What's Minneapolis like?
 

Would Minneapolis be good for a 3-4 day visit in June or August? What's it like? Just looking for someplace different to explore. No special interests, but like to walk.

Obviously the answer depends on your tastes, expectations and goals.<BR>Having lived all over the US, I still think MPLS is one of the nicest cities in this country---DURING THE SUMMERTIME!. I lived up there for a few years and it sure isn't to my liking from late September to early May, but June thru August can be quite nice. The city has great restaurants, galleries, shopping, sights, outdoor activities and the people are generally extremely friendly and down to earth.<BR>Walking and biking around the various lakes is a favorite summer pastime among locals.<BR>Also consider driving over to the Wisconsin border (about an hour) and hit Lake Pepin, Red Wing or Stillwell.

I travel to Minneapolis several times a year for work, and I think it is one of the best cities in the country. July can be hot and humid. I prefer August and September. Mid-late September is the start of fall and is my favorite time of year up there. Main to-do's on a trip to Mpls: Surprisingly thriving Arts scene, enjoy the natural beauty around the lakes, and I would recommend a drive up to the Duluth area or to the St. Croix area like the previous poster recommended.

Twin Cities = very cool. Make sure you spend time in St. Paul as well as Minneapolis. They have very different flavors. New Science Museum in St. Paul is top notch.<BR><BR>Don't go between Nov - Apr. Weather is too unpredictable.

Check calendar for the Minneapolis Aquatennial and the Minnesota State Fair. Both are a lot of fun. Either July or August can be wonderful or hot &amp; humid. If it's wet in the summer, be prepared for MOSQUITOS (the state bird). Prior poster is right - areas nearby are very interesting (Stillwater, Red Wing). Hope you enjoy!

I love the Minnesota State Fair - think it is one of the best State Fairs in the Country and a friend of ours in the Fair business thinks the same. He sells to fairs all over the country and looks forward to the MN State Fair. Also love the lakes area of Mpls. - fun to walk, run, skate, etc. around Lakes Calhoun, Harriet and Isles. We also like to go to Stillwater on the St. Croix River and over to Hudson and Prescott, Wisc,. and down to Red Wing and Wabasha on the Mississippi. Enjoy your trip!!

I'm not from Minnesota, but as my father grew up there, I've visited many times. If it wasn't for the weather, I would move to Minneapolis or St. Paul. They are both great cities.<BR><BR>Don't miss Dinkytown!

Watch out. The refs will rob you blind there. Sorry, couldn't resist.

Tell me more about the lakes area of Mpls. - Lakes Calhoun, Harriet and Isles. Can you rent bikes and roller blades? Where exactly is it in the city - close to public transportation?

The lakes (Calhoun, Lake of the Isles, and Harriet) are located southwest of downtown. I would guess they are about 4-5 miles from downtown. Lake Calhoun and Lake of the Isles are located in the Uptown area, which has plenty of bus stops. There is a place where you can rent roller blades on the corner Lake and Humboldt, I believe....across from the Lund's grocery store. I think there is bike rental nearby as well. You can also rent canoes at Lake Calhoun during the summer months.

Don't forget we have THE MALL OF AMERICA!<BR>

Mall of America is our first stop. I figured we could easily do two days there. But I also love cities, and am looking forward to seeing downtown Minneapolis. We're from Chicago. Is Minneapolis anything like Chicago? And is anyone familiar with Valleyfair amusement park? Is that reachable by public transportation? Thanks!

I have lived in both Minneapolis and Chicago. Spend part of a day around downtown St. Paul, go to the Uptown and Lakes area of Minneapolis, and definately hit Stillwater in the St. Croix area. I think the Mall of America is overrated. It like any other mall, except.... bigger. I guess if a big mall turns your crank, check it out. Also, Valleyfair is nothing special. Unless you are an amusement ride buff, you will get the same stuff at Six Flags north of Chicago. You will find Minneapolis is a smaller, not quite as urban version of Chicago. More focus on the outdoors, though.

I sheepishly admit I love to shop. This is a back to school shopping trip for me and my daughter. We'll get in some bonding time, see some movies, go bowling maybe, just have fun. Honestly, everywhere I travel, we end up shopping. So I thought, why not start out shopping and then get to know another city. This seemed like the perfect end of summer trip. I guess we'll skip Valleyfair, though, since the Mall has all that, and focus on downtown Minneapolis. Really looking forward to the Lakes area. Thanks for your input.

Dee:<BR>If you're going to MPLS with shopping as a priority, don't miss out on the Galleria at about 69th and France. It's across the street from MPLS's second most popular mall, Southdale. If you're driving, take 494 west from the Mall of America to the France Street exit, north about a mile. <BR>When finished there, just hop on Hwy 62 just a block north of Southdale, and it connects to I 35W which is the main route to downtown.<BR>Those are the 3 main shopping areas: MOA, Galleria/Southdale, downtown.

oops...forgot about Burnsville. Not 'on the way' from MOA to downtown, but many locals will probably say it's a second to MOA.

1. Visit both Minneapolis and St. Paul<BR>2. Take in a show at the Guthrie if <BR> possible.<BR>3. Definetly make the 2 1/2 hour drive <BR> to DULUTH. It is beautiful in the<BR> summer and you won't regret it.

I wish I could stay longer. Sounds like so much to do in so little time. Thanks everyone for all the info.<BR><BR>Thanks, Lynne, for starting this thread. I've got my trip booked already. How about you?

If you're into blondes, the Twin Cities has tons of them. I've never seen so many blonde/blue eyed people in my life...and I live/grew up in SoCal. (Myself, I'm into brunettes/dark hair!)

We drove up to Minneapolis from Chicago a couple of weeks ago for a youth hockey tournament. We took the scenic route there. Cross over the Wisc border at LaCrosse &amp; then go north along the river towards Winona &amp; follow the road along the river towards RedWing &amp; then cut over to Minneapolis. There are all sorts of areas to stop along the river for scenic overlooks - it is really a good site. but on our last trip we used those areas to stop &amp; watch bald eagles. They were flying all over the place. I have never seen so many flying together - in groups of 3 or 4. Even with the hockey tournament(I agree with the previous statement about the refs there) we were able to spend a good amount of time at the Mall of America. Beaware that I90/94 heading up towards the Dells &amp; beyond, especially during the summer, could be somewhat congested with traffic.<BR>

I may be moving to Minneapolis within the next year due to a job transfer. What are some nice neighborhoods near downtown that I can buy a house for $175-$200k?. I'd want to be able to walk to shops and restaurants, and be near public transit. Good schools are not an issue; no kids.<BR>Thanks.<BR>

I've been to Minneapolis in late July/beginning of August, and know it can be kind of steamy, but a lot of the time there is something of a breeze. Seems June would be a nice month. Sky really blue, lost of big, billowy clouds. Think they invented clouds there. If you like to walk, go to the area along the Mississippi where they have a walking trail. You can see the only waterfall along the Mississippi, it's a nice walk. I think it's called the Old Mile or something like that. Travel bochures talk about it. The area is old. Many, many lakes, it's great to go around them, too.

I would also recommend a trip to Duluth. It is on the Western point of Lake Superior and is like a mini- San Francisco. <BR><BR>For the author who was looking for housing the price range specified will not do it. Try St. Paul or suburbs unless you are willing to endure ? neighborhoods/housing. <BR><BR>

Duluth, Minnesota a mini-San Francisco? Ouch!!<BR>That's like saying Paris, Texas is a little like Paris, France.<BR>While Lake Superior and the coastline north of Duluth is striking amnd beautiful, Duluth is a rather sad sack place IMHO.

I would rec. a downtown Minneapolis hotel if possible. We stayed at the Hyatt and it was very convienent. The Hilton is nice also. If not, try St. Paul. A third choice would be Eagan which is a nice suburb and close, 3 miles...to the mall of America and also the Minnesota Zoo (large and nice). Try Hilton Garden-Eagan or Holiday Inn Express Eagan. A trip to Stillwater MN is about 45 minutes and is fun if you like antiques/arcitecture and walking. Try Brits pub in Downtown Minneapolis, a pretty neat place. Lake Calhoun is fantastic for walking. I agree with the other earlier posters that a day trip North of the Twin Cities (10,000 lakes +) would be worth the drive. Brainerd is touristy/expensive but nice and Duluth is cool literally and figuratively with great restaurants and scenery. I'm not sure of the exact page but try exploreminnesota.com for more info on travel to the state. I just moved back here and have seen more in my 18 mo. 2nd stint that when I lived here full time.

Duluth has come a long, long way since 15-20 years ago. It is a fun place to visit and has a beautiful lakefront and lakewalk now. Also has motels and restaurants on the water and you can tour the museum at the ship canal and bridge and also tour a Ore Boat "The Irvin". We used to visit there and not see lots of tourists but things have changed and it is very busy all spring, summer and fall now. It is also gorgeous all the way up the North Shore to Canada. We enjoy stopping at Split Rock Lighthouse which has been restored and is open to the public and also enjoy lots of other things along the way. We especially enjoy Grand Marais. It is a very pretty town on a natural harbor and only about 40 miles from the Canadian Border. It's about 100 miles from Duluth. All in all a pretty trip.

Good point about Duluth not being like San Fran. Although it shares the "harbor town built on a hill" atmosphere, Duluth doesn't have nearly the crime, indigence, or frightening personalities of San Fran. Poor comparison.

I would be very remiss if I didn't bring up the top notch St Paul, Ordway Theatre, The Guthrie, and the Minneapolis Institute of Art. We have the Swedish Inst, and the museum at the Univ of Mn.<BR>Mpls has a symphony orchestra and it's own Opera company, that performs at Orchestra Hall. We have performances of major entertainers at the Target Center and the Orpheum.<BR>St. Paul has the Science Museum and is near the Minnesota Zoo. St. Paul's skyline is one of the prettiest you will see.<BR>You will find the Arts thriving in our lovely state. <BR>Welcome to Minnesota!

Pick up a copy of the Minneapolis Star/Tribune or the St. Paul Pioneer Press prior to visit to get the scoop on events. (library or net) Try the Guthrie for plays it is a great setting. If you like older rock/blues/jazz/country acts check to see who is appearing at the local casino's it is priced right and may be aggreable to you.. Buddy Guy for the Blues, Waylon, Willie or Loretta for Country or many various 60-80 rock acts.<BR>There are cool river boat or train excursions along the Mississippi which include dinner for an evening excursion. I would also concur with earlier posts about making a trip North of the Twin Cities to enjoy "outstate" Minnesota in the North Shore area which begins in Duluth. It can be so different and so fun and only a quick drive away. Oh, don't forget Twins games if you can stand indoor baseball, St. Paul Saints games for traditionalists or fishing in any of the Twin Cities or State's lakes!

Dee: You said you are bringing your daughter. I don't know how old she is, but if appropriate you might want to check out performances at The Children's Theater. They do world class productions of children's classics. I think they are doing Pippi Longstockings this summer - maybe starting in April. The Science Museum is another great choice as is the St. Paul Children's Museum if age appropriate for your daughter. <BR><BR>And as pretty as Duluth is, I'd skip it for your first trip. Too much to do in the Cities.

I agree with Bill I. <BR><BR>Currently I90-94 by the Dells is down to one lane each way due to bridge repair work. By the end of June it should all be back open and will be less congested.<BR><BR>Have fun!

Thanks, TC. Your ideas are right along the lines of what I'm planning to check out. My daughter is 8, and we'd love to see some museums, plays, etc, along with the lake area activities. <BR><BR>I discovered this site for anyone else that is considering a trip to Minneapolis/St. Paul:<BR><BR>http://www.metrocouncil.org/transit/tourlink.htm<BR><BR>A lot of really good links with info to on the city area activites (St. Paul and Minneapolis). <BR><BR>I wish I could see Duluth. There have been so many great suggestions, but unfortunately we only have 4 days and are sticking to the twin cities. I tend to get lost in my own back yard(!) so we will be relying on public transportion. It appears that the public transit system is pretty convenient from the airport/Mall of America to St. Paul and Minneapolis. <BR><BR>Thanks again for all the great suggestions!