Darnell’s Destinations
Special thanks to Ashley O’Neill Prado and Maria Olson, our Statewide team members!
Enjoy the Outdoors
Como Zoo and Conservatory
- Free
- <15 minute drive from Hotel
- https://comozooconservatory.org/
Minnehaha Falls
- Free
- Hiking & Walking Trails
- <20 minute drive from Hotel
- https://www.minneapolisparks.org/parks-destinations/parks-lakes/minnehaha_regional_park/
Walking & Hiking Spots Along the Mississippi for Fall Colors
- Boom Island Park
- Franklin Avenue Bridge trailhead
- White Sands Beach
- Hidden Falls Regional Park
- Bdote (confluence of Mississippi and Minnesota Rivers)
- Coldwater Spring
Minneapolis Riverfront (so much going on here)
- Gold Medal Park
- Guthrie Theater
- Mill City Museum/Ruins
- Stone Arch Bridge
- St Anthony Falls
Bike Rentals – We love our biking here
- Lake Harriet (Normal Bikes) – Highest recommendation as you can bike the trails around the chain of lakes, gorgeous ride!
- Lake Nokomis & Minnehaha Falls Park (Lorry Bikes)
Cultural Attractions
Minneapolis Institute of Art
- Free
- <15 minute drive from Hotel
- https://new.artsmia.org/
Walker Art Museum/Sculpture Garden/Loring Park
- Free (parking @ walker is $7, ample street parking)
- Lots to do in the area (Walker, UMC, cafes)
- Tons of walking paths
- https://www.minneapolisparks.org/parks-destinations/parks-lakes/gardens__bird_sanctuaries/minneapolis_sculpture_garden/
Shopping
Mall of America
- It’s a big mall
- ~20 minutes drive from Hotel
- https://www.mallofamerica.com/
Minneapolis Skyway/Nicollet Mall
- Also kind of a mall
- Lots of walking away from weather
- https://www.minneapolis.org/map-transportation/minneapolis-skyway-guide/
Rosedale Mall, Roseville
- Free Parking
- Lots of food/shops nearby
- Close to the Bell
Food & Coffee
- Owamni Restaurant
- Mill City Farmers Market (Saturdays)
- Ed’s Deli (inside Super USA)
- Claddagh Coffee
- Nina’s Coffee
- Mi Saint
- The Gnome Craft & Pub
- Handsome Hog
- Moscow on the Hill
- La Grolla
- Day by Day Cafe (great breakfast)
- Uptown Diner (couple different locations)
See the Twin Cities
Summit Ave, St. Paul
- James Jay Hill House $15
- Saint Paul Cathedral (tours can be guided $6 or self-guided $5)
- Summit Hill Neighborhood (great for walking around and seeing the historic homes)
- Summit Lookout Park
Grand Ave
- Bread and Chocolate
- Cafe Latte
- Grand Ole Creamery
- Generally a great place to go shopping.
Wabasha Street Caves
- Historic Cave Tour $15
- They also sometimes do swing dance lessons, and have live music.
Wakan Tipi/Bruce Vento Nature Sanctuary
- Great place to take a walk.
- Indian Mounds Park is also nearby