Experience the Best of Winter in MinneapolisMinneapolis is a vibrant, beautiful city nicknamed “The City of Lakes,” known for its impressive arts and food scene and incredible outdoor spaces. Follow along as we explore some of the city’s standout spots.Authorsladyslipperroad
DestinationsMinneapolisItinerary

Day 1

Graduate by Hilton Minneapolis
The Graduate Hotel is a neat, college-themed spot with a lobby full of cozy seating and fun gaming areas, like air hockey tables! Our room key was designed like a school ID, and we loved the quirky decor. With a restaurant and a Starbucks on-site, it’s a fun and unique place to stay in Minneapolis.
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Kramarczuk's Sausage Co. Inc.
Kramarczuks is an Eastern European restaurant and market that offers authentic European eats like pierogis, cabbage rolls, sandwiches, and more. We loved exploring the market and seeing all the unique options available. Then we ate at the restaurant and enjoyed one of the most delicious Reubens we’ve ever had!
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Mill Ruins Park
Mill Ruins Park is where you’ll see amazing views of the city and historic sites from the flour mill that once stood here. Since we visited in the winter, we got to watch a neat snow sculpture being made by a team of Indigenous women, depicting one of the four seasons. You can also access the Stone Arch Bridge from the park, which is a great spot for a stroll.
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Hai Hai
Hai Hai is a Southeast Asian restaurant with fun, tropical decor. We tried the butternut squash wontons, Balinese cauliflower, and fish sauce caramel pork. Everything was so fun to try and so delicious!
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Luminiscence Minneapolis
Luminescence is an incredible light and music show held inside the Basilica of Saint Mary. You’ll be mesmerized by the storytelling and music that accompany the light displays, which highlight and complement the beautiful architecture of the basilica.
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Minneapolis Institute of Art
Ice sculptures, and a world-class collection that feels both inspiring and accessible, inviting everyone to explore art across cultures and centuries. It’s a place where creativity, history, and community come together in a way that’s uniquely Minneapolis.
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Earl Giles Restaurant and Distillery
Earl Giles Restaurant is a unique and fun space with a distillery on-site, offering delicious cocktails and flavorful dishes.
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Day 2

Cardamom - Closed
Cardamom is a beautiful restaurant located inside the Walker Art Center. When you enter, you’ll notice the pretty decor and picturesque views of the sculpture garden. We came for brunch and tried the falafel egg & cheese sandwich along with the French toast, and both were scrumptious!
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The Cabana Club
This fun restaurant is all kinds of cool in the winter, with its outdoor ice bar and tropical vibe. One of the best things it offers is an incredible view of the city skyline. Add in the mouthwatering food, and you’ll be dreaming about this place long after you leave.
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Minnesota Orchestra
Visiting the Minnesota Orchestra in the winter is an experience you won’t soon forget. Before you even get inside, you’ll find outdoor fire pits and a bar set inside a snow globe. Once you enter, you might see people curling (yes, the sport of curling on ice) and an impromptu orchestra playing right in the lobby. When the real orchestra starts, you’ll be transported to a magical place, with beautiful music performed by talented, passionate musicians.
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Day 3

Hi-Lo Diner
Hi-Lo Diner is a nostalgic ode to the past in a diner built in 1957. We loved the vintage booths and really felt like we stepped back in time while enjoying our delicious breakfast.
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Theodore Wirth Regional Park
Theodore Wirth Regional Park is a haven for anyone looking to embrace winter. You’ll find cross-country skiing, tubing, fat-tire biking, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and even a sauna! With equipment rentals available, it’s easy to try different activities and enjoy an amazing winter day.
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Foshay Museum and Observation Deck
From the 30th floor, you’ll find the most amazing views of the city from the Foshay Observation Deck. Before heading up, you can explore a unique museum to learn about the Foshay Tower and the man who designed it.
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Experiences

Minneapolis Local Bar Tour with Tastings
Sip your way through Minneapolis with a local guide, discovering hidden gems, neighborhood stories, and the city’s distinct flavors. Connect with fellow explorers and the bartenders who make each stop memorable, from cozy winter hideaways to vibrant city spots.
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Minneapolis Walking Art Tour - Heart of Downtown
This tour brings the city’s art and neighborhoods to life. From the bold sculptures along Nicollet Mall to the playful creations at Loring Park and the expansive Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, you’ll see how public art shapes the city’s personality while wandering streets full of history, design, and unexpected surprises around every corner.
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Minneapolis North Loop Food Tour of 6 Local's Favorites Tastings
Join an expert local guide and sample six standout dishes that blend old-world traditions with modern Midwest creativity. Wander the North Loop and St. Anthony Main, cross the Stone Arch Bridge, and meet the chefs and makers behind the city’s most exciting flavors. Every stop tells a story, combining history, culture, and bold culinary innovation.
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