If you’re planning to visit Augsburg University or Minneapolis College of Art and Design, here's what else is there to do while you’re in the area.
Entertainment and sports
- Take in an evening performance at the acclaimed Guthrie Theater.
- Watch the Minnesota Twins play at Target Field, the Minnesota Timberwolves or Minnesota Lynx at Target Center or the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium.
- Vertical Endeavors Indoor Rock Climbing Facility — just two blocks from MCAD — is one of the largest and tallest climbing facilities in the country. Vertical Endeavors offers something for first-timers to experienced climbers.
Museums, art and history
- Take a free tour of the Minneapolis Institute of Arts has amassed a collection of more than 83,000 items, including pieces of Asian art, early American art, modern paintings, textiles, sculptures and photographs.
- Stroll across the Stone Arch Bridge to get a great view of downtown and the Mississippi River’s St. Anthony Falls. Then visit Mill City Museum to tour the interactive exhibits and eight-story flour tower.
- Visit the Walker Art Center, known for its modern and contemporary collections that featuring pieces by Marcel Duchamp and Pablo Picasso, as well as Jasper Johns and Cindy Sherman.
- Stretch your legs and walk across the street from the Walker Art Center at the acclaimed Minneapolis Sculpture Garden.
Nature
- Experience Minnehaha Park and Falls in one of Minneapolis’ oldest parks. The 53-foot waterfall inspired Longfellow's "Song of Hiawatha."
- Enjoy the miles and miles of trails that wind around the lakes and along the boulevards in Minneapolis — the Midtown Greenway and the Grand Rounds.
- The Twin Cities bike share program, Nice Ride, allows anyone with a credit card to sign up for a 24-hour subscription at one of the dozens of kiosks around the city. You can use the pass for an unlimited number of rides. Return the bike to any of the kiosks after 30 minutes and there’s no additional fee.
- Minneapolis is called “City of Lakes” for a reason. East of downtown there are five in the “Chain of Lakes” connected by a 12-mile system of walking and biking trails. Take a 2.75-walk or 3-mile stroll or run (you’ll be in good company!) around the lake, relax at one of two beaches, check out the cityscape mid-lake from your choice of watercraft, or take in an evening concert at the iconic Band Shell.
- Stop at the Lyndale Park Rose Garden where 100 varieties of 3,000 plants should be in full bloom in June.
Shopping
- Take in the sights and sounds of Uptown Minneapolis. This hip neighborhood has abundant restaurants, unique shops and an urban vibe. And it’s a short walk to Lake Calhoun or Lake of the Isles.
- Walking shoes are recommended when strolling Nicollet Mall, a 12-block outdoor shopping, eating, entertainment and people-watching Mecca in the heart of Minneapolis. Department store staples along with upscale malls and one-of-a-kind boutiques are guaranteed to strike a fancy. Tip: Jump on a bus marked “free ride” and travel gratis along the mall.
- Midtown Global Market, whose motto is “Many tastes. One place,” is located in the ethnically-diverse Powderhorn and Phillips neighborhoods in South Minneapolis. It's a shopping and gastronomical delight with 45 vendors selling food and wares amid a colorful cacophony of smells, sights and sounds.
- Zoom around town on the light rail transit system that connects downtown Minneapolis with the airport, Mall of America and 18 other stations.
If you're getting hungry on your visit…
- Some of the best food in the Twin Cities isn’t made in a kitchen. It’s prepared and sold out of food trucks that congregate downtown (there’s often a long line of them on Marquette Avenue, between Sixth and Ninth streets). Fish tacos, hot turkey sandwiches, lobster po’ boys, spicy burritos with Korean BBQ and kimchi — the selection is vast and delicious.
Near Augsburg
- Matt’s Bar is the home of the famous “Jucy Lucy” burger stuffed with cheddar cheese. Remember, if it’s spelled correctly (as “juicy”), you just might be eating a shameless rip-off!
- Tracy’s Saloon and Eatery, a college student staple, offers delicious burgers, salads, soups, sandwiches and amazing homemade shakes/malts!
- Afro Deli & Coffee is an inspiring social venture that attempts to weave together business with community and culture. The deli offers freshly made African, Mediterranean and American cuisine at reasonable prices.
Near MCAD
- Jasmine Deli is locally owned and features authentic and tasty spring rolls, banh mi sandwiches, noodle soups and stir-fries. Try the addictive bubble teas!
- Glam Doll Donuts is a retro donut shop with cheekily named flavors like “Peek-a-Boo” (tres leches), “Chart Topper” (peanut butter and sriracha), “Bombshell" (spicy Mexican chocolate with cayenne peppers) and “Girl Next Door” (an apple fritter with cheese curds and bacon).These aren’t your grandmother’s donuts!
- Black Forest Inn open since 1965, offers foods inspired by the German kitchen. Bratwurst, spaetzel, breads and pastries made in-house with fresh ingredients are a unique treat.
- Icehouse Restaurant features a chef-driven menu of imaginative small plates, deli standards and amazing desserts.
- Sebastian Joe’s Ice Cream is a family owned, community-minded business that has been making superb premium ice cream in the Twin Cities since 1984. It uses only all-natural ingredients of the highest quality.