Are you in desperate need of a little fresh-air getaway? It might be time to head to the Twin Cities to reconnect with the perfect combination of friendly people and awe-inspiring nature. Minneapolis is an amazing place to enjoy outdoor activities. After all, a city doesn’t earn the nickname of “City of Lakes” for no reason!
With help from hiking trails, biking paths, lake cruises, and parks by the river, Minneapolis offers outdoor fun for all ages. In fact, you can explore everything from downtown attractions to areas that feel like pure wilderness within a single weekend. As a city that experiences all four seasons in full glory, Minneapolis is an amazing place to visit during any time of year.
A tour we think you'll love
From the amber-and-gold leaves in the fall to sunny days spent on the lakeshore in the summer, there’s so much to savor. That might leave you wondering about where to start.
This guide to the seven best outdoor activities to enjoy with friends in Minneapolis will inspire you to balance city-slicker fun with the outdoors!
1) Explore The Beauty Of Lake Minnetonka
If you’re like most people looking for fun outdoor activities in Minneapolis, you’re probably eager to get out on the waters of Lake Minnetonka. This 14-acre body of water stands out among other Midwestern lakes due to its biodiversity and intricate basin system. If you’re like most people, you’re also probably wondering how to cruise on the lake if you don’t have your own boat. That’s where your friends at Paddle Tap come in!
Paddle Tap is the premier provider of Lake Minnetonka boat cruises and charters. When you board with us, you’ll make memories that last a lifetime. How does a LazyTap Party Pontoon that offers 300 feet of space with a huge 100-square-foot upper deck for observation sound? This is just one of many private and public cruising options we offer to our customers.
With most of our tours lasting 100 minutes to 2.5 hours, you’ll have plenty of time to squeeze this must-try experience into your itinerary. Here are some fast facts about cruising with Paddle Tap:
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BYOB beverages are welcome on most of our vessels
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Some of our cruises offer the option to order cuisine from Lord Fletcher’s
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While we don’t offer fishing charters, you just might see some expert fishermen on the lake during your cruise!
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Our state-of-the-art vessels are slender enough to get into areas that larger boats can’t access. That’s important for exploring the lake’s intricate basin system that’s teeming with wildlife and natural treasures
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Bathrooms are available on all of our LazyTap, TikiTap, and SuperTap booze cruises
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Our tour boats offer Bluetooth connection to let you control the playlist from your smartphone!
A voyage with Paddle Tap is one of the signature Minneapolis outdoor activities you don’t want to miss! Contact our team today to book your voyage!
2) Splash At Jim Lupient Water Park
There’s nothing like the feeling of slipping and sliding in refreshing water on a hot summer day in the Midwest. Jim Lupient Water Park is one of 185 park properties maintained by the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB).
For a small admission fee, guests enjoy access to three water slides, a log path, interactive spray fountains, shade structures, and grassy areas for sunbathing in one of the area’s best parks
3) Watch Nature And Art Merge At The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden
In addition to being one of the best outdoor activities in Minneapolis, a visit to this exceptional landmark allows you to discover one of the jewels of the Minneapolis and Saint Paul metropolitan area.
Explore 11 scenic acres to admire a collection of more than 60 sculptures. Open from 6 a.m. to 12 a.m. daily, this artistic nature park is completely free to the public.
4) Swim In A Natural Pool
Did you know that Minneapolis is home to one of the country’s only natural swimming pools? The Webber Natural Swimming Pool is a community water hole and lap pool that uses filters and plants instead of chemicals to cleanse the water.
The pool is a living system that holds more than 7,000 plants that are anchored by granite and limestone. This is also a great place to fit in an aquatic workout in a lap pool!
Plan your swim: Paid lap-swimming sessions are available from 11:20 a.m. to 1 p.m. from Tuesday through Friday during the park’s open season.
5) Hit The Biking Trails On The Grand Rounds Scenic Byway
No outdoor activities quite match the rush of exploring the 51 miles of paved trails wrapping around lakes, parkways, gardens, parks, beaches, historical sites, and scenic neighborhoods that make up Grand Rounds Scenic Byway. The network of paved trails includes:
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Cedar Lake Regional Trail
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Columbia Parkway Regional Trail
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East River Parkway
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Kenilworth Regional Trail
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Northeast Diagonal Regional Trail
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Ridgway Parkway Regional Trail
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Shingle Creek Regional Trai
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Stinson Parkway
For cyclists craving bigger adventures, the Wirth off-road cycling trail provides more than 5 miles of biking trails full of twists, turns, hills, and thick woods. Don’t miss the chance to experience biking in one of the most impressive natural landscapes in the Twin Cities!
Fun fact: In the wintertime, the Wirth trail welcomes snowshoers to merrily follow snow-covered paths!
6) Play A Round Of Mini Golf
One of the most wholesome outdoor activities you can enjoy during an upcoming getaway in Minnesota is mini golf. Locals will tell you that the most beautiful spot for mini golf around here is found at Centennial Lakes Park.
This 24-acre park with a manmade pond located a skip away from downtown in Edina has a world-class putting course that’s perfect for all ages. For wintertime visitors, Centennial Lakes Park features a 10-acre lake that is groomed daily for ideal ice-skating conditions!
Tip: Don’t skip this amazing spot for fun in all four seasons in Minnesota!
7) Enjoy The Beauty Of The Mississippi River In Coon Rapids
Located within 15 miles of Minneapolis, Coon Rapids is a dream for nature lovers! This is a nice place to escape for a while if you want to enjoy some of the best parks and river trails in Minnesota. However, the real reason most people find themselves coming here is the chance to enjoy outdoor activities on the river.
Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park is teeming with outdoor activities centered on the Mississippi River. During your visit, you can enjoy views of the river from visitor centers on both sides of the Coon Rapids Dam.
If fishing is one of the Minneapolis outdoor activities you have your heart set on, you’ll be thrilled to discover that shore fishing from below the dam yields a variety of different fish.
Plan properly for outdoor activities: A fishing license may be required for anyone over age 16.
Start Planning A Vacation Full Of Outdoor Fun In Minneapolis
With so many great parks, biking paths, walking trails, and river views that are fun to explore, Minneapolis is Minnesota’s capital for outdoor activities. Of course, there are some experiences you just can’t get from parks and lakeside trails.
Experiencing the wonder of Minneapolis down to your core requires some time on the water. That’s why Paddle Tap is so thrilled to offer boat tours that bring you to some of the most beautiful locations in this community!
Embrace the nature lover in you! Book outdoor activities on Lake Minnetonka with us! We take the stress out of booking an excursion by providing one-on-one service.
