11 Fun Minneapolis Date Ideas For A Romantic Getaway

Minneapolis Date Ideas

Have you ever been on a date in Minneapolis? If not, then you’re missing out! There are so many fun places to go and things to do here. The city is full of amazing attractions, beautiful scenery, and exciting activities that will make your trip unforgettable.

It has lakes, parks, and all of the bars and restaurants you could ever want. You can have a great time exploring this bustling city with your partner. Here are fun date adventures in Minneapolis that the two of you can do together.

 

1) PaddleTap Has The Best Group Date Experience Around Minneapolis

One of the best date ideas across Minneapolis is the hour and 40-minute tour of Lake Minnetonka from PaddleTap. They have several different boats that take public small group tours out onto the lake with seating for up to 14 guests.

Bring your own booze and Bluetooth music to enjoy for the ride, but keep in mind that your tour is not guaranteed to be private, so this is an opportune experience to bring friends for a multi-date night.

Meet at the Back Channel Brewery to grab craft cocktails and enjoy a lowkey experience on the lake or head to Downtown Excelsior for a more lively event. Head to Paddletap’s website to book your tour today!

PaddleTap Group Experience

 

2) Fun Date Night Ideas Start At Stone Arch Bridge

The Stone Arch Bridge provides a panoramic view of St. Anthony Falls and inspires Minneapolis date ideas with its proximity to multiple parks and exciting nearby attractions.

The bridge is known as a National Civil Engineering Landmark and is located in Central Mississippi Riverfront Regional Park. The park is open from 6 am to midnight, so it’s ideal for a romantic stroll any time of day.

The trail crossing the bridge is about a mile out and back again and only takes 22 minutes to complete if you’re in a rush. This is one of many locations for date ideas in Minneapolis when you’re short on time but still want to make a lasting impression on your date.

Stone Arch Bridge

 

3) Mini Golf Is One Of Many Lowkey Date Ideas In Minneapolis

Date ideas don’t have to come with a lot of pressure. In fact, some of the best date ideas don’t involve much fuss at all. Have a leisurely date that allows you and your date to get to know one another while you enjoy a nostalgic pastime.

Skyline Gold at the Walker Art Center has ten holes and features art-inspired themes from local artists. Recently, the museum decided to turn this annual event into a coveted rooftop experience with unmatched views of the Minneapolis skyline.

The event is the perfect date idea between May and September when the golf course opens. Summer date ideas are abundant in Twin Cities, but this is a coveted local favorite where tickets sell out quickly. Because purchasing tee times is also competitive, you’ll want to plan accordingly to snatch up the best timeframe for your date.

Other mini golf locations that make perfect date ideas include:

  • Betty Danger’s Country Club

  • Rock of Ages Blacklight Mini Golf

  • Moose Mountain Adventure Golf

Minneapolis Mini Golf

 

4) Fun Outdoor Date Ideas At Mill Ruins Park

Mill Ruins Park is situated on the west bank of the Mississippi River in Downtown Minneapolis alongside St. Anthony Falls and the Stone Arch Bridge. This area of mills, canals, tailraces, and other resources once made up the largest direct-drive, water-powered facility in the world.

Now, you can download a fun Mill Ruins Quest PDF that makes for a fun date idea for those who enjoy history and exploration. You’ll follow a series of clues that lead you all through the canals and ruins to explore the history of this place firsthand.

Mills Ruin Park

 

5) The Best Date Ideas Include Live Music

If you and your date want to enjoy drinks and catch live music on your date night in Twin Cities, there is an abundance of venues from which to choose.

Whether you want a smooth, jazzy experience that will set the scene for a slow dance or a venue with famous artists, Minneapolis will not disappoint. Here are just a few places to enjoy music for date night:

  • First Avenue

  • Dakota Jazz Club

  • The Skyway Theatre and The Loft

Minneapolis Live Music

 

6) Romantic Places To Dine In Twin Cities

For a romantic night of fine dining, The Aster Cafe offers an intimate experience in one of the most stunning areas of the Twin Cities. On a cobblestone street in St. Anthony Main, next to the river’s calm waters, you can enjoy an intimate meal on the patio during the sunset to start your date night in style.

The interior has a cozy low-lit dining room where you’ll enjoy a quiet, refined meal in one of the most romantic places in town. If you’re searching for more places for a dinner date, here are just a few favorite local hot spots:

  • Broder’s Pasta Bar

  • The Creekside Supper Club

  • Myriel

  • The Bungalow Club

Romantic Date Night

 

7) The Best Date Ideas In Minneapolis Are Nostalgic

One of the best ways to tug on your sweetie’s heartstrings is to come up with date ideas in Minneapolis that remind them of the innocence of childhood. Vintage bowling alleys are some of the best places to have fun on a first date.

Memory Lanes has a fantastic setup with beautiful vintage decor and an incredibly laid-back atmosphere that would put anyone at ease. They have a full-service menu of delicious pub foods like burgers, pizza, and salads and have plenty of lanes to choose from.

Bowling-Alley

 

8) Try Thrilling Date Ideas Like Axe Throwing

Ranked the number one bar in Minneapolis, Bad Axe Throwing offers one of the most thrilling date night experiences in the Twin Cities. This is another date idea perfect for groups of friends.

Book a lane for up to 45 minutes at a time and enjoy the fun and thrill of axe throwing with up to five people a lane for an exciting date idea. Having a group of friends along for fun takes the pressure off of your date and gives you a cheering section if things are going well!

Axe Throwing Date

 

9) Stroll One Of The Most Romantic Locations In Minneapolis

The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden features inspiring pieces from the Walker Art Center’s infamous collections. There are no admission fees or tickets needed for a romantic walk through the gardens, so you won’t have to worry about budgeting for these date ideas.

You can arrive as early as six for a sunrise stroll or stop by after dinner and linger until midnight for intimate date ideas under the stars.

Walker-Art-Center

 

10) Get To Know Each Other At One Of Minneapolis’ Most Popular Rooftop Bars

One of the most picturesque views of the Twin Cities is at the Louis Ristorante rooftop bar. The view of the downtown skyline, St. Paul Cathedral, and stunning bluffs along the adjacent river will surely dazzle your date.

Louis Ristorante has an elegant, romantic atmosphere with a menu full of old-school Italian favorites like carpaccio alla Cipriani or linguine alla vongole with Manila clams.

If you want to keep it simple, you can also order pizza and craft cocktails to keep it casual at the largest rooftop lounge in the area. You can also try these rooftop locations for a similar romantic experience:

  • Hewing Hotel

  • Seven Sushi Ultralounge and Skybar

  • Union Restaurant and Rooftop

Romantic Experience At Rooftop Bar

 

11) Enjoy Ice Skating For A Playful Date Night Idea

Are you a seasoned skater who wants to stun your partner with their skills on the ice? The Twin Cities is the perfect place for date ideas in Minneapolis to ice skate with your partner.

What better way to get close to your sweetheart than holding them tightly on the ice? Here are some of the top indoor and outdoor rinks in Minneapolis for unique date ideas:

  • Parade Ice Garden

  • Billy Lindsay Dinomights Ice Rink

  • Bryant Square Park Ice Skating and Hockey Rink

Ice Skating

 

Romantic Date Ideas In Minneapolis

For the most exciting date ideas in Minneapolis, be sure to choose an experience that both you and your date will find entertaining. PaddleTap’s Small Group Tour is a wonderful tour that takes you out on the waters of Lake Minnetonka, where you can listen to your favorite music and sip on cocktails or craft beer you bring with your significant other.

Contact PaddleTap to discover all the most exciting date ideas they have available for your upcoming date.

Duration
2 hours
Group Size
Up to 18

Private Tours

PaddleTap is proud to offer private tours on all of our party boats! These one-of-a-kind Tiki Boats, Origional Pedal Boat, or Two Level Party Pontoons that can be rented out on Excelsior Bay or Spring Park on Lake Minnetonka!

Take a peek at all our boating options and which locations they start from. You will truly love this experience for any Bachelorette, Birthday or Corporate outing!

All Private tours in 2026 will be a flat per boat pricing, and our per seat option is only open for shared/public options this year.

No minimum to reserve a private tour, you rent the entire boat!

Our lowest option will be on our Sunday Funday, if you want a deal....thats the day you want to set sail! Private tours are 40% off and included in the final price already (no discount code needed)

Duration
2 hours
Group Size
no limit

Public Tours

Looking to just get out on the water with some friends? Don't want to reserve a full boat? Or maybe its just a date night out on Lake Minnetonka? Don't worry our public tours are perfect for you!

Grab a seat on either our TikiTap or PaddlePub boats. These boats are the same boats as our private tours, they just allow you to reserve a few seats if you don't want to pay for the entire boat for a private cruise.

Our public tours last 2 hour long, and cost roughly $55/seat. They are all BYOB that comes with a private boat captain and bluetooth music. Typically private tours allow the guests to switch off who is playing the tunes, or the captain can have a play list. Public tours are at both of our locations on Lake Minnetonka (Spring Park or Excelsior)

Paddle or Cruise around Lake Minnetonka getting up and close with the big homes that the Lake has to offer. Experience bays that the larger charter boats cannot get into by booking one of our Public Tours.

What to know:

2 hours long (getting on/off boat)
Bluetooth music
BYOB
Bathroom on board (all boats)
Departs out of Back Channel Brewing in Spring Park and Public Docks in Excelsior MN
250-300 square feet of usable room
Holds 14-18 guests (depending on the boat you select)
Pricing: $55/Seat + fees

Duration
2 hours
Group Size
Up to 14

Baby Blue Party Pontoon

Our newest boat for 2026! This boat departs out of downtown Excelsior and is our newest to the fleet! This was custom built with all new "baby blue" colors to give it a chill vibe. The blue canopy can open and close based on the sun. This party boat has full bench seating around the custom bar, and U shaped pontoon seats in the front. This by far will be our most comfortable boat and with its ideal location you don't want to miss this. Private Captain and a newly built bathroom this boat will fit all of your needs! Can hold up to 14 people comfortably!

Duration
2 hours
Group Size
Up to 14

Original Pedal Boat Cruise-Lake Minnetonka-Excelsior

Experience the Only Downtown Excelsior Pedal Boat! (motor is on boat FYI)

PaddleTap is proud to offer private and public tours aboard the only powered party boat operating out of downtown Excelsior! Our one-of-a-kind Pedal Taverns on water can be rented for unforgettable cruises on Excelsior Bay. Optional Pedaling – 100% Fun

Don’t worry — pedaling is completely optional! Each of our PaddleTap boats is equipped with a 50 HP gas motor, so you can relax and cruise even if no one pedals.

Features of Our Party Boats:

1. Upgraded vessels with bathrooms on board
2. Spacious layout with 250 sq. ft. of usable space
3. Bluetooth sound system – play your favorite tunes
4. BYOB-friendly – bring your own beverages!
5. Holds up to 14 guests
6. 2-hour cruises
7. Private and public tour options

Departs conveniently from downtown Excelsior, just 20 minutes from Minneapolis

Perfect Pre- or Post-Cruise Options. Downtown Excelsior has plenty of local hot spots within walking distance!

1. Maynards
2. Excelsior Brewing
3. Haskell’s (liquor store & wine shop for last-minute drinks!)
4. Lago Tacos or Parlor burger – great for food before or after your cruise!

Bonus: See the Iconic Big Island

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from
$499
Duration
2 hours
Group Size
Up to 18

Large TikiTap-Spring Park Lake Minnetonka

Our 2 hour cruise on the TikiTap(yes, its a Tiki Themed Party Pontoon Boat and has ZERO pedals) boat offer the perfect scenic escape! It's our #1 Boat Tour for Bachelorette Parties!

This adventure is perfect for any corporate event, private birthday party or just for fun on a bachelorette or bachelor parties!

We have two Tiki Boats for 2026 and the largest single boat we offer and is 26 feet long and almost 12 feet wide! These party boats include comfortable bar stool seating around the custom tiki bar, and seating for maximum of 18 total guests (Large TikiTap) with plenty of walking room around both vessels.

Enjoy our one of a kind Tiki Themed bar to rest your beer, wine, or cocktails.

Do you have any worry about a bathroom? Don’t! this boat does come equipped with a full bathroom for you to use.

Worried about rain? Don’t! We have a large canopy that covers 70% of the TikiTap! If this boat is open, book it soon as this is for sure the first one to be reserved.

Things to Know:

2 hours long
Bluetooth music
BYOB
Bathroom on board
Departs out of Back Channel Brewing in Spring Park
300 square feet of usable room
Holds up to 18 guests per boat (depending if your booking the large or small TikiTap)
Pricing: Flat pricing for private cruises, and per person public tickets for smaller groups.

8 Reviews verify
from
$599
Duration
2 hours
Group Size
Up to 14

Small TikiTap-Excelsior Lake Minnetonka

Our 2 hour cruise on the TikiTap(yes, its a Tiki Themed Party Pontoon Boat and has ZERO pedals) boat offer the perfect scenic escape! It's our #1 Boat Tour for Bachelorette Parties!

This adventure is perfect for any corporate event, private birthday party or just for fun on a bachelorette or bachelor parties!

We have one Small Tiki Boat for 2026 and the largest single boat we offer and is 25 feet long and almost 10 feet wide! This party boat include comfortable bar stool seating around the custom tiki bar, and seating for maximum of 14 total guests (Small TikiTap) with plenty of walking room around both vessels.

Enjoy our one of a kind Tiki Themed bar to rest your beer, wine, or cocktails.

Do you have any worry about a bathroom? Don’t! this boat does come equipped with a full bathroom for you to use.

Worried about rain? Don’t! We have a large canopy that covers 70% of the TikiTap! If this boat is open, book it soon as this is for sure the first one to be reserved.

Things to Know:

2 hours long
Bluetooth music
BYOB
Bathroom on board
Departs out of Back Channel Brewing in Spring Park
250 square feet of usable room
Holds up to 14 guests per boat (depending if your booking the large or small TikiTap)
Pricing: Flat pricing for private cruises, and per person public tickets for smaller groups.

Duration
2 hours
Group Size
Up to 18

Large Party Boat Cruise-Spring Park-Lake Minnetonka

PaddleTap’s #1 boat tour! For the people who like to take it easy on the lake! Our Large Party Boat ride has your name written all over it. This is our only double deck party boat that is massive, if you just want to enjoy the lake and party, this is the boat for you!! This boat can hold up to 18 guests!

Both boats offers two levels and covers at least 300 of deck space on the main level with an additional 100 square feet on the upper deck! This boat has zero pedals and is the true lazy experience that can hold up to 18 total guests!

These boats offer a private party bar down the middle for you to load up with your own drinks and bench seating all the way down on both sides.

We have a large wide open space in the front where people can move around and take in the views, or sit in our comfy seating all around.

The Large Party Boat has a large 150 HSP motor, we can cover a fair amount of lake to enjoy everything that Lake Minnetonka offers! Our pickups are out of Back Channel Brewing, Lord Fletchers, Downtown Excelsior or Wayzata

What to know:

Private boat captain
2 hours long
Bluetooth music
BYOB
Bathroom on board
Departs out of Back Channel Brewing in Spring Park
400 square feet of usable room (two levels)
Holds up to 18 guests
Pricing: Flat per boat pricing for private cruises, and a per person for smaller/public groups
150 HSP Gas Motor
Zero Pedals (not even an option here, time to be Lazy!)

22 Reviews verify
from
$599