As one of the only Big Ten universities within walking distance to a dynamic metropolis, students benefit from all that the city has to offer. The Twin Cities offers endless opportunities for you to explore outside of the classroom.
Twin Cities, Twin Campuses
The thriving University of Minnesota Twin Cities campus stretches more than 1,150 acres in Minneapolis and St. Paul. Nestled around the scenic Mississippi River, the Minneapolis campus sits under the shadow of a sparkling downtown skyline. The nearby St. Paul campus is home to rolling green space and historic architecture.
At the U of M, you’ll find unlimited opportunities for entertainment, culture, and hands-on experience right outside your front door. Just minutes from campus you can find an internship at the State Capitol, attend a professional sporting event, shop at one of the world’s largest shopping malls, dine at a trendy uptown restaurant, get inspired at the Weisman Art Museum—which is located on-campus, or kick back and relax at one of our local coffee shops.
Love Your Neighbors
The U of M’s friendly campus neighborhoods are the perfect place to grab a meal with your friends, find a new pair of jeans, or buy that new maroon and gold sweatshirt you’ve been eyeing. These off-campus neighborhoods are as much a part of the U of M as the campus itself—and a place that many U of M students, staff, and faculty call home.
Dinkytown
Dinkytown is an eclectic collection of coffee shops, clothing stores, restaurants, hair salons, and bookstores. Dinkytown has a great history for University students. As a U of M student, singer and songwriter Bob Dylan strummed his guitar on the streets of this unique neighborhood.
Stadium Village
Sports fans and alumni proudly sport maroon and gold as they cheer on the Golden Gophers in this neighborhood, named after its many athletic venues.
Seven Corners/Riverside
Seven Corners is just blocks away from downtown Minneapolis. If you visit this campus neighborhood, you’ll likely see Twins, Vikings, or Gopher sports fans hitting up the local restaurants for food before or after a game. You’ll also find great ethnic eateries and shops in this area, including Indian and African cuisine.
St. Paul
Our cozy St. Paul campus offers beautiful green space with a small-campus vibe. St. Paul is home to the College of Agricultural, Food and Natural Resource Sciences, and the College of Biological Sciences. Students often relax at Lori's Coffee House or the St. Paul Student Center.
Guide for Campus Visitors
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.
Mill City Museum
Dubbed “The Most Explosive Museum in the World” the Mill City Museum is located on the historic Mississippi Riverfront.
Minneapolis Institute of Arts
Art in the heart of Minneapolis—the MIA has one of the finest art collections in the country.
Science Museum of Minnesota
The Science Museum of Minnesota is known worldwide for its interactive exhibits and large format films.
Walker Art Center
The Walker Art Center hosts the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, performances, lectures, events, and contemporary exhibits.
Weisman Art Museum
The Weisman Art Museum offers free admission and rotating exhibits right on the East Bank campus of the U of M.
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!