Is Minneapolis Safe For Travelers?

Is Minneapolis Safe For Travelers?

Recently, things haven’t been so easy in Minnesota. This is a sensitive topic, but stay with us and you will learn the reality of the city.

Protests, riots, and looting spread around the city starting with the George Floyd homicide, followed by the COVID-19 pandemic that only worsened throughout the months.

But those are only a few factors about the whole topic because many people believe Minneapolis is also not worth visiting due to the crime issues that surround the city.

However, we are here to let you know whether is Minneapolis safe or not. But you have to keep in mind there are a lot of misconceptions about the Twin Cities.

Find out the reality behind the news:

Table of Contents

1) Is Minneapolis Safe?

First things first, is Minneapolis safe?

According to NeighborhoodScout.com, Minneapolis has a crime rate of 57 per 1,000 inhabitants.

This numbers may be higher or lower depending on who is reading.

However, we should keep in mind Minneapolis is a metropolis. And like every big city, Minneapolis has its dangerous areas too.

Some of these dangerous neighborhoods make the city look bad in front of the nation. But the truth is that not every corner of Minneapolis is harmful.

Minneapolis residents do normal things and enjoy them like in any other part, there is no difference here.

Things like pickpocketing, assaults, getting beat up, and snatching of one’s belongings are not completely uncommon.

Those are other factors that led people to think Minneapolis is not safe.

But if you think straight, what major city in the U.S. doesn’t have this kind of issue for better or for worse?

Minneapolis is not an exception, of course, there are risks as in every big city.

But how risky is it in reality?

In this case, the Minneapolis Police Department stated that the area with the highest concentration of crime is North Minneapolis.

There is a higher chance of shooting, robbery, and crime because of the mob activities that exist there.

And even so, people still considered North Minneapolis to be a nice place to walk around, have a casual stroll, and visit the numerous shops and parks this area offers.

Other than that, other parts of the city have a medium or lower crime rate overall. So Minneapolis is not any different than the other major city across the country.

We mean, it is not like people here are always thinking about crime, seven days a week, the 24 hours. Come on, people live a normal life, with pros and cons like any other city.

Plus, you can also take a look at Viator to find good adventures in Minneapolis and enjoy the city to its fullest.

2) Plan Your Trip To Minneapolis Without Worrying About Crime

There are a bunch of great activities to do in Minneapolis that we can’t even count them all. The best part is that most of these places are located in safe areas.

For example, you can visit family-friendly places such as the Minneapolis Institute of Art, The Weisman Art Museum, The Walker Art Center, or The Children’s Theatre Company, among others.

On the other hand, if you prefer a more natural experience in Minneapolis, you should visit the Minnehaha Falls, The Theodore Wirth Regional Park, or Lake Harriet. You can take pictures in some of the best places in the city. Memories of visiting Minneapolis are probably worth keeping, we are sure about that.

And want to know more? The crime rate in these places is lower than the average in the city, according to ADT Crime Maps.

You see, if you wonder ‘is Minneapolis safe?’, you can see the city offers a lot of incredible cultural and natural views while you don’t have to worry about any crime issues.

But even so, here are a few useful tips that will help you avoid any bad experiences:

• Pre-plan the journey before going to Minneapolis, this way you will know exactly where you go. Book one of these top Minneapolis hotels that are known to be in safe neighborhoods.
• Look for the most crowded streets in case you want to take a stroll.
• Avoid walking alone at night unless it’s completely necessary.
• It’s always better if you have your money on your card.

Those tips can perfectly work for any other major city, not only Minneapolis.

Also, you have to know you can find good rooms on Booking.com, they can also recommend the safest places to stay.

3) Is It Safe To Go Out For a Beer in Minneapolis?

We are here to tell you Minneapolis has a lot to offer to both locals and tourists. We know the city has a bad reputation in many people’s minds, but we are here to tell you that is not the case.

Going on a night out or casually hanging out for a beer doesn’t have to be dangerous and in fact, it is not.

That is why we introduce you to one of the best parts of the city, the breweries. You can go out and take a sip in the best Minneapolis breweries, it is a common activity in the city and it represents no harm for anyone.

For example, in Boom Island Brewing, you will taste delicious brews with a Belgium style. But the best part is that this brewery is nearby a lot of shops and commercial areas to have a nice walk, all in safe areas.

Also, you can visit 612 Brew, where you will try an amazing local brew experience while you also can visit nearby spots such as the Community Commons Park and Beltrami Park. People go to these parks because they offer a quiet and peaceful experience before or after a couple of beers.

There are plenty of other Minneapolis breweries that are worth a chance. But for now, we can also add that Dangerous Man Brewing Company has everyone in the city begging for their chocolate milk stout and the peanut butter porter.

Very close to this brewery lies the Mississippi River, where you can go with your friends and family to take beautiful pictures. Naturally, people would prefer family-friendly spots like this one to have a nice day in Minnesota, and it is even better if you can enjoy the moment with a fine local brew.

Is Minneapolis safe? All of these places are protected and you will enjoy it, so yes!

There are also bars in Minneapolis that are worth the try. Enjoy and have some beer with your family and friends.

Now that we are talking about beers, see the 12 Best Breweries in Minneapolis (Ranked).

Also, we all know airports can be annoying, noisy, and crowded. If you want to avoid all of those things, sign up for Priority Pass and get VIP access whenever you travel to any part of the world.

4) Should I contact a Travel Agency in Minneapolis to be safer?

When it comes to visiting the best places in any city, what’s better than a travel agency for that job?

After all, the travel agencies know the area by heart and they can guide you to the safest spots. This is the case not only in Minneapolis but in any city.

Many people plan their trip all alone, and that’s ok. But if you want to experience a better time in Minneapolis, there are good travel agencies that can do that job.

Regarding travel agency Minneapolis, there are good options for you to boost up your journey in the city, and of course, avoid dangerous places.

For example, the 5-star travel agency Knowmad Adventures can take you to the best spots in Minneapolis. You can expect to visit nice areas, take walking tours, go to the most famous places in Minneapolis, and have more family-friendly spots.

Another nice option is New Departures, which is another popular 5-star rated travel agency in Minneapolis that will help you move around the city.

But there’s more because you can also opt for VIAKU, another great travel agency in Minneapolis that can lead you not only to the safest spots but the best places in Minneapolis.

Minneapolis is indeed safe and not a threat to visitors, as we say, every major city has crime and insecurity problems. You just have to enjoy your trip to Minneapolis and follow our advice.

Just live it up.

Also, it is worth mentioning you can travel around the world with these travel agencies we just brought up. So not only do they guide you through Minneapolis, but also internationally!

If you are loving this article, you must see this one as well, about the 13 Best Day Trips from Minneapolis.

Moreover, to find the best flights, hotels, and packages in Minneapolis, you can always check out Kayak. Go get the best plane tickets from all around the world with just one click.

5) What Hotels in Minneapolis are in Safe Areas?

Although there are not really a lot of dangerous areas in Minneapolis, you might still wonder for hotels in nice areas.

We are here to recommend to you good options for your stay. Also, these are historic hotels in Minneapolis, which will make your experience even better.

One of them is the Hotel Emery, which is well-known for being located in the historic Midland Bank in downtown Minneapolis, and for its glamorous decoration.

Visitors usually target Emery because it is nearby to many other nice places such as the Mall of America, a beautiful green park called “The Commons”, and many shops where families go to enjoy a nice day in the city. No worries about crime whatsoever.

Also, whenever you go to Minneapolis the Hotel Ivy is a must-try. This historic hotel is a Minneapolis landmark itself because is located in the 302-foot tall Ivy Tower, the tallest building in the area known as the five states (Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, and Wisconsin).

With beautiful decoration and fancy ornaments all around the place, the Hotel Ivy is nearby to a bunch of places to visit in Minneapolis such as restaurants, parks, spas, and many other nice places where families go to spend their day without worrying about the safety of the city.

Furthermore, we also have to include the Renaissance Hotel. We won’t lie to you, this is one of the most beautiful hotels in the United States.

The Renaissance is a historic building in the heart of the city, conveniently located near Minneapolis’s main attractions such as no other than the Mississippi River, so you can have a casual stroll along the river and get back to your room at any time.

The Renaissance is also closed to the Mill City Museum, the Gutherie Theatre, the Mill Ruins Park, and the Gold Medal Park. All of these places are frequented by people because they are beautiful and located in a safe zone.

You can also find great rooms and hotels on Airbnb whenever you visit Minneapolis.

You have so many options that it is not going to be a problem to find your stay in Minneapolis, especially in the best areas.

6) What Are The Best Things To Do in Minneapolis This Weekend?

This weekend and like any other day, you can enjoy Minneapolis. Just go out, visit the best places, have fun, and that’s it. One of the things we still get asked is ‘is Minneapolis safe?’

We always respond ‘absolutely’.

Minneapolis is not what the news says, people enjoy their weekends as normal people do, and there are plenty of activities to do here.

For example, you can go to breweries, join walking tours, wander around the Mississippi River, visit theatres, go to natural parks, or see historic places.

If you plan ahead of your trip, avoid walking alone at night in solitary streets, and get in touch with travel agencies that guide you to the best and safest areas, you will not encounter any dangerous situations.

Now take a look at some of the best things to do in Minneapolis this weekend.

In the brewery tours, you will taste the best craft beers in town while visiting several places and diving into the exquisite Minneapolis brew.

On the other hand, the walking tours are always a great option to discover the history of Minneapolis, the most popular places and get a first-hand view of the city as you stroll and make friends in the process.

Besides that, you can go on historical tours, go to the garden, and will the amazing things Minneapolis offers.

Furthermore, if you are a sports junkie you can go to Twins, Vikings, Wild, or Wolves games. Minneapolis has a team or organization for every major sports league, so this city is a paradise for sports lovers.

Please, never wonder again whether is Minneapolis safe or not, because safety in all of these activities is guaranteed. Just enjoy the city.

If you want to know more about this topic, you should check out the Top 10 Things to do in Minneapolis (Ranked!).

Also, for all of you travelers who enjoy visiting new exciting places, you have to know GetYourGuide has excellent offers to go anywhere in the world. You should check them out as well.

7) What Are The Best Things To Do in Minneapolis in Winter?

We all know that Minneapolis can get really cold, to the point of below freezing.

However, that doesn’t mean you can’t go outside. So discover here the best things to do in Minneapolis in winter.

And also, winter is a safe season to do activities, Minneapolis also offers beautiful snowy views. Take your time to explore the city without hesitation, because the city is very safe in winter as well.

First, you can do winter sports such as ice skating, snowshoeing, fishing, ice climbing, and even set a bonfire to spend the afternoon with your friends and beloved ones.

Also, you can visit museums, play bowling, go to become one with nature, and of course, drink some Minneapolis breweries!

You can check out these activities and more in the Minneapolis tourist guide, and travel agencies we mentioned earlier.

Minneapolis offers a lot of fun during winter, some even say the city is even better when is all covered in white. You don’t have to worry about whether is Minneapolis safe or should I avoid visiting it.

Minneapolis is a great city with plenty of things to do. Give it a chance!

Also, in ViaTravelers we have a complete series about Minneapolis and why you have to visit it.

Make sure you take a look at those articles to find out the best things to do in Minneapolis in winter, the best Minneapolis breweries, more historic hotels in Minneapolis, and the travel agency in Minneapolis that best fits you.

Do you need a car in Minneapolis? An insider’s peek.

Minneapolis is Minnesota’s biggest city and with the state capitol, Saint Paul, forms one-half of the “Twin Cities”.

Minneapolis has seen many improvements to its public transportation system over the last 20 years, as well as other initiatives to allow easy, low-cost transit across the city and wider Metro Area for those who can’t, don’t, or won’t use a car.

• So, do you need a car in Minneapolis?
• How is public transport in Minneapolis?
• Are there options outside of public transportation?
• Can you easily live in Minneapolis without a car?

Are there things to do in Minneapolis without a car? Let’s investigate!

Table of Contents

Public Transport Minneapolis

First, let’s cover what the city offers in public transportation.

The Twin Cities’ public transportation network is run by Metro Transit which currently operates a number of regular light rail lines and bus rapid transit routes throughout the Metro Area.

Both buses and the light rail are accessible for all and cater to those looking to go car-less. Most light rail stations have bike stands and most buses have bike racks mounted on their front.

All can be ridden with tickets, valid for 2.5 hours, purchased from bus drivers or at ticket machines at train stations, for $2.50.

Alternatively, you can get yourself a rechargeable Go-To Pass that can be purchased online, at an authorized retailer, by mail, through the Metro Transit app, and ticket machines at rail or transit stations.

One bonus with all Metro Transit buses and light rail trains is that they have complimentary Wi-Fi on board each vehicle, so you can browse to your heart’s content while you ride without using your own data!

Light Rail lines

• Blue Line – The first light rail system employed in Minnesota in 2004. A 2-track line that currently links Target Field Station in Downton Minneapolis with the Mall of America in Bloomington, it hosts 20 stops from start to finish. As of 2020, the line is extending into Brooklyn Park, with a slated completion in 2024. – Established in 2014, this 2-track line connects Target Field Station in Downtown Minneapolis to Union Depot in Saint Paul, which also serves as an Amtrak hub. The line has a total of 24 stops from start to finish, including the State Capitol. Plans are to extend the line by almost 15 miles to connect Eden Prarie to the Green Line by 2023, however, due to poor soil conditions along the proposed route, the $2 billion, infrastructure project (the largest in Minnesota’s history) is currently seeing delays.

Metro Bus Rapid Transit routes

– A rapid transit bus route connects the Mall of America to the Apple Valley Transit Station, allowing a bridge between Apple Valley and the Blue Line. The Red Line has only 5 stops from start to finish. There are plans to extend this route to Lakeville, but these aren’t expected to take shape until around 2040. – A rapid transit bus route connecting the Blue Line at the 46th St Station and Rosedale Transit Center, holds 20 stops from start to finish. – A rapid transit bus route connecting 7th St & Park Station in Downtown Minneapolis and Brooklyn Center Transit Station, includes 20 stops from start to finish.

Numbered bus routes

The system of numbered, short-distance bus routes used in the Twin Cities is gradually being augmented with or phased out by the newer bus rapid transit system. The list of the various bus routes, maps, and schedules can be found here.

Park & Ride

Metro Transit operates a huge number of park & ride facilities in and around Minneapolis that allows car owners easier access to public transportation and save them from city traffic and wrestling with Minneapolis parking.

Bicycle & scooter sharing systems

The city operates a seasonal bike share system through Nice Ride Minnesota, with 1,700 bicycles available to hire throughout Minneapolis and Saint Paul, with rides starting at $2.50.

As of 2021, the city of Minneapolis has awarded contracts to Lyft and Bird to provide electronically powered scooters as part of a scooter-share system, the first being rolled out in April.

Other transportation options

Public transportation might not be your thing, or maybe you’re just looking to challenge yourself, either way, you’ve options at your disposal.

Rideshare, Taxis & Limos

Rideshare firms in the form of Uber and Lyft are well established in the city.

There are also a number of private taxi & limo firms throughout Minneapolis and the Metro Area.

Car Share systems

Car share programs through HOURCAR and Zipcar are a great answer to the question “do you need to rent a car in Minneapolis?”

A total of 62 cars are operated between the two companies and are a really cheap alternative to car ownership or long/short-term rental.

Bicycling

Minneapolis bike trails map over 80 miles throughout the city (over 200 miles if you count the Metro Area as a whole) that largely avoid road traffic making for a safe, speedy, and cheap way of getting around and seeing the city.

Minneapolis is regularly featured as one of the best biking cities in North America and I encourage you to see for yourself!

Caution is advised when cycling around city roads because you’ll be sharing with other traffic. Also, cycling around the city in that Minnesota winter can be truly excruciating.

By Foot

Walking, jogging, running, hiking, skipping, your own marching pace, whichever way you feel the need to use your feet to propel yourself in the desired direction.

Easily the slowest form of transport but entirely free you can make use of those Minneapolis bike trails as well as Minneapolis’ Skyway.

The Skyway is almost its own ecosystem; an intricate series of enclosed walkways connecting buildings around the city center, and a fantastic alternative to walking outdoors in winter!

Buying or renting a car

Car ownership or rental is still the most popular option for transport in Minneapolis.

While on the surface it may seem convenient (shorter trips, no stops, no unnecessary waiting outside of heavy traffic, privacy, independence, capacity to transport people, pets, and non-live cargo), it is certainly the most expensive.

When you factor in gas, insurance, maintenance, and parking (not to mention the cost of buying or renting the car itself), it adds up.

And if you’re living in Minneapolis, permanent parking brings its own set of costs.

Parking, in general, can be a nightmare, especially in the city center. And woe betide you if you leave your car out on the street in a snow emergency!

Things to do in Minneapolis

So we’ve figured out the various means of getting from A to B, but what to do with this knowledge?

The Blue Line Grand Tour

You’ve jetted into MSP, you’re only here for a day and you’ve got tickets to that Minnesota Twins game this afternoon.

You could head there now…but it’s 9:00 am. You don’t wanna wait on the steps like some chump, so you’re going to have to find something to do, as well as navigate there AND on a budget.

Wait; how do you get there? You’re only here for a day so no thanks car rental!

And do you really want some rideshare driver to hold your hand and ferry you, taking all the fun out of your adventure? Pfft! No! So what then?

My friend, welcome to the Blue Line Grand Tour!

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First, you need to get yourself some Twins merchandise (without paying the extra you would at the stadium), so hop on that Blue Line and head south to the Mall of America in nearby Bloomington.

Keep your eyes left along the way to silently pay your respects to those interned at the Fort Snelling National Cemetery as you pass.

The Mall of America

You’ve arrived at the MOA!

Get yourself over to Lids and pick up some merch. Now see if you can leave the mall without getting too distracted (seriously, good luck).

Once you’ve escaped the alluring clutches of MOA, hop back on that train and head back the way you came, past the cemetery and the airport.

Fort Snelling

Wait; your inner history buff wishes to know more about Minnesota’s fighting past!

Take a break at Fort Snelling Station and enjoy a pleasant, leafy 20-minute stroll up to the historic Fort Snelling and the Fort Snelling Chapel.

After enjoying some well-earned history, it’s time to get back on track(s). Walk back the way you came to Fort Snelling Station and jump back onto the Blue Line.

Minnehaha Falls

Heading north, you’re inspired by the natural beauty as you trundle along, enough that you want to see more!

Stopping off at 50th St – Minnehaha station, take the 10-minute walk to one of the most breathtakingly beautiful spots in the whole state; Minnehaha Falls, within the Minnehaha Regional Park.

Your outstanding natural beauty quota filled, it’s time to press on, so back to 50th St – Minnehaha station and away you go!

Feed yourself

By now you’ve worked up a powerful hunger and your tummy rumbles. Looking for sustenance, you disembark at 38th St Station and head west along the namesake street.

The first eatery you see is the Cardinal Restaurant and Bar, a fine establishment, but there is more the further you go, including, Ted Cook’s 19 Hole BBQ, Northbound Smokehouse & Brewpub, Standish Cafe, and Sisters’ Sludge Coffee Cafe & Wine Bar.

Once filled with local fare, jump back on the Blue Line and continue your quest!

U.S. Bank Stadium

Tearing into Downtown Minneapolis, it isn’t long until you spot the giant, gleaming U.S. Bank Stadium, home of the Minnesota Vikings.

It’s well worth a look and easily accessible, having its own Blue Line station to take a break and press your nose against this 70,000+ seat monolith to sports which is one of the best things to do in the entire state of Minnesota.

Last-minute supplies

Back on the Blue Line, you wonder if you have all you need for the game. Sure, you’re merched up and aren’t starving, but you haven’t brought snacks and you’ve done hotdogs and pretzels to death.

Alternative? On the Blue Line Grand Tour?

You’re just one stop away from Government Plaza station, and from there, it’s just a short walk to the Downtown Minneapolis Farmers’ Market, one of 3 Minneapolis farmer markets.

Grab some of Minnesota’s organic bounty and press on!

Home Run! The North Loop

Back on the train, and here we are, nearing the home stretch as we enter the Warehouse or “North Loop” District of Minneapolis. There are plenty of great hotels in the North Loop of Minneapolis and it’s easily accessible by the light rail from the airport.

We’re just gonna let the train roll on into Target Field Station, and that’s where the real journey ends, right outside Target Field.

Still, got time to kill?

Well as luck would have it, you are a stone’s throw away from a couple of fine local breweries such as Fulton and Modist Brewing Co. to help whet your whistle.

The sweetest victory is cherry flavored

The game was a real nail-biter and you need to soothe those battered nerves with a civilized stroll and visual dessert. Time to wrap up the evening with a trip to the world-famous Minneapolis Sculpture Garden.

You jump back on the Blue Line at Target Field Station and ride the few blocks to Nicollet Mall Station (pronounced “Nic-let” like “Chiclet”).

After you disembark, head to the corner of N 5th St and Nicollet Mall to find the bus stop on the Nicollet side.

Hop on the Number 4 or 6 bus (Minn Drive/Xerxes Ave/Southdale) and ride all the way to Lyndale Ave S & Vinewood Place.

Your final approach shows what’s in store, the Spoonbridge & Cherry!

Well, that concludes the Blue Line Grand Tour, and how much did you spend on travel?

Probably no more than $10, and when you compare that to the $40+ cab or rideshare fee from MSP to Downtown, think about how much richer you are in dollars and experiences!

So, do you need a car in Minneapolis?

In short; it depends on you. You can easily find a cheap rental car by using Kayak or consider grabbing a Lyft around town.

Minneapolis and the Metro Area at large have a well-established Public Transportation system that is reliable, cheap, safe, (mostly) clean, constantly improving, and serves the entire metro area.

It’s an alternative to sitting in traffic, allows locals an affordable means to see beyond their own neighborhood, and visitors a cheap way of experiencing the best parts of the city.

The downsides are that you do lose independence and the (slightly dubious) convenience of car ownership if you’re looking to live a car-less life.

Getting from A to B in Minneapolis is still faster by car which will rarely be parked further from your home than any bus stop, rail station, bike, or scooter share with wait times depending only on yourself.

While it may be safer to use public transport in winter, waiting at a bus stop after your bus was delayed in the freezing snow, might make you wonder which is actually safer as you catch frostbite.

And when it’s not one of Minnesota’s 3 winter seasons, it’s the 4th season; roadworks.

Those harsh winters batter Minneapolis’ roads, which affects all commuters because ALL of Minneapolis’ public transportation within the city runs on the road – even the light rail in the cities is affected by roadworks as most of the tracks run parallel to conventional traffic, with many intersections crossing over light rail lines.

The best real alternative to car ownership/rental in Minneapolis is a combination of public transportation and investing in your own bike.

It is easy enough to traverse the city by bike and easily the most pleasant if using the many hiking and biking trails, but cycling in the winter has its own obvious drawbacks.

But what about mundane things like having to get groceries or helping friends move?

Neither is terribly fun if you have to lug stuff on a bike or a bus.

And what if you’re looking to get outside the Metro Area? What then?

If you’re confining yourself to just Minneapolis and no further than the outskirts of the Metro Area, you can survive without a car, but you might find yourself wishing for one in winter.

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If you like your vacation with a side of sports, Minneapolis is home to a brand new indoor stadium that’s taking the world stage as the host of the Super Bowl in 2018, as well as the X Games for both 2017 and 2018: U.S. Bank Stadium. Catch a Vikings game or concert while you’re in town, or simply head to Medtronic Plaza for a glimpse of the behemoth structure, which is within walking distance of the historic Mill District and some beloved local institutions, like Day Block Brewing and the historic Guthrie Theater.

Parks

Minneapolis is home to 197 green parks that serve as respites on a hot summer day and offer unique glimpses into some historic corners of the city. Gold Medal Park is one of the best places to take in Minneapolis’s vintage signs, modern architecture, and artistic charms, thanks to its sculptures and a raised, grassy observation knoll. Venture to Minnehaha Park for a break from downtown and a rushing waterfall nestled inside a sprawling green picnic area. The city’s Japanese-inspired Lyndale Park Peace Garden and Rose Garden are a favorite among locals and visitors alike, and home to the second-oldest rose garden in the U.S.

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Food

Chefs in Minneapolis are bringing the heat. Stumble upon eclectic restaurants and diverse cuisines with every meal, from classic-American indulgences like the Bloody Mary bar and brunch at famed Hell’s Kitchen, to the Midtown Global Market‘s world-class international vendors. The latter is home to Somali, Mexican, Indian, Palestinian, and Vietnamese food stalls primarily run by immigrant business owners. You can also (of course) enjoy an in-house taproom and microbrewery, Eastlake Craft Brewery, and specialty Minnesota items like honey and farm-fresh cheeses.

The People

It’s no secret Midwesterners are friendly, but the diversity of the friendly faces you’ll find in Minneapolis might surprise you. Home to the largest population of Somalis in America, Minneapolis boasts authentic East-African food and crafts in both the Midtown Global Market and “Little Mogadishu“—located in Cedar-Riverside. The Twin Cities also have strong European roots represented in food and festivals, thanks to the many Germans and Polish ancestors that settled here generations ago.

Minnesotans and transplants alike are likely to chat you up over a beer (a trend I welcomed, being solo in my Minneapolis travel experience). A unique mix of American-heartland traditions and new international perspectives, Minneapolis will surprise you with its eclecticism.

More from SmarterTravel:

Associate Editor Shannon McMahon writes about all things travel and visited the City of Lakes courtesy of Meet Minneapolis. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram.

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Source https://www.smartertravel.com/reasons-visit-minneapolis/