Minneapolis things to do

Last fall, I was looking for a new destination to explore that offered nature opportunities and fun activities at an affordable price. Minnesota fit the bill and I headed there in early October.

I stayed in Minneapolis and spent my first day checking out cool things to do right in the city. My first stop was Minnehaha Regional Park.

Minnehaha Regional Park features Minnehaha Falls, a 53-foot waterfall. You can view the falls from an overlook or climb down stairs to get a view from ground level. Both are beautiful!

The park is 193 acres and also has trails and gardens to enjoy. I was there in the fall, so I got to enjoy the leaves changing colors.

Another fun place to check out is the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, which opened in 1998 and is free to visitors.

You can enjoy the collection of modern art in the setting of an urban park. There is everything from a giant blue rooster to a cherry on a spoon.

Take a walk across the Stone Arch Bridge, named a National Civil Engineering Landmark. Enjoy views of Saint Anthony Falls as you cross the Mississippi River. The Stone Arch Bridge is the only arched bridge made of stone on the Mississippi.

The bridge is near the Mill District, home to flour mills left from when Minneapolis was the flour milling capital of the world. You can visit the Mill City Museum to learn more.

My hotel was next to the Mall of America, so I had to check it out! With an aquarium, amusement park, tons of shopping and restaurants, there is plenty to do.

Check out more to do near Minneapolis: State parks, apple orchards and a day trip to Wisconsin.

What are your favorite things to do in Minneapolis?