Minneapolis is the largest city in Minnesota. Together with its immediate neighbor St. Paul, it forms, what is known as, Twin Cities.
Last updated: January 12, 2026
Minneapolis – St. Paul in One Day: What to Expect
We spent the entire day in Minneapolis – St. Paul during our recent Midwest trip. The city looked exactly as I had expected it: a big metropolitan area with a concrete downtown and several industrial pockets. One, Mid-City, is located right east across the Mississippi River.
With the second-longest river in the U.S. setting a formal border between Minneapolis and St. Paul, we explored two very similar, yet still quite different cities during our day visit. The dissimilarities expressed themselves first of all in distinct architectural styles, leaning toward soulless, modern structures in Minneapolis and historic buildings in St. Paul.
We would have never made it to the Minneapolis – St. Paul area if it wasn’t for the mighty Mississippi River. The natural landmark determined the course of our Midwest road trip to some extent. Under Dylan’s persuasion (the river he had learned about in the second grade just a few months before couldn’t be missed), we reluctantly added the Twin Cities to our itinerary.
And thus, the Mississippi River had to be one of our first stops in the Minneapolis – St. Paul area. At that point, I was secretly over the moon that we had only one day to spend in Minneapolis. I can’t say the same about St. Paul, but the Mill City left me unimpressed.
My not the most appealing city perception, however, evaporated as soon as we left the characterless downtown. While Minneapolis doesn’t have a single historic district, dotted with historic sites and mansions and submerged in lush greenery, some of its older neighborhoods still bear echoes of past eras.
TIP: Some of the older and new districts of Minneapolis experience higher crime rates. So, do your research diligently before exploring the city beyond the sites and landmarks outlined in this guide.
THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN MINNEAPOLIS – ST. PAUL IN ONE DAY
1. Visit the Toy Land at the Twin City Model Railroad Museum
Located in St. Paul, the Twin City Model Railroad Museum is one of the best things to do in the greater Minneapolis – St. Paul area with kids. The place is jam-packed with miniature models of trains that run across diverse toy landscapes, from bustling cities to small towns in the mountains.
The museum is truly a special locale that brings magic back into everyday life. It makes you feel like Christmas (the story about Polar Express is felt especially acute here) is right around the corner even in the middle of summer.
The Twin City Model Railroad Museum features several distinct mini installations, including a mini section of Minneapolis. All the trains and buildings come to the display areas from two tiny workshops, nestled in the indiscreet corners of two main exhibit rooms.
The pieces of art that have retired as well as brand new trains and some used books about Minneapolis and train industry receive price tags and fill several shelves and a few tables with large signs “For Sale” behind the register station at the entrance to the Twin City Model Railroad Museum.
2. Enjoy Avant-Garde Art at the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden
Located in the heart of the city, the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden is one for the best things to do on a slow morning. The place features more than 60 permanent art pieces by renowned international and local artists. The most popular of them that is also one of the symbols of the city is the colossal Spoonbridge and Cherry by Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen.
Behind it towers a giant blue rooster. Otherwise known as Hahn or Cock, the vibrant sculpture is a traveling exhibit that may find another temporary home at one point or another.
More absurd displays adorn the opposite side of Minneapolis’s open air museum. Gazing at these sculptures and trying to figure out what inspired artists on their creation may be one of the most creative or challenging things to do in Minneapolis.
TIP: A big parking lot is located next to the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden. The parking prices here are some of the most affordable in the city. So, you may want to take advantage of it and check out nearby places on foot before driving to the farther sections of the city.
3. Walk across the Historic Stone Arch Bridge
Admiring the turbid Mississippi River from the historic Stone Arch Bridge is one of the best things to do in Minneapolis for both history and city lovers. The iconic structure that once served as a railroad bridge rose over the second longest river in the U.S. in the late 19th century. It was officially open in 1883.
Today, one of Minneapolis’s oldest landmarks gathers locals and visitors, offering them panoramic city views and excellent fishing opportunities. Make sure to obtain a Minnesota fishing license up front, though.
Parking: A paid parking lot with direct access to the Stone Arch Bridge is located along the Mississippi River bank. Similar to the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden area, you can pay once and explore the nearby landmarks on foot. And things to do in this part of Minneapolis are bountiful.
4. Admire a Waterfall on the Mississippi River
Be sure to walk across the Stone Arch Bridge from one end to the other. Or at least stroll to the middle of the historic structure. Now stop and look to your left (or right depending on where you start from). Here you will witness how the murky waters of the Mississippi River churn and foam as they tumble over St. Anthony Falls.
Nestled in the northeastern corner of downtown Minneapolis, the natural cascade is the only major waterfall on the Mississippi River.
5. Tour the Mill City Ruins
To the right of the Stone Arch Bridge dwell the remains of once the vast flour mills in the West Side Milling District. Today it’s a part of the Mill City Museum and adjacent Mill Ruins Park.
You can get a pretty good view of the Mill City Ruins from the bridge. For a closer look and insider’s stories, take a tour and ride an elevator, called the Flour Tower, toward an observation deck with incredible river views.
6. Gaze at Minnehaha Falls
A central landmark of Minnehaha Park, Minnehaha Falls is an urban waterfall on Minnehaha Creek. The creek runs through Minneapolis and empties into the Mississippi River.
The gushing 53-foot waterfall is a sight to behold. Strolling along Minnehaha Creek with the views of the natural site is, in its turn, one of the favorite things to do in South Minneapolis.
Formed more than a thousand years ago, Minnehaha Falls flows year-round. Yet its appearance alters drastically as the seasons change. In winter, it may turn into a dramatic icy cave.
READ MORE: Waterfall Hike in Johnston Canyon, Alberta
7. Grab a Bite at Dominguez Family Restaurant
After a day of exploring Minneapolis and St. Paul, it’s time for a hearty, homemade lunch or early dinner. Tucked away between residential houses, Dominguez Family Restaurant is a quick stop from Minnehaha Falls. Grab a table inside or outside and enjoy a big Mexican fiesta.
8. Take a Half-Day Trip to Willow Falls, Wisconsin
Taking in the multi-tiered Willow Falls is the one of the most eye-pleasing things to do on the outskirts of Minneapolis – St. Paul.
Willow Falls is located in western Wisconsin, about a 40-minute drive east of the Minneapolis – St. Paul region. The cascading waterfall is only a 45-foot drop. But what it lacks in the height, it fully compensates in the width. At nearly 100 feet wide, Willow Falls is one of the most impressive waterfalls in the Midwest.
The Willow Falls is a quick hike from the parking lot. Several other trails intersect Willow River State Park. Check them out if you are up to some hiking adventures. Alternatively, bring along a swimsuit and fill your day excursion from Minneapolis – St. Paul with some cold water-soaking sessions.
