While Minnesota might be a cold tundra for a good 6 months out of the year, Minnesotans sure know how to make the most of the warm months! Summer in Minnesota, also known as “patio season” if you’re a local, is when everyone comes out of hibernation and you remember how much you love the city.
Even downtown, lake culture is thriving in Minneapolis with several lakes just a short distance away. Not to mention the many outdoor parks, waterfalls, and hiking trails, but we won’t get ahead of ourselves!
Minneapolis is such a fun place to be in the summer and we want to help you make the most of it. So we put together a list of 7 things you should definitely put on your summer bucket list this year!
7 things to do during the Minneapolis summer
1. Live the lake life
Lake Bde Maka Ska, Lake Harriet, Lake Nokomis, the options really are endless when it comes to living in the “land if 10,000 lakes.” There are several lakes within biking distance of downtown! Many of them have walking/biking paths, beaches, good picnicking spots, and more!
Lake Harriet is home to the Rose Garden as well, which is a beautiful place to string up a hammock or have a flowery photoshoot! Lake Harriet also has an outdoor concert hall where bands and musicians will play while locals spread out picnic blankets and enjoy the tunes to a setting sun in the background.
2. Visit the Stone Arch Bridge
The Stone Arch Bridge is an iconic stomping ground for many locals, a staple in Minneapolis culture because of its beauty and function. The Stone Arch stretches across the Mississippi River and is a prime place for biking, running, or just on a walk with a friend! During the Aquatennial and Fourth of July weekend, hundreds of people gather on the Stone Arch to watch fireworks and celebrate!
3. Take in a show at the Guthrie Theatre
Whether you are going to catch a show or just to view the amazing scenery, the Guthrie Theatre is a Minneapolis must-see! From their “amber room” to their endless bridge, the Guthrie Theatre offers more than just live performances.
The Guthrie is right next door to a few other Minneapolis favorites, Gold Medal Park and Izzy’s, and right across from the Stone Arch Bridge (see above)! So you can definitely make a day out of it. Every Saturday morning Minneapolis hosts a farmers market near the Guthrie as well with a variety of fun vendors!
4. Walk the Minnehaha Falls
Minnehaha Falls is a Minneapolis favorite that is fun in both the summer and the winter! During the summer the hiking trails are fun to take all the way down to a little reservoir hidden in the trees-you’d never know it was there! And of course the falls are the main event of Minnehaha!
During the winter the falls freeze into an icy wonderland and create an ice cave that is fun to adventure behind. Minnehaha also has a restaurant that is open during the summer in case you get a little hungry after adventuring all over the park-there is a lot to see!
5. Take in the art scene
Minneapolis is no stranger to art culture. Hosting multiple art events that support small businesses and artists like Art-a-Whirl, Minneapolis is an inspiring and beautiful place to live! Not to mention the beautiful art museums like the Walker Art Center and the Minneapolis Institute of Art.
The Walker Art Center is known for the Sculpture Gardens where you can find a giant spoon and cherry, along with some other really incredible pieces of art. The Walker Art Center Sculpture Gardens are a fun destination when you’re looking to be inspired but want to be outside in the sun! The Minneapolis Institute of Art is free and is easy to get lost in their many galleries.
6. Drink all the coffee
Shockingly enough, Minneapolis is known for the coffee culture as one of the largest hubs for coffee bean imports! There is a third wave coffee shop on every block and is a great way to be productive during a hot summer day. Check out our Minneapolis coffee tour blog to see our top recommendations!
7. Listen to amazing Minneapolis music
There are a lot of big artists that come out of Minneapolis (like Prince and Lizzo) because of the music culture that exists here! There is a show every night all around the city and many big artists come through because the culture here is so good. First Avenue, Fine Line, The Armory, just to name a few really awesome music venues, host incredible artists every year!
So maybe you have noticed, but Minneapolis is a really great place to live-especially in the Summer! Put these things on your summer bucket list and let us know what you think!
