Minneapolis is not usually considered one of the top tourist destinations in the summertime, but its profile is rapidly growing with an increasing number of visitors arriving in the Twin Cities every year with various destinations and goals in mind.
Between the beautiful scenery, amazing adventures, shopping opportunities, and many other attractions, Minneapolis provides many unique experiences that can’t be experienced in the rest of the Midwest, let alone the rest of the country.
A tour we think you'll love
If you’re planning to visit Minneapolis in the summer for work, a family reunion, a weekend getaway, or a longer vacation, you may want to know what amazing experiences you’ll be able to enjoy while you’re here. Let’s take a look at everything you’ll need to know before you spend a day, a weekend, or a longer part of your summer with us.
Explore The Waters Of Lake Minnetonka With PaddleTap Party Boats
Puddle Tap offers a variety of water-based excursions on the beautiful waters of Lake Minnetonka. These outings are perfect for everything from bachelor or bachelorette parties to corporate retreats or icebreakers and everything in between.
Many of our tours offer private options that allow you and your group to enjoy the gorgeous scenery and sights of beautiful Lake Minnetonka. Here are a few things to know about our amazing offerings:
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Our public tours are great for smaller groups who don’t want to reserve the entire boat. You may be paired with other groups but as long as we have six guests, we’ll set sail!
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Our private tours of Lake Minnetonka take groups of up to 18 guests and can run either 100 minutes or 2.5 hours, depending on which tour you’d like. These include both pedal boats and pedal-free experiences, although pedaling is always optional as our boats also have motors.
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Our fleet includes single-deck boats, as well as the TikiPub (a Tiki-themed party pontoon boat that has zero pedals!), allowing you to choose the boat that best suits your needs.
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For a more relaxed atmosphere, our sister company, Electric Shores, offers private boat rentals that are 100% electric and allow you to peacefully enjoy the beauty of Lake Minnetonka for two to three hours at your own pace.
Pro Tip: All private tours are BYOB and allow you to connect your device to our Bluetooth speakers to listen to music, so you can enjoy this fun experience the way you’d like.
These fun and amazing voyages over Lake Minnetonka fill up fast, so don’t miss your chance. Whether you’re planning a birthday, bachelor, or bachelorette party, a neighborhood get-together, a corporate retreat, or another type of special event, or just want to enjoy nature on Lake Minnetonka, head over to our website.
Don’t miss out and get left ashore! Book your amazing boat trip experience today!
Explore The Fabulous Mall Of America In Nearby Bloomington
One of the nation’s biggest attractions is the Mall of America in Bloomington, just ten miles south of Minneapolis’ city center. With over 500 stores and services, this great space is the largest indoor shopping center in the United States and draws over 40 million visitors every year.
Among those stores and services are an indoor amusement park, bars, restaurants, a bowling alley, a movie theater with 13 screens, and much more. If you’re looking for a particular store, you might want to check the location on their website before you go and map out the easiest route.
If you’re going to shop with others, you should have a communication plan and a set meeting place in case someone gets lost when you all head out in other directions.
The mall also has 12,300 parking spaces, which means you’ll want to remember where you parked. If you have a GPS tracker like an Apple AirTag, a Samsung Galaxy SmartTag, a Tile, or a similar device, you can track its location using your phone and find your vehicle faster after you shop.
Pro Tip: Alternatively, you can take pictures of the area surrounding your parking spot or a video of yourself saying the instructions (“East parking garage, 4th level, Row 7, Spot 19”) instead of repeating that phrase to yourself for several hours while you shop or go to the movies.
Spend Some Time Outdoors In One Of Our Incredible Parks
Minnesota is home to some of the most amazing parks in the United States, allowing you to relax on the shores of The Minnesota River or one of our many lakes. If you want to enjoy great views, take in nature, or go swimming, a Minneapolis park is the perfect location.
Loring Park downtown has a wading pool, a basketball court, a fishing pier, an ice rink, a walking path, and more. It’s the perfect location for outdoor summer activities and is also connected to the beautiful Sculpture Garden. There are picnic tables, too, so you can enjoy a Saturday morning breakfast, weekday lunch, or weekend dinner while basking in our glorious nature.
The Mississippi National River & Recreation Area is perfect for a summer afternoon walk, biking, hiking, and more. This park provides the perfect opportunity to have fun and explore while providing enough shade from trees to help you stay cool despite all the sunshine.
Other Great Ideas For Summer In Minneapolis
As summer rolls into Minneapolis, the city bursts with energy and excitement, offering a variety of activities that cater to everyone:
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Minneapolis is home to nearly a dozen mini golf locations for you and your family to enjoy. Some remain open until midnight on the weekends, allowing you to enjoy some indoor fun at night.
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There are many summer festivals and other events that feature live music in the city, from relaxing concerts in the park to massive events in sold-out stadiums. The Basilica Block Party and Twin Cities Jazz Festivals are just a few of our most popular music festivals.
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Speaking of sports, the Minnesota Twins play at Target Field in downtown Minneapolis. As every team plays all 29 other teams in the regular season, you have a great chance of seeing a fun matchup at the ballpark.
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Although the Minnesota Vikings don’t play until September, events still take place in summer at US Bank Stadium. You can enjoy music, sports, and more in this great space even during the NFL off-season.
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The City of Minneapolis and St. Paul make up the Twin Cities. They’re connected by public transportation, so you can have fun on either side of the river and catch a bus or Light Rail back to your hotel, no matter which side you stay on.
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In addition to lakes and other outdoor spaces, there are several indoor swimming pools in the city if you’d like to stay cool in an air-conditioned building on a warm summer night.
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Steak lovers won’t want to miss the dinner at Murray’s Steakhouse downtown. Their signature Silver Butter Knife Steak (so tender that you can cut it with a butter knife!) is world famous.
Pro Tip: Before you book your summer getaway, be sure to check the Minneapolis Event Calendar! This handy resource will keep you in the loop about all the exciting happenings around the city, from concerts and festivals to sports events and special activities.
Plus, you might find unique local events that you wouldn’t want to miss, ensuring your summer experience is packed with unforgettable moments. So, take a few minutes to browse the calendar and tailor your itinerary to include the best that Minneapolis has to offer this season!
Feeling And Looking Good In Summer – A Weather Guide To Minneapolis
Temperature-wise, the cool summer weather in Minneapolis is almost perfect. The average daily high is usually in the high 70s or lower 80s, which provides a welcome escape for visitors who frequently experience days of 100 degrees or even higher.
However, it is also important to note that Minnesota is a very rainy state. In summer, it rains a little over half the time. You may want to carry an umbrella or have a hat handy if you plan to head outdoors and experience nature.
Pro Tip: To make the most of your summer in Minneapolis, dress in layers! While the days can be pleasantly warm, temperatures can drop in the evenings, so having a light jacket or sweater on hand is a smart move. Additionally, breathable fabrics will keep you comfortable during those warmer afternoons, and don’t forget to pack sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun.
Enjoy The Wonders Of Minneapolis In Summer
If you’re planning to visit Minneapolis in summer, you’ll be sure to have a great time in our beautiful slice of the American Midwest.
Paddle Tap Party Boats provides the perfect setting for bachelor or bachelorette parties, corporate gatherings, work outings, family reunions, and much more. You can choose the adventure that works best for you and your group while you partake in the wonderous majesty that Lake Minnetonka has to offer.
Now that you’ve read our guide on summer in Minneapolis, no matter what brings you to the beautiful Twin Cities this or any summer, you’ll be prepared to have the time of your life. Just remember to bring a hat for when it rains and don’t forget to reserve your boat ride in advance, as they fill up fast. Bring your Bluetooth-capable music device, too!
Don’t miss out – book your exciting Puddle Tap voyage on Lake Minnetonka today!
