I am headed to the Minneapolis area for a conference in a few weeks. I going to stay by the Mall of America for convenience, but would like to explore the area a bit. I might try to get in a Wild or Timberwolves game, and see some areas downtown, etc,

How difficult is it to drive around the Minneapolis area? If I am using GPS, is it fairly routine and easy to follow? I would be there over the weekend Friday night through Monday night.

I live around Boston so I am used to driving here (though I don't LOVE driving downtown) and have done fine driving on other trips to various other states and cities... New Orleans, Charleston, Las Vegas, San Diego, etc.

And while one might compare Boston and Minneapolis, part of my comfort driving around Boston is that I have done it for years and know the roads well at this point.

Thanks!

I lived in Boston or the near suburbs (Quincy, Cambridge, Somerville) for roughly 15 years at different points and know it well and still find the Twin Cities far easier. With GPS, it will be a cinch.

I think it's relatively easy but I've lived here for 15 years. Downtown St Paul is more difficult for me but that's because I rarely go there. You should be fine with GPS. There's some construction on I-35W between MOA and downtown Minneapolis and I'm not sure of any closures but GPS should navigate you around that.

The most confusing part for visitors seems to be that Interstate 35 is split into I-35W (Minneapolis) and I-35E (St Paul). But again, GPS will give you the correct routing so that's not a big deal unless you ignore GPS and try to navigate by signage.

Navigating the skyways is far more challenging than the streets so I tend to stay at street level.

Thanks for the replies. It is much appreciated! I am looking forward to the visit for sure. I have not even looked at the Skyway yet!

Please don't rely on GPS in cities. You don't get a good signal from the satellites in tunnels or between tall buildings.

With only a couple of exceptions, this has never been a problem for me and I use GPS all the time, including in the Twin Cities.

There aren't any tunnels of note in Minneapolis. The Lowry Tunnel is around 1/4 of a mile long. I can't think of any other tunnels in the area. We don't have a lot of tall buildings and I've never had an issue with losing GPS in downtown Minneapolis or St. Paul.

Theres tons to do. check out mall of america, minnehaha falls, and the lake calhoun area

I visited Minneapolis in June, and IF I were inspired to visit again, wanting only to explore the city... I just might attempt to do so staying centrally located and not getting the car.

BUT OF COURSE I am a weather lightweight, so that might negate the whole idea.

The train from the airport to the center of town is exceptional in Minneapolis, and the train also goes to the mall... (I was downtown just 20 minutes after my flight had been scheduled to land, but it did arrive early).

I also suspect that things are designed to be as comforting as possible for the locals who must thrive in the frigid conditions so often.

Maybe make a car reservation in case of unbearable weather, and then maybe opt to explore on foot, perhaps with a hotel upgrade with the money you'd save both on the car and on hotel parking costs.