Being a college student who went out of state for school, I often am met with the question, "What is there even to do in Minnesota?" Great question, everyone. Us Minnesotans know that our state is one of the greatest out there, and filled with hundreds of activities. However, it can be easy to forget just how much there is to do in the Twin Cities. Here are 20 things to do this summer to get you started.
1. Explore Minnehaha Park.
Best known for the amazing 53-foot waterfall, Minnehaha park is a gorgeous place to hike in the summer time. The best part? Admission to the park (and parking!) is free. Plan out your visit to the park.
2. Swing dance at the Wabasha Street Caves.
On Thursday nights starting at 6 p.m., you and your closest friends can meet up and swing dance to live music for only $8. How many people can say that they've danced in caves before? Hopefully you can after this summer. For more information on their Swing Nights, click here.
3. Catch an outdoor movie (or three) at Lake Harriet.
I don't know about you, but I'll be in attendance for "Breakfast at Tiffany's" on July 14. Every movie showing is free, and make sure you grab some snacks from Bread & Pickle before the show! Find a full list of the movies playing this summer here.
4. Rollerblade around Lake of the Isles.
There's a reason Minnesota is known for its lakes, it's because they're so stinkin' beautiful. Lake of the Isles is one of my favorites, from it's glass-smooth water to the view of the skyline, you really can't beat it. This summer, get out and get active while enjoying some beautiful scenery.
5. Get inspired at one of the many art museums.
The Twin Cities have tons of options when it comes to art museums. My favorites happen to be the Minneapolis Instutite of Art (pictured above) where admission is free daily, and the Walker Art Center where admission is free on Thursday evenings or the first Saturday of every month.
6. Pack some blankets and head to the drive-in theater.
Nothing says summer quite like going to the drive-in. Whether you go with your family, a group of friends, or as a cute date, you'll be sure to enjoy your trip to the Vali-Hi Drive-In. For ticket and movie showing information, please visit their website.
7. Brush up on your history by visiting the Mill City Museum.
The Mill City Museum is the perfect place to learn about an interesting slice of Minnesota history. Located right near the Stone Arch Bridge (my favorite spot in the whole city), you really can't beat the beautiful view. Tickets are $12, or $10 with a valid student ID. A small price to pay to gain some knowledge this summer!
8. Shop around Grand Avenue.
From creating the first indoor mall, to the world's largest mall, it's no shocker that us Minnesotans love to shop. This summer, break out from the typical Mall of America experience and try window shopping along Grand Avenue. There are tons of cute restaurants, locally-owned specialty stores, and cozy coffee shops to explore. Make sure that you stop at Bibelot while you're there and see what unique gifts they have to offer that day.
9. Treat your sweet tooth at Izzy's Ice Cream.
Ranked number one ice cream in the Twin Cities, stopping at Izzy's is a must. It's typical for the line to go out the door and wrap around Gold Medal Park, but trust me, the wait is worth it.
10. Attend the Uptown Art Fair
This year, from August 5-7, 2016, make sure you swing by the Uptown Art Fair and support your local artists. It's always a good time, and personally I cannot get enough of the charming area of Uptown.
11. Grab brunch at Black: Coffee and Waffle Bar.
Let me be the first to say that nothing pleases me quite like brunch does. The best part of brunch? Waffles. I have yet to find a better atmosphere or a better waffle than at Black: Coffee and Waffle Bar. Do yourself and your tastebuds a favor and try this location for brunch next time you have a hankering for waffles.
12. Say hi to your favorite animals at the Como Park Zoo.
Whether you want to see gorillas, polar bears, penguins, or tigers, the Como Park Zoo is the place to go. Admission to the zoo is free, but donations are encouraged. All of the profits go towards animal maintenance and helping endangered species. Make sure you stop by the conservatory as well and smell the beautiful flowers.
13. Listen to some local bands at The Beat Coffeehouse.
I've discovered some of my favorite bands at The Beat on Friday nights. Plus, you really have to try their pomegranate iced tea. To see what bands are playing, check their schedule here.
14. Go to a St. Paul Saints minor league baseball game.
Do you love baseball but hate the ticket prices of the MLB games? Minor league may be for you! The St. Paul Saints have a casual and fun atmosphere with tickets starting at $5, and each game has a new 'theme' that certain fans take very seriously. To buy your tickets, click here.
15. Be ultra touristy at the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden.
It's a right of passage as a Minnesotan to take a photo with the cherry on a spoon sculpture. Don't be fooled, there are many more beautiful works of art to see. The sculpture garden is located right outside of the Walker Art Center, and admission is free!
16. Visit your favorite independent book stores.
Whether you prefer Wild Rumpus, Once Upon a Crime, Red Balloon, or Birchbark Books, there is an independent bookstore to fit every style in the Twin Cities. Take time this summer to explore your city and find your own favorite bookstore to frequent.
17. Attend the Pride Festival.
From June 25-26, 2016, make sure you pop over to Loring Park and celebrate some of the diversity that makes Minnesota great. Drawing over 350,000 visitors each year, you're sure to have plenty to do at the Pride Festival.
18. Paddle the Chain of Lakes.
Four of the largest lakes in Minnesota come together about 10 minutes from the downtown area. Kayaks and canoes are available to rent during the summer, and you won't want to miss out on this beautiful opportunity.
19. See a play at the Ordway.
The Twin Cities are third in the country for theater venues (who would've guessed?). Treat yourself this summer and go see a show at the Ordway. For a schedule of performances, click here.
20. And of course, visit the Great Minnesota Get Together.
Arguably the best event of the entire year, the Minnesota State Fair has tons to do. Whether it's getting your $1 unlimited milk, looking at artwork made entirely out of corn, or swinging by Sweet Martha's Cookies at the end of a long day, you'll be sure to find your niche at the state fair.
Understandably, there are hundreds of events and locations worth checking out in the Twin Cities that were not mentioned in this article. However, this list of 20 activities should be enough to kick off your summer to a great start.
