If you like to bike stargaze, kayak, swim, hike, cross country ski, shop, fish, see a play -- or much, much more - plan a vacation in Miunneapolis. With more than 85 miles of dedicated city bike trails, 81 miles of on-street bikeways and one of the first bike share programs, Nice Ride Minnesota, Minneapolis was named Best Biking City in the U.S. by Bike Score. Here, there are 22 lakes, 180 parks, 50 miles of paths and the Mississippi running through downtown in a green environment - perfect for outdoor events, a morning run, or having a meal at a sidewalk cafe.
In Minneapolis, April showers mean “Purple Rain” will fall as we join Paisley Park in celebrating all things Prince. But there’s much more to this city than one musician. In this Meet Minneapolis leisure travel round-up, here are some of what’s new and happening in Prince’s hometown.
First Ave exhibit opens May 4: Since 1970, First Avenue & 7th St. Entry have been at the heart of the Minneapolis and Minnesota music scene. Hear from the people who were there, the musicians, fans and staff, about how First Avenue became the legendary music club it is today at "First Avenue: Stories of Minnesota’s Mainroom," opening May 4, at the Minnesota History Center in Saint Paul.
New Prince sculpture in Farview Park: Esther Osayande’s “Purple Raindrop” stands just over 15 feet tall and is painted in a shade of purple called Purple Reign. This project was created through the City of Minneapolis’ Art in Public Places Program.
The Airports Council International (ACI) recently named Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) the Best Airport in North America in its size category (25 and 40 million passengers) for 2018  the third year in a row.
Along with 30 new restaurants in 2019 showing off the area’s eats, MSP is using technology to make traveler’s dining, and lives, easier. The new AtYourGate app allows users to place an order from a participating airport restaurant and have it delivered right to their gate or other listed locations. Or try the Grab app where users pre-order/pre-pay for food from participating restaurants, walk up to the location and walk away with their order without standing in line. Both apps are available for Apple and Android devices.
Stephen King, Mary Karr, Marlon James, Amy Tan, Natasha Trethewey, Dani Shapiro and about 100 other authors will be featured at Wordplay, a new book festival to be hosted May 11-12 by the Loft Literary Center in the Mill District. The events will open with a sold-out Friday night concert at First Avenue starring the all-author supergroup the Rock Bottom Remainders. The event aims to be the biggest celebration of readers, writers and great books Minnesota has ever seen. More information is available at https://loft.org/wordplay/.
Recently, the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal reported that over the past 10 years, 1,190 restaurants opened in the city with a net growth of 823 restaurants. Downtown Minneapolis alone had a net growth of 171 restaurants. The culinary scene includes many recent accolades and the city currently boasts three 2019 James Beard Foundation Best Chef Midwest finalists: Chef Ann Kim (Young Joni), Chef Jamie Malone (Eastside) and Chef Christina Nguyen (Hai Hai). Last year’s winner, Chef Gavin Kaysen, is also from Minneapolis.
Nice Ride is ushering in a historic bike riding season with more stations and hubs than ever before and, in just a few weeks, 500 pedal-assist e-bikes. During the 2018 riding season, Nice Ride riders, including visitors, pedaled more than 1,096,565 miles, and have offset up to 800,000 pounds of carbon from entering the atmosphere. Nice Ride has been operating since 2010 in Minneapolis seasonally, and is one of the biggest bike-share programs in the nation.
Tee up on the Walker Art Center’s outdoor terraces this summer with views overlooking the Minneapolis skyline and try your hand at this popular, one-of-a-kind course featuring 10 unique, artist-designed holesincluding two brand-new additions in 2019. Skyline Mini Golf runs May 16 to Sept. 29.
One of the most significant exhibitions ever presented by American Swedish Institute (ASI), The Vikings Begin goes on view May 17  Oct. 27. This Midwest premiere is an extraordinary new exhibition of early-Viking boat grave artifacts from Sweden’s Uppsala University, on their first tour outside of Scandinavia. Visit ASImn.org for more details.
“Museum of the Moon,” by UK artist Luke Jerram, lands in the lobby of the Bell Museum from May 21June 9. The seven-meter spherical sculpture of Earth’s Moon is a fusion of NASA imagery, simulated moonlight and surround-sound composition created by BAFTA- and Ivor Novello-award winning composer Dan Jones. The installation is part of the Bell’s yearlong commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Apollo moon landing, www.bellmuseum.umn.edu/art/museum-moon/.
The Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia) will present a screening of three recent video works titled “Mapping Black Identities: 3 Films” from May 4 through Sept. 8. Featuring films by Ja’Tovia Gary, Nástio Mosquito and Tabita Rezaire, the works in this series unapologetically confront the legacy of systemic white supremacy by presenting conflicting realities. Shown concurrently with “Mapping Black Identities,” an installation that features 18 artists from the United States, Africa and the greater African Diaspora who champion the multiplicity of Black identity, which will be on display through Summer 2020.
Mall of America® and Nickelodeon Universe, the seven-acre theme park inside the mall, are now officially recognized as Certified Autism Centers, granted by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards. A first in Minnesota, the certification means that visitors and families with children who have autism and other sensory disorders can enjoy the best possible experience that caters to their needs. To earn the designation, 80 percent or more of the guest-facing staff had to complete the autism sensitivity and awareness training. Among other requirements, sensory guides for each ride to better prepare guests on what to expect when they arrive were created.
Minnesota stands out on the national biking scene. Thanks to 18 officially designated Bicycle Friendly Communities and 73 Bicycle Friendly Businesses, Minnesota is ranked the No. 2 bike-friendly state in the country by the League of American Bicyclists. In recent years, the state's also been recognized as the "Best Trails State" by American Trails (2010), and Minneapolis is regularly ranked as one of the most bike-friendly cities in the country (currently No.1 according to Forbes and No. 3 per Bicycling magazine).
Even the American Automobile Association (AAA) supports biking in Minnesota, recently introducing statewide coverage to members whose bicycle has become disabled or inoperable. With more than 4,000 miles of paved trails, endless biking routes, and one of the nation's largest bike share programs, Minnesota offers excellent options for all kinds of cyclists. Bicycling has a positive impact on the state, including benefits to individuals, communities, the environment and the economy, generating more than $1 billion in expenditures throughout the state.
Pedal Minnesota is a coalition of state agencies and private organizations that support the Pedal Minnesota initiative, encouraging people to get on bikes more often in Minnesota. Initiated by Explore Minnesota, the state's tourism promotion office, the partnership includes the Minnesota departments of Health, Transportation and Natural Resources, the Bicycle Alliance of Minnesota, the Parks and Trails Council of Minnesota, and sponsorship by HealthPartners.
The landmark Depot Renaissance Minneapolis Hotel has been recognized by the leading Fodor’s Travel magazine as having one of the nation’s best ice skating rinks. The Depot’s ice rink is located indoors within The Depot Pavilion -- the historic train shed of the Victorian-era former train station, which is now a luxury hotel. At #9 in Fodor’s Travel’s “Best Ice Rinks in the U.S.” line-up, the rink within The Depot Pavilion is in exceptional company, including the iconic Rockefeller Center rink in New York City, the National Gallery of Art skating rink in Washington, DC, and the rink at the legendary Hotel Del Coronado in San Diego. For the entire list, visit www.fodors.com/news/photos/15-best-ice-skating-rinks-in-the-us#!9-the-depot-rink.
To celebrate, The Depot Renaissance Minneapolis Hotel is offering an ice skating overnight package from $159 per room per night.
The Depot Renaissance Minneapolis Hotel, situated in an historic area of Minneapolis near the storied Mississippi River, is owned and operated by CSM Lodging, a division of CSM Corporation. A decade ago, CSM Corporation saved and restored the historic 19th Century train depot building, converting it into a first-rate, full service hotel with exceptional event and public space within The Depot Pavilion  the train station’s original train shed. The highly successful restoration launched a historic movement in this region of Minneapolis. The Depot Renaissance Minneapolis Hotel is the flagship property within CSM Lodging’s nationwide collection of hotels.
Designed to enhance the enjoyment of traveling, the full-service The Depot Renaissance Minneapolis Hotel treats you to the history and unique architecture of a 19th century train depot. All the Renaissance guest rooms are detailed with comfortable and stylish furniture and luxurious bedding reflecting a modern take on historic charm.
Go shopping - From Nicollet Mall, the main street of shopping in downtown Minneapolis, take a clean and green ride on light rail transit (LRT) to the famous Mall of America. This is the largest retail and entertainment complex in the United States. It boasts 520 stores, dozens of restaurants, nightclubs, a theme park and an aqwuarium - all under ONE roof. Best of all, there is NO SALES TAX on clothing and shoes in the entire state.
Springtime Beauty -- Have your photo taken with a 1,200-pound cherry; the iconic Spoonbridge and Cherry sculpture that's the centerpiece of the 11-acre Minneapolis Sculpture Garden featuring works by international contemporary artists.
Museum Hopping -- Minneapolis is a culture capital with over 50 museums. Visit 'starchitect' designed buildings like the Guthrie Theater, the Walker Art Center, the Minneapolis Central Library, the Minneapolis Institute of Arts and the Children's Theatre Company.
Theaters -- Nearly 100 professional theater companies and more theater seats per capita are found here than any other city outside NYC. At the Hennepin Theatre District, enjoy concerts and Broadway shows in historic settings.
Love Baseball & Other Sports? -- Then visit the 'greenest' ballpark in the United States. Target Field is home to Major League Baseball's Minnesota Twins and is situated in the heart of downtown Minneapolis. Other professional sporting events that an be seen here include National Football League's Minnesota Vikings; Nationl Basketball Association's Minnesota Timberwolves; National Hocket League's Minnesota Wild; and Women's National Basketball Association's Minnesota Lynx. Why is it called the 'greenest' ballpark in the U.S.? The U.S. Green Building Council awarded Target Field LEED Silver Certification. LEED provides a set of standards for the environmentally sustainable design, construction and opertion of buildings and neighborhoods.
Scenic Byway Exploration -- You don't have to leave the city to explore a National Scenic Byway because the Grand Rounds National Scenic Byway is the longest, continuous system of public urban parkways in the U.S. at 52 miles! You'll find lovely parks, trails, lakes and parways surrounding Minneapolis, including the urban 'Chain of Lakes,' Minnehaha Falls, Mississippi River and more.
Love Music? -- Voted the #2 Best City For Music, this is the hometown of musicians including Bob Dylan, the Replacements, Soul Asylum, Semisobic, Price and more.
Whether they need an extra tube or an extra shot of espresso, Twin Cities bicyclists will now have an oasis to enjoy as they ride the Midtown Greenway. Freewheel Bike in conjunction with the Midtown Greenway Coalition, City of Minneapolis, and Allina Hospitals and Clinics will operate the Midtown Bike Station along the trail’s second phase.
The Station is the fruit of a long conjunctive effort between Freewheel, the hospital, the city, and the Coalition to offer commuters and recreational riders a stop in the center of Minneapolis. “It’s a place to stop for on-the-spot repairs, bike rentals, even order a favorite drink from the barista,” said Kevin Ishaug, owner of Freewheel Bikes.
The Midtown Bike Station offers memberships and membership will have its privileges. Members get discounts on parts, repairs, accessories and valet parking. “The Station has a hundred or so parking spots for bicycles, and rather than stop and lock up your bike, you can hand it over and the staff will hang it up and watch it for you,” Ishaug said.
The Midtown Bike Station is located next to the renovated Sears building now owned by Allina Hospitals and Clinics. The station was made possible by a federal grant plus capital investment by Freewheel Bikes, Allina Hospitals, and the Midtown Greenway Coalition.
CSM Lodging, a division of CSM Corporation, announced that the company’s acclaimed restaurant, Kip’s Irish Pub, has placed in the Top 5 restaurants on TripAdvisor® within its market, St. Louis Park, in the Minneapolis metropolitan area. Kip’s Irish Pub placed at #5 out of 60 restaurants rated in the market. Kips was aided by glowing consumer comments about the restaurant’s outstanding service, beverages and cuisine. Known by locals as an authentic Irish pub, Kip’s opened in 2006 and is located in the Minneapolis Marriott West Hotel at 9970 Wayzata Boulevard in St. Louis Park.
In addition to Kip’s superb pub fare and endless list of beverages  starting with Irish brewed beer, Irish Whiskey and Irish Coffee, the Pub offers customers a number of amenities and features that makes it truly unique in the Minneapolis market, including free WiFi, 7 HD big screen TVs, and one of the metro area’s great restaurant patios featuring comfortable lounge furniture and a gas firepit. For group events and meetings, Kip’s offers three private dining rooms.
Kip’s gets it legendary name from Kip Finnegan, a lost Irish soul who with his father’s help found his way from Ireland to Minnesota. Here he discovered the love of his life  a lass named Molly, and his life’s calling as the keeper of a pub where all could come and raise a glass to celebrate life, spread good cheer, enjoy a great meal and warm hospitality.
TripAdvisor® is the world's largest online travel community, enabling consumers to plan trips based on input from fellow travelers. TripAdvisor offers advice from actual travelers and a wide variety of travel choices and planning features with seamless links to booking tools. TripAdvisor-branded sites experience more than 50 million unique visitors each month and over 60 million reviews and opinions, available for the review of the global traveling public.
Minneapolis-Saint Paul diners will enjoy the flavors of southern Brazil with the the internationally renowned steakhouse Fogo de Chao. A traditional churrascaria featuring perfectly seasoned meats, authentic gaucho chefs and impeccable service, the restaurant will is a downtown Minneapolis landmark with its blazing fire visible to passers-by. Located at 645 Hennepin Avenue in Minneapolis.
For more information, call 612-338-1344.
Located in the heart of downtown Minneapolis, The Grand Hotel is surrounded by delicious restaurants and numerous entertainment and retail options. Their complimentary bicycle program allows their guests to explore the city free of charge during the day and the SIX15 Room allows guests to enjoy delicious meals and cocktails in the warmth of their hotel by night. If the weather is too cold for a bicycle ride around the city, guests have complimentary access to the LifeTime Athletic Club as well as access to a yoga mat in each room.
The landmark Depot Renaissance Minneapolis Hotel and My Hotel Rocks, LLC, have announced a strategic partnership to offer hotel guests use of high-quality acoustic guitars for rent on-site or as part of their room package. The partnership allows The Depot Renaissance to build on the Renaissance Hotels’ brand strategy, which highlights music and entertainment as part of their RLife Live events. The program officially launches this month and the cost to rent a guitar is just $25 for guests of The Depot and its Stone Arch Bar & Lounge.
The idea originated with My Hotel Rocks founder Dave Musolf, a self-described road warrior/guitar hack who often found himself sitting in his hotel rooms wishing he had his guitar to noodle on. "I asked everywhere I went, and no hotel ever had a guitar,” said Mr. Musolf. “I knew there were a few hipster boutique hotels that had them, but as a business traveler working a loyalty program, these weren't really an option. Minneapolis has such an amazing music scene and The Depot supported this idea right away. It's a perfect fit!"
My Hotel Rocks is currently using Ovation guitars in the $550-$650 (Celebrity) range as part of this program. Each guitar has built-in tuners, and can be plugged into a mobile device/headphones supporting the wide range of guitar and music apps available online. Ovation Celebrity guitars are plastic-backed and extremely durable.
About My Hotel Rocks, LLC.
In 1994, CSM purchased its first hotel in St. Paul, Minnesota. By the end of 2002, CSM had opened 29 hotels and developed a presence in Minneapolis, Portland, Denver, Boston, Detroit, Seattle and Naples. Today, CSM Lodging manages 38 hotels nationwide and continues to achieve awards in design, openings, quality, sales excellence, marketing and revenue management. CSM Lodging is part of the CSM Corporation family of companies, founded in 1976, which has engaged in the acquisition, development, leasing, management and ownership of quality real estate assets. The extensive portfolio includes retail, office & industrial, multi-family residential, and hotel properties across the United States.
NOTE: Downtown Minneapolis also offers more than 6000 hotel rooms all within walking distance of shops, restaurants, theaters and more.
For more information contact the Meet Minneapolis Convention & Visitors Association, 250 Marquette Avenue, Suite 1300, Minneapolis, MN 55401; 1-800-445-7412 or go to web site minneapolis.org.
Visit Saint Paul, formerly the Saint Paul Convention & Visitors Authority, was founded in 1927 as the Saint Paul Convention and Visitors Bureau, making it one of the oldest destination marketing organizations in the United States. The mission of the organization is to generate economic growth for Saint Paul by effectively marketing the RiverCentre campus, Saint Paul and the region as a preferred convention and tourism destination. Visit Saint Paul oversees management of the Saint Paul RiverCentre Convention Center, the Legendary Roy Wilkins Auditorium, the RiverCentre Parking Ramp, and the Pedestrian Connection which connects the Convention Center and Xcel Energy Center to the downtown skyway system.
Saint Paul has been named "Best Romantic N. American Getaway" by 10best a division of USA Today Travel. The capital of Minnesota beat competing cities that include Naples, FL, Savannah, GA and Santa Fe, NM for the recognition.
Described by the publication as "the smaller, quieter and, many say, the more sophisticated of the Twin Cities," the publication notes couples "love it for its diverse romantic offerings, like leisurely paddle- wheeler rides along the Mississippi, beer tastings, ice skating and a thriving performance arts scene."
The Saint Paul Hotel, recently named to Travel + Leisure's 'Top 500 World's Best Hotels of 2014' list, is a popular choice for couples looking for romance because of its trademark style, sophistication and old world charm.
Twists, turns, speed and the Old West are top features of Renegade  a new world-class wooden roller coaster at Valleyfair. Guests experience a two minute adventurous ride including a never-before-experienced twisting first drop, a low-to-the-ground high-speed S-turn and a high-speed station fly-by.
Fun Fact: The song “Renegade” was a 1979 hit for American rock band Styx.