Insider Insights: Minneapolis, Minnesota

Minneapolis offers miles of paved trails that wind around lakes and parkways of the Grand Rounds Scenic Byway showcasing parks, gardens, historical sites, beaches, golf courses, as well as diverse neighborhoods. There are people outside being active year-round and amazing playgrounds, activities, and public schools for kids. Another favorite is the local farmer’s markets throughout the city.

Minnesota truly has and celebrates all four seasons. You can visit in any season and have a very different visit each time. The summers are an amazing time to visit with fairly moderate temperatures and lots of lakes to explore. If you’ll be visiting in the winter just be aware it can get very cold and depending on the year there can be a lot of snow. There’s always a winter festival, skiing or ice fishing as well as lots to do indoors.

While there are many things to do in Minneapolis, the opportunities for arts, music and entertainment seem endless. The arts scene in Minneapolis is well supported and loved, and you can choose between world-class theatre, museums, art galleries, and live music. Minneapolis was the home of the singer Prince and his studio Paisley Park now draws people from around the world to attend tours, concerts, and events. Don’t miss the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, known for the famous Spoonbridge & Cherry as well as 40 other sculptures.

Minneapolis has been at the center for social justice reform and working through new ways to solve racial injustices and policing issues many cities are facing. Being the home of George Floyd and the center for many protests that came after, this city and the rest of the world will be forever changed. You will find the George Floyd Memorial site that honors him as well as murals and street art throughout the city remembering him.

If you have the time head north about two hours to the North Shore of Lake Superior. Lake Superior is the largest of the Great Lakes and ranks as the second largest lake in the world (by surface area). Minnesota’s North Shore refers to the shoreline of Lake Superior that runs from Duluth, Minnesota to Grand Portage near the Canadian border. This is a beautiful scenic drive that gets you out of the city exploring all of the impressive, natural wonders that Minnesota has to offer.

On this drive, there are eight MN state parks, waterfalls, lighthouses, and great hiking along the way. During the fall season, a must-do is taking the aerial gondola in Lutsen for the best fall leaf color. There are great restaurants, coffee shops, and stores in Grand Marais, and don’t miss Artist Point.