How to Spend an Extra Day in Minneapolis

The Midwestern city of Minneapolis—or Mill City, as it’s fondly nicknamed—offers an ideal juxtaposition of cosmopolitan savoir faire with a picturesque setting that nods to nature. Situated along the Mississippi River, it’s full of lakes, has parks galore, and offers 200 miles of walking, biking and cross-country ski trails.

At the same time, this midsized, mighty metropolis is home to world-class museums, destination shopping, a vibrant music scene and flourishing food culture led by notable chefs. Christina Nguyen, for example, is among the culinary stars who have won the Best Chef Award from the James Beard Foundation.

The Central district is the city’s heart, while other neighborhoods include the North Loop, East Town and Loring Park. Minneapolis stands out for its more than 10 miles of elevated walkways connecting hotels, restaurants and stores. Business travelers will appreciate the expansive, sustainably built convention center comprising nearly half a million square feet of exhibit space, a 3,400-seat auditorium, and 90 meeting rooms.

Hotel Ivy, Marriott’s Luxury Collection / Photo: Courtesy of Hotel Ivy

Hotel Ivy

Hang your hat at the Ivy for a stay with a glamorous flair. Part of Marriott’s Luxury Collection, the property has a prime downtown location and chic rooms featuring limestone bathrooms, original artwork, leather headboards, spacious desks and custom-designed furniture. For dining and imbibing, there’s the buzzy Breva Bar & Grill, offering craft cocktails and New American dishes, the Mexican cantina Masa & Agave, and The Bar, which has a menu of rare by-the-glass champagnes. Ivy’s Anda Spa, downtown’s largest, has a long treatment menu of massages, bodywork, facials, and more. thehotelivy.com

Walker Art Center / Photo: Getty Images

Walker Art Center

Art aficionados regard the Walker as one of the best contemporary art museums in the country. The permanent collection includes more than 15,500 works by blockbuster names such as Jasper Johns, Edward Hopper, and Frank Stella. The temporary exhibits are dynamic, and there’s also a full performing-arts lineup with dance shows and live music acts, a gorgeous sculpture garden, a movie theater that hosts frequent screenings, and multiple green spaces. walkerart.org

Skyways of Minneapolis Walking Tour

Minneapolis’ Skyways are an integral part of the city’s DNA. Discover them on this engaging two-hour walking experience from Minneapolis City Tours, where you’ll learn about their history and how they developed. It’s a great way to sightsee from the inside, no matter the weather or time of year. minneapoliscitytours.com

Photo: Courtesy of Jessica Schugel, Mpls City & Skyway Tours

The Market at Malcolm Yards

With so many standout restaurants, it’s unfair and nearly impossible to single out one place to dine in Minneapolis. Instead, we suggest hitting The Market at Malcolm Yards, the city’s largest food hall. The options are diverse: Head to Abang Yoli for Southeast Asian flavors, DelSur for traditional Argentine fare, Momo Dosa to try dumplings and crepes dipped in chutneys, and much more. You can also enjoy drinks: Boxcar Bar offers 48 tap beers and cocktails crafted with locally made spirits, or serve yourself at the self-pour tap bar. malcolmyards.market

Photo: Courtesy