How to Plan a Budget Trip in Minneapolis, United States
1. Minneapolis Sculpture Garden
A free outdoor museum displaying modern and contemporary sculptures. Enjoy art without the admission fee.
- Free Admission: Unlike most museums, entry is free of charge
- Outdoor Space: Offers a spacious and scenic environment for relaxation
- Local Art Scene: Showcases works from local, national, and international artists
2. Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia)
World-renowned art museum with over 90,000 works from cultures around the world. Visit on a free admission day or with a student ID.
- Free Admission Days: Offers free admission on specific days of the week
- Student Discounts: Allows students with ID to visit for free or at a discounted rate
- Diverse Collection: Features works spanning thousands of years and cultures
3. Mill City Museum
Explore the history of Minneapolis's flour milling industry in this museum housed in the ruins of one of the world's largest flour mills.
- Historic Site: Located within an historic mill, offering a unique experience
- Affordable Admission: Offers affordable admission fees for visitors
- Interactive Exhibits: Provides engaging, hands-on experiences for guests
4. Minnehaha Park
A picturesque park along the Mississippi River featuring Minnehaha Falls, a five-story waterfall. Enjoy hiking trails, picnic areas, and a historic home.
- Natural Beauty: Boasts beautiful waterfalls, streams, and walking paths
- Free Admission: Entrance to the park is free of charge
- Historic Site: Includes a historic home, the James J. Hill House, which can be toured for a fee
5. Minneapolis Farmers Market
Shop local produce, crafts, and food at one of the nation's oldest and largest farmers markets.
- Locally Sourced Goods: Features fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, and other products from Minnesota farmers
- Affordable Prices: Offers lower prices compared to grocery stores due to direct sales from farmers
- Community Atmosphere: Provides a lively, friendly environment where you can interact with local vendors
6. St. Anthony Falls and the Lock and Dam
Visit one of the oldest operating locks in the United States and learn about the history of Minneapolis's waterways.
- Historic Site: Located on the Upper Mississippi River, showcases a piece of Minneapolis's industrial past
- Free Admission: Entrance to the site is free of charge
- Informative Tours: Offers guided tours to provide a deeper understanding of the area's history
7. Walker Art Center
Experience contemporary and modern art, architecture, and design at this renowned cultural institution.
- Modern Art Gallery: Features a diverse collection of contemporary and modern artworks
- Student Discounts: Offers reduced admission for students with ID
- Architectural Tour: Provides guided tours of the building's unique, modernist design
8. Lake Calhoun (Bde Maka Ska)
Take advantage of outdoor recreation opportunities at this large urban lake, including biking, swimming, and fishing.
- Outdoor Activities: Offers a variety of activities for enjoying nature in the heart of the city
- Free Admission: Entrance to the lake and its surrounding park is free of charge
- Seasonal Activities: Offers different activities depending on the season, such as ice skating in winter
9. Minneapolis Central Library
Explore this architecturally significant library with a vast collection of books, music, and more.
- Architectural Marvel: Features an iconic, modernist design by Marcel Breuer
- Free Admission: Entrance to the library is free of charge
- Resource Center: Provides access to books, computers, and other resources for research and learning
10. Minnesota Music Museum
Discover the history of Minnesota's music scene, from Prince to Bob Dylan, at this unique museum.
- Local Music History: Celebrates Minnesota's rich musical legacy and its influential artists
- Interactive Exhibits: Offers interactive displays for an immersive experience
- Affordable Admission: Provides affordable admission fees for visitors
11. Weisman Art Museum
Experience contemporary and modern art in an iconic, twisting building designed by Frank Gehry.
- Architectural Tour de Force: Features a unique, modernist design by renowned architect Frank Gehry
- Student Discounts: Offers reduced admission for students with ID
- Diverse Collection: Features works from artists around the world, including a strong focus on Native American art
12. Minneapolis Institute of Technology (MIT) Open Stacks
Browse MIT's extensive technical library for free and gain access to cutting-edge resources in various fields.
- Technical Resources: Offers a wealth of information on technology, engineering, and related fields
- Free Admission: Entrance to the library is free of charge
- Up-to-date Resources: Features current, relevant information in a variety of technical areas
13. Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD) Sculpture Garden
Discover contemporary sculptures by students and alumni at this free outdoor gallery.
- Student Showcase: Features works created by current students and alumni of MCAD
- Free Admission: Entrance to the sculpture garden is free of charge
- Supporting Local Talent: Supports emerging artists by providing a venue for their work
14. Minneapolis Bike Rental
Explore the city on two wheels with affordable bike rentals from various locations around Minneapolis.
- Affordable Prices: Offers rental fees lower than many other cities
- Convenient Locations: Has multiple bike rental locations throughout the city
- Flexible Rental Options: Provides daily, weekly, and seasonal rental options
15. Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) Outdoor Pools
Cool off during the summer at one of Minneapolis's many outdoor swimming pools, some of which are free or offer affordable admission.
- Affordable Admission: Offers reduced admission fees for visitors
- Variety of Locations: Has multiple pools throughout the city, each with its own unique atmosphere
- Seasonal Activities: Provides a fun and refreshing activity during the summer months