7 Things You Didn’t Know You Could Do in Minneapolis

Lately, Minnesota is working hard to brand itself as “The North,” a moniker proud locals use to distinguish themselves from the rest of the oft-ignored Midwest. Unfortunately, with “The North” comes a handful of preconceived notions, including roof-high snow, blustering winds and hardcore winter sports. But Minneapolis, the largest, most culture-packed city in the state, has way more to offer than just snow and cross country skiing. In fact, summers in Minneapolis rival those of the most beautiful coastal cities in the US (this is the Land of 10,000 Lakes, after all). We’ve rounded up 7 things you didn’t know you could do in Minneapolis.

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Paddle Share

You know all the bike sharing programs major cities have started? Well this is just like that, except with kayaks. The Mississippi River Paddle Share program consists of 5 locations along the Mississippi River where you can rent a single or double kayak. Prices range from $25-40 and the time frame is 2-3 hours depending on which station you rent from. Each location provides a suggested paddle route which will take you through State Parks and around city landmarks.

Sit in a Salt Cave

Need to relieve asthma, allergies or skin problems? Some say sitting in a salt cave helps and now you can do just that at the new Salt Cave Minneapolis. This natural therapy calls for you to be surrounded by pink Himalayan salts and uses pharmaceutical-grade salts while you’re inside. While doing salt therapy, also called halotherapy, you can do yoga, meditate, enjoy a chair massage, or simply sit and relax as your aches and pains (hopefully!) disappear.

Sip Cocktails… on a Ferris Wheel

Betty Danger’s Country Club advertises as a club for the 99%. The funky restaurant and bar has a putt-putt golf green, indoor and outdoor seating, and a large Ferris wheel on which you can sip your cocktail and enjoy the weather. Even when it’s cold, they offer warm drinks and blankets so you can fly high with Betty any time of year.

Walk Through an Ice Castle

Okay, so technically this is in St. Paul but they don’t call them the Twin Cities for nothing. The St. Paul Winter Carnival is a true sight to be seen. For two weeks in late January-early February, you can walk through an ice palace, ice sculptures and so much more. In 2018, they used 4,000 ice blocks, taken from nearby lakes, to build a 70-foot tall castle causing everyone, even adults, to daydream about being royalty.

Visit More than 100 Breweries

That’s right, Minneapolis is seeing a huge rise in local breweries. It seems like a new one is popping up every week. Craft beer and local food, sometimes served from food trucks, make for a great afternoon outside. Many of the spaces, like Surly Brewing Co., have large outdoor patios and are dog friendly. With so many breweries to choose from, there is a beer for everyone. We’ve even heard rumors of a non-alcoholic brewery opening soon, perfect for pregnant ladies or anyone who enjoys the flavor of beer but doesn’t want the boozy side effects!

Hit up a Year-Round Farmers Market

Every Saturday, hit up the Mill City Farmers Market for fresh produce, local goods and products, colorful flowers and handmade goods. In addition to the farmers market, they also host events like Brain Health Day or Beer and Wine Night. The goal is to bring the community together! The market’s centrally located in the shadow of Mill City Museum, Gold Medal Park and the eye-catching Guthrie Theater, so you can do some sightseeing once you’re done shopping.

Visit the Quietest Room in the World

Looking for a little piece and quiet? Why not head to the quietest room in the world? The experience at Orfield Laboratories will cost ya—for one person the fee is $150. The anechoic chamber is designed specifically for such quiet; it’s said you can hear the blood pulsing through your ears. Rumor has it, the record for staying in the room is 45 minutes, so visit and see if you can beat it!

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