09/15/2026
When the weather is too good to waste
Starlite Drive In, Litchfield
Old school drive in movie. Bring blankets + snacks.
Twin Cities Retro Boats, Lake Harriet
Cute little retro boats you can take around Lake Harriet
Welch Mill, Welch
Tubing + canoeing down the Cannon River. Such a good summer day.
When you want to get out of the city
Niagara Cave, Harmony
Underground cave with a 60 ft waterfall. In Minnesota???
Jeffers Petroglyphs, Comfrey
Thousands of ancient rock carvings + native prairie
Soudan Underground Mine, Soudan
Go half a mile underground into an old iron mine. Very cool, slightly terrifying.
Local things locals never do
James J. Hill House, St. Paul
Tour the massive mansion on Summit Ave
Wabasha Street Caves, St. Paul
Underground caves + St. Paul’s gangster history
Foshay Observation Deck, Minneapolis
Go to the top of the Foshay for the Minneapolis views
Minneapolis City Hall, Minneapolis
You know the green roof building. Go inside it lol
When you’re in charge of planning the date
Maison Margaux, Minneapolis
French food + very pretty date night vibes
G*i Noi, Minneapolis
Laotian food + one of my favorite spaces in the city
Centro, Minneapolis
Tacos + margaritas. Easy.
W.A. Frost, St. Paul
Historic, cozy, gorgeous patio. Feels like you actually went somewhere.
When the kids need to get out of the house
Northern Soda Company, New Brighton
Craft soda flights. Basically a taproom for kids.
Splatter Paints, West St. Paul
Put on a poncho + throw paint everywhere
Gabbert Raptor Center, St. Paul
Eagles, owls + other raptors up close
Circus Juventas, St. Paul
An actual circus under a big top. Somehow very under the radar.
When you have to play tour guide
Kramarczuk’s, Minneapolis
Old school Northeast deli + bakery. Get the pierogi.
Brit’s Pub, Minneapolis
Rooftop lawn bowling downtown
Matt’s Bar, Minneapolis
Jucy Lucy. It’s required.
The Nook, St. Paul
Burgers upstairs + a tiny old school bowling alley downstairs
Comment BUCKET for my full list of 150+ things to do around the Twin Cities.