There’s nothing like chasing the magic of the Midwest after a long winter semester at school. That’s why so many students and families choose to ditch the books for a while to explore all of the gems of the Twin Cities! A Minneapolis spring break is exactly what the doctor ordered if you’re looking for an adventure that combines sightseeing, nature, entertainment, and a little taste of lake life.
With the period between March and April offering many 55-degree to 65-degree days, there’s no need to wait until school is officially out for the summer to enjoy outdoor activities in Minnesota. In addition to being the perfect place for families and kids to celebrate a little bit of free time, Minnesota is also becoming a popular spot for college students looking for fun and affordable getaways.
A tour we think you'll love
What is there to discover in this surprise “hot spot” for spring break? This guide to spring break in Minneapolis covers all the best attractions and events!
1) Do Spring Break On The Lake
One of the best things to do during a Minneapolis spring break is to visit epic, sparkling Lake Minnetonka just as it’s waking up from its winter slumber. Covering nearly 15 pristine acres just minutes from the buzz of downtown Minneapolis, this body of water offers wonderment for the whole family.
You might be thinking that a lake day is one of the outdoor activities you can only enjoy this March or April if you happen to have a friend in town who owns a boat. Not true at all!
Many people enjoying Minneapolis spring breaks simply book outings on the water with us here at Paddle Tap. As the best Lake Minnetonka cruise company around, we pamper our guests with private or regular cruises that depart from Back Channel Brewing or downtown Excelsior.
Here are four reasons why spring break in Minneapolis is just better when you set sail with us:
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Guests enjoy private captains on every tour
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Our relaxing, beautiful vessels can actually get into channels and nooks that bigger boats can’t access
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Guests can customize their tour experiences to enjoy a variety of themes
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We’re a five-star tour company that’s been rated the best by customers multiple years in a row
Choose a tiki-themed cruise boat, LazyTap Party Pontoon experience featuring a huge upper deck, or your own unique ideas for your private party on the water.
Contact us today to start planning a spring break experience you’ll never forget!
2) Get An Education In Wildlife At The Minnesota Zoo
There’s no need to stop learning just because school isn’t in session!
Located just 20 miles from downtown Minneapolis within the Minneapolis–Saint Paul metropolitan area, the Minnesota Zoo is home to thousands of treasured species! The campus is divided into six zones with three themed walking areas. Here’s a quick blueprint:
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Medtronic Minnesota Trail: Featuring animals native to Minnesota, this enchanted area is home to black bears, bald eagles, grey wolves, pumas, and more.
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Northern Trail: Home to animals from northern environments, this trail is famous for its American bison, llamas, prairie dogs, and horses.
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Tropics Trail: This warm, jungle-like trail features Burmese pythons, crocodiles, fruit bats, flamingos, and many more colorful species.
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Discovery Bay: This area contains several aquariums and tide-pool areas that house sharks, rays, sea turtles, seals, and more.
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Wells Fargo Family Farm: This down-home exhibit featuring chickens, cows, sheep, goats, and other familiar farm animals keeps the whole family entertained!
Bonus fun: Entry to the zoo’s Treetop Trail that offers amazing views of exhibits is now included with zoo admission!
3) Spend Time Getting To Know The City At The Landmark Center
This is considered the cultural and artistic hub of the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area! Built in 1902, the structure was a post office and courthouse before becoming a preserved landmark. The building is now home to:
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Public Art: The Permanent Collection of Landmark Center
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Landmark Center North Gallery
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American Association of Woodturners Gallery of Wood Art
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Landmark Gallery
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Schubert Club Music Museum
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Landmarket Gift Shop
This is the best place to scoop up some original artwork and crafts that will help you to always remember your time in the Twin Cities. This is also where you’ll find the Saint Paul Visitor Center!
Fun fact to know: One of the city’s biggest historical events occurred at this landmark when John Dillinger’s girlfriend, a man named Alvin Karpis, and other members of the Barker-Karpis crime gang were tried back when it was a courthouse!
4) Catch A Movie At A Cozy Theater
When planning a Minneapolis spring trip, it’s never a bad idea to have some backup plans in mind in case a cold snap hits during March or April. One of the best ways to enjoy an “indie” vibe even when seeing a blockbuster is to catch a flick at Main Cinema. Founded by the Film Society of Minneapolis St. Paul (MSP Film) in 1962, this iconic theater brings mainstream first-run pictures, international films, and independent cinema to Minnesota audiences!
Of course, the theater is best known for being home to one of the biggest events in the Twin Cities when it hosts the Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival (MSPIFF) every April!
5) Play Some Arcade Games
While you may be planning a spring break around Minneapolis because you’re not a fan of the traditional “club scene” that’s associated with other popular spring break destinations, you can still spend some of your free time at popular clubs and bars around the city on your own terms.
If you love gaming, a spot called Up-Down located on Lyndale Avenue in Minneapolis is going to get you excited! This arcade bar features 50 classic arcade games that let you get schooled while out of school. For those who are 21 and over, this spot has a selection of more than 60 craft beers on tap to choose from!
6) Enjoy Lunch With Views Of The Minneapolis Skyline
If you’re looking for a place where you can grab lunch while enjoying exceptional views, it’s helpful to know that Minneapolis offers a great collection of rooftop restaurants. Consider booking a table at any of the following:
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Union Rooftop – Hennepin Avenue
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Mara – Hennepin Avenue
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Red Cow North Loop – 1st Avenue
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Reveal Rooftop Bar – Wayzata Boulevard in Saint Louis Park
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RH Rooftop Restaurant Minneapolis – France Avenue
If possible, select a clear March or April day for your rooftop lunch outing to ensure visibility. If you prefer the opportunity to dance with a cocktail in hand, these restaurants also offer exquisite after-dark views of twinkling Minneapolis.
7) Get The Best Views Of The Mississippi River
In addition to being a fun spring break activity for kids, families, or college students, this final item on the list is also completely free. Let’s talk about the location where you can go to get the absolute best views of the river without paying a fortune for a penthouse suite at a fancy hotel.
Located on the historic Mississippi riverfront, Boom Island Park is considered by locals to be the spot offering the best views in the city! In addition to showing off picturesque views of the Mississippi River, Boom Island Park also provides stunning views of the Minneapolis skyline. In fact, this is a popular spot for wedding photography.
Spring Break Is Always Double The Fun In The Twin Cities
You don’t necessarily need to trek to the Minneapolis Visitor Center to discover all of the best landmarks and outdoor attractions for all ages. The ideas on the list above help you squeeze every ounce of magic out of your spring break here in Minneapolis.
Who says spring break needs to be tropical to be magical? If a relaxing cruise sounds like music to your ears this March, it’s time to start planning your voyage with Paddle Tap. There’s no better way to celebrate the kids being out of school than by taking to the crisp and clear waters of the American Midwest with help from our experienced crew.
We make it easy to customize your spring break itinerary to suit all ages. Book your memorable spring break adventure today!
