Outdoor Adventures in Minneapolis
While the city of Minneapolis has a wide array of indoor fun like museums, art galleries, and restaurants with a picturesque view, the outdoor adventures in Twin Cities are really where all the action is. With parks, ski resorts, and a city zoo, Minneapolis serves up a nice dish of outdoor adventures. Why stay indoors when all the fun is just outside? Even find a hotel at Hipmunk close to all the outdoor venues.
Year-Round Fun at Buck Hill
Bike, stroll, and jog the scenic trails at Buck Hill in the warmer months and get ready for some powder fun in the winter. There are several ski trails for both the novice and experienced along with ski-tubing trails. For freestyle snowboarders, the Half Pipe provides an adrenaline thrill. Even if you don’t own sports equipment, you can rent your own sports gear at the concessions. At Buck Hill, the outdoor fun is always on.
Adventures in Theodore Wirth Park
Nestled in Golden Valley and spanning over 750 acres, the Theodore Wirth Park is the ideal setting for outdoor adventures. Walk the scenic trails, fish in the lakes, motorboat the water, and bike the scenic paths in spring and summer. There’s even a golf course for golf enthusiasts. Enjoy plenty of snow play in the winter with snow tubing, cross-country skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing.
Panoramic City View in a Hot-Air Balloon Ride
Get a bird’s eye view of Twin Cities with a thrilling hot-air balloon ride. Capture the city’s skyline and waterways from the blue skies and gentle winds. There’s nothing like it! After you touch down, stroll along the river, grab a bite to eat at the city’s charming restaurants, and browse the outdoor marketplace with handcrafted goods, homemade breads, and antiques.
A Walk on the Wild Side at the Zoo
At the Como Park Zoo and Conservatory, you can view animal exhibits like polar bears, tigers, and giraffe along with colorful botanical gardens. Take a spin on its vintage carousel or play a game of miniature golf. This iconic attraction has been free for visitors and residents for over a century. At the nearby 347-acre Como Park, there’s a pool for some splashing fun and picnic areas for an afternoon delight. The Como Park Zoo and Conservatory puts nature right at your fingertips.
Smart Neighborhoods for a Hotel
To escape the hustle and bustle of Twin Cities, stay in a budget-friendly hotel in Hale. This quaint neighborhood features a park and sailing lake and has the metro for quick access to the city. Capture great lake views at the Metro Inn Motel and Flo’s Room in Diamond Lake. In the Near North neighborhood, the pace is slower than the city. You can find quaint hotels like the historic Nicollet Island Inn and TownePlace Suites that are close to downtown Minneapolis and are pet-friendly in the Near North neighborhood.
What’s your take on Minneapolis? Have you been there? If not, be sure to use Hipmunk.com to score the best flights and hotel deals.
Author Bio:
Deb Vanden Heuvel is a freelance writer who writes mostly travel-based articles. Currently she’s working on the Hipmunk City Love Project. She’s also a globetrotter with many travel experiences.