With spring in full swing and warmer weather on the way, you’re probably feeling a little like us: Bursting with energy and itching to get out of the house! With many of Minnesota’s COVID restrictions lifted as of early May, it’s a great time to stretch your legs and reconnect with the place we call home.
With that in mind, the Green Goods staff put together a list of our favorite things to do in Minneapolis. You’ll find stellar outdoor parks and hikes, places to explore, and let your mind roam and your body relax. And hey! If you’ve got a favorite Minneapolis attraction you don’t see listed here, let us know so we can add it to the list!
Green Goods Dispensary’s Top Things to Do in Minneapolis
Mill Ruins Park
102 Portland Ave S
Minneapolis, MN 55401
Did you know that the “Twin Cities” used to be “Mill City”? Once upon a time, Minneapolis was an epicenter of the flour-milling industry, feeding the nation with local grain and shipping it abroad as a symbol of American prestige. The city’s milling industry declined after WWI, but this fascinating park stands as an interactive memorial to the glory days of the industry. Look for the Mill City Museum located next door to reopen soon.
Bob Dylan Mural
1, S 5th St
Minneapolis, MN 55402
Since its creation back in 2015 by renowned Brazilian street artist Eduardo Kobra and a team of collaborators, this towering mural has become a world-famous attraction. Dylan, of course, was born about 2 hours north in Duluth, MN, but the Nobel laureate is one of Minnesota’s most cherished artists. Check out some captivating shots of the mural taking shape here, then make your way downtown and be blown away by the real thing!
Minneapolis Sculpture Garden
725 Vineland Pl
Minneapolis, MN 55403
Free and open to the public every day of the year, this beloved art park occupies 11 acres of rolling lawns, trails, and of course the main attraction: Sculptures and other installations by local and international artists. Especially with warmer weather on the way, a visit to the Garden is one of our favorite things to do in Minneapolis!
Boom Island Lighthouse
3-29 Plymouth Ave NE
Minneapolis, MN 55413
If you’ve ever wanted to step back and take stock of the stunning Minneapolis skyline, there’s no better place to take it all in from picturesque Boom Island, a quiet oasis alongside the eternal rush of the mighty Mississippi. The park is a beautiful place to stroll or relax on its own, but the centerpiece is the miniature lighthouse that sits on its north side looking over the city itself.
Gold Medal Park
Second Street and 11th Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN 55415
(612) 904-5607
Another monument to Minneapolis’ history as a center of the flour-milling industry, this delightful urban park combines the natural beauty of grassy green space, the rushing riverfront, and the opportunity to slow down and contemplate the sculptures and the famous observation mound at the terminus of a spiral walkway. It’s a living reminder of the Twin Cities’ dedication to art and the simple power of nature.
Minnehaha Regional Park
4801 S Minnehaha Dr
Minneapolis, MN 55417
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Celebrated by poet Henry Longfellow and beloved by generations of Minnesotans since, this stunning park offers an immersive natural experience only 20 minutes from downtown. The centerpiece is the 53-foot waterfall, but you’ll want to leave time to amble down the many trails, dip your feet in the wading pools, and stroll through the hanging Pergola Garden featuring native wildflowers and grasses.
