19 Things to Do Alone in Minneapolis for Solo Travelers (2023)

Are you wondering what type of things to do alone in Minneapolis?

One of the best places for extraordinary solo traveling experiences is Minneapolis, Minnesota. It’s a great city that sits along the banks of the Mississippi River and offers plenty of activities and attractions for those traveling alone.

From cultural attractions and outdoor recreation spots to shopping and dining, you’ll surely see something you’ve never seen before. 

With its vibrant arts and history scene, fun sightseeing options, and waterfront views, Minneapolis is an excellent destination for those who like to explore independently. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing day of self-care or an adventure-filled outing, there is something for everyone.

I asked my friend Courtney from Disorderly Drifters to share some of her favorite solo activities in Minneapolis, and here’s what she had to say.

Things to Do in Alone in Minneapolis

Below are 19 things to do for solo travel in Minneapolis. No matter your choice, you will have a unique experience that will stay with you for a long time.

1. Visit the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden

The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden accepted its first visitor in 1988 and houses more than 40 outdoor art pieces.

It’s located on the Walker Art Center campus and features sculptures from renowned artists, including Roy Lichtenstein, Sol LeWitt, and Danh Vo. 

Wander among the sculptures and take in the unique beauty of this outdoor gallery. The garden is open 365 days a year, 24 hours per day. Not to mention it’s totally free!

2. Take a Sightseeing Tour

Sightseeing in the Twin Cities area offers a great way to learn about Minneapolis and St. Paul.

Hop on one of the many sightseeing tours and get ready to explore the city’s history, its iconic buildings and monuments, and even its hidden gems. 

The highly trained tour guides will help you get to know the Twin Cities and learn about their unique stories.

I personally love this St. Paul historic walking tour, which showcases a whole lot of the capital city’s top sites and historical features.

3. Hike Around Minnehaha Falls

Minnehaha Falls sits in Minnehaha Park in South Minneapolis and is one of the most popular parks in the city.

It’s a great outdoor activity to spend time alone and explore its natural beauty during summer.

There are several trails around the park that you can hike, on some of the best trails in the Twin Cities, and take in the stunning views of the falls and riverbank.

You can also bring your bike along and experience the 1.5-mile Minnehaha trail bike path.

4. Ride the Roller Coasters at Valley Fair

If you are looking for excitement, a fun thing to do is visit the Valley Fair.

It’s a 125-acre amusement park in Shakopee, Minnesota, and features thrilling roller coasters, water rides, and many other attractions. 

Valley Fair is a fantastic place to spend a few hours or even an entire day solo exploring the different attractions and rides.

Depending on the day you visit, you may experience live music from local artists, and you can enjoy eating some of the fair foods and snacks while you’re visting.

Plus, when you’re solo, you can skip some of the lines and get on more rides than you normally one! Score!

5. Wander Around the Minnesota Arboretum

One of the well-known tourist attractions is the Minnesota Arboretum, situated in the Twin Cities.

The Arboretum covers nearly 1,200 acres of land. It houses a collection of plants from around the world, some dating back to the 1800s. 

You can wander around and explore its beautiful gardens, featuring unique trees and flowers. There is also a bee and pollinator center, scenic overlook, and farm for visitors to enjoy.

6. Go on a Self-Guided Audio Tour

The Minneapolis area offers several different self-guided audio tours that allow you to really experience the city on your own.

These tours provide an immersive experience that lets you explore the city and learn about its history. 

This self-guided Minneapolis river walk audio tour leads you along the Mississippi River and allows you to learn the history of the area.

The best part about the self-guided tours is the animated storytelling. The personality of the tour guides makes it more enjoyable and engaging.

7. See the Infamous Stone Arch Bridge

The Stone Arch Bridge is the perfect place to take in a beautiful view of downtown Minneapolis.

This iconic landmark was built in 1883 and is known as one of the most significant engineering feats of the 19th century.

Spanning over the Mississippi River, it stands as a reminder of Minneapolis’s past, offering stunning views and photo opportunities.

8. Admire the Art at Walker Art Center

Another one of the top attractions in Minneapolis is the Walker Art Center.

This museum offers many historical and contemporary art pieces and exhibits in the outside sculpture garden. It’s the perfect place to explore solo and appreciate the beauty that art can create. 

The center also holds various events throughout the year, such as film screenings and music performances, so check their calendar before your visit.

Also, check out the Cardamom restaurant. It’s a fantastic place to enjoy Aegean and Mediterranean-style cuisine in a beautiful indoor atmosphere as well as an outdoor patio area.

9. Kayak or Paddle Board on the Many Local Lakes

If you are a fan of the outdoors, there is no better way to explore Minneapolis than by kayaking, since we are known as the Land of 10,000 Lakes.

The local lakes and rivers serve as perfect settings to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Lake Nokomis, Bde Maka Ska Lake, and Lake Harriet are a few of the best places to go.

You can also check out the St. Croix River, which passes right through Taylors Falls, or on the Mississippi River.

You can rent a kayak for an hour or even take guided tours and explore the area from a different perspective. Just make sure to be prepared for any unexpected adventure!

10. Have a Shopping Spree at the Mall of America

The Mall of America is the largest mall in the United States by far and is a must-visit for all solo travelers.

This retail paradise covers over two miles and holds over 500 stores, restaurants, and attractions. 

It’s a great place to shop and find awesome deals and people-watch or take in some of the live events, even when you’re traveling solo in Minneapolis.

11. Watch a Show at the Orpheum or Guthrie Theaters

Then there is the Guthrie and Orpheum theater, both of which host a variety of productions for everyone.

Whether you’re interested in musicals or plays, there is sure to be something that piques your interest.

Enjoy the show by yourself, or make it a group affair and meet up with other solo travelers.

I’ve seen Aladdin, Phantom of the Opera, Wicked, and a few more broadway shoes, all at the Orpheum Theater, and have loved them all.

12. Wander Around the Farmer’s Market

Another popular destination for solo travelers is the Minneapolis Farmers Market. It’s the largest farmer’s market in the state of Minnesota.

If you want the best pick of fresh fruits and vegetables, arrive as early as possible. They open at 6 am, so arriving right away gives you the best choice!

Keep in mind that the farmers market is only open from May to October.

13. Rock Climb at Vertical Endeavors

For those who think of themselves as more of an adrenaline junkie, rock climbing at Vertical Endeavors, an indoor rock climbing gym, is definitely worth exploring.

It is an awesome way to challenge yourself and build up your confidence.

If you’ve never rock climbed before, you can take a lesson to learn how before heading off on your own.

This is an indoor gym, so you don’t have to get nervous about going out into the wilderness, which can obviously be quite nerve-wracking.

14. Check Out the Cafe Meow

The Cat Cafe Meow is the ideal place to experience something new and fall in love with your next feline companion.

It’s the first cat cafe in the state, and is a must visit during solo travel in Minneapolis.

Whether you’re just looking for somewhere to have a cup of coffee, or are wanting to snuggle with some cute cats, then this is the place for you.

There are usually around 20 cats (all available for adoption!) that you can snuggle with as you enjoy your drink, making it one of the most unique things to do alone in Minneapolis.

15. Learn About Minneapolis’s History at the Mill City Museum

The Mill City Museum is the perfect place to learn about years of world history, culture, and architecture in Minneapolis.

You’ll get to see historic buildings such as the Washburn ‘A’ Mill, designed in the 1800s.

You’ll also have the chance to learn about the different industries that thrived in Minneapolis during that time and how they have impacted the city today.

Make sure to grab a bite to eat at Bushel & Peck while you’re there, which has many grab-and-go sandwich options, salads, snacks, and drinks. It’s a great place to recharge before your next adventure!

16. Visit the Minneapolis Institute of Art

If you’re looking for fantastic artwork, such as a Fantasy Coffin by Sowah Kwei, then the Minneapolis Institute of Art is for you.

This renowned art museum showcases over 80,000 objects from around the world and has been open since 1883. 

You’ll get to immerse yourself in art and explore the creative side of Minneapolis. You can also attend workshops and gallery talks for a more in-depth experience.

17. Check Out the American Swedish Institute Museum

Take a step back to a rich history and explore the American Swedish Institute Museum.

It houses more than 5,000 artifacts and documents from the early 20th century. You can learn about Swedish-American culture and see vintage pieces like folk art and textiles. 

While you’re there, you can also visit the store and cafe. Tickets are pretty cheap, so it’s a nice place to go on a budget.

It’s a great spot to pick up trinkets to remind you of your travels or even as gifts for friends and family back home.

18. Visit the Sea Life Minnesota Aquarium

You don’t need to travel all the way to beaches in Mexico to see some spectacular marine life.

The Sea Life Minnesota Aquarium has over 5,000 sea creatures. You’ll even get to revel in giant sharks!

Watching sea turtles, jellyfish, and a variety of other aquatic creatures is a perfect way to spend the day.

Remember to check out the underwater ocean tunnel. It’s an exhilarating highlight of the aquarium. The tunnel is 300 feet long and gives you access to more than 11 unforgettable exhibits.

19. Catch at Minnesota Twins Game at Target Field

If you really want to experience the heart and soul of Minneapolis, you need to catch a Minnesota Twins game at Target Field!

It’s easy to see why this ballpark is one of the best in the league: lots of tasty eats and a great view of downtown Minneapolis.

Plus, above all else, an incredibly fun atmosphere. The energy from fans is electric and contagious. Catching a Twins game solo will mean that you leave with a ton of new friends.

This premier ballpark is located on the north side of downtown Minneapolis, in the historic Warehouse district.

Not only does it have the most modern amenities for its fans, but it also features some of the best baseball viewing experiences in the entire nation.

Can You Visit Minneapolis Without a Car?

Yes! Minneapolis is a very walkable city. You can also take public transportation, rent a car, or hail an Uber to get around.

It’s an excellent option for solo travelers as it removes the stress of worrying about a car.

It saves money too, which gives you a bigger budget for nicer accommodations and the ability to explore more of the city.

Another fun and adventurous way to explore the city is to ride around on a small motorcycle. Riding slowly on the open road gives you a chance to see all of the sights Minneapolis has to offer in a fun and unique way.

To really get into the Minneapolis spirit, listen to a Prince playlist on your helmet Bluetooth headset while you explore on your bike.

Where to Stay in Minneapolis

You’ll need to plan ahead to find comfortable accommodations within your budget. When it comes to accommodations, there are a few great options available for solo travelers in Minneapolis.

Whether you’re looking for vacation rentals or a hotel, there are plenty to choose from. Here are some of the best. 

Best Western Plus at Normandy Inn & Suites

If you’re looking for somewhere affordable to stay, check out the Best Western Plus at Normandy Inn & Suites, which offers cheap rooms in downtown Minneapolis.

The great thing about the hotel is that it comes with a 24-hour gym, hot tub, sauna, onsite restaurant, and an indoor heated pool. This Best Western makes for a great place for solo travelers.

Millenium Minneapolis

The Millennium Minneapolis is a classic hotel in the downtown area with beautiful views of the city.

You can enjoy an indoor pool, fitness center, and breakfast to fuel your day of exploring the best Minneapolis activities.

Now let’s talk about location.

Lowry Hill is a great area to explore if you’re on a strict budget. It’s situated close to downtown Minneapolis and has many unique restaurants and boutique shops.

Downtown East is where you want to be if you want an easy late-night view of the water from your accommodations. You’ll get amazing views of the Mississippi river, and it’s close to several parks, restaurants, and nightlife venues.

FAQs

What Do Locals Do in Minneapolis?

Locals in Minneapolis enjoy exploring the city’s many parks, museums, and art galleries. They also love taking advantage of all that the music and food scene has to offer.

What is the Number One Attraction in Minnesota?

The answer to that question will differ depending on who you ask. However, many will say that the Mall of America is the number one attraction in Minnesota.

It’s a great spot to catch a movie, shop until you drop, and dine at a fantastic restaurant. It’s a popular attraction for both tourists and locals alike.

What is the Coolest Part of Minneapolis?

Some of the coolest parts of Minneapolis include Northeast, Uptown, and Downtown East. Each area has its own unique vibes and attractions.

Uptown is known for its vibrant nightlife, while Downtown East has impressive views of the Mississippi river and plenty of parks to explore. No matter where you go, you will find something special in Minneapolis

Is Minneapolis Safe to Visit Alone?

Yes, Minneapolis can be safe for solo travelers, as long as you take the proper precautions. Try to stay in well-lit areas and well-traveled areas. And always let someone trusted know where you’re going to be. It’s also recommended to carry safety items like pepper spray or a personal safety alarm.

Wrap-Up: Things to Do in Minneapolis Alone

With so many things to do alone in Minneapolis, it’s the perfect destination for solo travelers looking to explore a new city.

Whether you’re coming for the music, art, or food scene, Minneapolis is sure to be an unforgettable experience.

It doesn’t matter if you are an adrenaline junkie or just want to learn about the city’s history. You’ll have a fantastic visit.

From strolling around scenic Minnehaha Falls to getting a self-guided audio tour and checking out all the local cuisine, this city is perfect for exploring solo.

It’s truly an amazing city full of hidden gems waiting to be discovered, even for those exploring Minneapolis solo.

You will treasure these memories forever and be inspired to explore even more of Minnesota’s diverse and exciting cities in the process.