Fun, Free Things to Do in Minneapolis
Plenty. Minneapolis has lots to offer, and often asks little in return: nothing. This is a guide to free attractions in Minneapolis.
1) Walker Sculpture Garden
Perhaps you have seen the Minneapolis icon Cherry in the Spoon in Minneapolis tour guides or postcards. Honestly, that's just one stop at the Walker Sculpture Garden, and it's not the best one, just the most famous. The garden lies just south of the Walker Art Museum, completely open, refuge of many a photographer, and a definite must to stop at for the art-oriented tourist.
Not only are there 24/7 free sculpures to appreciate, there are concerts during the summer. For more info, check out http://garden.walkerart.org/index.wac.
2) Minneapolis Institute of Arts
Free everyday, and expansive enough to rival the Chicago Museum of Art. You will likely get lost in this labyrinth of art history. Collections include Asian, African, Oceanic, European, Native American, Modern, and Post-Modern. Every third Thursday, there is a special program to highlight the museum's offerings through music and visual arts.
3) Chain of Lakes
Before private property could swallow up the prime land in Minneapolis, wise city planners bought up the land around the lake in South Minneapolis. Now, we have the chain of lakes, a system of recreation for cyclists, pedestrians, boaters, and skaters including the Lake Harriet Band Shell, the Tin Fish restaurant, multiple beaches, sail boating, volleyball, and all the other features of a park. This is generally considered the most scenic park of Minneapolis. During the winter, expect to find ice fishing, ice sailing, and winter cycling.
4) Bicycling
Minneapolis is typically rated the number 2 bicycling city in the US behind Portland, Oregon. The locals beg to differ. The harsh winters if the Twin Cities do not stop the locals, and in many cases, drive them on. There are countless cheap to free races, includingt the monthly No Name and the legendary Stuporbowl. Many local events are organized through the website www.mplsbikelove.com. Even if you're not racing, the trail system is phenomenal. The best way to see the city is on two wheels.
5) Walker Art Center: Target Free Thursdays
Every third Thurday, Target sponsors free entry to the Walker Art Center, the foremost art museum in the Twin Cities. Free Thursdays include regular exhibits, film, lectures, children's events, classes, dance, music, theatre, and other presentations. Defintely worth a day or two of perusal.
Published by Michael Jones
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- The Twin Cities Museum Guide
- Visiting the Twin Cities - Beyond the Mall of America
- Free Things to Do in Minneapolis (and St. Paul)
- Visit the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis
- Free Things to Do in the Twin Cities
- A Guide to the Twin Cities: St. Paul and Minneapolis
- Planning a Romantic Getaway to the Twin Cities: Find the Right Hotel