Summer Entertainment and activities are in abundance in Minnesota. Visitors and locals alike enjoy taking part in the many activities that twin cities have to offer.  Here are just a few of the fun things you can do when you book your vacation with Minnestay!

Warehouse District Live, Minneapolis, MN

Downtown Minneapolis Minnesota at dusk

There is wonderful summer entertainment from May 31st– October 31st in the heart of downtown Minneapolis, you can enjoy fun activities, events and many of the best restaurants in town at Warehouse District Live.   Every Friday and Saturday from 7PM – 3AM visitors are welcomed to the warehouse district in downtown Minneapolis, MN.  Events are sponsored by the City of Minneapolis and the Downtown Improvement District.

Activities in on Lake Minnetoka, MN

Gazebo on a lake in Minnesota

Just south of Minneapolis many visitors plan day trip with a drive to Wayzata, MN. Spend the afternoon or evening on Minnetoka lake during your Minnestay vacation!  There are lots of things to do in Wayzata on a day trip.  Head over to Cov in Wayzata, a picturesque lakeside town, and let the melodies serenade you as you enjoy live music performances. With its charming outdoor patio and stunning views of Wayzata Bay, Cov provides the perfect ambiance to unwind and groove to the rhythm of talented local artists. Whether you prefer laid-back acoustic Stunes or energetic bands, this venue offers a variety of genres to suit every taste.

Charter Cruises on Lake Minnetoka are another popular activity.  Lake Minnetoka is known for being one of the finest fishing lakes in the state.  Charters are readily available to take you on an adventures to enjoy the water or to catch some fish!

Gardens and Arboretums in and Around Minneapolis, MN

Tulips at one of the beautiful arboretums in Minneapolis Minnesota

Be entertained this summer in one of the many beautiful gardens and arboretums. Minnesota visitors always enjoy time spent outside while on vacation to Minnesota.  Too many to include them all in this article, but we wanted to share some of our favorite destinations for locals as well as visitors.

Visit the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, Chaska, MN

If you enjoy beautiful gardens, you must put the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum on your list of things to do in the summer.   The grounds feature beautiful gardens, events throughout the summer bring visitors to local craft markets, exhibits with local artists, and more.  Tickets are required and they recommend you book before you go.  You can get more information HERE.

The Elouise Butler Wildflower Garden and Bird Sanctuary:

Part of the Theodore Wirth Regional Park, the Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden and Birt Sanctuary are a favorite for visitors. In 1907 Eloise Butler, John Greer and others petitioned the park board for the space to establish a botanical garden.  They were granted their request and the gardens grew to the magnificent destination it is today with over 600 pant species and 130 bird species.  Visitors are welcome from April 16th through October 15th   with limited hours in later October.  Learn more about visiting HERE.

Drive-In Movie Theaters in and Around Minneapolis, MN

Drive in Movie Theater in Minnesota

Take a nostalgic trip back in time by attending a drive-in movie at either Long Drive-In Theater in Long Prairie, MN, or Verne Drive-In Theater in Luverne, MN. Rediscover the magic of outdoor cinema under the starry summer sky. Pack some snacks, cozy up in your car, and experience the enchantment of watching a movie in a retro-style setting. From the comfort of your vehicle, enjoy the latest blockbusters or classic films projected onto the big screen. The drive-in theaters provide a unique and charming experience that will transport you to a bygone era while creating cherished memories with friends and family.

Summer Entertainment at the Theaters of Minneapolis!

People clapping in one of the historical theatres in Downtown Minneapolis Minnesota

Minneapolis, Minnesota is a premier location for theater lovers.  Minneapolis is home to several beautifully restored theaters including the Orpheum, Pantages, State and Dudley Riggs theatre on Hennepin Avenue.  With many shows to entertain you while you are on vacation!  Visit the Minneapolis Theater website to see upcoming shows HERE.  Support the arts while enjoying this historic district in Minneapolis.

Art Museums in Minneapolis, MN

The exterior of the Minneapolis Institute of Art in Minnesota

The Minneapolis Institute of Art:

Travel through over 4,000 years of world history at the Minneapolis Institute of Art.  Founded in 1883 by twenty-five citizens of the Society of Fine Arts founded the Minneapolis Institute of Art.  The Museum was designed by architectural firm McKim, Mead and White.  It opened its neoclassical dors in 1915 and expanded in 1974.  Located in downtown Minneapolis, the Institute of Art features an array of events throughout the year.  The Museum is closed on Mondays but is open Tuesday-Sunday from 10AM to 5PM.   See a full calendar of upcoming events HERE.

Walker Art Center:

More than just Art, the Walker Art Center offers visitors a variety of experiences including galleries, Cinema, State, and a beautiful sculpture garden.  Visitors can come Wednesday- Sunday to the Art Center, but the Sculpture Garden is open daily from 6 AM- Midnight.   Get your tickets online HERE.

Experience the best of Minnesota on your next adventure by booking with Minnestay, the premier vacation rental home company in the Land of 10,000 Lakes!

Weisman Art Museum:

Located on the University of Minnesota Twin Cities Campus, the Weisman Art Museum is free and open to the public.  With a mission to create and advance inclusive arts experience. They house more than 30,000 works of art and have special exhibitions throughout the year.  They are open Wednesday – Sunday. For directions and parking options for the WAM museum CLICK HERE.

Summer Music Venues in and Around Minneapolis, MN

Musicians playing electric guitar at one of the many musical events in the Minneapolis, Minnesota area

The Twin Cities region has a robust array of music venues throughout the area with a variety of artists.  Many of our area venues are free to the public while others require tickets for events.  The music in the park series is a local favorite featuring local and regional musicians.

Park Venues and Schedules

Twin City Music Venues:

There is Plenty of Summer Entertainment When Planning Your Next Vacation with Minnestay!

As you can see, the Twin Cities region has plenty of things to entertain you while you visit!  Minnestay is your premier vacation rental website for the most interesting vacation rental properties in the twin city region.  Find unique properties in the Minneapolis, Minnesota area perfect for your next adventure. Click HERE to browse our vacation rental homes!