Often overlooked, Minneapolis is a city full of hidden gems for foodies, winos, adventurers, and those who seek a truly exciting time. Do you like movies? This is the home to such campy classics as The Mighty Ducks and Jingle All the Way as well as the birthplace of Mary Tyler Moore. Are you a big music fan? You’re in good company, because Prince and Bob Dylan are sons of Minneapolis. Do you appreciate art? There’s plenty to take in, and even the manhole covers have artwork on them.
Did you know they have lakes? Minnesota boasts about 100,000 miles of shoreline if you include rivers and streams—more than California, Hawaii and Florida combined! You’re never far from a beautiful body of water. But the biggest reason Cigars and Leisure decided to visit Minneapolis is that it’s now the site of the summer X Games. It’s safe to say that Minneapolis has a lot going for it, so here’s a guide for each kind of traveler.
Backpacker
Where to stay: Airbnb
Cheap is the key, and Airbnb has some unique and inexpensive places to stay. You can rent a place in the heart of downtown or outside the hustle and bustle. Either way, this is a great way to save some money and meet some cool people. airbnb.com
Where to eat: World Street Kitchen
This delicious restaurant is an offshoot of a local food truck that specializes in street foods from around the world. And if you’re looking for tasty food and drink deals, they have not one but two happy hours. eatwsk.com
Great beer: Surly Brewing Company
This is a fun place to spend an afternoon. You can have some tavern grub, do a brewery tour, and then try one of their beers—or three. A favorite is Todd the Axe Man IPA. surlybrewing.com
Alternate shopping: Midtown Global Market
Looking for somewhere to shop other than the Mall of America? The Midtown Global Market has around 50 vendors selling food and trinkets ranging from local fare to Somalian pastries, to Middle Eastern cuisine, to spices from Asia. There are also cultural events and even Irish step dancing lessons. midtownglobalmarket.org
First Class
Where to stay: Grand Hotel Minneapolis
This boutique hotel is the definition of elegant and sophisticated, and it can make for an excellent romantic getaway with its large suites, gorgeous city views, relaxing spa and pool, and sweeping lobby staircase. grandhotelminneapolis.com
Where to eat: Upton 43
This Swedish-American restaurant has a modern, industrial design and an absolutely delicious menu full of unusual Nordic items to try. For more info on this restaurant and its chef, turn to page <00>. upton43.com
What to see: Minneapolis Institute of Art 
This institute has an impressive collection of sculptures, paintings, textiles and photographs from all over the world, some dating back 5,000 years. artsmia.org
See a show: Guthrie Theater
Originally opened in 1963 by Sir Tyrone Guthrie with a production of “Hamlet,” this unique-looking theater presents both classic and contemporary productions as well as Shakespeare plays. guthrietheater.org
The Professional
Where to stay: Hotel Ivy
This upscale, plush, downtown hotel features spacious executive suites and has three restaurants so you don’t need to venture far to find elegant cuisine. It’s also within walking distance of the convention center. thehotelivy.com
Cocktails: Butcher & the Boar
Want a relaxed and fun atmosphere for after-work cocktails? The beer garden at Butcher & the Boar is perfect. They also have a wide selection of bourbon and mouthwatering meats. butcherandtheboar.com
Business meeting: The Capital Grille
If a fancy, impressive dining experience is what you seek to impress a client, then The Capital Grille is perfect, offering classic American fare in a clubby, yet swanky, setting. thecapitalgrille.com
Getting around: Sixt rent-a-car
We know you want to travel in style, and Sixt offers luxury car rentals such as Jaguar, Mercedes-Benz, Range Rover, and Audi. Don’t worry; it’s only $111 a day to rent a Jaguar F-Type. sixt.com/luxury-cars/minneapolis
Family Friendly
Where to eat: Rainforest Cafe at Mall of America
Sure, the food isn’t amazing, but this rainforest-themed chain with animatronic animals and simulated storms is always a sure bet to keep the little ones occupied. Just don’t expect a four-star meal. rainforestcafe.com
Where to stay: Holiday Inn Minneapolis NW Elk River
Home to one of the state’s largest indoor water parks, this hotel is affordable and fun for the little ones … and you, we promise. hielkriver.com
Day trip: Mall of America
What better place to spend the day with the family than at a gigantic mall with a Lego store, a huge indoor theme park, an aquarium, a movie theater, and a flight simulator? mallofamerica.com
Wild adventure: Edinborough Park
If your kids need to run off some energy, this place is perfect. It’s completely enclosed, covers 1 acre, and features one of the largest indoor play structures in the country. edinboroughpark.gov
Like a Local
Where to stay: The Commons Hotel
Why not stay at a place where you feel like you’re home? Make s’mores next to the roaring fire pit, have some warm cider in the gorgeous library lounge, or just kick up your feet in your beautifully designed room. commonshotel.com
Where to eat: Fika Café
Minneapolis has a rich Nordic heritage, so why not take a fika (the Swedish idea of a daily break) at the Fika cafe? Also, we hear their Juicy Lucy is to die for. Don’t know what a Juicy Lucy is? Get here now! fikacafe.net
Do as the locals do: Minnehaha Falls Regional Park
Just six miles southeast of the city sits a 193-acre park with a 53-foot waterfall—its crowning glory. This park is perfect for hiking, picnics, or just to get away from the city for a day. nps.gov/miss/planyourvisit/minnehah.htm
Music and movies in the park: Minneapolis parks
There are six different parks in the Minneapolis area that offer music during the summer, and the Movies in the Park series takes place Monday through Saturday evenings around 30 different parks throughout the summer. Oh, and it’s all free. minneapolisparks.org/activities__events/music__movies
*Photos courtesy of each respective site.
Want more travel? Here’s some great summer adventures to try.
