Meet Minneapolis, the Midwestern city full of charm
Sitting on the banks of the mighty Mississippi River, Minneapolis is famous for beautiful lakes, bountiful parks, a rich cultural scene and, of course, that fabled Midwestern friendliness.
Together with neighbouring city Saint Paul, the Twin Cities form the largest metropolitan area in Minnesota.
We’re delighted to restart our direct route from Dublin to Minneapolis-St. Paul on 29 April 2024. Choose from four flights a week aboard our A330. And if you’re flying from the UK or Europe, you’ve got lots of choice to connect via Dublin too.
Get ready for a warm welcome to Minnesota’s largest city with a little taste of what’s waiting to be explored in The City of Lakes.
Downtown Minneapolis, Minnesota
SPECTACULAR NATURAL BEAUTY
While the Big Apple proudly claims its ‘concrete jungle’ status, the Mini Apple takes a greener approach to city living. Visitors to Minneapolis are never further than six blocks from one of the city’s 180 parks. In fact, 98% of the city’s 420,000 residents live within a 10-minute walk of an open green space.
Minnehaha Falls in Minneapolis, Minnesota
MINNEHAHA PARK
The sprawling 170-acre Minnehaha Park is a must-visit on a trip to Minneapolis. The city’s largest park is home to gorgeous hiking trails, the majestic Minnehaha Falls, the Longfellow House (a replica of the Massachusetts home of one of America’s best-loved poets, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow), the colourful Song of Hiawatha Gardens, and so much more.
Hire a bike from Wheel Fun Rental and prepare to be wowed by the incredible views of the Minnehaha Creek and beyond.
Don’t skip a visit to the park on a winter trip to Minneapolis – the frozen Minnehaha Falls make for a spectacular vista.
Summer scene as a biker rides along the park trails of Lake Calhoun in Minneapolis, Minnesota
HIT THE WATER
With 22 different lakes and a major river running right through downtown Minneapolis, some of the best views of the city are enjoyed along the water. Rent a kayak, try the highly-recommended Minneapolis History Segway tour or relax on a Mississippi River cruise.
The beautiful Chain of Lakes is a short trip from the city centre. With miles of lakeside walking and biking trails, five pretty beaches and a great choice of water activities, this is the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of downtown Minneapolis.
If you’re feeling adventurous, why not try a log rolling class, a unique water sport that is popular with the locals.
Lake Calhoun, Minneapolis
WORLD-CLASS THEATRE
Minneapolis is making its mark on the national U.S. theatre scene.
It’s been named one of the most ‘creatively vital’ cities in the U.S. and is enjoying major growth in its already rich cultural scene.
Take in a world-class theatrical production at the famous Guthrie Theatre, check out the 1950s-style Riverview Theatre or enjoy a musical at the beautiful Orpheum Theatre.
THE BEST SHOPPING IN THE MIDWEST
TAX-FREE CLOTHING:
Credit cards at the ready – Minneapolis is a shopper’s paradise. With no sales taxes on clothing in Minnesota, it’s the perfect city for a spot of retail therapy.
For a super hip shopping experience with the best of local and luxury brands, check out D.Nolo and The Statement Boutique.
MALL OF AMERICA:
The epic Mall of America, the largest shopping centre in the U.S., is a 40-minute train ride from Minneapolis-Saint Paul airport.
And it’s so much more than a mall. This is the number one tourist destination in the Midwest.
An incredible 520 stores (including the gigantic Lego shop, a nostalgia-inducing Crayola Experience Store and the best-stocked Lululemon store in America), 50 restaurants, a Nickelodeon Universe theme park, a comedy club, an aquarium and a whole lot more awaits at the 5.6 million square foot site.
Download the Mall of America app and check out the Mall’s deals page before you visit to see the latest promotions and restaurant offers.
The Mall of America, one of the largest indoor malls in the USA
MAGNIFICENT MUSEUMS AND CULTURE
MILL CITY MUSEUM:
Take in the beautiful view of the famous Stone Arch Bridge and get to know the history of Minneapolis at the iconic Mill City Museum, which sits right on the Mississippi riverfront.
Built within the ruins of what was once the world’s largest flour mill, the museum is packed with fun for all ages.
Mill City Museum, Minneapolis
TAKE A STEP BACK IN TIME:
The Minneapolis Institute of Art is the city’s leading art museum. Visitors can explore some 90,000 works spanning 5,000 years, including masterpieces by Rembrandt, Van Gogh and other famous names.
Modern art fans will love the Frank Gehry-designed Weisman Art Museum, which sits within the grounds of the University of Minnesota.
The collection is especially rich in the areas of American art, ceramics and Korean furniture.
