Locals’ Guide to the Best Winter Activities in Minneapolis
January 24, 2024 | Lifestyle
Minneapolis holds a special place in our hearts during the winter when the city transforms into a snowy wonderland where locals and tourists fully embrace the season with various winter festivities and events. We love Minnesotans for their ability to embrace and celebrate the season rather than endure it.
The Holidazzle Parade, City of Lakes, and Loppet Ski Festival are just a few of the events that provide residents and visitors with opportunities to celebrate the joys of winter. From museums and food halls to sports events and more, Minneapolis offers many winter activities to keep you entertained, especially if you love the snow.
Watch the U.S. Pond Hockey Championships
The U.S. Pond Hockey Championships is a must-attend event for all passionate hockey fans. Since 2006, it has provided a one-of-a-kind opportunity to experience the true essence of the game. Held outdoors for ten days, players and fans come together for the excitement of fierce competition and cheering on their favorite teams. The sound of clacking sticks, the aroma of grilling bratwurst, and the lively energy of the crowd will remind you of the true meaning of hockey.
Visit Minneapolis Museums
Minneapolis is renowned for its thriving arts scene, which is evident in the numerous theaters, galleries, and the famous Walker Art Center. Winter is a great time to check out all the museums because who wants to be inside on a warm sunny day? Here are three museums that are worth a visit during the winter months:
Science Museum of Minnesota
An engaging and interactive museum suitable for visitors of all ages. With hands-on exhibits and fascinating displays, it’s a perfect place to spend a winter day indoors. The museum often hosts special exhibits and events, providing a dynamic and educational experience for those seeking a break from the winter chill.
Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia)
A treasure trove of art spanning over 5,000 years with an extensive collection of paintings, sculptures, decorative arts, and more. Mia provides a warm and culturally rich environment for visitors to explore during the winter. The museum’s diverse exhibits, including European masterpieces and contemporary art, offer a perfect indoor escape from the cold.
Walker Art Center
A contemporary art museum that showcases modern and contemporary visual, performing, and media arts. With its striking architecture and innovative exhibitions, the Walker Art Center offers a thought-provoking and visually stimulating experience. The museum’s indoor spaces in winter are ideal for exploring cutting-edge contemporary art while staying warm.
Take the Kids to the Ice Castles
If Disney’s Frozen enchants your children, or you’ve always wanted to see magical ice palaces, visiting Ice Castles is a definite must. Ice Castles features mesmerizing ice sculptures, crawl tunnels, caverns, archways, and ice slides. Additionally, you can explore a lantern-lit passage, a polar pub, and a tubing hill. It’s the perfect way to spend a day outdoors with the entire family. It is conveniently located in Maple Grove, just a 15-minute drive from Minneapolis.
Fuel Up at One of Seven Minneapolis Food Halls
That’s right! The Twin Cities has at least seven food halls to warm up and fuel up on a wintry day. Minneapolis’s food halls showcase the city’s gastronomic diversity and create vibrant gathering spaces. Each food hall contributes to the city’s reputation as a destination for food lovers looking for diverse cultural dining experiences.
Malcolm Yards Market:
In the Prospect Park neighborhood, Malcolm Yards Market is a food hall focusing on sustainability and local sourcing. Visitors can explore diverse culinary options, including wood-fired pizza, craft beer, and farm-to-table fare, all within a lively and communal setting.
Market House Collaborative
Located in the historic Fisherman’s Wharf, Market House Collaborative combines a butcher shop, seafood market, and restaurant.
Elevate Food Hall
Downtown Elevate Food Hall caters to the lunch crowd with quick, diverse options like gourmet sandwiches and sushi.
Revival Food Hall
Nested in Keg and Case Market, Revival Food Hall is a cozy spot for soulful Southern comfort food.
Gaviidae Common
Downtown’s upscale Gaviidae Common hosts a variety of gourmet options, from sandwiches to sushi and desserts.
Keg and Case Market
Schmidt Brewery’s historic charm meets contemporary flair with artisanal cheeses, chocolates, and local ingredients in this food haven.
Midtown Global Market
A bustling international hub, Midtown Global Market offers diverse global flavors, from tacos to pastries, in a lively atmosphere.
Simplify Your Winter Move with Metro
Sometimes, a little more space is all you need to make life easier. At Metro Self Storage, we pride ourselves on providing customer service that makes you smile. Our Minnesota storage facilities are designed with your comfort and convenience in mind so that you can store your treasured belongings any time of the year.
Our Class-A storage facilities feature drive-through loading bays to protect you and your belongings from inclement weather, and our locations are designed to accommodate moving trucks and vans of all sizes.
Check out our amenities and features like 24-hour security, storage-to-office communications, and extended access hours at a location near you at metrostorage.com.
