TC 20: Top 20 Things to Do in the Twin Cities

1. Minneapolis Institute of Art

   • Description: Home to over 90,000 artworks spanning 5,000 years, featuring pieces from ancient to contemporary art.
   • Cost: Free admission; special exhibitions may have fees.
   • Website: Minneapolis Institute of Art

2. Minneapolis Sculpture Garden

   • Description: An 11-acre park showcasing over 60 sculptures, including the iconic “Spoonbridge and Cherry.”
   • Cost: Free
   • Website: Minneapolis Sculpture Garden

3. Chain of Lakes Regional Park

   • Description: A series of interconnected lakes offering trails, beaches, and boating opportunities.
   • Cost: Free; equipment rentals vary.
   • Website: Chain of Lakes Regional Park

4. Minnehaha Regional Park

   • Description: Features the 53-foot Minnehaha Falls, trails, and picnic areas.
   • Cost: Free
   • Website: Minnehaha Regional Park

5. Walker Art Center

   • Description: A leading contemporary art museum with diverse exhibitions and performances.
   • Cost: $15 for adults; free on Thursday evenings and the first Saturday of each month.
   • Website: Walker Art Center

6. Guthrie Theater

   • Description: Renowned theater offering classic and contemporary performances with stunning river views.
   • Cost: Ticket prices vary by performance.
   • Website: Guthrie Theater

7. Mill City Museum

   • Description: Explore Minneapolis’s flour milling history in a historic mill setting.
   • Cost: $12 for adults; discounts available.
   • Website: Mill City Museum

8. Mall of America

   • Description: One of the largest shopping malls in the U.S., featuring over 500 stores, an indoor amusement park, and an aquarium.
   • Cost: Free entry; attractions and shopping vary in price.
   • Website: Mall of America

9. Como Park Zoo & Conservatory

   • Description: A historic zoo and botanical garden with diverse animal exhibits and beautiful plant collections.
   • Cost: Free; donations appreciated.
   • Website: Como Park Zoo & Conservatory

10. Science Museum of Minnesota

    • Description: Interactive exhibits covering science, technology, and natural history, plus an Omnitheater.
    • Cost: $19.95 for adults; discounts available.
    • Website: Science Museum of Minnesota

11. Minnesota History Center

    • Description: Engaging exhibits showcasing Minnesota’s past, including interactive displays and artifacts.
    • Cost: $12 for adults; discounts available.
    • Website: Minnesota History Center

12. Weisman Art Museum

    • Description: A striking building designed by Frank Gehry, housing modern art collections.
    • Cost: Free
    • Website: Weisman Art Museum

13. Stone Arch Bridge

    • Description: Historic pedestrian bridge offering panoramic views of the Mississippi River and city skyline.
    • Cost: Free
    • Website: Stone Arch Bridge

14. Foshay Museum and Observation Deck

    • Description: Historic skyscraper with a museum and observation deck providing 360-degree city views.
    • Cost: $10 for adults; discounts available.
    • Website: Foshay Museum and Observation Deck

15. Minnesota Zoo

    • Description: Home to diverse animal species with interactive exhibits and educational programs.
    • Cost: $19.95 for adults; discounts available.
    • Website: Minnesota Zoo

16. American Swedish Institute

    • Description: Museum and cultural center celebrating Swedish and Nordic heritage in a historic mansion.
    • Cost: $12 for adults; discounts available.
    • Website: American Swedish Institute

17. Nicollet

    • Description: A vibrant pedestrian mall in downtown Minneapolis with shopping, dining, and public art.
    • Cost: Free to explore; dining and shopping vary in price.
    • Website: Nicollet

18. Paisley Park

• Description: Former estate and recording studio of musician Prince, now a museum offering guided tours showcasing his life and music.
• Cost: Tours start at $45.
• Website: Paisley Park

19. Bde Maka Ska

• Description: The largest lake in Minneapolis, popular for swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, and trails for biking and walking.
• Cost: Free; rentals for equipment available.
• Website: Bde Maka Ska

20. Minnesota Landscape Arboretum

• Description: A stunning 1,200-acre garden featuring seasonal displays, walking trails, and themed landscapes.
• Cost: $15 for adults; discounts available.
• Website: Minnesota Landscape Arboretum

These activities offer a diverse array of cultural, recreational, and natural attractions throughout the Twin Cities. The TC 20 list provides something for every interest, from art enthusiasts to nature lovers, making it ideal for exploring the best of Minneapolis and Saint Paul.