Explore more than 60 sculptures from the Walker’s collection on 11 scenic acres in the heart of Minneapolis. The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden is free, open to the public, and is open from 6 a.m. to 12 midnight every day.

Mall of America has 4 levels of shops, food options, activities, and large events all year long. In addition, MOA also has an indoor theme park in the center of the mall, Nickelodeon Universe. The park features roller coasters, among numerous other rides and attractions, and is the largest indoor theme park in the United States.

Take a trip through the tropics and seasonal flower shows at the conservatory, then see the giraffes, a sea lion show, gorillas, and a polar bear at the zoo. This century-old attraction has drawn generations of visitors. It's technically free, but a $2 to $3 donation is appreciated.

With 193 acres, limestone bluffs, and a river overlook, this park—halfway between the two downtowns—ranks as one of the most popular local attractions.  See a summer concert in the Minnehaha Falls Park bandstand, pack a picnic to enjoy while watching the falls, or take a relaxing walk or bike ride on the bike/pedestrian trail.