What to Do in The Twin Cities
When you’re not in a session, take time to explore everything The Twin Cities have to offer. From award-winning dining and vibrant arts to scenic lakes and iconic landmarks, Minneapolis and Saint Paul deliver a dynamic mix of culture, creativity, and Midwestern hospitality.
Whether you’re extending your stay or fitting in an evening out, you’ll find no shortage of ways to experience the best of the region.
Arts, Culture & Iconic Landmarks
Step into the vibrant heart of The Twin Cities, where world-class art, historic architecture, and iconic cityscapes await. From cutting-edge museums to scenic riverfronts, every corner offers a chance to experience the region’s rich culture and creativity.
Walker Art Center and Minneapolis Sculpture Garden
One of the nation’s leading contemporary art museums, featuring bold exhibitions and innovative programming. Home to the iconic Spoonbridge and Cherry, this outdoor space is perfect for a quick stroll in the sculpture garden.
Guthrie Theater
Catch a performance or visit the Endless Bridge for panoramic views of the Mississippi River. Performances of Little Women and Sleuth will be performed on dates that align with the Spring Conference.
Stone Arch Bridge
This historic former railroad bridge spans the Mississippi River, offering stunning skyline views of downtown Minneapolis. Perfect for a leisurely walk or sunset photos, it’s a scenic way to experience the riverfront and the city’s iconic architecture.
Dining & Local Flavor
The Twin Cities are nationally recognized for their culinary scene, offering everything from elevated Midwest cuisine to globally inspired fare.
Skyway Dining
Connected to the Hilton Minneapolis, the Minneapolis Skyway offers cafés, quick lunches, and sit-down restaurants all within an enclosed walkway system — perfect for grabbing a bite between sessions.
Food Halls
What’s not to love about places with something to please everyone? Explore multi-vendor spaces for chef-driven concepts, seasonal markets, and a variety of global and local flavors.
Legendary taprooms, cideries, and NA-friendly bars make it easy to enjoy craft beverages, small-batch cider, or alcohol-free options without leaving the city center.
Outdoors and Scenic Spaces
Spring is a beautiful time to experience the region’s natural spaces. From sparkling urban lakes to miles of Mississippi River trails and expansive park systems, The Twin Cities make it easy to step outside and recharge between sessions.
Minnehaha Falls
One of Minneapolis' oldest and most popular parks, it features a 53-foot wilderness waterfall in an urban setting, surrounded by limestone bluffs.
Explore miles of trails weaving around sparkling lakes, perfect for walking, biking, or simply taking in scenic waterfront views right in the heart of the city.
Mississippi Riverfront
The Mississippi River comes alive with scenic trails, riverside parks, and blooming landscapes. Enjoy walking or biking along the river, kayaking under the bridges, or exploring Mill Ruins Park.
Como Park Zoo and Conservatory
Visitors can see polar bears, gorillas, and sea lions, then step into lush, glass-enclosed botanical spaces filled with seasonal blooms and tropical plants.
Shopping and Entertainment
From major attractions to unique local spots, The Twin Cities offer plenty of shopping, entertainment, and experiences to fill your downtime. Whether you’re looking for retail therapy, live music, or a fun night out, there’s something for every interest just minutes from downtown.
The largest retail and entertainment destination in North America spans 5.6 million square feet and welcomes 40 million annual visitors. This premier "mini-city" offers over 520 world-class stores, a massive indoor theme park, a 1.2-million-gallon aquarium, and 60+ dining options all under one roof.
Paisley Park
Located outside of Minneapolis in Chanhassen is the legendary 65,000-square-foot sanctuary where Prince lived and recorded, is now an active museum. Explore the icon’s private recording studios and a massive soundstage filled with his most famous costumes, instruments, and artifacts.
The Twins won’t have home games during the conference, but if you arrive early or stay through the weekend, you can catch a game at one of baseball’s most scenic ballparks.
If you stay an extra day, head to Allianz Field, home of Minnesota United FC, as they take on Austin FC in an exciting Major League Soccer matchup.
Explore the Skyway
The Minneapolis Skyway System spans over 10 miles and connects 80 city blocks, making it one of the largest continuous pedestrian networks in the country.
Perfect for walking between sessions, exploring downtown shops, or finding a quick café, the Skyway keeps you out of the weather while giving a unique view of the city streets below. It’s an iconic part of downtown life and a convenient way to see Minneapolis without leaving the conference hub.
Make the Most of Your Visit
The Twin Cities blend professional opportunity with cultural depth and outdoor access, making it easy to turn your conference trip into a memorable experience.
We encourage you to arrive early, stay a little longer, and explore everything Minneapolis and Saint Paul have to offer.