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Things to do in Minnesota All Year Long!
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items Minnesota has something to do in every season, whether you’re into outdoor adventures, good food, arts and entertainment, or local spots people actually love, making it a great place to explore year-round no matter the weather.
Sections
6
Outdoor Activities (Spring and Summer)🌲
Outdoor Activities (Fall🍂 and Winter❄️)
Restaurants🍽️🧑🍳
Other Food & Drinks🍹
Arts & Entertainment🖼️
Local Favorites💗
Outdoor Activities (Spring and Summer)🌲
Short walking trails, river views, and the falls look completely different every season!
Minnehaha Falls - Minnehaha Park
Walking, biking, picnics, ice skating in winter!
Chain of Lakes - Lake Harriet, Bde Maka Ska, Lake of the Isles
Easy hikes, river overlooks, birdwatching🐦
Fort Snelling State Park
trails, lakes, and year-round outdoor access🌳
Lebanon Hills Regional Park
Gardens, blooms, walking paths
University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
Bluff hikes and river views🚣
Afton State Park
Outdoor Activities (Fall🍂 and Winter❄️)
Seasonal outdoor activities that make the colder months fun, from fall traditions to classic winter experiences ❄️🍁
Places like Afton Apple Orchard and Lunds & Byerlys pumpkin patch are perfect for seasonal snacks and fun activities 🍎
Editors' Picks of the Best Apple Orchards in the Twin Cities
Visit the “Halloween Capital of the World” for parades, haunted trails, and festive fall activities 🎃
Anoka Halloween
Enjoy quiet lakeside trails with crisp fall air and colorful reflections 🍂
Lovely afternoon for a walk around Lake Minnetonka : r/minnesota
Glide into winter fun with Minnesota’s top outdoor and indoor skating rinks, from scenic lakeside spots to classic city rinks that locals love⛸️
Minnesota's Best Ice Skating Rinks
Check out ice sculptures, parades, and seasonal events in different neighborhoods
A List of Winter Events and Activities This Season
Set up a hole in the ice and enjoy classic Minnesota ice fishing with friends or family 🎣
REL Fishing | Ice House Rentals Lake Minnetonka | Minnesota
Hit the hills for fast and fun snow tubing that’s great for all ages 🛷
Buck Hill
Take a guided ride through snowy forests with a team of huskies for a true winter adventure 🐕
White Wilderness Sled Dog Adventures | Ely, MN | Affordable Family Vacations
Explore miles of trails across frozen lakes and snowy forests on a snowmobile 🏍️
Itasca Drift Skippers
See frozen rivers and spot local birds in a quiet, snowy landscape 🐦
Whitewater State Park
Restaurants🍽️🧑🍳
A mix of local spots and popular places that are worth trying for a casual meal or a night out 🍴
Home of the original Juicy Lucy, this no-frills Minneapolis burger spot is known for its cheese-stuffed burgers, classic diner vibe, and long lines that locals still swear are worth the wait!
Matt's Bar and Grill🕶️
A modern food hall featuring multiple local vendors, perfect if you’re with a group and everyone wants something different, from burgers to international dishes and desserts.
The Market At Malcolm Yards
A lively market and gathering space with food stalls, bakeries, and bars, often hosting events and making it a great spot to wander, eat, and hang out for a while.
Keg and Case Market | Saint Paul MN
An indoor international market where you can explore food from many cultures in one place, making it ideal for trying new cuisines without committing to just one restaurant.
Midtown Global Market
Other Food & Drinks🍹
Coffee shops, bakeries, dessert spots, and drink stops perfect for quick visits or cozy hangouts ☕
A well-known local coffee chain with several Twin Cities locations, offering consistently good coffee and a cozy atmosphere that works just as well for studying, working, or casual meetups.
Spyhouse Coffee Roasters | Downtown / Emery
Known for its creative, slightly sweet specialty drinks and relaxed vibe, this coffee shop is a favorite for people who like unique flavors and something different from standard café menus.
Five Watt Coffee, E. Hennepin
A Minnesota-based coffee roaster that focuses on high-quality beans and simple, well-made drinks, making it a go-to spot for people who appreciate good coffee without the extras.
Dogwood Coffee - Northeast
A popular ice cream shop serving rich, creative flavors made with local ingredients, often drawing lines but delivering bold scoops that people genuinely rave about.
Milkjam Creamery
A fun donut shop offering both classic and creative flavors, making it a solid stop for dessert, a sweet breakfast, or a late-night treat.
Glam Doll Donuts
A French-inspired bakery known for beautifully made pastries, cakes, and desserts, perfect if you want something that feels a little special without being over the top.
Patisserie 46
Arts & Entertainment🖼️
Museums, shows, music, and events that are easy ways to stay entertained year-round 🎭
A huge, free museum with everything from ancient art to modern pieces, making it easy to spend an hour or an entire afternoon exploring 🖼️
Minneapolis Institute of Art
A contemporary art museum paired with an outdoor sculpture garden that’s perfect for photos, walking around, or just enjoying something different 🎨
Walker Art Center & Sculpture Garden
A landmark theater known for high-quality productions and its iconic Endless Bridge that overlooks the Mississippi River 🎭
Guthrie Theater
Historic venues that host Broadway tours, concerts, and performances in a classic, dressed-up atmosphere 🎟️
Ordway Center for the Performing Arts
A popular comedy spot featuring stand-up shows year-round with a mix of local talent and well-known comedians
Acme Comedy Company
Local Favorites💗
Well-loved Minnesota spots and experiences that locals always recommend ⭐
More than just shopping, this massive mall has rides, attractions, and food, making it an easy all-in-one destination 🛍️
Mall of America®
A charming river town with walkable streets, antique shops, and restaurants that’s perfect for a relaxed getaway 🚗
Stillwater - Daytrip
A beautiful drive along Lake Superior featuring waterfalls, hiking spots, and unbeatable views in every season 🌊
Planning Your North Shore Minnesota Scenic Drive
A scenic street lined with historic mansions that’s ideal for walking, biking, and admiring old architecture 🏛️
Summit Avenue History: The Story of Saint Paul's Famous Street
Seasonal markets offering fresh produce, baked goods, and local vendors that make weekends feel a little more special 🥕
A List of Twin Cities Farmers Markets