3-Day Guide to the Best of Queer MinneapolisQueer-owned businesses, inclusive spaces, and a food scene that slaps. Minneapolis has a plethora of things to do—this guide covers three days of some of my favorites. Happy travels!Authorsexplorewithchase
DestinationsMinneapolisItinerary

TO STAY

Moxy Minneapolis Uptown
Check in to Moxy Minneapolis Uptown, a queer-friendly hotel with a large bar and multiple gathering spaces on the first floor—perfect for solo travelers! Free overnight street parking and located near coffee shops, international restaurants, and a short drive to downtown.
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Day 1

The Coffee Shop NE
First stop: a queer-owned cafe best known for their cereal-flavored coffees and Italian sodas. If you’re looking for a sweet treat, stop here. Their pumpkin bread is incredible! All-gender restrooms on-site.
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Rewind
A haven for trinket-lovers and unique vintage finds located right next to The Coffee Shop NE.
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Knit & Bolt
Queer-owned craft and yarn shop located across the street from Rewind and The Coffee Shop NE—worth a stop in!
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The Cabana Club
Grab lunch at this travel-themed restaurant with food and drinks from around the world. Order the Shanghai mocktail and duck confit bánh mì sandwich and sit on the patio.
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Boom Island Park
Did you know 99% of residents in Minneapolis live within a 10-minute walk to a park? It's home to 185 parks—one of my favorites is Boom Island Park for its incredible city views and accessible walking path.
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Minneapolis Sculpture Garden
Or, if you haven’t been, check out Minneapolis’ famous sculpture garden and explore the Walker Art Center (art museum) next door!
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Earl Giles Restaurant and Distillery
Go for a pre-dinner mocktail at Earl Giles, a distillery, restaurant and bar home to the BEST ginger beer (!!!). If you’re up for a cocktail, try their carrot juice gin cocktail called Rabbit Kick (sounds weird, I promise it’s delicious!)
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MINARI & The Pikok Lounge
Grab dinner at MINARI, a romantic, moody restaurant with excellent dim sum and Korean barbecue. All-gender restrooms on-site.
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Nye's Bar
Check out this unique historic piano bar with speakeasy-vibes and a relaxed atmosphere. While it's not technically a queer bar, everywhere feels pretty queer in Minneapolis. All-gender restrooms on-site.
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19 Bar
Or, head over to this quintessential towny gay bar. I heard from a local that every Thursday is Trans Thursdays which is iconic. 🏳️‍⚧️✨
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Day 2

Modern Times
Get Post Modern Times for breakfast, a community-centered cafe and brunch spot that’s pay-what-you-can for everyone. Lots of vegan and GF options—their hash brown rancheros are 10/10. All-gender restrooms on-site.
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George Perry Floyd Square
I recommend stopping by George Perry Floyd Square. It's an emotional and powerful public memorial and community space that pays tribute to George Floyd. Renee Good's memorial is nearby.
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Centro
Grab a crunch (similar to a crunch wrap supreme) at Centro Nicollet. It’s just a few blocks from Minneapolis Trolley Tours. All-gender bathrooms available on-site.
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Minneapolis Trolley Tours
Take an upbeat, quirky history tour of Minneapolis. Fun fact: Minneapolis Trolley Tours is a queer-owned business.
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Prince Mural
Take a photo with the Prince Mural and explore downtown.
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Zelo
For dinner, head to Zelo, an upscale Italian restaurant in the heart of downtown (and one of the BEST meal I had in Minneapolis!)
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Prohibition Bar
End the night with delicious craft cocktails and incredible cityscape views. Prohibition Bar is located inside of the W Minnapolis. Take the elevator up to the 27th floor.
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The Saloon
If you’re looking for queer nightlife, The Saloon is nearby. Check their website for event details. They are 18+ after 9pm.
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Gay 90's Minneapolis
Or, see a drag show at Gay 90’s.
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Day 3

Isles Bun & Coffee
Start your last day with “the best cinnamon rolls in the world.” All-gender restrooms on-site.
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Queermunity MN
Head to Queermunity, a local queer hub and community center nearby, for a coffee or perhaps a trinket from the queer makers market. Explore local shops nearby.
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Pinwheels and Play Toys
Next, drive to Linden Hills, a neighborhood lined with boutique shops, local cafes and restaurants. Pinwheels and Play Toys is a great starting point!
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Comma, a bookshop
Feminist, queer-friendly bookstore with a great curation of local books and authors. A must-visit when exploring Linden Hills.
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Lake of the Isles
Lake of the Isles is surrounded by miles of walking/biking trails as well as the city’s most historic mansions. I highly recommend it for a picnic and/or quick scenic drive.
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Quatrefoil Library
The second oldest queer library in the USA is located in Minneapolis. If you have time, I highly recommend checking it out. They have a few racks of used books for purchase and anyone can get a library card regardless of where they live! All-gender bathrooms available on-site.
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A Bar of Their Own
Before you head out, grab a burger and wings at A Bar of Their Own. It's Twin Cities first sports bar dedicated entirely to women's sports. Welcome to all! All-gender bathrooms available on-site.
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