The history, art, culture and beauty of Minneapolis are marvels that should be experienced, not just witnessed. Nature meets skyscrapers, blending together to create unique sights and attractions that can only be experienced in Minneapolis. 
Tour the city with a knowledgeable guide, or venture into an adventure of your own; either way, the life of this city will unfold before your eyes.

1. The Walker Art Center – One of the world's premier contemporary art museums, the Walker Art Center features casual and fine dining, theater, cinema, dance and more. Admission to the museum is free the first Saturday of every month from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. and every Thursday night from 5-9 p.m. These free openings to the public often feature artists in residence, craft projects, music, performances or other fun activities. The outdoor sculpture garden is adjacent to the Walker Art Center and is free every day, every season. Enjoy the outdoors and mosey around the 11-acre sculpture garden in the heart of downtown Minneapolis. Artwork hides around every corner—be sure not to miss the Standing Glass Fish in the Conservatory and the Irene Hixon Whitney Bridge.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           


2. The Guthrie Theater – The Guthrie Theater is one of the most renowned performance centers and architectural designs in the nation. Perhaps one of the best features of this awe-inspiring place is that it is open to the public year-round. Explore your public spaces—from the amber box to the endless bridge—with a self-guided iPod audio tour. Narrated by Director Joe Dowling and Guthrie actors, the tour touches on the institution's rich past and the building's modern design by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Jean Nouvel, allowing you to explore the Guthrie at your own pace. Download the FREE audio tour as a podcast on iTunes.
   
   
3. Minneapolis Institute of Arts – The MIA is Minnesota's largest art educator; more than a half million people visit the museum each year. The collection includes world-famous works that span 5,000 years, representing the world's diverse cultures across all continents. The MIA has seven curatorial areas: Arts of Africa & the Americas; Contemporary Art; Decorative Arts, Textiles & Sculpture; Asian Art; Paintings; Photography and New Media; Prints and Drawings; and Textiles. Target sponsors a free family event every 2^nd Sunday of the month, where families can make art and going on artful adventures, meeting local artists, musicians, dancers, and storytellers, and more!
   
   
4. Mall of America – Mall of America, the largest indoor shopping center in the nation, has earned a national reputation for entertaining guests. Although a shopping mecca, there is no need to spend a dime as it constantly features free events from musical acts to celebrity appearances to fashion shows. 
   
   
5. Minneapolis Aquatennial (July) – A 10-day festival starting the third week of July is the biggest free summer festival in Minneapolis. Events include a massive Torchlight Parade through the city, fireworks, live music, milk carton boat races, sandcastle sculpting contests and so much more!
   
   
6. The City of Lakes Loppet (February) — This celebration of winter in Minnesota takes place the first weekend in February. The City of Lakes Loppet is a cross-country ski festival featuring the beautiful trails and lakes of the Twin Cities. Additional activities include a snow sculpture contest, heated tent party, bike race, dog race and a free Sons of Norway Minne-Loppet for children 12 and under. http://www.cityoflakesloppet.com/
   
   
7. Mill City District – Minneapolis’ Mill City District (top photo) is the historic "birthplace of Minneapolis" that celebrates and entertains with an eclectic collection of historic buildings, scenic parks, cultural venues, dining, shopping and lodging. Home to the inspiring St. Anthony Falls on the Mississippi River as a dramatic backdrop, as well as the “Most Explosive Museum in America” in the Mill City Museum. Breezy and tree-lined, this park setting in downtown Minneapolis is the perfect place to unwind, explore and entertain.This is a hot spot among locals for a scenic walk overlooking the Mississippi River and St. Anthony Falls. Explore historical Stone Arch Bridge and Mill City ruins whether by foot, bike or rollerblade! The Stone Arch Festival of the Arts is held every Father's Day weekend and features art, music, cars and entertainment.
   
   
8. Grand Rounds National Scenic Byway – Heralded as America’s most important urban scenic byway, bike, walk, skate and more on this 50-mile loop through the city. Along the way stop by popular sites such as Minnehaha Falls, Lake Harriet Rose Garden and Quaking Bog.
   
   
9. Target Holidazzle Parade (Winter) – The parade starts on Thanksgiving weekend and is held every weekend in December before Christmas. More than 300,000 spectators converge on downtown Minneapolis to join the sparkling fun. The annual parade features millions of lighted floats and performers in downtown Minneapolis and is sure to be a family favorite. Brave the wind chill and watch streetside, or keep warm in the "Hot Seats" or downtown skyways. While your’re here visit Macy's Santaland where the former Dayton's store on Nicollet Mall creates an impressive animated Holiday display. Take a trip to the North Pole and visit Santa’s village as Macy’s transforms the Holiday Auditorium into a magical holiday wonderland designed to delight children of all ages.
   
   
10. Music and Movies in the Park (Summer) — Many parks offer free family-oriented movies under the stars and live musical performances. Visit venues such as the award-winning Lake Harriet Bandshell, situated on one of the most picturesque lakes in Minneapolis. After exploring the lake’s trails, beaches and swimming, grab a spot of grass and enjoy the variety of live music and movie screenings featured throughout summer.
    
    

Contact Meet Minneapolis, Official Convention + Visitors Association at www.minneapolis.org for trip itineraries, a free visitor’s packet and the latest information on deals and events.

Teresa J. Shaw is editor of the Free in 50 States section and also writes about Southeast Michigan for Traveling Mom. Visit her blog and follow her on Twitter at @TeresaShaw.

Next >