When it comes to places to live, Minnesota’s Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul consistently rank high for quality of life, affordability, and job prospects. They’re both in the top 30 Best Cities for Young Professionals, according to niche.com.
But those of us who call Minnesota home know there’s even more to love. We asked Bethel University students for some of their favorite things to do in the area, and threw in a few age-old traditions, too. Count up how many you’ve experienced, and plan to tick off a new one next time you’re nearby!
Top attractions near Bethel University
Como Park Zoo and Conservatory
Como has a zoo, sprawling outdoor gardens and lawns, and a variety of indoor plant and animal ecosystems that’ll easily double as a tropical getaway in the dead of a Minnesota winter. And get this … it’s all free! The park operates on funding from local donors and optional suggested donations from visitors.
Stone Arch Bridge
Walk, bike, or run your way through one of Minneapolis’ most Instagrammed spots. It’s a retired railway bridge through the historic mill district and also a civil engineering marvel, so historical and educational placards abound. Learn something and take a great selfie, too. Note: construction is happening on the bridge through 2025, but it’s happening in segments, so there’s still plenty of space to walk.
Historic Fort Snelling at Bdote
History buff? This historic fort on the Mississippi and Minnesota Rivers is a must-see for local cultural and military history. The Dakota people call the site “Ha-Ha Mdo-Te” because it’s where two rivers converge; the town of Mendota owes its name to that.
Visit a state park
While you’re in the surrounding riverside park, join the Minnesota State Park Passport Club or Hiking Club and collect stamps and trail passwords as you work up to cool rewards! Minnesota has 64 state parks, a parking pass is all you’ll need for admission, and many are within an easy drive of Bethel’s campus. Look for free admission days held sporadically throughout the year.
Minnehaha Park
There’s more than just the iconic waterfall, which is known for how its cascading ice glistens when it freezes over in winter. Minnehaha Regional Park is also home to walking trails, Sea Salt Eatery, picnic areas, a dog park, splash pad, and more.
Minneapolis Sculpture Garden
Walk the grounds next to the Walker Art Center to take in the iconic Spoonbridge and Cherry by famed artist Claes Oldenburg, a huge blue rooster sculpture, and more. It’s free, other than a nominal parking fee. In the mood for more art? Head inside the center. Tickets are just $10 for students.
The Chain of Lakes
Minnesota isn’t called the Land of 10,000 Lakes for nothing! Those bodies of fresh water can even be found downtown. Walk or paddle Minneapolis’ five downtown lakes to get a dose of fresh air and sunshine, right in the heart of the city.
Nelson’s Ice Cream
Visit Stillwater, a historic and extremely walkable riverside town that’s just a short drive from Bethel. When you’re done walking the lift bridge and perusing the shops downtown, head up the hill a bit to Nelson’s for hand-dipped ice cream. Warning: the flavors are creative and the portions are generous! Nelson’s is open seasonally, with a second location in St. Paul.
Disc Golf
Minnesota is known for its active disc-golfing community, with 413 courses. The Twin Cities are actually #3 in the country for disc golf, according to experts at udisc.com. Of course, you could always stay at Bethel and take advantage of the free PDGA-certified, 18-hole course through campus!
Mia (Minneapolis Institute of Art)
Mia is a top American art museum, and it’s free! Check out onsite classes, visiting exhibitions (which sometimes require tickets), and more.
Mall of America
Yes, there’s a ton of shopping at MOA. But a climate-controlled mall with roller coasters, an aquarium, and huge LEGO creations is sure to charm on a -10° or 100° Minnesota day—even if you’re not into retail therapy!
Guthrie Theatre
Score some student discount or rush tickets at this iconic riverside theatre in Minneapolis. While you’re there, stop by the 9th floor observation deck “Yellow Room” for yellow-tinged photos of the Mississippi. The observation area is open to the public all day, every day.
Hit a farmers market
Whether you want the urban vibe of the sprawling Mill City or St. Paul markets, or prefer the quieter suburban options, there are many! Talking with local growers is a great way to experience new foods and take advantage of Minnesota’s bountiful seasonal produce and agricultural products.
Silverwood Park
This free park on Silver Lake in St. Anthony has walkable gardens, a gift shop, café, canoe and kayak rentals, and performance spaces. The free outdoor sculpture garden is a must-see, and features “Archenteron,” a piece created by Bethel sculpture students.
Midtown Global Market
This spot features businesses representing dozens of cultures, so it’s a bustling microcosm of the multicultural Twin Cities metro area. Sample delicious global cuisine, pick up a unique gift or two, and hear every language under the sun. It’s fully indoors, so it’s a great winter option!
Riverview Theater
Located in Minneapolis’ Longfellow neighborhood, Riverview has tickets that cost just $5-7, depending on the time of day. Check out a documentary, indie film, or first-run national blockbuster—all within 1940s-era (read: retro-looking, but clean and new) digs.
Target Field
Enjoy the Minnesota Twins’ MLB field, which opened in 2010 in the heart of Minneapolis, and be sure to take advantage of $5 student tickets on Wednesdays. While you’re there, try the Bussin Birria Tacos, Bahn Mi Brat, or one of the other outlandish foods that were added to the concessions line-up this year.
CHS Field
Want to experience the other local baseball team, whose home field is on the other side of the river in St. Paul? Head over to CHS Field for a St. Paul Saints game. Heads up: the entertainment is a little quirkier. Watch out for “ushertainers” like Gert the Flirt! Friday games include fireworks.
Orchestra Hall
This space is home to the Minnesota Orchestra, one of the top ensembles in the country. From movie-themed nights—where the orchestra performs Indiana Jones or Harry Potter soundtracks live to the movie playing behind them—or collaborations with local pop artists and restaurants, there’s something for everyone. Check out the $15 student tickets.
Get outside
Find a quiet spot to take in a sunset and reflect. Follow professional photographer Nathan Klok ’18 for some seriously inspiring natural locations around Minnesota and beyond.
Feed My Starving Children (FMSC)
Do a good deed! This local nonprofit is doing something about the 6,200 children who die every day from causes related to undernutrition. Volunteer to help pack food at one of FMSC’s three centers in Chanhassen, Coon Rapids, or Eagan. You can also join a food-packing event hosted at a nearby church, organization, or ministry! It’s simple and fun–anyone can help fight childhood hunger.
Learn to dance
Bust a move at Twin Cities Swing. Regular dance events welcome newcomers, and student admission is just $6.
St. Paul Union Depot
This historic rail station is still in use today—as a transit hub, event and performance venue, art exhibit hall, and home to five rooftop beehives. Check out the free yoga and tours—and then use it as a starting point for a trip to Duluth, Chicago, Red Wing, or just about anywhere in the metro. The European Christmas Market is not to be missed!
See the Cities from the water
Mississippi River Paddleshare makes it easy. The first of its kind, this boat rental system along the Mississippi gives residents a different view of the Cities … from the water! Just choose one of six urban routes, reserve a boat, pop in a credit card (starting at $20 for a trip), and return your boat at a different automated station when you’re done with it.
Go to the Fair
You really shouldn’t miss the Minnesota State Fair. The “Great Minnesota Get-together” runs for 12 days, ending on Labor Day, and it’s just minutes from Bethel’s campus. Grab a Pronto Pup, jump on the Sky-Ride, and take in the views—along with a couple million other Minnesotans.
Plan your visit to the Twin Cities and Bethel
Ready to make the move? Bethel University is located just 20 minutes from both downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul—meaning students have access to top internships, tons of arts and entertainment options, and beautiful skylines, all while living in a safe and secluded campus setting. Visit campus to see what we mean.
