Top 10 Things To Do, Activities 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."

"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."

"Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Andreas Faessler used under CC BY-SA 4.0. With its beautiful architecture and the stained glass windows, Basilica of Saint Mary is a unique place to visit, regardless of whether you are a religious person or not. It is located along Hennepin Avenue between 16th & 17th Streets in downtown Minneapolis, Minnesota."

"America’s oldest basilica is also one of the most gorgeous churches in the country. The Basilica of St. Mary is one of the most stunning things to see in Minneapolis. Worshipping at this Hennepin Avenue church is such a powerful experience."

"Fort Snelling State Park has year round free outdoor recreation, from hiking paths to snowshoeing trails. Free events include parent and child ice fishing and an introduction to snowshoeing. You can learn about how to tap trees."

"Get outside in summer at this versatile park close to a boat rental (canoe fun!) and featuring small secluded areas, willow trees, and a good mix of lake views with trees and tall grasses."

"Walkers, joggers, and inline skaters—rollerblading was born here—share a path, but cyclists have their own trails around Cedar Lake, Lake of the Isles, Lake Calhoun, and Lake Harriet."

"Exhibits tell the story of Minneapolis itself and the many industries that relied on the Mississippi River and nearby St. Anthony Falls. 1 p.m.: Grab lunch across the river at Afro Deli. This fast-casual restaurant serves up a range of delicious menu of African-, American-, and Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, with a special nod to the city’s large Somali population. Everything is prepared halal and made fresh to order."

"You’re only a few steps from the historic Stone Arch Bridge, a pedestrian-and-bicycle-only bridge that spans the river at St. Anthony Falls. Cross over to the east side of the river, where a quick left down leafy SE Main Street brings you to the Aster Café. Don’t miss lunch (and a signature cocktail) under the shade trees looking to the river beyond."

"You can experience the beauty of nature while staying within Minneapolis city limits. Saint Anthony Falls is a clear example of this. It helps to make Minneapolis one of the most beautiful places in America."

"Nothing says local Minnesota like a Juicy Lucy cheeseburger, and nobody has a more unique Juicy Lucy than the Blue Door Pub. Located at the far west side of Selby Avenue, the Blue Door takes a Juicy Lucy and fills it with blue cheese, creating their wildly popular “Blucy.” Somehow, it makes those juicy, delicious takes on burgers even juicier, so its definitely worth checking out."

"From the time you arrive at the door until the time you leave, you are treated royally at this classic restaurant. Now in my 60's, I first set foot in Murray's..."

"I’ve never seen such a poorly utilized parking lot in my life. They changed the direction of the drive through line so sometimes you have to drive in thr..."

"If you’re more of a frozen yogurt fan than an ice cream fan then Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt in Saint Paul is the “ice cream” spot for you. All of the frozen yogurt flavors are custom blends that you will only find at Menchie’s — that’s 100+ flavors. Once you’ve found your go to yogurt flavor the fun begins with toppings ranging from fresh fruit to frosted animal crackers to marshmallow topping."

"Wilde Roast Café is named after the Irish writer and poet Oscar Wilde, and fashioned according to his presumably flamboyant taste in decor—including a heavy dose of peacock-feather patterns, heaps of velvet and dim, sultry lighting. Whether you decide to eat weekend brunch in the glow of the antique fireplace or outside on the patio that overlooks the river, ready yourself for a menu just as extravagant as the decor. Entrées include the just-rich-enough crème brulée French toast, the renowned cornmeal pancakes, the refreshingly tart nuts & berries salad, the spicy huevos rancheros and the fluffy veggie strata."

"Wilde Cafe & Spirits was named after Oscar Wilde and embodies his eccentric taste throughout the cafe. There's a full food menu for breakfast, lunch, and dinner with popular options being the tater tot breakfast hot dish, caramel French toast, and the Minnesota hot maple chicken and waffles."

"Since Bardo opened in 2017, if you were going on a date in Northeast Minneapolis, chances are you were either keeping it weird and artsy with some sort of free option, or you were headed to Bardo. In light of COVID19, the restaurant recently re-imagined itself as Bardog, a gourmet sausage spot. Maybe not as romantic, but the food is still great."

"After a long morning of working with the Bitesquad team we needed to refuel. Red Cow hit the spot. Food and service was amazing as expected."

"6 p.m.: Eat dinner atButcher & the Boar. This combination smokehouse and steakhouseis one of the best in the city, with food prepared using local ingredients and served in massive portion sizes that are perfect for communal dining. In addition to the smoked meats and delectable sides, the restaurant also offers well-made craft beer and barrel bourbon."

"Or head to the bustling Nicollet Mall to browse the shops or enjoy a cocktail al fresco before dinner at Butcher and the Boar (a James Beard semi-finalist) for exquisite house-cured meats and homemade pickles. If you don’t have reservations, don’t worry. The outside beer garden serves less casual fare with the same amazing ingredients."