Minneapolis

Minneapolis is Minnesota's largest city, on the Mississippi River. Go for the Chain of Lakes in summer, and for the art museums and downtown skyways in winter.

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Minneapolis is the largest city in Minnesota, in the upper Midwest of the United States. It sits on both banks of the Mississippi River and forms the Twin Cities with St. Paul, its neighbor across the river. The Green Line light rail links the two downtowns, so a day trip across is simple.

Most visits center on the Chain of Lakes that runs through the city, the Walker Art Center and the Minneapolis Institute of Art, and St. Anthony Falls with the old mill district on the river. Summer suits lakeside walks and outdoor meals. Winter temperatures often fall below freezing, and the downtown skyways, enclosed walkways between buildings, keep indoor stops practical. Plan three or four days for the main sights and a day in St. Paul.

Minneapolis in five

Visit between June and SeptemberSummer brings lake paddling, patios and festivals. Winters bring deep cold and snow, which locals handle with indoor skyways and warm clothing.
Use the Blue Line from the airportThe Metro Blue Line light rail connects MSP airport with downtown Minneapolis, which is cheaper and easier than a taxi. Check the current fare and times.
Spend a day on the Chain of LakesLake Harriet, Bde Maka Ska and Lake of the Isles have paths, beaches and rental stands. Rent bikes or kayaks, and avoid peak weekend afternoons.
Pair Minneapolis with St. PaulThe cities are about 20 minutes apart. St. Paul has the Mississippi riverfront, Cathedral Hill and historic streets, and costs less to sleep in.
Know what the Mall of America isIt is a huge shopping and entertainment complex in Bloomington, near the airport. It is a fit for families and rainy days, but skip it if you want the city itself.

Things to do in Minneapolis

See all attractions in Minneapolis

Museum · MinneapolisWeisman Art Museum

Park · MinneapolisMinneapolis Sculpture Garden

Aquarium · MinneapolisSEA LIFE at Mall of AmericaBuy tickets ahead, since advance purchase is recommended. Digital tickets with a QR code can be scanned at the entrance.

Free trip plannerPlan a trip to MinneapolisPut the places you like in Minneapolis on a map, give them days, and let one button order each day. Free, with no account.Plan a trip

Need to know

Airport: Minneapolis-Saint Paul International (MSP), with a light rail link
Getting there: Fly to MSP; Amtrak Empire Builder stops in St. Paul
Getting around: Light rail, buses and walking; skyways link downtown buildings
Best base: Downtown, North Loop or Uptown near the lakes
Time needed: 2 to 3 days; 4 with St. Paul and the lakes

Weather by month

Rainy days
Snowy days
Days with storms

Best
Good
Mixed
Poor

JanuaryCloudy5 rainy days2 snowy daysHigh-5°Low-13°Very cold
FebruaryPartly cloudy5 rainy days3 snowy daysHigh-3°Low-12°Cold, snow
MarchPartly cloudy8 rainy days3 snowy daysHigh5°Low-3°Late winter
AprilPartly cloudy11 rainy days1 snowy dayHigh11°Low2°Cool, spring
MayRain13 rainy daysHigh20°Low10°Mild, green
JuneRain11 rainy days1 day with stormsHigh26°Low16°Lakes, patios
JulyPartly cloudy12 rainy days1 day with stormsHigh28°Low18°Warm, festivals
AugustPartly cloudy11 rainy days1 day with stormsHigh27°Low17°Warm, state fair
SeptemberPartly cloudy10 rainy daysHigh24°Low14°Mild, fall color
OctoberPartly cloudy10 rainy daysHigh15°Low7°Fall color
NovemberPartly cloudy7 rainy days2 snowy daysHigh6°Low-1°Cold, quiet
DecemberCloudy7 rainy days4 snowy daysHigh-2°Low-9°Cold, snow

Average daily high and low in Minneapolis, 2016–2025. Rainy day: 1 mm of rain or more.

Right now in Minneapolis

Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.

Feels like: 10°
Humidity: 95%
Wind: 28 km/h
Chance of rain: 98%

Minneapolis

02:36 PM

Monday, November 2

GMT-6

Today18°15°98%Monday: Rain. High 18°, Low 15°. Chance of rain 98%.
Tue19°9°80%Tuesday: Rain. High 19°, Low 9°. Chance of rain 80%.
Wed10°9°65%Wednesday: Drizzle. High 10°, Low 9°. Chance of rain 65%.
Thu12°5°57%Thursday: Drizzle. High 12°, Low 5°. Chance of rain 57%.
Fri10°4°3%Friday: Cloudy. High 10°, Low 4°. Chance of rain 3%.
Sat13°6°15%Saturday: Rain. High 13°, Low 6°. Chance of rain 15%.
Sun8°5°15%Sunday: Drizzle. High 8°, Low 5°. Chance of rain 15%.

Updated 12:18 PM local time · Powered by WeatherAPI.com · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com

Money

Mid-market rate1 EUR = 1.116 USD

Amount

Converted to

USD · US Dollar

Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API

What's on in Minneapolis

Concerts, festivals and big events in and around the city

Events calendar

Coming up

Day trips by train

St. Paulabout 20 minutes by car or light railRiverfront, Cathedral Hill and historic streets.
Stillwaterabout 40 minutes by carA river town with antique shops and views over the St. Croix.
Duluth and Lake Superiorabout 2.5 hours by roadA harbor city and the start of the North Shore drive.

Before you go to Minneapolis

Downtown and North Loop hotelsClose to the river and the light railCheck availability

Car for the North ShoreDrive to Duluth and Lake SuperiorCompare cars

eSIM for the USAData on landing, no SIM swapRead the guide

Travel insurance for the USMedical cover for visitorsRead the guide

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Rules for Minneapolis, checked

Most visitors from visa-waiver countries need an ESTA before flying to the US. Check eligibility and apply only on the official CBP site at esta.cbp.dhs.gov.Source
Other visitors need a US visa. Check visa types and current appointment wait times on the State Department site at travel.state.gov.Source
Declare fresh food, plants and animal products on your CBP entry declaration. Undeclared items can be seized at the border.
Buses and light rail run on proof of payment, so buy your fare before you board. Check current fares and passes at metrotransit.org.Source
Tip servers and bartenders in restaurants about 18 to 20 percent of the bill, as is customary in the US.

Plan around Minneapolis

Milwaukee

Another Great Lakes city, by road or train via Chicago

Read the guide Chicago

The big Midwest city, 7 hours by road

Read the guide Nebraska

Prairie states and the road south

Read the guide All of the USA

States, parks and cities in one planning hub

Read the guide ESTA, explained

Who needs it, the fee and how to apply

Read the guide Travel insurance

Medical cover for a US trip

Read the guide

Minneapolis FAQ

Is Minneapolis worth visiting?

Yes for lakes, museums, music and food, especially in summer. It is a clean, easy city, and the lakes feel like a resort town inside the city limits.

How many days do you need in Minneapolis?

Two or three days covers museums, the lakes and a neighborhood food day. Add a day for St. Paul or Stillwater.

When is the best time to visit Minneapolis?

June to September for lakes and festivals, with early October for fall color. January and February are bitterly cold, though the skyways make downtown walkable indoors.

How cold does it get in Minneapolis in winter?

Daytime highs often stay below freezing from December to February, with windchill that can feel far colder. Bring layers, a proper coat and waterproof boots.

Do you need a car in Minneapolis?

Not for downtown, the lakes by bike or bus, or St. Paul by light rail. A car helps for the Mall of America, Stillwater and the North Shore.