This article is about the most best things to do in the Twin Cities area, but if you want to learn about Twin Cities activities that are less mainstream I suggest checking out our article on The Best Weekly Activities in the Twin Cities, our Recreations Page, or our Neighborhood Pages where you can find the best recreations and events in the Twin Cities.
Table of Contents
Sports & Music
While U.S. Bank Stadium is most known for being the home of the Minnesota Vikings, it also hosts concerts and community events. With its striking, angular design and translucent roof, and a vast, sweeping interior this venue creates an unforgettable atmosphere for visitors and locals alike.
@maapify A proper home for a Viking 🟣🟡 #fyp #foryou #nfl #football #vikings #minnesota #skol #usbankstadium #minneapolis #minnesotavikings #sports #explained #learnontiktok ♬ original sound - MAAPIFY
Target Field, nestled in the heart of Minneapolis, is the celebrated home of Major League Baseball’s Minnesota Twins. Known for its open-air, intimate design, it offers stunning skyline views and a spectacular atmosphere for baseball fans.
@marissavoss Replying to @dmavis83 you can’t go wrong with any spot at Target Field tho!! #mntwins #wheretosit #vo #basebal #mlb #guide ♬ 7AM (Sped Up) - adrian
The Xcel Energy Center in Saint Paul, Minnesota, is a versatile arena known for hosting a wide array of events, from high-energy NHL games as the home of the Minnesota Wild to major concerts and conventions. Its state-of-the-art facilities and intimate seating arrangement ensure a memorable experience for all attendees. Renowned for its sustainable design and vibrant atmosphere, it stands as a landmark of entertainment and community gatherings in the Twin Cities.
Parks
Como Park Zoo and Conservatory, nestled in St. Paul, Minnesota, is a beloved haven of nature and wildlife. It features a wide array of animals and an exquisite conservatory with seasonal flower shows. This family-friendly spot offers both education and enchantment, all with free admission, making it a must-visit destination for nature lovers.
@kim_raquel Como Park Zoo & Conservatory in St Paul, MN 🥰🐅🦍🦓🦒🦭🪴🌷#zoo #animals #wildlife #love #fyp #stpaulminnesota ♬ Paradise - TELL YOUR STORY music by Ikson™
The Minnesota Zoo, set amidst the natural beauty of Apple Valley, is a living classroom that offers an immersive journey into the world of wildlife. It features a wide array of exhibits, from the tropics to the tundra, housing over 4,700 animals across several ecosystems. The zoo also recently added a treetop walking trail, an elevated pedestrian loop offering new perspectives of Minnesota’s wildlife and landscapes.
@mspmag Check out the @Minnesota Zoo’s new Treetop Trail, the longest elevated pedestrian loop in the world, set to open this week. #mnzoo #thingstodominnesota #fyp #zoo #minnesota ♬ sonido original - yo
Minnehaha Regional Park, located in Minneapolis, is known for its majestic 53-foot waterfall and picturesque limestone bluffs. This urban oasis offers a variety of recreational activities, including picnicking, hiking, and live music in the summer. Its scenic beauty and historical significance, including the Longfellow House, make it a popular destination for both locals and tourists.
@mo_najax1 📍 Minnehaha Falls For me its the place you can start your day for a walk and take time with yourself ❤️ #minnehahafalls#fypシ゚viral#fyp#mineapolis#nature#walk#morningroutine ♬ original sound - Monajah
Malls & Markets
Mall of America
Known for being the biggest Mall in the U.S., The Mall of America is the Twin Cities most popular attraction by far with over 58,000 ratings on Google Maps. Here you can find everything you want and need from dining, to shopping, to entertainment this place is constantly alive.
@dominicongg Biggest Mall In The USA! | Mall Of America #mallofamerica #nickelodeon ♬ Gator - Spongebob Squarepants
Amusement Parks
The Minnesota State Fair, fondly known as the “Great Minnesota Get-Together,” is the 2nd largest state fair in the United States (behind only Texas) with a total attendance of 1,835,826 in 2023. This annual extravaganza celebrates Minnesotan culture with a dizzying array of food, art, music, and entertainment. With its iconic Midway, agricultural exhibits, and innovative food creations, it offers an immersive experience that captivates the young and old alike.
Valleyfair, located in Shakopee, Minnesota, is a vibrant amusement park offering an array of thrilling rides and entertainment. With over 75 rides and attractions, including eight roller coasters and a waterpark, it’s a beloved destination for families and thrill-seekers alike. The park’s combination of exhilarating rides, live shows, and a festive atmosphere makes it a premier entertainment spot in the Midwest.
Nickelodeon Universe, nestled in the Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota, is the largest indoor theme park in the United States. It’s a vibrant, colorful world of thrills featuring beloved Nickelodeon characters across numerous rides and attractions. The park offers an immersive experience for families, combining entertainment, shopping, and dining in a lively, themed environment.
@parkpros Everything I rode at Nickelodeon Universe in the Mall of America! 🎢 #nickelodeonuniverse #mallofamerica #themepark #rollercoaster #ride #amusementpark ♬ I'm Ready - AJR
Rankings
10. Excel Energy Center
9. Minnehaha Falls
8. Nickelodeon Universe
7. Valley Fair
6. Minnesota Zoo
5. Minnesota State Fair
4. Target Field
3. Como Park Zoo & Conservatory
2. U.S. Bank Stadium
1. Mall of America
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A.J. Beasley
The Twin Cities have been my home for 2 years, but before I lived here I lived in 2 other cities: Duluth, and Milwaukee as well as having spent time traveling to almost every major city in America. I've been able to see a lot of different places and have eaten at hundreds of different restaurants in the Twin Cities alone since moving here.
