About Minneapolis

Minneapolis is a progressive city with a dynamic vibe and a whirlwind of creative energy. Here, you'll find all the attractions, events and excitement of a major metropolitan area, without the hassles. Happy hour at the hot new it-spot, tickets to the Guthrie and late-night plans to enjoy live music? No problem. Compact, easy-to-navigate and affordable, you'll squeeze a lot into your visit.

Nearly 40,000 people live in downtown Minneapolis, ensuring that it's alive around the clock. Take it all in: The amazing theater, world-class museums, sports galore, picturesque strolls in a green, urban environment. The variety of what Minneapolis-Saint Paul has to offer is sure to astonish you.

When making your plans to attend the Conference, come a day early or stay a day longer and take in all the unique experiences the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul have to offer.

Arts & Theater

World-class museums. Breathtaking architecture. More theater seats per capita than any city besides New York. Minneapolis has become a premier destination for arts lovers. Take in a show at the Guthrie, one of the city's 3 Tony Award-winning theaters. Thrill to the arias of Rossini at the Minnesota Opera. Or visit the Walker Art Center, hailed by Newsweek as "possibly the best contemporary art center in the country." Minneapolis is your ticket to groundbreaking art, architecture and performing arts.

Dining

Deliciously diverse and always evolving, the Minneapolis dining scene packs a flavorful punch. From hot dish to haute cuisine, area restaurants offer flavors to please every palate. Find cosmopolitan cuisine at Wolfgang Puck's 20.21, Jean-Georges Vongerichten's Chambers Kitchen and Tim McKee's La Belle Vie. Or, savor pot roast like you wish your mother made at the Modern Café. The city's emphasis on locally-sourced and organic eating has given rise to a new generation of chefs serving seasonally inspired dishes with international flavors. Order up Minnesota's freshest at places like Cue, jP American Bistro, Lucia's Restaurant and Solera. You'll also find dozens of restaurants that reflect the city's global population. Sample home-style Japanese cooking at Tampopo Noodle Shop, fresh Vietnamese at Quang Restaurant and Mexican specialties at Boca Chica. From sophisticated to simple, Minneapolis Saint Paul restaurants serve it all, along with a large helping of legendary Minnesota Nice.

Museums

History buffs and science hounds rejoice! Minneapolis boasts one of the most thriving museum communities in the country, with more than 57 museums in the Minneapolis area.

Neighborhoods

A vibrant and energetic collection of places, spaces and people that ranges from eclectic and trendy to historical and upscale to diverse and artistic. Here is your chance to get out and virtually explore the unique neighborhoods of Minneapolis. Find your perfect place to shop, dine, see art, hear music or have a night out.

Nightlife

Whether your ideal night on the town includes dinner and a show or hitting the clubs, Minneapolis has you covered for nightlife. From mojitos to martinis, cabarets to comedy clubs, 9 distinct entertainment districts serve up excitement.

Shopping

Minneapolis-Saint Paul literally invented shopping as it is known today: the first enclosed mall. The country's trendiest discount retailer. The largest shopping complex in the country. We know how to shop. Here, you'll find a combination of ambitious young designers, funky neighborhood boutiques, fabulous neighborhoods, major retailers and big malls. And with no sales tax on apparel and shoes, you can take advantage of it all!

Sports

The Minneapolis area is home to four major professional teams, all playing in downtown arenas and stadiums in the vicinity of the Hilton Minneapolis.

• Minnesota Vikings
• Minnesota Twins
• Minnesota Wild
• Minnesota Timberwolves
• Minnesota Lynx
• Minnesota Thunder and Minnesota Lightning
• Saint Paul Saints
• Minnesota Swarm

Tours

Minneapolis Area Tours

Discover the history, art, culture and beauty of Minneapolis with tours of the city's most popular places. Join a tour operator or hop on a tour bus and get in-depth insights from expert guides. Self-guided tours let you explore at your own pace, often at little or no cost.

Weather

May weather may be glorious or volatile depending on the day, so pack a heavier, waterproof jacket. By May, flowers are popping, trees blossom, gardens are planted and the city is bursting into life.

Come Early, Stay Late

If you wish to plan your trip to Minneapolis in such a way as to allow you to experience all that Minnesota has to offer either pre or post conference. Bloomington, St. Paul, Stillwater, and Duluth are within easy driving distance of Minneapolis.

• Bloomington
• St. Paul
• Stillwater
• Duluth

Day Trips and Tour Ideas

• Mississippi River Headwaters & Itasca State Park
• Duluth & Lake Superior North Shore