Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport: Things to Do During a Long Layover

You've booked that dream vacation and can't wait to get your destination. Problem is, you have a very long layover - in Minneapolis! On the surface, you might think that this would be the most boring place in the world to have a long layover. What in the world is there to do for eight hours in Minnesota? The Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) is located in the heart of the Twin Cities metro area and is close to a few attractions that can be seen in a few hours.

Leaving the MSP International Airport during a long layover is pretty easy. Taxis are everywhere and there's even a light rail train, offering cheap transportation to popular local attractions. MSP provides storage lockers for your luggage, so you won't need to drag your carry-ons with you.

Leaving Minneapolis-St Paul MSP airport during a layover idea #1: Mall of America
The most notable attraction is the Mall of America. Lucky for you, the Mall of America is only a few minutes away from the airport. MSP airport recognizes this, and offers shuttle rides via light rail train to and from the mall.

Some people might say that you need two or three days to see this mall. The truth is, this mall is just like any other mall, except it includes an amusement park. Most people don't need that much time to see the mall, unless they're up for some heavy duty shopping. If just want to walk around & say 'I've been there," this would be an ideal attraction to see during your long layover at Minneapolis-St. Paul MSP. You're going to find every chain store and restaurant known to man in this mall-check out my article on unique stores to check out at the Mall of America for some ideas. Other attractions to see at the mall include Underwater World (a walk-through aquarium), a 3^rd floor mini-golf course, Nickelodeon Universe (the amusement park), and a recently-renovated movie theater.

Leaving Minneapolis-St Paul MSP airport during a layover idea #2: Minnesota Valley Wildlife Refuge
If shopping isn't your thing and you'd like to get some fresh air and exercise, the Minnesota Valley Wildlife Refuge is located a few short miles from the MSP airport. There is no shuttle to this park, so you'll need to arrange your own cab. They offer up to twelve miles of scenic hiking trails through valleys and marshes, all filled with wildlife. Admission is free, so the only fee is your cab fare. The Minnesota Valley Wildlife Refuge is open from sunrise to sunset, seven days a week. Here is their website for more information.

http://www.fws.gov/midwest/minnesotavalley/

Leaving Minneapolis-St Paul MSP airport during a layover idea #3: Downtown Minneapolis:
MSP has a light rail train that goes to and from the downtown Minneapolis to the MSP Int'l airport. Fare is cheap - only $1-$2 one way and it's a fast ride to downtown. Once you're in downtown Minneapolis, there's plenty to do. Check out any of the restaurants and bars, walk the skyway system, and check out the shops.

If you like to shop, downtown Minneapolis is home to the largest Sak's Off 5^th outlet store. This three-story outlet department store offers amazing discounts (up to 90% off!) designer items, including Kate Spade handbags, Jimmy Choo shoes, Burberry trench coats, and True Religion jeans. Remember, there is no sales tax on clothing in Minnesota, so stock up!

Hopefully this gives you some ideas on what to do on your layover in MSP. However, to avoid missing your next flight, make sure you have a layover of at least 5 hours or more if you are planning to leave. These suggestions will not be feasible for a 2-4 hour layover. Even though these attractions are within minutes of the airport, you're looking about an hour's worth of layover time eaten up by transportation. Walking through the gates, boarding the train or catching a cab all takes about 30 minutes, so plan accordingly.