Minneapolis is a vibrant and diverse city that offers a lot of attractions and activities for visitors, but if you want to explore beyond the usual tourist spots, you might be interested in these 10 offbeat experiences that will make your trip more memorable and unique.

Enjoy contemporary art at the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden

If you enjoy contemporary art, you will love the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, one of the largest urban sculpture parks in the world. It features more than 40 works of art, including the famous Spoonbridge and Cherry by Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen. You can also visit the adjacent Walker Art Center, which has a collection of modern and experimental art.

Explore one of the oldest public rose gardens in the U.S.

If you love flowers, you will be enchanted by the Lyndale Park Rose Garden, the second oldest public rose garden in the United States. It features more than 3,000 roses of 250 varieties, as well as a perennial and annual garden. The best time to visit is from June to September, when the roses are in full bloom and the fragrance is intoxicating.

Walk or bike across the historic Stone Arch Bridge

For a scenic walk or bike ride, head to the Stone Arch Bridge, a historic landmark that spans the Mississippi River. It was built in 1883 as a railroad bridge and is now a pedestrian and bicycle path that offers stunning views of the river, the downtown skyline and the St. Anthony Falls. You can also catch live music and art events at the bridge during the summer.

Admire the iconic Minnehaha Falls

One of the most iconic sights in Minneapolis is the Minnehaha Falls, a 53-foot waterfall that cascades into a gorge. You can admire the falls from various viewpoints, or hike along the creek to see other smaller waterfalls and rapids. The park also has picnic areas, playgrounds, a dog park and a seafood restaurant.

Shop till you drop at the Mall of America

For a shopping spree like no other, visit the Mall of America, the largest mall in the United States. It has more than 500 stores, 50 restaurants, an aquarium, a theme park, a cinema, a comedy club and more. You can spend hours browsing, dining, playing and watching at this mega mall that has something for everyone.

Learn about the flour milling history at the Mill City Museum

If you want to learn about the history of Minneapolis and its flour milling industry, check out the Mill City Museum. It is housed in the ruins of an old flour mill that was destroyed by fire in 1991. You can see exhibits, artifacts and demonstrations that tell the story of how Minneapolis became the world’s flour milling capital in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Watch a live show at the State Theatre

For a night of entertainment, head to the State Theatre, a historic venue that hosts live performances of music, comedy, dance and theatre. The theatre was built in 1921 and has a stunning interior with ornate details and a domed ceiling. You can catch shows by local and national artists, as well as Broadway musicals and touring productions.

Hotels in Minneapolis

Stay at a romantic inn overlooking the river

If you are looking for a romantic getaway, book a room at the Nicollet Island Inn, a charming hotel that overlooks the Mississippi River. The inn has 23 cozy rooms with antique furnishings and modern amenities. You can also enjoy fine dining at the restaurant, which serves seasonal dishes made with local ingredients.

See the house of Mary Tyler Moore

If you are a fan of the classic sitcom The Mary Tyler Moore Show, you might want to see the house where Mary Richards lived in the show. The house is located at 2104 Kenwood Parkway and is a private residence, so you can only view it from the outside. You can also see the statue of Mary Tyler Moore throwing her hat in the air at the corner of 7th Street and Nicollet Mall.

Relax by the water at Lake Harriet

For a relaxing day by the water, visit Lake Harriet, one of the most popular lakes in Minneapolis. You can swim, fish, boat, kayak or paddleboard on the lake, or walk, bike or rollerblade around the 2.8-mile trail that circles it. You can also enjoy live music and movies at the bandshell, or visit the bird sanctuary and the rose garden.