fun and interesting look at the city's roots.
If you're into shopping or just want to see a crazy-big mall, you might take the light rail out to the Mall of America.
A day trip into St. Paul might also be fun, if you have the transportation to get there.
Hope this helps -- and hope you have a wonderful trip!

normanbates

thanks for all the help. i will write a trip report.