For couples · Minneapolis · United States
Romantic things to do in Minneapolis
Ideas for a couples' trip, from small moments to a special day out.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: August Schwerdfeger, CC BY 4.0
Quick answer
Romance in Minneapolis means river walks at sunset, a show at the Guthrie and summer evenings by the lakes. In winter, cosy bars and the frozen lakes under snow have their own appeal. Couples tend to stay in North Loop.
Key facts
- Romantic ideas
- 5
- Couple-friendly sights
- 0
- Area for couples
- North Loop
- Best months
- September
Romantic ideas
1.Stone Arch Bridge at sunset
Walk across as the falls and the mills light up, then have dinner on the patios of St. Anthony Main.
2.A night at the Guthrie
See a play and step onto the Endless Bridge at intermission for the river view.
3.Lake Harriet evening
Pack a picnic for a free summer concert at the Lake Harriet Bandshell, then walk the rose garden nearby.
4.Canoe the Chain of Lakes
Rent a canoe at Bde Maka Ska and paddle through the channels into Lake of the Isles.
5.Stillwater weekend
Stay in a historic inn in the St. Croix river town and take a river cruise.
Where couples should stay
$$$ · Best for food lovers, couples, shopping and nightlife
North Loop
Former rail warehouses northwest of downtown now hold many of the city's most talked-about restaurants, cocktail bars, design shops and boutique hotels along Washington Avenue and North 1st Street. Target Field and the riverfront are a short walk away, and the Green and Blue Line terminus at Target Field station connects to the rest of the city.
- Good
- Dense cluster of good restaurants; Attractive warehouse architecture; Walk to downtown and the river
- Watch out
- Hotel prices rise on Twins and event nights; Few budget options
- Nearby
- Target Field, Mississippi riverfront, Downtown
Romantic day trips
- Stillwater (About 40 minutes) — On the St.
- Lake Minnetonka and Excelsior (About 35 minutes) — The big, many-bayed lake west of the city is lined with lakeside towns; Excelsior has a walkable main street, ice-cream shops and summer cruises, including rides on the restored steamboat Minnehaha.
- Red Wing (About 1 hour 10 minutes) — A Mississippi River town known for Red Wing Shoes and stoneware pottery, with a historic downtown, the hike up Barn Bluff for river views and drives along the Great River Road.
- Duluth (About 2.5 hours) — On the western tip of Lake Superior, Duluth has the Aerial Lift Bridge, giant ore boats entering the harbour, the Canal Park waterfront and the start of the North Shore scenic drive.
For dinner
Share local specialities such as Jucy Lucy, Walleye and Wild rice soup. Taprooms often do not serve food themselves but allow food trucks or delivery, so check before you arrive hungry.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Minneapolis romantic?
Romance in Minneapolis means river walks at sunset, a show at the Guthrie and summer evenings by the lakes. In winter, cosy bars and the frozen lakes under snow have their own appeal.
+What is the most romantic thing to do in Minneapolis?
Stone Arch Bridge at sunset: Walk across as the falls and the mills light up, then have dinner on the patios of St. Anthony Main.
+Where should couples stay in Minneapolis?
North Loop: Converted brick warehouses with restaurants, boutiques and Target Field next door.