It’s time to hit the town in the Twin Cities! Are you looking for fun things to do in Minneapolis for adults? There are so many sophisticated things to do in this special spot at the confluence of the Mississippi and Minnesota Rivers.
Whether you’re looking for inspiration for planning a date night or you’re coming with the crew for a weekend of shopping and staying out late at night, there’s so much to explore! Of course, nature lovers can’t resist the pristine Minnesota rivers and lakes found just outside of town.
A tour we think you'll love
Ready to start planning? Put these fun activities for adults in Minneapolis on your itinerary!
1) Enjoy Views Of The Downtown Skyline
There’s nothing like taking in a big view of the city! There are several spots in Minneapolis offering panoramic skyline views. Here’s a look:
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Foshay Museum and Observation Deck (821 South Marquette Avenue): This skyscraper offers 360-degree views spanning 30 miles from 31 stories up!
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Stone Arch Bridge (100 Portland Avenue): Get to the Stone Arch Bridge at dusk to enjoy sparkling views of the Minneapolis skyline! This former railroad crossing over the Mississippi River is the only arched bridge of its kind in the area.
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Plymouth Avenue Bridge (Plymouth Avenue): Spanning the Mississippi River, this bridge has pedestrian walkways. In addition to offering skyline views, the viewpoint here also shows off the Boom Island Lighthouse.
Pro Tip: While views are gorgeous both during the day and at night, sunset viewing that leads into a twinkling skyline is highly recommended!
2) Take A Boat Tour Of Lake Minnetonka
Here’s an excursion that’s perfect if you’re looking for fun activities for adults in Minneapolis that take you into nature for a bit. Many people who come to Minneapolis and St. Paul book cruises on sparkling, expansive Lake Minnetonka.
Located roughly 16 miles outside of Minneapolis, this famed Minnesota lake spans nearly 15 acres. Lake cruisers enjoy incredible views while exploring 23 distinct bays and areas. The lively lake is teeming with largemouth bass, black bullhead, black crappie, bluegill, sunfish, and more.
PaddleTap Party Boats offers fun recreation on Lake Minnetonka! Our famed Lake Minnetonka cruises are perfect for dates, birthday celebrations, family gatherings, bachelor/bachelorette parties, team-building excursions, and so much more! Whether you want to hop on a public cruise or build your own custom tour, we’re here to help you plan an unforgettable day on the lake.
Our options include:
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PaddlePub Downtown Excelsior Cruise – Party on your personal “paddle pub” while exploring the lake! These PaddlePub boats have gas motors that allow for optional pedaling.
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TikiTap Back Channel Brewing on Lake Minnetonka – Enjoy a 100-minute cruise aboard our TikiPub pontoon boat.
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LazyTap Double Deck Back Channel Brewing on Lake Minnetonka – Enjoy a “lazy” 100-minute cruise aboard our LazyTap Party Boat.
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Back Channel Brewing Private Tour – This 2.5-hour experience offers an extended, leisurely cruise of the lake aboard our LazyTap double-decker boat or TikiTap boat.
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Electric Duffy Boat Rental – Depart from downtown Excelsior to drive your crew at your own pace!
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And much more!
We offer a fun, safe, and unique way to explore Lake Minnetonka. Our friendly, experienced captains are second to none! We can’t wait for you to experience the best party-themed boats in Minnesota when you book your spot.
Each tour is “bring your own beverage” (BYOB). We also offer bathrooms on all of our vessels. Don’t miss the boat! Book your cruise on Lake Minnetonka with PaddleTap Party Boats today!
3) Visit the City’s Premier Art Museum
The Walker Art Center is the premier spot for esteemed works and cutting-edge interactive exhibits in Minneapolis. Nestled in the Lowry Hill neighborhood, Walker is considered one of the nation’s best museums.
Roughly 700,000 visitors from around the world funnel through the museum each year to experience a variety of permanent and temporary collections covering paintings, drawings, photography, sculpture, books, costumes, and more. The permanent collection alone houses more than 13,000 pieces.
Insider Tip For Art Lovers: If you want to plan something fun for the group, bring your appreciation for the local art scene in the city to the next level with a scavenger hunt on Lake Street. The famous Lake Street Art Drop is a monthly scavenger hunt featuring photo clues on social media.
4) Explore The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden
This 11-acre park at Vineland Place is conveniently located within walking distance of the Walker. Open from 6 a.m. to midnight daily, the garden features more than 40 works of public art that you can enjoy at your own pace. Simply follow the walking paths to get lost in a charming world of whimsical outdoor art!
As you stroll through the garden, you’ll encounter iconic pieces like the famous Spoonbridge and Cherry, which is a must-see for any visitor. The lush greenery and vibrant flowers create a stunning backdrop for the sculptures, making it a perfect spot for photography or a leisurely picnic.
The garden also hosts various events and programs throughout the summer, including guided tours and art workshops, so be sure to check the schedule for any special happenings during your visit.
Whether you’re an art enthusiast or just looking for a beautiful place to unwind, the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden offers a delightful escape that celebrates creativity and nature in perfect harmony.
5) Learn About Local Swedish Culture When You Visit the American Swedish Institute
Minneapolis has a strong Swedish influence because of the fact that the area actually has the largest concentration of Swedes outside of Sweden! You can learn all about the ways Swedish immigrants have influenced local food, music, economics and culture at the American Swedish Institute. This expansive local favorite features a museum, cultural center, fun store, restaurant serving Nordic cuisine, and historic mansion on one campus.
The beautiful Turnblad Mansion is a highlight of any tour. Known simply as “the castle” by locals, this estate features a famed towering turret, pitched roof, and hand-carved gargoyles. Construction of the estate was completed in 1908 along a stretch of Park Avenue that was once known as the Golden Mile.
Fun Fact: Visiting the American Swedish Institute is worth it not only for its rich cultural exhibits but also for its stunning gardens, which feature beautiful seasonal displays and provide a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city, perfect for a leisurely stroll or a quiet moment of reflection!
6) Get Behind The Plate On A Visit To Target Field
This is your chance to visit one of the best sports venues in the Midwest. As you may already know, Target Field is the home of the Minnesota Twins. It has been named a Top 10 MLB Stadium Experience by ESPN.
The best part is that you don’t have to attend an event to get beyond the gates. You can get on the field simply by booking a tour. People coming to the Twin Cities to bask in sports glory have a number of different options for touring the arena.
Here’s a look at how to make your visit an unforgettable event:
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Off-season tours – Get a behind-the-scenes, in-depth look at the park during quiet times.
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Baseball season – Game-day tours bring you right into the heart of the hustle and bustle.
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Pregame tours – If you’re grabbing tickets for a game, enjoy a tour leading up to the game that puts you in prime seats at the Champions Club during batting practice.
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VIP tours – Upgrade to a luxury tour with personalized service and privileged access behind the home plate.
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Private group tours – Coming with a group of 10 or more? You and your friends can get an exclusive guided tour that includes untold stories from insiders, exclusive access to private spots, and time in the Champions Club and Truly On Deck.
The fun can continue away from the field. If you’re looking for an amazing night out, the nearby Target Center is a world-class venue that hosts the world’s biggest live music acts, comedians, and shows.
Located in the Minneapolis Entertainment District, this arena is surrounded by the city’s best restaurants, bars, hotels, and more! Consider checking out who will be performing during your window of time in the Twin cities to snag tickets to an unforgettable event.
7) Enjoy Wholesome Fun At The Country’s Largest State Fair
The truth is that this event will only fit into your schedule if you’re coming to the Minneapolis and St Paul area at the end of summer. Starting 12 days before Labor Day each year, the Minnesota State Fair takes place just minutes outside of the city in a spot called Falcon Heights, Minnesota.
The fairgrounds are adjacent to the St. Paul campus of the University of Minnesota. More than 2 million visitors pile in every year to enjoy livestock exhibits, roasted sweet corn, arts and crafts, and more at this wholesome event. Of course, there’s no better place to find just about any food you enjoy on a stick!
Fun Fact: The Minnesota State Fair features a unique tradition called the “Great Minnesota Get-Together,” where visitors can enjoy a wide array of live entertainment, including concerts, comedy shows, and even a daily parade, making it a vibrant celebration of local culture and community spirit that you won’t want to miss!
Finding Fun Things To Do In Minneapolis For Adults Is Breezy
It’s not always easy to find something fun to do that everyone will love when you plan a trip with friends. However, everyone is guaranteed to have fun when you choose to explore Lake Minnetonka with the area’s #1 boat tour company.
We offer an affordable way to plan a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you’ll be talking about for years to come! We offer convenient departures and customizable itineraries. Tell your friends you’re cruising Lake Minnetonka! Book your spot with PaddleTap Party Boats today!
