Unusual & Offbeat Destinations in Minneapolis, United States

1. Minnesota Ice Castle

A frozen wonderland created using ice blocks and LED lights, offering unique ice sculptures and frozen thrones.

Ice Sculpture Gallery: Explore a gallery made entirely of ice.
Illuminated Pathways: Walk through lit pathways that create a magical atmosphere.
Photography Opportunities: Capture stunning, one-of-a-kind photographs.

An artsy mini-golf experience with colorful, whimsical designs and local art installations.

Artistic Mini-Golf Course: Experience an artistic mini-golf course inspired by local artists.
Bar and Restaurant: Grab a drink or meal at their bar and restaurant.
Art Gallery and Shop: Visit the art gallery and shop to take home unique, handmade items.

A self-guided tour of street art featuring the largest outdoor mural in Minnesota.

Street Art Gallery: Wander through an open-air street art gallery.
Historic Building Exploration: Explore the historic Grain Belt Studios building.
Local Food and Drink: Enjoy food and drink from local vendors at the on-site marketplace.

An engaging museum that explores Minneapolis' milling heritage through interactive exhibits and historical artifacts.

Interactive Exhibits: Learn about the history of milling in a hands-on, engaging way.
Flour Tower Elevator Ride: Take a thrilling ride to the top of the Flour Tower for panoramic views.
Underground Tunnels: Explore the hidden underground tunnels beneath the museum.

A unique cultural center that celebrates Swedish art, history, and culture through exhibitions, programs, and events.

Swedish Art and History Exhibits: Discover the rich heritage of Swedish art and history.
Turnblad Mansion Tour: Explore the historic Turnblad Mansion, a beautiful example of early-20th-century architecture.
Scandinavian Café and Shop: Indulge in Swedish treats at the café or shop for unique Scandinavian goods.

An outdoor sculpture garden featuring over 40 contemporary works of art amidst beautiful landscapes.

Contemporary Art Sculptures: Experience contemporary art in a peaceful, natural setting.
Wildlife Viewing: Spot wildlife while enjoying the beautiful park surroundings.
Hiking Trails and Picnic Areas: Enjoy a picnic or hike on the park's various trails.

An iconic sculpture featuring a spoon-shaped bridge supporting a cherry on top, located in the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden.

Iconic Landmark: Visit an instantly recognizable landmark and icon of Minneapolis.
Minneapolis Sculpture Garden: Explore the rest of the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, home to over 40 other art installations.
Photography Opportunities: Capture a memorable photograph with this famous sculpture.

A modern art museum designed by world-renowned architect Frank Gehry, featuring a unique titanium-clad spiral structure.

Frank Gehry's Architecture: Admire the striking and innovative architecture by renowned architect Frank Gehry.
Permanent and Temporary Art Exhibits: View a diverse collection of permanent and temporary art exhibitions.
Art Studio Workshops: Participate in hands-on workshops to create your own artwork.

A museum dedicated to preserving and showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Russia through art and exhibitions.

Russian Art and Culture: Experience a deep dive into the culture, history, and art of Russia.
Permanent Collections: View their extensive permanent collections featuring works from the 10th century to the present day.
Special Events and Programs: Attend special events, lectures, and family programs for a more immersive experience.

A unique brewery that offers tours, tastings, and a variety of beers, along with a restaurant and events space.

Beer Tours and Tastings: Take a tour to learn about the brewing process and sample various beers.
Restaurant and Events Space: Enjoy delicious food at their restaurant or attend events in their event space.
Merchandise Shop: Pick up unique merchandise like t-shirts, glassware, and more at the Surly store.

A historic Art Deco theater offering a variety of live performances, films, and events.

Art Deco Architecture: Appreciate the beautiful Art Deco architecture and design.
Live Performances, Films, and Events: Attend live performances, films, or events that cater to a wide range of interests.
Restored Auditorium: Experience the restored auditorium, which boasts stunning acoustics and ambiance.

A cidery offering a variety of flavors, tastings, and events in a friendly, industrial setting.

Cider Tastings and Tours: Taste different cider varieties and take a tour to learn about their process.
Industrial-style Ambiance: Enjoy the industrial-style ambiance of the cidery, which features reclaimed materials and exposed brick.
Food Trucks and Events: Grab food from nearby food trucks or attend one of their events.

A vibrant market featuring fresh produce, local goods, and artisanal food items, held on select Saturdays.

Fresh Produce and Local Goods: Sample locally grown fruits, vegetables, and other farm-fresh products.
Artisanal Food Vendors: Discover unique artisanal food items from local vendors.
Live Music and Events: Enjoy live music and family-friendly activities during the market hours.

A research facility offering tours and interactive exhibits focused on hydraulics, water resources, and the St. Anthony Falls.

Interactive Exhibits: Engage in hands-on exhibits to learn about the science of water and hydropower.
Falls Viewing Platform: Take in the stunning views of St. Anthony Falls from their viewing platform.
Research Opportunities: Learn about ongoing research projects and participate in behind-the-scenes experiences.

A private art foundation showcasing an extensive collection of contemporary and modern art in a serene setting.

Contemporary and Modern Art Collections: View works by famous artists like Warhol, Picasso, and Rothko.
Beautiful Gardens: Relax in the peaceful gardens that surround the foundation.
Private Viewings by Appointment: Schedule a private viewing of their collection by appointment.