Minneapolis might not be the first city that comes to mind when planning a trip, but this lively Midwest hub offers a surprising variety of engaging tours. Whether you’re into creative challenges, scenic boat rides, or exploring the city’s cultural highlights, Minneapolis has a lot to offer. For instance, our favorite activity is the Minneapolis: Mall of America 1-Hour Escape Room Adventure. It’s a fast-paced, fun way to test your puzzle-solving skills and teamwork within the Mall of America’s bustling environment. If you’re traveling with family, the Crayola Experience offers colorful, interactive fun that keeps kids entertained for hours. Meanwhile, history lovers will appreciate the Minneapolis Past and Present Walking Tour, with its vibrant stories of the city’s evolution.
From energetic sports events to insightful city tours, Minneapolis’s diverse offerings reflect its character—dynamic, welcoming, and full of surprises. Whether you’re after a quick thrill or a deep dive into local culture, this list will help you choose the best experience for your visit.
1. Minneapolis: Mall of America 1-Hour Escape Room Adventure
At number 1, the Mall of America 1-Hour Escape Room Adventure combines the thrill of puzzles with the excitement of one of the largest malls in the United States. You’ll enter one of seven immersive worlds—ranging from breaking out of prison to searching for hidden gold—and work as a team to complete your mission within 60 minutes. The game features multiple rooms in each game and offers unlimited hints, so even beginners can enjoy the challenge.
What makes this experience stand out is its accessibility and fun factor. It’s suitable for families, friends, and colleagues looking to add some teamwork fun to their shopping or sightseeing day. Reviewers love how immersive and exciting the game is, with a 4.8/5 rating from 28 reviews. The price of $47 per person provides a quick, engaging activity that fits comfortably into a busy itinerary.
Bottom line: This is a perfect choice for puzzle lovers or anyone wanting a lively, interactive experience inside the Mall of America.
2. Mall of America: Crayola Experience Flexible Date Ticket
Number 2 on our list is the Crayola Experience, a colorful haven for families and creative souls. With 60,000 square feet of attractions, this spot brings the magic of Crayola to life through interactive exhibits, coloring stations, and craft activities. You can even name and wrap your own Crayola crayon or star in your own coloring page, making it a truly personalized experience.
One of the key highlights is the live show on how Crayola crayons are made, offering both entertainment and education. The flexible ticket policy makes planning easier, especially for families with unpredictable schedules. With a 4.7/5 rating from 19 reviews and a cost of $31 per person, it’s an affordable, full-day trip for kids and parents alike.
Bottom line: A vibrant, creative outing that turns a simple visit into a colorful adventure—perfect for families and those wanting to unleash their inner child.
3. Minneapolis Narrated Sightseeing Scenic Tour
Number 3 offers a scenic tour of Minneapolis aboard a vintage trolley. This guided experience showcases the city’s history, architecture, and natural beauty, with live narration that keeps the storytelling engaging. You’ll pass iconic landmarks, beautiful vistas, and lively neighborhoods while learning about Minneapolis’s development.
One of the tour’s strengths is its local ownership and operation, providing a more authentic perspective than larger, bus-only tours. It’s suitable for travelers who want a relaxed, informative introduction to the city without the fuss of self-guided navigation. From the downtown skyline to the river views, this tour gives a well-rounded sense of Minneapolis’s character.
Bottom line: An easy, enjoyable way to get oriented with the city’s highlights through a charming trolley experience.
4. Minneapolis Historical Bar Crawl: Hidden Bars & Stories
Number 4 on our list is the Minneapolis Historical Bar Crawl, blending local drinking culture with fascinating stories. Over three hours, you’ll visit hand-picked cocktail bars and craft breweries, meeting passionate bartenders while uncovering stories behind Minneapolis’s lively bar scene. The tour guarantees entry to signature local spots with distinctive cocktails and craft beer, making it a great mix of drinks and local lore.
Rated 4.9/5 from 9 reviews, this tour is perfect for nightlife enthusiasts or anyone interested in the city’s “liquid history.” Starting with a complimentary drink, the experience immerses you into neighborhoods locals love—more than just a pub crawl, it’s a cultural exploration. The $79 cost covers all drinks and stories, providing excellent value for those wanting a deeper understanding of Minneapolis’s drinking traditions.
Bottom line: Ideal for night owls and craft beer lovers who want to combine drinks with storytelling and local flavor.
5. Minneapolis Afternoon Snack
Number 5 is a tasty tour of Minneapolis’s North Loop. Over two hours, you’ll visit several restaurants, sampling different bites at each stop—think of it as a culinary sampler. Along the way, you’ll see the North Loop Gallery, Hennepin Avenue Bridge, and Nicollet Island, adding visual interest to your food adventure.
Rated a perfect 5/5 from four reviews, this tour is perfect for foodies wanting to experience authentic local eats. At $90 per person, it offers a concentrated taste of Minneapolis’s food scene, making it a good value considering the variety of samples and city sights included. The tour is flexible, casual, and perfect for those who want to combine eating with sightseeing.
Bottom line: A delightful way to indulge your appetite and explore a trendy neighborhood simultaneously.
6. Minneapolis & St. Paul: Private Highlights Riding Tour
Number 6 provides a personalized, private tour of Minneapolis and St. Paul—the Twin Cities. This three-hour experience includes private transportation and a flexible itinerary tailored to your interests. Your guide, a local expert, will showcase both famous landmarks and lesser-known gems, adjusting the pace to suit your preferences.
Rated 5/5 from four reviews, the private tour offers a relaxed, customized way to see the major sights like the Foshay Tower, IDS Center, and First Avenue, plus hidden local spots. The $550 fee covers the entire experience for up to two people, making it excellent for couples or small groups seeking an intimate, tailored experience.
Bottom line: Best suited for travelers wanting a bespoke, memorable look at Minneapolis and St. Paul with a knowledgeable guide.
7. Ultimate Minneapolis Walking Tour & Weatherproof Skyway Loop
Number 7 is a walking tour of Minneapolis with a skyway system—the world’s largest. Covering downtown’s covered bridges and notable sites like Prince’s First Avenue, the weatherproof route ensures comfort year-round. The guide provides insights into Native American Dakota roots, city architecture, and local culture.
Rated 4.5/5 from 12 reviews, this three-hour tour offers a mix of outdoor and indoor exploring, perfect if you want an active but comfortable experience. For $79 per person, it combines cultural education with a city stroll, making it ideal for those who like history, music, and urban architecture.
Bottom line: An excellent choice for weatherproof exploration—especially if you want to learn about Prince and Native American influences.
8. Minneapolis: Mississippi River Cruise with Narration
Number 8 is a relaxing cruise along the Mississippi River. On a paddle-wheeler, you’ll get views of St. Anthony Falls, the Stone Arch Bridge, and downtown Minneapolis. The narrated tour enhances the experience, offering stories about the city’s river history and landmarks.
Rated 4.5/5 from 11 reviews, this 1.5-hour cruise is a peaceful way to see the city from a different perspective. At just $28 per person, it’s a great value and good for travelers seeking a scenic, laid-back activity that doesn’t require much walking or planning.
Bottom line: Perfect for those who want a gentle, scenic overview of Minneapolis’s river scenery and history.
9. Minneapolis: Past and Present Walking Tour
Number 9 offers a two-hour walk through Minneapolis. You’ll see landmarks like St. Anthony Falls, Minneapolis City Hall, Foshay Tower, and the IDS Center, with a guide explaining their significance. It’s a straightforward way to learn about the city’s evolution from its early days to today.
Rated 5/5 from two reviews, the tour appeals to history buffs or those wanting a quick, rundown. At $60 per person, it’s a solid, no-fuss option to get a good grounding on Minneapolis’s key sites.
Bottom line: Ideal for travelers who want a concise, informative introduction to the city’s landmarks and history.
10. Minnesota Twins Baseball Game at Target Field
Number 10 is a chance to see Major League Baseball in action with a ticket to a Minnesota Twins game at Target Field. The lively atmosphere and passionate crowd create a fun, energetic setting.
At $24 per person, tickets are affordable, and the experience offers a taste of local sports culture. It’s perfect for sports fans or those looking to enjoy a casual, outdoor game while in Minneapolis. The mobile ticket makes entry seamless.
Bottom line: A lively, budget-friendly option for sports enthusiasts wanting to catch a game in a friendly atmosphere.
11. Minnesota Vikings Football Game at US Bank Stadium
Number 11 invites you to experience NFL football at US Bank Stadium. Attending a Vikings game offers the thrill of live football and a chance to be part of the roaring crowd in a modern stadium.
Rated 5/5 from two reviews, the $229 ticket includes an unforgettable sporting event that showcases Minnesota pride. It’s ideal for football fans willing to splurge on a premium, electric experience with easy mobile entry.
Bottom line: For NFL lovers, this is the must-do event that puts you right in the heart of Minneapolis’s sports scene.
12. Minneapolis: Sushi Cooking Class at a Local Brewery
Number 12 is a hands-on sushi-making class with a local chef. You’ll learn how to roll sushi, make seasoned rice, and prepare spicy sauces—all while enjoying local beers. It’s a fun and interactive way to spend two hours and take home some new skills.
Rated 5/5 from one review, this class is beginner-friendly and perfect for foodies or couples looking for a unique culinary experience. The $75 price includes instruction, ingredients, and tasting, making it a good value for a memorable activity.
Bottom line: An engaging, tasty experience that’s ideal for those interested in learning sushi skills while enjoying local brews.
$75 per person
13. Highest Rated 3-Hour Craft Brewery Tour in Minneapolis
Number 13 showcases Minneapolis’s booming craft beer scene with a three-hour brewery tour. You’ll visit top local breweries, sample a variety of beers, and learn about the city’s brewing history. This all-you-can-drink tour offers a relaxed way to explore Minneapolis’s craft scene.
Rated 4.5/5 from two reviews, the $100 tour provides excellent value, especially for beer aficionados. It’s suitable for those who want a comprehensive, behind-the-scenes look at Minneapolis’s craft brewing culture.
Bottom line: Perfect for beer lovers wanting to taste their way through Minneapolis’s best breweries with a knowledgeable guide.
14. Minneapolis: Fun Pasta Making Class with Local Chef
Number 14 offers a pasta-making class where you’ll learn to roll and cook fresh pasta. Under the guidance of a talented chef, you’ll create dishes like Alfredo and spicy salmon rolls, then enjoy your culinary creations with a salad. Beer is available for purchase.
Rated without reviews yet, this two-hour experience is beginner-friendly and perfect for dates or groups. The $75 price tag makes it an appealing way to learn a new skill while enjoying good company and good food.
Bottom line: Great for foodies or anyone wanting a fun, hands-on cooking experience in Minneapolis.
$75 per person
15. Minneapolis: Lake Minnetonka Boat Cruise with Narration
Number 15 offers a 90-minute narrated cruise on Lake Minnetonka. You’ll admire lakeside estates, cottages, yacht clubs, and learn about the lake’s history from your guide. A full-service cash bar adds relaxation to the scenic ride.
Rated without reviews, this cruise is ideal for those seeking a peaceful, scenic outing. The $28 price makes it affordable for anyone interested in lakeside views and local stories.
Bottom line: Perfect for families or couples wanting a laid-back, scenic cruise and a glimpse of Minnesota’s lakeside charm.
$28 per person
16. Minneapolis: Minnesota Timberwolves Basketball Game Ticket
Finally, the Timberwolves NBA game offers an energetic, in-person experience at Target Center. Watching top-tier basketball live is a thrilling way to soak up Minneapolis’s sports culture.
Rated without reviews, the $34 ticket provides a lively, affordable option for sports fans. Mobile entry keeps it simple, and the game’s excitement makes it a memorable night out.
Bottom line: A lively, budget-friendly way to enjoy professional sports and cheer on the home team.
$34 per person
How to Choose Your Minneapolis Tour
When selecting from these options, consider your interest and activity level. If you love puzzles, the Escape Room offers quick fun, while history buffs will enjoy the Past and Present Walking Tour or the Skyway Loop. Families might prefer the Crayola Experience or the Lake Minnetonka cruise, and foodies will find the Pasta Making Class or Afternoon Snack Tour appealing.
Budget-wise, options range from affordable river cruises and walking tours to splurge-worthy private rentals and sporting events. For a flexible experience, many tours offer flexible tickets or private options—see the private highlights riding tour. Book early during peak seasons, especially for popular events like sports games or the Crayola Experience.
Minneapolis packs a punch with diverse activities, from creative puzzle challenges to scenic cruises. Whether you’re looking for cultural insights, active adventures, or simply relaxing with a drink, this list helps you find the perfect match. For sports lovers, snag tickets early; for families or foodies, plan around busy weekends. Whatever your style, Minneapolis’s tours promise memorable moments—so pick your favorites and enjoy!