Minneapolis Winter Trip
Minnesota is where this traveling cupcake was born and raised. I've since moved away and have been traveling since, however I still try to make it "home" several times a year. Fall is one of my favorite times to go back because there's nothing quite like home in the fall. Yet, don't discount the winter! It may be chilly but it's a gorgeous and refreshing time to visit Minnesota (and rather affordable). If you find yourself in Minneapolis for a little 2-day weekend, here's my suggested itinerary:
Friday Night
Fly into Minnneapolis-St. Paul (MSP) airport
Getting into Minneapolis on Friday late afternoon, you should definitely go to Mall of America first. It's close to the airport (less than 5 minutes) and after all, it's the largest mall in the United States! You could spend an entire day here and still not see everything but definitely check out some of the unique sights:
- Nickelodeon Universe at MOA
- Sea Life Aquarium
- LEGO Land
Grab a bite to eat at the touristy Rainforest Cafe or Crave or the Cedar + Stone in the JW Marriott attached to the mall. After a few hours shopping, grab one of those great outfits you just bought and head out for a night out in the Westend.
Punch Bowl Social is a fabulous hangout on the weekends complete with retro-inspired bowling lanes, been bags, darts and multiple bars. Grab a table, put your name on the list for a bowling lane, have a few drinks and enjoy the night scene.
Saturday
Grab brunch at French Meadow Bakery which also has a wonderful gluten free menu! Get the blueberry cornmeal panacake or the GF griddle cake- yum!
After a filling breakfast and a few cups of tea, lace up your boots and grab your gloves to head to Minihaha Falls . There are several trails throughout the park but make sure you definitely see the falls which if you're there in a very cold winter month, should be majestically frozen over!
Next warm up at the American Swedish Institute. The stately manor is located in downtown Minneapolis and offers beautiful history and art of the Swedish culture.
After a little culture and a history lesson head over to the Midtown Global Market. The Midtown market is an internationally-themed public market with great food, unique gifts, groceries and live music. So yummy!
End your day at the Minnesota Ice Castle which is an amazing sight to see! Bundle up because it's quite cold, but there is plenty of hot coco and bonfires to keep your toes toasty!
Sunday
If you have a little bit of time on Sunday morning before your flight, grab a Caribou coffee and walk around Lake Harriet! Full of wonderful walking paths and winter activities such as sledding and skating, Lake Harriet is a great way to end your trip.
I hope you enjoy your time in the land of 10,000 lakes!