Minneapolis Tour - Skyscrapers to City Parks - Walking/Driving
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Welcome to my Minneapolis! We'll walk through the heart of the city east to west. From downtown there'll be a short drive and visit to the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden followed by another short drive to the Chain of Lakes. This isn't a tour of historical facts and figures, instead, I want you to get to know Minneapolis by experiencing it! This is where I grew up and the city that keeps me coming back no matter where I roam. As an international tour guide, I spend a lot of my time excitedly researching and traveling to far flung destinations. It is with this same enthusiasm for foreign lands that I created this unique day tour of my hometown, which includes just some of the things I find remarkable about the city. (Please note, you should be able to walk at least a mile. Wear comfortable shoes. Tour ends at Lake Harriet where we'll grab a bite to eat.)
Itinerary Details
Operated by: Buen Viaje Tours LLC
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This is where we will begin our tour. The Guthrie Theater is open to all, giving everyone the opportunity to appreciate its clever architecture and spectacular views of the Mississippi River from its unique vantage point. (Dependent on Guthrie lobby hours.)
Duration: 30 minutes
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A place for community gathering alongside the Guthrie Theater, this park offers stunning views of the cityscape. It takes its inspiration from the Native American mounds that are found throughout Minnesota.
Duration: 15 minutes
Pass By: Mill Ruins Park
This park interprets the history of flour milling in Minneapolis and showcases the ruins of several flour mills that were abandoned.
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We'll walk out onto the the Stone Arch Bridge, a former railroad bridge crossing the Mississippi River at Saint Anthony Falls, which has been turned into a pedestrian bridge for everyone to enjoy. This is the location of several annual art fairs. It is the only arched bridge made of stone on the entire Mississippi River and the second oldest bridge on the river.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Nicollet Mall
This mile-long, pedestrian oasis is lined by bars and restaurants overflowing onto the sidewalks, public art, bountiful greenery, and many shopping options. Stop and chat with the iconic Mary Tyler Moore!
Duration: 15 minutes
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Tallest building in Minnesota, the IDS stands at 792 feet above the city and is at the core of the downtown Minneapolis skyway system, which is the largest, contiguous enclosed walkway in the world! Let's stop in to see the award-winning 23,000 square foot urban park that is Crystal Court.
Duration: 15 minutes
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The Foshay was completed in 1929 and modeled after the Washington Monument. It's a fine example of Art Deco architecture. It remained the tallest building in Minneapolis until 1972. From the observation deck high above the city streets, it's easy to imagine what it once was in its early glory days. From here we will drive out of the city center.
Duration: 45 minutes
Stop At: Minneapolis Sculpture Garden
The Sculpture Garden at the Walker Art Center is beloved by all our city dwellers. It's the place we all want to show off to our visitors. It's one of the largest sculpture gardens in the country with 40 permanent art installations and several other temporary pieces.
Duration: 45 minutes
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We'll drive through the upscale Kenwood neighborhood in order to connect to the city's prized chain of lakes. This is where we city dwellers walk, jog, bike, rollerblade, kayak, canoe, sail, play volleyball, sunbathe, listen to live music, and enjoy ice cream on a hot summer day. The paths around these lakes are never empty, even in the dead of winter.
Duration: 15 minutes
Pass By:
After having traveled East to West across Minneapolis, we will pass by Lyndale Park Rose Garden, and Peace Garden. Within this Asian-influenced area are two peace stones from Nagasaki and Hiroshima, and a peace pole dedicated to peace between nations. This lush green space is home to Shakespeare in the Park, and some pretty great cloud gazing.
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Here, we will end our tour. At the Lake Harriet bandshell we'll stop for a light lunch and some people watching. You will need to arrange an Uber/Lyft to return to downtown or other location of your choice.
Duration: 20 minutes
