Unique Things to Do in Minneapolis
If you’re looking for a unique experience, you can find it in Minneapolis. Visit the Science Museum of Minnesota to see the Questionable Medical Device collection, which includes medicinal instruments and snake oils. The museum is also home to a phrenology reader, who uses the bumps on people’s heads to determine their personalities. Also, you can visit Dayton’s Monkey, which was found in an air duct at a department store in the city.
Minnesota Children’s Museum
The Minnesota Children’s Museum offers an interactive learning environment that is perfect for young children. From a giant worm to an entire forest, the museum’s exhibits inspire creativity and imagination. The museum also hosts Adults@Play nights, where adults can participate in the play experience and explore all the museum’s exhibits.
Families with toddlers and young children will enjoy the ArtPark, a free, outdoor play space that includes a sandbox, a stream, and a variety of art activities. For preschoolers, the World Works gallery is an exciting place to explore. It features a variety of activities and messes, like making mini-versions of everyday objects.
American Swedish Institute
If you’re looking for something unique to do in Minneapolis, consider visiting the American Swedish Institute, an educational museum and cultural center. This complex is made up of two buildings, the Swan Turnblad Mansion (completed in 1910) and the Nelson Cultural Center (completed in 2012). The museum features exhibits and displays pertaining to Swedish and Nordic cultures. There’s also a restaurant where you can dine on Nordic cuisine.
Another unique Minneapolis attraction is the Minnesota Zoo, a 485-acre animal haven home to more than 4,500 animals. While you’re in town, you can take in concerts, college basketball, and even some wrestling events. Another unique thing to do in Minneapolis is to visit the Minnesota History Center, a museum with interactive exhibits, thought-provoking multimedia displays, and traveling exhibitions.
Nicollet Mall
Visiting the famous Nicollet Mall is not the only thing you can do in Minneapolis. If you enjoy shopping, you can check out Mercado Central, an authentic Latin market located in the city center. The market offers a variety of goods from South America, as well as bakeries, food stands, and more. It is a great place to experience a multicultural experience.
The Nicollet skyway corridor has a great variety of shops. Target, Hubert White, Marshalls, Nordstrom Rack, and Walgreens are all located along the corridor. If you love outdoor dining, you’ll love the many sidewalk patios, which provide the perfect place to enjoy a meal.
Nicollet Island/East Bank neighborhood
For those looking for something a little different, the Nicollet Island/East Bank neighborhood of downtown Minneapolis offers plenty of fun activities. For example, you can take a bike ride around the neighborhood and check out the many unique things to see and do. You can also enjoy the fun of a visit to the Nicollet Mall, twelve-block shopping heaven.
If you love animals, you can visit the Minnesota Zoo. This massive 485-acre zoo is home to more than 4,500 animals. It’s one of the most popular attractions in the city.
Como Park Zoo
If you love nature, the Como Park Zoo and Conservatory is a great place to visit. This free attraction offers hundreds of animals and a beautiful collection of plants from around the world. You can also have a picnic and view the wildlife in the park’s conservatory.
Como Park has a lake, a mini-golf course, and a small amusement park called Como Town. You can even ride a bike on the Nice Ride Minnesota bike-sharing system. The system has over 400 stations and 3,000 bikes. Getting around Minneapolis on a bike is an affordable way to discover the city’s lesser-known restaurants and boutiques.
Minneapolis Renaissance Festival
One of the unique things to do in Minneapolis visits the Minnesota Renaissance Festival. This festival takes you back to medieval times with costumed characters, royal courtiers, and nobles. The festival is open from late August to early October. It is a family-friendly festival, and there is always plenty to see and do.
One of the main attractions of the festival is the Fairy Wing Forest, which is located next to the castle in the center of the festival grounds. It’s a mystical wonderland where you can lose yourself in your imagination. It features a giant treehouse, a fairy garden, and activities for kids to create fairy wands.