Curious about the Twin Cities? Make your campus visit into a vacation by exploring museums, theaters, sports, and more. U of M students don’t spend all of their time on campus, and visitors shouldn’t either.
Museums
Goldstein Museum
The Goldstein Museum of Design is operated by the U of M College of Design. It’s a great place to get inspired or learn some history. Learn more
Mill City Museum
Dubbed “The Most Explosive Museum in the World” the Mill City Museum is located on the historic Mississippi Riverfront. Learn more
Minneapolis Institute of Arts
Art in the heart of Minneapolis—the MIA has one of the finest art collections in the country. Learn more
Science Museum of Minnesota
The Science Museum of Minnesota is known worldwide for its interactive exhibits and large format films. Learn more
Walker Art Center
The Walker Art Center hosts the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, performances, lectures, events, and contemporary exhibits. Learn more
Weisman Art Museum
The Weisman Art Museum offers free admission and rotating exhibits right on the East Bank campus of the U of M. Learn more
Sports
Professional Sports
Minnesota Timberwolves
Minnesota has the largest population of timberwolves in the lower 48 states, so this NBA team is right where it belongs. Learn more
Minnesota Lynx
Minneapolis is home to the four-time champion WNBA team, the Minnesota Lynx! Learn more
Minnesota Saints
Baseball in Minnesota hits a new level of fun with Saint Paul Saints professional baseball. Learn more
Minnesota Twins
Spend an afternoon or evening watching the Twins play at Target Field in downtown Minneapolis! Learn more
Minnesota Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings play at U.S. Bank Stadium which is just quick light rail ride from campus! While the stadium was being built, the Vikings played on the University of Minnesota campus at Huntington Bank Stadium. Learn more
Minnesota Wild
Find out why Minnesota is called "The State of Hockey" and catch a Minnesota Wild game at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, which is also just a quick light rail ride from campus! Learn more
Festivals
Minnesota State Fair
The Minnesota State Fair gives visitors 12 days of fun leading up to Labor Day! Learn more
Northern Spark
Each summer, Northern Spark brings artists, performers, and thousands of Twin Cities residents together for a weekend of fun. Learn more
Minnesota Renaissance Festival
The Minnesota Renaissance Festival—the largest Renaissance festival in the U.S.—provides a great getaway in the late summer. Learn more
Twin Cities Pride
Every summer, Twin Cities Pride hosts a weekend of speakers, live music, a parade in downtown Minneapolis! Learn more
Stone Arch Bridge Festival
The Stone Arch Bridge Festival gives Twin Cities residents a full weekend of art fairs, live music, and other performances. Learn more
Minnesota Food Truck Festival
With multiple locations and weekends all summer long, Food Truck Festivals are one of the Twin Cities most popular and delicious events! Learn more
Performances
Guthrie Theater
The famous Guthrie Theater hosts shows from across the world. It’s also part of the U of M’s B.F.A theater program! Learn more
Varsity Theater
The Varsity Theater is just blocks away from the U of M campus in the Dinkytown neighborhood - so you don’t have to travel far to see a great show. Learn more
First Avenue
Anyone who knows anything about music will tell you that First Avenue is, quite simply, what a music club should be. Learn more
Fitzgerald Theater
Since 1910, the Fitzgerald has played host to Broadway musicals, vaudeville shows, film festivals, and concerts of all sorts. Learn more
Shopping
Mall of America
With 500+ stores and 42 million visitors a year, the Mall of America is the second-largest shopping mall in the nation. A movie theater, restaurants, and specialty stores ensure you can always find whatever you’re looking for. Learn more
Twin Cities Premium Outlets
Located south of the U of M in Eagan, and a short drive from the Mall of America, the Twin Cities Premium Outlet offers deep discounts on all the best stores and brands! Learn more
Zoos
Como Park Zoo & Conservatory
At the Como Park Zoo & Conservatory, every exhibit and class inspires visitors to value living things of all kinds. Learn more
Minnesota Zoo
Since opening in 1978, the Minnesota Zoo has introduced guests to species from across the globe. Learn more
This page mentions just a sampling of what the Twin Cities have to offer. If you’re looking for more activities and attractions in the area, check out Meet Minneapolis and the St. Paul Convention & Visitors Authority.
Want to explore like a local? NiceRide is a bike sharing program with dozens of locations near the U of M, or use the Light Rail to travel between campus and the cities!