Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Lake Minnetonka

"The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden is an 11-acre park that is home to Minneapolis’s famous giant spoon sculpture, Claes Oldenburg’s ‘Spoonbridge and Cherry.’ Established in 1988 and located near the Walker Art Center, the 11-acre garden houses more than 40 stunning works of sculpture from the nearby Walker Art Center’s collections, including the crown jewel of the garden – the giant spoon - which is one of the most photographed sites in the city. The garden also regularly hosts outdoor concerts and educational activities for visitors of all ages and free garden tours take place on the grounds from May through August. The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden is open 365 days a year, from dusk until midnight."

"Afterward, meander through the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden. Adjacent to the Walker Art Center, the garden is known for its iconic pieces like Spoonbridge and Cherry and is open every day of the year from 6 a.m."

"The cornerstone of the district is the Mill City Museum. Built on the ruins of what was once the world's largest flour mill, the museum chronicles more than just the history of grinding grain. Exhibits tell the story of Minneapolis itself and the many industries that relied on the Mississippi River and nearby St. Anthony Falls."

"The Mill City Museum was built within the Washburn A Mill and chronicles the flour milling industry. The Mill was built in 1880 and was the largest of its kind at that time. A devastating fire in 1991 left the structure in ruins."

"The Mill City Museum, built from the ruins of the Washburn Mill, sits right next to the Mississippi River. It is family-friendly and features interactive exhibits, a restaurant, gift shop, and much more."

"A Sleek Bar With An Observation Deck, Amenity-Filled Accommodations, Spa Treatment Rooms And Free Wi-Fi In Public Areas Delight Our Guests At The Upscale W Hotel Minneapolis The Foshay, A Property Housed In A Historic 1929 Art Deco Landmark. This 30-Floor High Rise Has 229 Rooms. All Accommodations Feature W Signature Beds With 350-Thread Count Linens And Down Duvets, Refrigerators, Work Desks With Ergonomic Chairs, Clock Radios With Ipod Docking Stations, Cd Players And Flat-Panel Tvs With Dvd Players And Pay Movies."

"Featuring 1920s-style decor on every floor and a Prohibition-inspired bar, The Foshay holds a historic elegance while offering state-of-the-art services. Formerly known as Foshay Tower, the building housed businesses and was the personal residence of Wilbur B. Foshay – an art student who became an entrepreneur. Guests of this landmark hotel can utilize their Whatever/Whenever® service: a patented request system that allows guests a 24-hour service line for whatever they desire."

"Anyone interested in war history should check out Historic Fort Snelling. Completed in 1819, this St. Paul, Minnesota fort was training ground for the American Civil War, the Spanish-American War, World Wars I and II, as well as the Indian Campaigns. Historic Fort Snelling has definitely helped shaped America’s story."

"A state park located at the intersection of the Mississippi and Minnesota rivers, Fort Snelling links Minnehaha Park and the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge through extensive hiking, biking and skiing trails."

"Fort Snelling is the state's oldest structure, established in 1820 as a frontier outpost in the remote Northwest Territory. Guides in period dress show restored buildings and reenact pioneer life."

"Hidden behind a Bloomington church and school (and a massive parking lot) is pocket-sized Cedarcrest Park. It’s easy to miss, but parents with tots not yet ready to swim will want to keep this one on the radar. The park is home to the city’s only splash pad – and this one has unique rubber tile flooring to keep the little ones safer."

"One of the larger parks in Minneapolis, the Mississippi Riverfront Regional Park spans 139 acres along the Mississippi River. Within the park, you'll find a network of paved trails that connect with the Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park, as well as the Minneapolis Park System trails, meaning you could spend days and days within the park and never have the same itinerary. Among the activities the park affords are fishing, birding, bicycling, and hiking."

"Nine Mile Creek burbles into Bloomington from the northwest corner and makes its merry way through many of the city’s parks. You can get a sizeable sample of the creek on a largely hidden path through Moir Park, up through the Harrison Picnic Grounds and down into Central Park. This would make for a manageable hike with sturdy kids (a bit less than two miles one-way)."

"Artistry at the Bloomington Center for the Arts showcases the work of local artists. These free exhibits are open daily. The arts center works with the City of Bloomington to create public art."

"Right by all the other great views of downtown Minneapolis is this new gem, and its got this one little jetty that is just perfect for photos with your sweetie. It does involve a little rugged trek, so its not ideal for icy weather or high heeled shoes!"

"Walk down from Main St SE to this park jutting into the Mississippi River and feel its frothy spray. Quiet benches, skyline views and the chance to see hydroelectric power in action are also part of the package."

"Marvel at the seven-ton Father of Waters statue, the five-story Rotunda adorned with stained glass windows, the stately City Council Chambers, and million-year-old fossils. Explore the building with a self-guided brochure or join a guided tour every third Wednesday of the month, beginning at noon in the Rotunda (enter on 4th Street)."

"To the east of Nicollet Mall and Crystal Court is City Hall, also known as the Municipal Building. It was built in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Of note in the interior is the statue in the Rotunda, Father of the Waters, carved from a single block of Carrara marble."