When summer first started, there were a million things you wanted to do on your days off work. You hung out with friends, visited your favorite hangouts from high school, read a few books, finished a couple of shows on Netflix, sat by the pool or the beach...

But summer is halfway over. Doing the same thing day after day gets unbelievably boring. So here are 20 fun things to do in Minneapolis when you have some time on your hands. Or if you're from out of town, here are some of the landmarks and events you definitely want to experience while you're here.

1. Sculpture Garden.

This one is so obvious that I feel kind of stupid even putting it on here. Everyone needs the obligatory picture with the giant spoon. Everyone.

2. Chain of Lakes.

This is, without a doubt, one of my favorite places in the city. With paths circling around multiple lakes (hence the name, Chain of Lakes), this is a great spot for exercise. Catch some free music at the Lake Calhoun Bandshell, treat yourself to Sebastian Joe's ice cream near Lake Harriet or visit Lake of the Isles and have the best brunch of your life at The Kenwood restaurant, followed by browsing through Birchbark Books. There are endless possibilities here. Not to mention, this is prime people-watching territory.

3. Segway Tour.

Okay, who doesn't want to be Paul Blart: Mall Cop for half a day? Although you'll have to spend a little money, the Minneapolis Segway Tours do not disappoint. The tour begins in Northeast Minneapolis and leads you through downtown, the theater district, and Nicollet Mall, among other parks and landmarks. And don't worry, there is time at the beginning to get comfortable on your segway. Although, if you're like me, it might not help much. (I got going too fast and fell off of mine about halfway through the tour. I took the Paul Blart: Mall Cop thing a little too seriously.)

4. Black: Coffee and Waffle Bar.

If you're bored, you're probably hungry, too. Do you like coffee? Do you like waffles? Well, you better, because that's all they serve here. Of course, I have to throw in my two cents and recommend the Naughty Waffle, and you have to get a latte (pictured above). Their baristas are trained to make your latte a beautiful work of art. Oh, and make sure to take a picture in front of the popular black, brick wall on your way out.

5. Uptown.

Who doesn't love Uptown? This trendy area offers great restaurants, shops and people-watching. Visit Chino Latino and order their famous Orgazmo Pineapple drink (it literally comes in a fresh pineapple). Or if it's nice out, take a seat on the roof at Stella's Fish Cafe for dinner. Walk it off with some window shopping or make the short walk to Lake Calhoun.

6. Peddle Pub.

Take a tour, get some exercise and have a drink at the same time! Get a good group together and you're bound to have a great time.

7. First Avenue.

If you're into the club scene, First Avenue does not disappoint. This intimate venue hosts a lot of talented, up-and-coming artists. Performers often express how honored and excited they are to play at this venue, which speaks for how great this place is.

8. Skating at The Depot.

Whether or not you're good at skating, this is something you don't want to miss out on. The Depot is an old train shed that has since been renovated into an ice rink, complete with a zamboni that resembles an old locomotive! Although it's not open in the summer, The Depot is worth remembering for winter break. This is the definition of a perfect date. Just throwing that out there.

9. Minnehaha Falls.

Want to hear some shocking news? We have waterfalls in Minnesota! Minnehaha Falls is a beautiful place to visit on a nice day, although I recommend going during the week when it's not so busy. Once you've taken enough pictures and gawked long enough, head up to Sea Salt Eatery and get a cold drink and a bite to eat.

10. St. Anthony Falls.

Speaking of waterfalls, St. Anthony Falls is another great day trip during the summer. Explore the restaurants of St. Anthony Main along the Mississippi River and make your way to the Stone Arch Bridge for a beautiful view of the falls (and a killer city skyline).

11. Mill City Museum.

You have to do this at least once. Right across from St. Anthony main, visit the ruins of what was once the biggest flour mill in the world. Learn about the history of Minneapolis and flour milling, and take the elevator to the top of the building for a great view of St. Anthony Falls.

12. Paddle boarding.

Minnesota is the Land of 10,000 Lakes, after all... might as well spend some time on them. A handful of lakes throughout the city offer paddle board rentals for those nice days when you want to be out on the water. Never a bad way to spend a few hours.

13. Ride the Minnehaha.

No, not Minnehaha Falls. This is the Minnehaha Steamboat on Lake Minnetonka--an old, restored streetcar that tours across Lake Minnetonka from Wayzata to Excelsior and back. Take a cruise on a nice day and learn about one of the largest lakes in Minnesota while enjoying the sun and water.

14. Valley Fair.

Because everyone needs to indulge in fair food and a good stomach drop every once in a while.

15. Fort Snelling.

Despite what some may tell you, Minnesota has fascinating history. Discover it here, at Fort Snelling--a historic fort camp built in the 1820's. With actors dressed to play the part, it's like stepping into history. Learn about slavery, the Civil War, fur trade, and the importance of its location at the spot where the Minnesota and Mississippi Rivers meet.

16. Omnitheater.

Located in St. Paul at the Science Museum, this theater provides a unique viewership experience, thanks to the dome screen and surround sound that immerses you in the film. Since it's affiliated with the Science Museum, these films tend to revolve around nature, which makes this experience even more breathtaking and unforgettable. This is a great option for a rainy day.

17. Orchestra Hall.

I consider this to be one of the most beautiful rooms in the city. The cubes along the ceiling provide a spectacular acoustic experience. Whether or not you're there for the Minnesota Orchestra, you have to visit this venue at least once.

18. Twin's game at Target Field.

Who doesn't love a good outdoor baseball game? The Twins may suck year after year, but at least you'll get some vitamin D and a cold drink!

19. The Guthrie Theater.

Even if you're not into the theater scene, it's important to attend a show at the Guthrie at least once in your lifetime. It is one of the most respected theaters in the nation, after all. The Guthrie presents some of the most talented actors, and shows range from A Midsummer Night's Dream to My Fair Lady.

20. Izzy's Ice Cream.

If you've ever been to Izzy's on a warm summer day, you probably had to wait in a line that wrapped around the building. It's worth the wait, though. Ask anyone. Take your ice cream and walk across the street to Gold Medal Park for more views of the city.

These are only some of the cool things to do in Minneapolis. There are probably of hundreds of other great things that I've never even heard of! So the next time someone tells you you're a part of flyover country, you'll have some ideas on how to prove them wrong. We may not have an ocean or mountains nearby, but we've got plenty of other awesome landscapes and places that make this city unique and, if I do say so myself, utterly beautiful.