Minneapolis

Minneapolis boasts a robust and diversified business environment anchored by a strong economy featuring 16 Fortune 500 company headquarters—one of the highest concentrations per capita in the United States—including Target, UnitedHealth Group, and U. S. Bancorp.

The Twin Cities metropolitan area consistently ranks highly for ease of doing business, supported by a highly educated workforce, excellent transportation connectivity through Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, and a collaborative ecosystem of public-private partnerships. The region's business climate is characterized by a culture of corporate citizenship, strong financial services and healthcare sectors, emerging technology and life sciences industries, and progressive government policies that support sustainable business practices, diversity initiatives, and innovation incentives, making it an attractive destination for business events, conferences, and corporate meetings.

Minneapolis, the largest city in Minnesota, boasts a diverse and robust economy anchored by several key industries that make it an ideal destination for business events. The region is home to 16 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including Target, Best Buy, and UnitedHealth Group, establishing it as a major corporate hub. Healthcare and medical technology form a cornerstone of the local economy, with world-renowned institutions like the Medtronic and the Mayo Clinic system and a thriving medtech cluster that drives innovation in medical devices and biosciences.

The financial services sector is equally strong, with U. S. Bancorp and numerous other banking and insurance companies maintaining significant operations in the metro area.

Advanced manufacturing, including precision manufacturing and food processing giants like General Mills and Cargill, contributes substantially to the economic base. This economic diversity, combined with a highly educated workforce and culture of innovation, positions Minneapolis as a premier destination for conventions, conferences, and business events across multiple industries.

Financial institutionsFederal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis: A key part of the Federal Reserve System, influencing monetary policy, banking oversight, and economic research across the region. Major financial services cluster: Minneapolis has a strong concentration of banking, insurance, and investment firms that provide capital access and support corporate growth. Regulatory and public-sector bodiesMinnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development: Leads business financing, workforce programs, and economic incentives statewide.

City of Minneapolis Community Planning and Economic Development: Oversees local business support, redevelopment, and neighborhood investment. Business development organizationsGREATER MSP Partnership: Drives business attraction, expansion, and regional competitiveness through public-private collaboration. Chambers of commerce and advocacy groupsMinneapolis Regional Chamber: Represents the business community and leads policy advocacy and economic initiatives.

Minnesota Chamber of Commerce: Influences statewide policy and supports business growth. Together, these institutions provide the capital, policy framework, and strategic coordination that underpin economic development in Minneapolis.

Minneapolis features several major business centers, with Downtown Minneapolis serving as the primary commercial and financial hub, home to numerous Fortune 500 company headquarters including Target, U. S. Bancorp, and Xcel Energy.

The North Loop neighborhood has emerged as a thriving mixed-use business district attracting tech startups, creative agencies, and modern corporate offices. The University of Minnesota campus area and Stadium Village serve as an innovation district fostering research, technology companies, and medical device firms. These districts are well-connected through the city's skyway system downtown and major transportation corridors, providing event planners with diverse options for business meetings, conferences, and corporate events with proximity to hotels, dining, and convention facilities including the Minneapolis Convention Center.

Minneapolis offers exceptional networking opportunities through a vibrant business ecosystem anchored by the Minneapolis Regional Chamber, which hosts regular networking events and connects professionals across industries. The city is home to numerous Fortune 500 companies including Target, Best Buy, and UnitedHealth Group, creating a robust corporate networking environment. Professional associations across sectors including healthcare, technology, finance, and manufacturing maintain active chapters with regular meetups and forums.

Minneapolis continues to strengthen its position as a leading business destination through significant infrastructure and development initiatives. The city has invested heavily in modernizing its transportation network, including ongoing expansions to the Metro Transit light rail system and improvements to Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport, which serves as a major hub for domestic and international connectivity. Recent improvements to the Minneapolis Convention Center and surrounding skyway system have further enhanced the city's capacity to host large-scale business events, while major developments along the riverfront and in emerging business districts continue to attract Fortune 500 companies and innovative startups alike.

Meet Minneapolis is actively aligning with shifts in key trends by positioning the city as a high-impact, experience-driven destination rather than just a convention host. The strategy leans into Minneapolis’s core strengths: a highly walkable downtown connected by the Minneapolis Skyway System, strong alignment with key industries like healthcare and innovation anchored by Mayo Clinic, and an emphasis on authentic neighborhood and cultural experiences that extend beyond the convention center. Meet Minneapolis is also prioritizing sustainability, inclusive storytelling, and community engagement encouraging planners to integrate local businesses and culturally significant sites into their programs while investing in tools, partnerships, and sales strategies that emphasize ROI, attendee experience, and longer stays.

Meet Minneapolis is shifting the narrative from logistics and scale to outcomes, connection, and economic impact, which aligns directly with where the industry is heading.

Breathtaking murals, inspiring art fairs, incredible Broadway shows, and one giant spoon. One visit to Minneapolis and you’ll quickly see we’re all about art — right from the nation’s first-ever sculpture garden to the world-class museums, and even the bizarre House of Balls. Don’t leave without catching a show in the Hennepin Theatre District or seeing the five-story Bob Dylan mural by Eduardo Kobra.

Tour a glass factory in Northeast Minneapolis then ride over to Bde Maka Ska to see Indigenous sculptures honoring the lake's history. This isn’t an art scene. It’s our creative community.

Minneapolis boasts a vibrant and distinctive arts and culture scene that reflects its progressive spirit and diverse community. The city is home to the renowned Guthrie Theater. The Walker Art Center, alongside its iconic Minneapolis Sculpture Garden featuring the famous "Spoonbridge and Cherry," stands as one of the nation's top contemporary art museums.

First Avenue nightclub, immortalized in Prince's "Purple Rain," remains a legendary music venue that helped launch the Minneapolis Sound and continues to showcase emerging and established artists. The city's creative industries thrive in neighborhoods like Northeast Minneapolis Arts District, where converted warehouses house hundreds of artist studios, galleries, and craft breweries. Minneapolis's cultural fabric is further enriched by institutions like the Minnesota Orchestra, renowned for its acoustic excellence, the Minneapolis Institute of Art with its world-class collection, and diverse cultural centers celebrating the city's Somali, Hmong, Latino, and Native American communities.

This dynamic fusion of traditional and contemporary arts, combined with a supportive environment for creative entrepreneurship, makes Minneapolis a distinctive cultural destination in the Midwest.

Foods Minneapolis is Known ForThe Juicy Lucy, Tater Tot Hotdish, Lefse—you might be surprised by what we’ve got on our plates. Here in the Midwest, comfort food is our specialty, and in Minneapolis you’ll find comfort in the form of flavors from dozens of different ethnicities and cultures. Forget the stereotypes—boring doesn’t have a place at the table.

Our favorite meals are delicious, home-grown, and sometimes just a little outrageous. Here, we help you discover the top foods that Minneapolis is known for. All you need to do is show up to try them!

Juicy LucyMinneapolis is home to the battle of the Juicy Lucys (or Jucy Lucys!) The rivalry between Matt’s Bar the 5-8 Club for the best cheese-stuffed burger in town has been raging for decades, and is still in full swing. Locals each have their favorites, but we’ll let you be the judge.

Beyond the two big boys, some other well-loved spots for a quality Lucy are The Nook and Blue Door Pub. If you're feeling adventurous, try The Jiffy at Blue Door—a Juicy Lucy with peanut butter and bacon. Don’t knock it until you try it!

Tater Tot HotdishTater tot what?! You may know it as a casserole, but in Minnesota we call it a hotdish, often accompanied by crisp, crunchy tater tots. To experience this comfort food at its finest, try The Mason Jar, Crooked Pint Ale House, and Stray Dog.

Scandinavian foodLefse, pickled herring, gravlax, Swedish meatballs—our Scandinavian roots have certainly made their mark in the Minneapolis food scene. For authentic breads, sausages and cheeses, and Scandinavian gifts, head to Ingebretsen’s. FIKA, the Nordic-inspired café at the American Swedish Institute, is a great spot for lunch or an afternoon pick me up.

Try Tullibee, located in the Hewing Hotel, for a delicious Nordic-inspired dinner. Wild riceFun fact: Wild rice is the state grain of Minnesota. From soups to pancakes, there’s nothing better than locally harvested wild rice to give you a hearty, flavorful meal.

Try the chicken and wild rice hash from Zumbro in Linden Hills, the vegan wild rice burger from Common Roots Café, the wild rice pancakes from The Mill Northeast, or the Native-harvested wild rice porridge from Hell’s Kitchen, simmered with heavy cream, roasted hazelnuts, dried fruit, and maple syrup. For more indigenous ingredients, check out the lauded Owamni restaurant by the Sioux Chef, specializing in decolonized ingredients. WalleyeWalleye is the most sought-after fish in Minnesota, and for good reason.

Found in our lakes and rivers, walleye is the perfect complement to many of our traditional dishes. Check out Gluek's for their famous walleye fingers, dig into beer battered or pan-fried walleye at Hell's Kitchen, or making it fancy with a walleye milanese at Zelo. BarsNo, not the kind with cocktails and a tap list.

Though we have plenty of those too… We’re talking about good old-fashioned dessert bars. From brownies to lemon bars to those triple layer delights, "bars" are a staple dessert here in Minnesota. For a bar plate sampler, head to Young Joni and order the Church Basement Cookie & Bar Plate.

It even comes with a little glass of milk. A Baker's Wife is a reliable spot for lemon bars, gooey butter bars, pecan bars, and magic bars (chocolate chips, nuts, and coconut atop a graham cracker crust). Cheese curdsWhat could make plain old cheese even better?

Tossing it in the deep fryer. Often found as an appetizer or side dish, cheese curds are an important essential in Minnesota. Nothing pairs better with a beer than the crisp of a curd.

Try Red Cow to pair cheese curds with berry ketchup, head to Bull's Horn to dunk them in Thousand Island, or chow down on Flamin' Hot cheese curds cloaked in habanero cheddar beer batter at Blue Door Pub. PhoHome to a large Hmong and Vietnamese community, Minneapolis is a hot spot for pho, a popular Vietnamese noodle soup filled with rice noodles, vegetables, spices and meats. Try Pho 79, Pho Tau Bay, Pho Hoa or Quang Restaurant for some authentic, delicious pho.

You can sight-see a world of art, right here in the city. Discover how art speaks to you through the curations of 13 different Minneapolis art galleries and museums. Here are our top picks.

1. Walker Art Center725 Vineland PlaceLoring Park neighborhoodIf you’re into the new and sometimes unconventional, we give the ultimate thumbs up to the Walker Art Center. You’ll be impressed by its national reputation in collections and exhibits of paintings, sculpture, films, performance, and new media.

Walk the multi-level galleries and discover local artists, as well as special Native American artist exhibits. Stop at the Walker gift shop for unique jewelry, art toys, and more. Discoveries await you outdoors as well—the Walker is home to summertime mini golf with rooftop views of the downtown skyline and the aforementioned sculpture garden is known for the iconic Spoonbridge and Cherry and other Instagrammable outdoor art (open year round and always free).

Don't forget to check out the free Saturday family art programs each month! 2. Minneapolis Institute of Art2400 3rd Ave SEat Street neighborhoodIf you’re game to travel the globe in a day, go no further than the Minneapolis Institute of Art, the leading museum in fine and decorative art from six continents.

MIA is always free (really!) and with a global collection of 90,000 artworks that span more than 5,000 years of world history, you can spend all day perusing art galleries devoted to cultures of Africa, Asia, and the Americas. Works in the collection include decorative and textile arts, sculpture, paintings, drawings, photography, and more.

Set aside time for monthly Sunday Family Days where kiddos create their own masterpieces and explore the world through art. Before you leave, be sure to stop at the café for a few treats. 3.

American Swedish Institute2600 Park AvePhillips neighborhoodSearching for a Nordic vibe beyond Swedish meatballs and ABBA rock music? Then come to the place where everything Swedish is always in vogue. At the American Swedish Institute, you can immerse yourself in the world of Swedish culture—customs, traditions, history, art, and food.

You’ll be intrigued by Nordic heritage exhibits, art gallery collections, the Wallenberg peace library, and tour the Turnblad Castle for a taste of Minneapolis's golden age of architecture. Check out the renowned gift shop and discover your Nordic style in jewelry, crafts, and home decor. If you're getting hungry, your taste buds will love FIKA, the onsite cafe featuring New Nordic cuisine dining, espresso, and pastries.

4. The Museum of Russian Art5500 Stevens AveKingfield neighborhoodCurious by the mystique of Russian culture? Check out The Museum of Russian Art (TMORA).

Situated in a Spanish Mission-style former church in South Minneapolis, you’ll be captivated by stories told through collections of paintings, historical photography, and prints dating from Muscovite and Russian Empire times to the former Soviet Union to modern post-Soviet Russia. Even if what you know of Russian culture is limited to borscht or vodka, you’ll be awed by the beauty and history of the extensive collections of lacquer, porcelain, textiles, nesting dolls, and holiday ornaments. Bring home the beauty of Russian craft with a little something from the artfully curated TMORA gift shop.

Note: The Museum of Russian Art stands with the people of Ukraine and urges Russia to cease hostilities immediately and withdraw. 5. Weisman Art Museum333 E River RdUniversity neighborhoodWhen you want to see modern art, just head to the University of Minnesota's glimmering stainless steel and brick building overlooking the Mississippi River.

There you'll find the free Weisman Art Museum, a teaching museum at UMN and a leader in the world of modern art, integrating the perspectives of local culture and history. You can’t miss the unique exterior façade of curved metal structures by world renowned architect Frank Gehry. Browse more than 24,000 artworks including American modern, ceramics, and traditional Korean furniture.

6. Minnesota African American Heritage Museum and Gallery1256 N Penn AveNear North neighborhoodIf you’re in search of a place where art stirs the soul through inspiring life stories, get to know the Minnesota African American Heritage Museum and Gallery. Fairly new to the museum scene, you’ll discover a leading arts center and gallery highlighting African American history and poignant stories of life in Minnesota.

This compact museum features early African American artists such as George Bonga, alongside contemporary artists. 7. Mill City Museum704 S 2nd StDowntown MinneapolisGo to where it all began.

At the Mill City Museum you’ll see how Minneapolis became the epicenter of the world of flour mills on the mighty Mississippi River in 1880s Minneapolis. Built within Mill Ruins Park, you’ll be awed by the museum’s remaining walls of historic flour mills and the story of how Minneapolis emerged as the powerhouse flour milling capital of the world, through the 1930s. Walk to flagship Washburn “A” Flour Mill (later General Mills) that connected farmers and their wheat crops to the booming flour production mills, which used the river and waterfalls to power mill turbines.

Make sure you check the museum schedule for exclusive history programs, exhibits, and tours. And don't leave without catching a glimpse of the cityscape views and browsing the gift shop. 8.

All My Relations Arts (Mitakuye Oyasin in Dakota)1414 E Franklin Ave #1Phillips neighborhoodDo you see art as a spiritual journey? Take a memorable one through the arts of Indigenous people at All My Relations Gallery—a leading center of Native art, history, and cultural stories of the original people of Mni Sota Makoce. You’ll be inspired by retrospective and contemporary exhibits—paintings, prints, photography, and sculpture—that feature Native American historic art as well as contemporary fine art.

The “Mini Art Wall” displays local and emerging native artists. And don't miss stopping in the Pow Wow Grounds coffee shop for a treat. The All My Relations Gallery is located in Minneapolis’ American Indian Cultural Corridor.

9. Dreamsong Gallery1237 4th St NENortheast MinneapolisFounded by filmmaker Rebecca Heidenberg and writer Gregory J. Smith, this artistic compound in Northeast Minneapolis Art District opened in 2021 showcases contemporary art from Minnesotan and Midwestern artists.

The gallery focuses on works that critically addresses structural inequities and collaborates with artists on exclusive events, artworks, and exhibitions. Art is in the building's bones: the space that houses this inventive multidisciplinary arts venue and gallery was once home to Walker Art Center Director Olga Viso. 10.

Northrup King Building1500 Jackson St NENortheast Minneapolis Arts DistrictNorthrup King Building is the largest art complex in Minnesota, with more than 350 artists and small businesses who are working, showing, and selling their wares in this 1917 former seed company complex. First Thursdays and Open Saturdays, as well as annual events like Art-a-Whirl and Art Attack! give plenty of opportunity to browse and shop 19 mediums from jewelry to mosaics and digital to graphic arts.

Part of the Northeast Minneapolis Arts District, you'll find other art centers like Casket Arts Building and the California Building nearby. 11. Everett & Charlie2720 W 43rd St Suite 103Linden Hills neighborhoodEverett & Charlie in Linden Hills features the work of over 60 Minnesota based artists.

The gallery includes paintings, screen-printing, photography, pottery, glass, jewelry, textiles and leather, sculpture and woodwork, and it offers a calendar of openings, trunk shows, artists’ talks and workshops, demonstrations and live music. Everett & Charlie is open Wednesday-Sunday. 12.

Kickernick Gallery430 N 1st AveNorth Loop neighborhoodLocated in Downtown Minneapolis, in the Warehouse District, the Kickernick Gallery is a fine arts gallery featuring all local artists. It prides itself in curating exhibitions that span various styles and mediums. They believe art should be accessible to everyone and offer artwork at a variety of price points.

13. Groveland Gallery25 Groveland TerraceLowry Hill neighborhoodGroveland Gallery, established in 1973, is a cornerstone of Minneapolis's art scene, dedicated to showcasing contemporary representational paintings, drawings, and original prints by Midwestern artists. Located in the historic Frank B.

Long House — an 1894 Richardsonian Romanesque mansion — the gallery offers an intimate setting for art enthusiasts. Explore rotating exhibitions that change every six weeks, featuring works that often depict Midwest landscapes and urban scenes. With a commitment to featuring Minnesota artists, the gallery has a large inventory of artwork, ranging from small drawings to large-scale paintings.

Minneapolis is a city by Nature. The city is famously known as the "City of Lakes," featuring 22 picturesque lakes within its boundaries, including Bde Maka Ska, Lake Harriet, and Lake of the Isles, which offer scenic walking and biking trails, beaches, and water activities year-round. The Mississippi River runs through the heart of Minneapolis, guests can gross the river on the iconic Stone Arch Bridge, or take in its views from the Guthrie Theater.

Minnehaha Regional Park, home to the spectacular 53-foot Minnehaha Falls. The region's extensive park system includes over 180 parks covering more than 6,800 acres, providing ample green spaces for outdoor events and activities. The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) manages a renowned system featuring 185 park properties and approximately 7,000+ acres of land and water.

Consistently ranked among the top urban park systems in the U. S. , it includes 55 miles of parkways, 102 miles of walking/biking paths, 22 lakes, and 49 recreation centers.

Key Park System FeaturesTotal Parks: 185Total Acreage: ~7,059 acres of land and water. Recreation Centers: 49. Water Features: 22 lakes and 12 formal gardens.

Trails & Parkways: 102 miles of Grand Rounds biking/walking paths and 55 miles of parkways. Golf Courses: 7. Minneapolis Park & Recreation BoardMany parks are connected by the 55-mile Grand Rounds National Scenic Byway, and the system is known for having a park within a short walk of most residents.

That's the longest distance any Minneapolis resident has to walk to get to one of our 180 parks. Don’t believe us? Try it out.

When you find one, take in the scene and take part in the action. It's common to see pick-up soccer games break out, Frisbees whizzing around, bikers and joggers flowing by and people simply relaxing. And, with live music events like Music in the Parks, six blocks is definitely worth the walking distance.

Hailed as the best park system in the nation for seven of the last eight years by Park Score (2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2020), you can't visit the City by Nature and miss spending time in one of our acclaimed parks.

We can feel it: the temps are warming, the days are getting longer, and the flowers are ready to bloom again. Winter is finally winding down! It’s time to thaw out and see what’s going on around Minneapolis.

Experience the best of spring with festivals, sports, outdoor activities and spring break fun happening all over the city. Whether you're eager to sit on a patio or you'd rather grab takeout and have a picnic, there are plenty of ways to embrace the warmer months in Minneapolis and soak up the sun. Summer in Minneapolis is always on, and here are the best ways to enjoy it.

Fall in Minneapolis is one of our favorite times of the year, because it's full of things to do. Come for the big game and then cozy up on a heated patio with a craft brew. Hike around Minnehaha Falls and later dine at a new restaurant.

Grab a pumpkin spiced treat at a local coffee shop, then spend the rest of the night at the theater. Your options are endless! Fill your fall in Minneapolis with world-class museums, festivals, top rated restaurants, events and concerts only found here.

We know it's cold... but there's still lots to appreciate about Minneapolis in the winter. Whether you want to embrace the season like a true Minnesotan and get outside or prefer to stay cozy warm indoors, there won't be a shortage of things to do.

Minneapolis experiences distinct seasonal patterns in tourism and business events, with peak convention season running spring through fall. Summer months (June-August) attract leisure tourists drawn to the city's lakes, festivals, and outdoor attractions. Winter (December-February) sees reduced visitation, though the city capitalizes on this with winter-themed events and indoor attractions like the Mall of America.

The shoulder seasons of spring and fall are particularly popular for association conferences and corporate meetings, as planners can secure better rates while attendees enjoy pleasant weather and the city's vibrant arts scene, restaurant culture, and accessibility through Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport.

During the winter months, if attendees are planning on being outside, attendees should consider layering business professional attire with warm, quality outerwear including insulated coats, boots suitable for snow and ice, and accessories like gloves and scarves. Spring and fall call for layers and versatile pieces as temperatures can fluctuate significantly. Summer business events typically maintain business casual to business professional standards, with suits, blazers, dress pants, and dresses being appropriate, though lighter fabrics are recommended as temperatures can reach the 80s-90s°F with humidity.

Casual attire should be practical and layered to accommodate the city's dramatic seasonal variations and active urban lifestyle. During the cold winter months casual dress includes warm jeans or pants, comfortable boots, thermal layers, fleece pullovers, and insulated jackets, with locals favoring functional outerwear from brands like Canada Goose or Columbia. Spring and fall call for adaptable layering with jeans, casual slacks, sweaters, and light jackets, as temperatures can fluctuate significantly throughout the day.

Summer casual wear consists of shorts, comfortable walking shoes, t-shirts, and sundresses, though it's wise to bring a light jacket for over-air-conditioned venues.

When packing for a business event in Minneapolis, Minnesota, attendees should prepare for the city's variable climate by bringing layered clothing options, including comfortable walking shoes and season-appropriate outerwear. Winter visits require heavy coats, boots, and cold-weather accessories as temperatures can drop well below freezing, while summer months call for lighter clothing but with a jacket for air-conditioned venues. It is always 72 degrees inside the skyways.

Get happily lost. The Minneapolis Skyway System is the largest contiguous system of enclosed, second-level bridges in the world—composed of over 10 miles of pathways connecting around 80 city blocks. The Minneapolis skyway system connects corporate offices, bars, restaurants, bakeries, hotels, government services, retail, gyms, grocery stores, liquor stores, banks, doctors, dentists, masseurs, pharmacies, hair and nail salons, dry cleaners, live theaters, three pro sports facilities, a church, art exhibits, and...

well, you get the idea. A Brief HistoryThe city's first skyway connecting the new Northstar Center building to the Northwestern Bank Building opened in 1962. It was immensely popular, so slowly but surely new skyways appeared, often, but not always in conjunction with new construction.

Wandering the system, you’ll probably be able to identify the skyway routes that were plugged into existing buildings – sometimes awkwardly. The construction of the IDS in 1974 (still the tallest building in downtown Minneapolis) was a key moment for the skyway network. The building featured skyways connecting to buildings in all four directions, which integrated what was up until then a scattered system.

The IDS junction also features the Crystal Court atrium, still the largest open public space in the network. In 2016, the skyways connecting U. S.

Bank Stadium to the rest of the system brought the total length of pathways to over 8 cumulative miles. With skyways now included in nearly all new construction in central downtown, maps and way finding signage became necessary. This effort improved navigation, and has evolved dramatically in helpfulness, but alas, people can still be seen standing in skyway junctions, heading spinning around, trying to figure out where to go next.

All part of the adventure! Fun FactsThe very first skyway, opened in 1962, was demolished in the 80s during construction of Norwest Center, now the Wells Fargo Center. The skyway over 7th Street, connecting the Northstar Center with the Roanoke Building, opened on June 12, 1963, is the oldest existing skyway.

The skyways weren’t first conceived to escape Minnesota’s weather, as is widely believed. Instead, they were viewed as a solution to reroute pedestrians off the increasingly crowded sidewalks and streets, both for their safety and to make the automobile boom traffic flow more efficient. Another deciding factor was the desire by building owners to increase property values and rental revenue by creating a second-level, high-traffic pathway catering to retail and other services.

Legendary (and local) band, The Replacements, immortalized the system in their song “Skyway. ”Tips & TricksAs each skyway is owned by the buildings they connect, they do not have uniform opening and closing times. Keep this in mind when making evening plans.

If you’re hopelessly lost, just ask someone who appears to be walking confidently for help. Skyway mastery is a point of pride for many Minneapolitans. Also, we’re just really nice.

A sure sign that you’re dealing with someone who lives in a skyway-connect building, therefore probably a skyway expert, is if they’re dressed wildly inappropriately for the weather, like shorts and a t-shirt in February. Free bathrooms on skyway level are rare. Plan ahead.

Accessing the SkywayA good rule of thumb for finding one’s way into the Skyway System from the street is if the building has a skyway connected to it, you can almost certainly find an access point. Just find your way to the second level of any skyway-connected building and you’ll find skyway access. Helpfully, many elevators in downtown Minneapolis have a ‘SK’ button in place of a ‘2’.

NOTE: This applies to standard business hours, after hours you may find street-level doors on certain buildings locked, even if you can clearly see people still using the skyway. Some of the most popular skyway entry points include: The IDS Crystal Court (Nicollet, between 7th and 8th Streets)City Center (7th Street, between Nicollet and Hennepin Avenues)US Bank Building (Nicollet, between 8th and 9th Streets)Target Store (corner of Nicollet and 9th Street)Target Center (corner of 1st Avenue North and 6th Street)Wells Fargo Building (Marquette Avenue, between 6th and 7th Streets)US Bank Plaza (2nd Avenue South, between 5th and 6th Streets)Hennepin County Government Center (bridging 6th Street, between 3rd and 4th Avenues South)Sky FoodThere are dozens upon dozens of options for skyway-connected food, some located on the ground and third floors of buildings. Many familiar chains are well represented, like Jimmy Johns and Potbelly.

A few less familiar and/or locals options include: Brothers Deli (sandwiches and salads), Sushi Takatsu (Japanese), Green + The Grain (healthy salads, wraps), Kadai Indian Kitchen (Indian), Roti (Mediterranean), and Naf Naf (Middle Eastern). If you’re not sure where to eat, a long line is usually a good sign. The above list doesn’t take into account the many sit-down, ground floor restaurants that are accessible by the skyway, like Breva (new American fare and craft cocktails, The Oceanaire (seafood), Ruth’s Chris (steakhouse), Dakota Jazz Club (American), Come Pho Soup (pho), CRAVE (Japanese, American), Manny’s (steakhouse) and many more.

Check out this list of our favorite places to eat in the skyway. ShoppingThe two-level, flagship Target Store at 9th Street has become the one-stop destination for downtown workers and residents to satisfy virtually any need. The grocery section in particular has grown to be a comprehensive shopping option for both residents doing their weekly shopping and visitors seeking quick hotel-room breakfasts and snacks.

Across the street is Strive Bookstore which features culturally relevant children’s books and showcases underrepresented Black authors. Find it on street-level. Each holiday season, the first level space within the Dayton's building holds a pop-up market with a variety of local vendors and makers.

Hotel ConnectionsSome of the city’s finest hotels are, of course, on the skyway system, including W Hotel (in the historic Foshay Tower), Marquette Hotel, Four Seasons Minneapolis, Rand Tower Hotel, AC Marriott, Hilton, Chambers Hotel, The Lofton Hotel, Royal Sonesta, Radisson Red, The Westin and Hotel Ivy. See all hotel skyway connections on this map.

We know that picking a destination to visit involves many factors including safety. And, as a large urban area, you may have questions about our city. The Minneapolis/St.

Paul metro is the 16th largest metro area in the United States. Minneapolis, the biggest city in the state of Minnesota, has roughly 430,000 residents living within the city limits. More than 60,500 residents live downtown (an increase of over 9,000 residents since 2020), and our post-pandemic downtown workforce includes roughly 216,000 workers.

Our downtown is active thanks to all our residents, workers and visitors. Like any major city, we encourage everyone to be aware of their surroundings and belongings – and be prepared to enjoy the many amenities Minneapolis has to offer. Is Minneapolis safe to visit?

Yes. Millions of people enjoy safe and memorable visits to Minneapolis and the surrounding area each year. How will I be kept safe while visiting Minneapolis?

Our community works collaboratively – including city leadership, law enforcement and community organizations – to ensure the safety and well-being of residents, workers and visitors to Minneapolis. Law enforcement includes the fully funded Minneapolis Police Department (MPD), Metro Transit Police, Minneapolis Park Police, and the Hennepin County Sherriff’s Department. They work together, as needed, with a common goal of keeping our city safe.

Our Downtown Improvement District (DID) Ambassadors are highly visible individuals who help visitors with directions and information, make suggestions on things to do and much more. They can be seen year-round throughout 120 blocks of downtown Minneapolis. Our DID also has a Safety Communications Center, which serves as a downtown safety information hub.

Dispatch Ambassadors work 365 days a year, responding to pedestrian requests from Ambassadors on the street, communicating with outreach services for people in need, monitoring public area cameras and collaborating with private security. The DID, the Safety Communications Center and the MPD's 1st Precinct are all located within the Convention Center District, just 1 block from Minneapolis Convention Center. In addition, community and business leaders throughout the city work together on multiple initiatives to help ensure a safe environment for visitors and residents.

Plus, more resources have been put towards addressing mental health and de-escalation such as: Mental Health Co-Responder ProgramCommunity Group Outreach and Intervention911 Training on assessing and responding to mental health issues and situationsDe-escalation and restorative justice trainingWhat visitor services are available downtown? We have a unique asset in our Downtown Improvement District (DID) Ambassadors. These men and women help visitors with directions and information, make suggestions on things to do and much more.

The Clean Ambassadors also focus on making downtown shine and Safe Ambassadors are on hand to keep an eye out for you and your surroundings. Just look for the tennis ball green shirts (summer) or blue jackets (winter). Ambassadors are on the streets - rain or shine - Monday-Saturday 6 a.

m. to 11 p. m.

, and Sunday 6 a. m. to 6 p.

m. The Meet Minneapolis Visitor Center – located at 505 Nicollet Mall (on the ground floor of the CenterPoint Energy building) – is open Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a. m.

to 4 p. m. Meet Minneapolis staff are available in-person, over the phone at 612-397-9278 or via email at info@minneapolis.

org to answer questions from visitors, share visitor maps and help with suggestions about things to do in Minneapolis and the surrounding area. Is public transportation safe to use in Minneapolis? Yes.

Public transportation is regularly used by residents, workers and visitors. Metro Transit uses police officers, Community Service Officers, supplemental security officers, Transit Rider Investment Program (TRIP) Agents, and other service providers as part of its commitment to provide a consistently safe, clean, and welcoming experience. For example TRIP Agents ride light rail vehicles to assist customers and monitor fare compliance between 6 a.

m. and 10 p. m.

, seven days a week. To learn more about Metro Transit's ongoing public safety efforts, go here: metrotransit. org/public-safety.

For safety concerns, who can I contact? If someone’s safety is at risk and an immediate response from police, fire or medics is required, call 911. The city also provides services via 311 for non-emergency information.

You can call, text, email (minneapolis311@minneapolismn. gov) or download the 311 smartphone app (Apple, Google). What are the security options at the Minneapolis Convention Center (MCC)?

The MCC’s main-level Command Center is accessible and visible for guests and helps with creating a safe environment for events. The Command Center features cutting-edge camera surveillance system and is connected to over 60 different buildings through the Downtown Improvement District's Safety Communications Center, providing security personnel with access to multiple camera networks throughout downtown. MCC staff routinely undergo training in homeland security, suspicious activity, customer service and de-escalation.

Learn more on the MCC's Guest Services and Security Operations pages.

Minneapolis, Minnesota offers world-class healthcare facilities that cater to international visitors and event attendees. The city is home to several renowned hospitals meeting international standards, including the M Health Fairview University of Minnesota Medical Center, which provides comprehensive specialty care and research-based treatments; Abbott Northwestern Hospital, part of Allina Health and recognized as one of the nation's top cardiovascular centers; and Hennepin Healthcare, a Level I trauma center offering advanced emergency and specialized care. The proximity of these medical facilities to major hotels, convention centers, and the Minneapolis-St.

Paul International Airport makes them particularly accessible for business event participants requiring medical attention.

Minneapolis offers comprehensive language services through professional providers. The city's diverse multilingual community and established translation agencies provide interpretation services in major business languages including Spanish, Somali, Hmong, and numerous other languages reflecting the region's demographics. Professional simultaneous and consecutive interpretation services are available for conferences, meetings, and conventions, with experienced interpreters who understand business terminology and cultural nuances.

Local providers offer document translation, real-time interpretation equipment rental, multilingual signage, and localization services to ensure seamless communication for international attendees. Meet Minneapolis, the city's convention and visitors association, can connect event planners with vetted language service providers and offer guidance on multilingual event support, ensuring that business events accommodate diverse linguistic needs and create inclusive environments for global participants.

MSP International Film FestivalArt in BloomMayDay ParadeMinneapolis Sculpture Garden Art FairArt A WhirlDoors OpenEdina Art FairStone Arch Bridge FestivalPrideTaste of MinnesotaMinnehaha Falls Art FairTwin Cities CarifestLoring Park Art FestivalMinneaosta Fringe FestivalPowderhorn Art FairUptown Art FairDowntown Minneapolis Street Art Festival & Jackalope Art FairMinnesota State FairCity of Lakes Loppet Winter FestivalArt ShantyU.S. Pond Hockey ChampionshipsThe Great Northern FestivalAutumn Brew ReviewOwamni Falling Water Festival

Minneapolis demonstrates strong commitment to sustainability through its LEED-certified venues, including the Minneapolis Convention Center which has achieved LEED Gold certification and features extensive recycling programs, energy-efficient systems, and local food sourcing initiatives. The destination promotes eco-friendly practices through Meet Minneapolis, the city's DMO, which encourages planners to utilize green venues, sustainable catering options featuring locally-sourced ingredients from Minnesota farms, and carbon offset programs. Many hotels in the area hold Green Key certifications and participate in waste reduction programs, while the city's robust public transportation system, including light rail service directly to the airport and convention areas, reduces event-related carbon emissions.

Minneapolis also partners with organizations like the Green Meeting Industry Council (GMIC) to ensure event planners have access to sustainable suppliers and services, and the destination actively promotes its extensive bike-friendly infrastructure and urban green spaces as part of its commitment to hosting environmentally responsible business events. Minneapolis Convention Center Sustainability Practices include: We are committed to using our resources responsibly and assisting our customers in achieving their sustainability goals for meeting and conventions. The Minneapolis Convention Center maintains Gold Level certification to the Event Industry Council Sustainable Events Standards.

These sustainable event standards are a collection of eight specific standards that assess events and suppliers on a wide range of sustainability criteria in support of environmental and social responsibility. Energy: The Minneapolis Convention Center offsets energy usage 100% with solar and wind power. 2,613 of 600 KW rooftop solar panels provide on-site green sourced energy.

High speed doors have been installed to reduce energy loss during event load in and load out activity. Building HVAC and lighting systems are continuously upgraded with efficient control and fixtures. Water: The Minneapolis Convention Center diverts an estimated 5.

4 million gallons of runoff rainwater annually from the river and redirects it to our underground storage system for the facility’s irrigation. Kitchen areas and restrooms have been upgraded with fixtures that use 50% less water. A pollinator park was installed to help the bee population in our urban environmentWaste: Front of house recycling stations recycle cardboard, paper, organics, cans and bottles, pallets, cooking oil, table cloths, sheet plastic, shrink wrap, carpet, wood, aggregate and landscape debris.

All waste centers in the back of house allow staff to recycle over 60% of all waste. All single use food containers and utensils used onsite are compostable. Up to 4 tons of food is donated each year.

Non-consumed foods go to local non-profit organizations like People Serving People. Up to 160 tons of organics and food scraps are used for hog feed and composting. Used grease is recycled for biodiesel and soap.

The MCC has received LEED v4 Certification for Existing Building Operations and Maintenance by the U. S. Green Building Council.

The MCC’s sustainability initiatives have earned us a Gold Level certification to the Events Industry Council Sustainable Events StandardsThe MCC’s Urban Meadow Plaza was awarded Silver certification under the Sustainable SITES Initiative rating system for achievement in landscape sustainability. The MCC Plaza is the nation’s first SITES certified project to be located at a convention center and the first ever SITES certified project in the Upper Midwest. Air quality: Minneapolis Convention Center promotes a no idling policy for all trucks loading in or out of the center.

Smoking is not permitted within 25’ of any entrance. Internal air quality is monitored and recorded to maintain a safe environment for attendees. Environemental Purchasing: Food served at the Minneapolis Convention Center is sourced locally whenever possible.

Almost all cleaning products used in the Minneapolis Convention Center are Green Seal Certified. Floor care equipment uses Orbio Split Stream and Blended Stream Technology which converts water, electricity and a small amount of salt to clean surfaces without chemicals. Leftover food is donated to People Serving People.

Leftover event items are donated to a variety of local organizations. Staff members team up to provide a variety of services to charitable organizations. Pollinator Park, located on the east side of the building, features an array of flowers to promote pollination.

This park is irrigated using the water from the stormwater catch system. Rooftop Solar Panels: Thousands of 600 KW rooftop solar panels provide on-site green sourced energy. Rainwater Catch System: Stormwater Catch System holds up to 5.

4 million gallons of rainwater annually, preventing runoff into the Mississippi River and redirecting it to our underground storage system for the facility’s irrigation. The 2. 5-acre MCC Plaza is built on top of an underground parking deck, surrounded by an urban meadow planted with prairie grasses and wildflowers.

It is downtown’s largest pollinator refuge. Designed by for environmental sustainability, the Plaza also includes native tree and plant species, and irrigation utilizing the MCC’s stormwater capture system. In 2022, the Plaza was awarded Silver certification under the Sustainable SITES Initiative rating system for achievement in landscape sustainability.

The MCC Plaza is the nation’s first SITES certified project to be located at a convention center and the first ever SITES certified project in the Upper Midwest. Green Team: The MCC sustainability committee offers clients opportunities to enhance their environmental efforts, one of which is the Green Team. Comprising MCC employees, the Green Team provides event support, assisting in the organization and separation of waste and recycling during significant move-ins and move-outs.

Their involvement not only raises the recycling rate for events but also serves as a tangible representation of our unwavering commitment to sustainability.

The Minneapolis Convention Center strives to be the best facility possible for our clients, our staff and the entire community. Part of that mission includes integrating a no-waste mentality. This mindset has become the cornerstone of our sustainability program.

We are committed to using our resources responsibly and assisting our customers in achieving their sustainability goals for meeting and conventions. The Minneapolis Convention Center maintains Gold Level certification to the Event Industry Council Sustainable Events Standards. These sustainable event standards are a collection of eight specific standards that assess events and suppliers on a wide range of sustainability criteria in support of environmental and social responsibility.

EnergyThe Minneapolis Convention Center offsets energy usage 100% with solar and wind power. 2,613 of 600 KW rooftop solar panels provide on-site green sourced energy. High speed doors have been installed to reduce energy loss during event load in and load out activity.

Building HVAC and lighting systems are continuously upgraded with efficient control and fixtures. WaterThe Minneapolis Convention Center diverts an estimated 5. 4 million gallons of runoff rainwater annually from the river and redirects it to our underground storage system for the facility’s irrigation.

Kitchen areas and restrooms have been upgraded with fixtures that use 50% less water. A pollinator park was installed to help the bee population in our urban environmentWasteFront of house recycling stations recycle cardboard, paper, organics, cans and bottles, pallets, cooking oil, table cloths, sheet plastic, shrink wrap, carpet, wood, aggregate and landscape debris. All waste centers in the back of house allow staff to recycle over 60% of all waste.

All single use food containers and utensils used onsite are compostable. Up to 4 tons of food is donated each year. Non-consumed foods go to local non-profit organizations like People Serving People.

Up to 160 tons of organics and food scraps are used for hog feed and composting. Used grease is recycled for biodiesel and soap. The MCC has received LEED v4 Certification for Existing Building Operations and Maintenance by the U.

S. Green Building Council. The MCC’s sustainability initiatives have earned us a Gold Level certification to the Events Industry Council Sustainable Events StandardsThe MCC’s Urban Meadow Plaza was awarded Silver certification under the Sustainable SITES Initiative rating system for achievement in landscape sustainability.

The MCC Plaza is the nation’s first SITES certified project to be located at a convention center and the first ever SITES certified project in the Upper Midwest. Air QualityMinneapolis Convention Center promotes a no idling policy for all trucks loading in or out of the center. Smoking is not permitted within 25’ of any entrance.

Internal air quality is monitored and recorded to maintain a safe environment for attendees. Environmental PurchasingFood served at the Minneapolis Convention Center is sourced locally whenever possible. Almost all cleaning products used in the Minneapolis Convention Center are Green Seal Certified.

Floor care equipment uses Orbio Split Stream and Blended Stream Technology which converts water, electricity and a small amount of salt to clean surfaces without chemicals. TransportationMost staff commute to work by bike, public transportation, or carpool. Minneapolis has Nice Ride bike sharing system and bike racks are available near most building entrances.

Metro Transit provides a free shuttle to link the Minneapolis Convention Center to downtown hospitality and the light rail. Light Rail Transit connects Minneapolis with the airport, Mall of America, Saint Paul and 43 other stations. Community PartnershipsLeftover food is donated to People Serving People.

Leftover event items are donated to a variety of local organizations. Staff members team up to provide a variety of services to charitable organizations. Pollinator ParkPollinator Park, located on the east side of the building, features an array of flowers to promote pollination.

This park is irrigated using the water from the stormwater catch system. Rooftop Solar PanelsThousands of 600 KW rooftop solar panels provide on-site green sourced energy. Rainwater Catch SystemStormwater Catch System holds up to 5.

4 million gallons of rainwater annually, preventing runoff into the Mississippi River and redirecting it to our underground storage system for the facility’s irrigation. Compostable Food Containers & UtensilsAll single-use food packaging and utensils are compostableBottle Filling StationsThe building features over 40 bottle filling stations, not including staff areasUrban Meadow Plaza The 2. 5-acre MCC Plaza is built on top of an underground parking deck, surrounded by an urban meadow planted with prairie grasses and wildflowers.

It is downtown’s largest pollinator refuge. Designed by for environmental sustainability, the Plaza also includes native tree and plant species, and irrigation utilizing the MCC’s stormwater capture system. In 2022, the Plaza was awarded Silver certification under the Sustainable SITES Initiative rating system for achievement in landscape sustainability.

The MCC Plaza is the nation’s first SITES certified project to be located at a convention center and the first ever SITES certified project in the Upper Midwest. Green TeamThe MCC sustainability committee offers clients opportunities to enhance their environmental efforts, one of which is the Green Team. Comprising MCC employees, the Green Team provides event support, assisting in the organization and separation of waste and recycling during significant move-ins and move-outs.

Their involvement not only raises the recycling rate for events but also serves as a tangible representation of our unwavering commitment to sustainability.

Minneapolis has made substantial sustainable investments to drive long-term growth across economic, environmental, and social dimensions. The city has committed to achieving 100% renewable electricity by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2050, supported by significant infrastructure investments in solar energy installations and energy-efficient building retrofections. Major developments include the expansion of protected bike lanes and the Green Line light rail extension, reducing transportation emissions while improving accessibility.

Minneapolis has invested heavily in green building certifications for convention facilities, with the Minneapolis Convention Center implementing comprehensive waste reduction and water conservation systems. The city has also directed resources toward equitable community development through green job training programs and urban agriculture initiatives in underserved neighborhoods. Stormwater management improvements, including green infrastructure and Mississippi River restoration projects, protect local ecosystems while enhancing recreational amenities.

These investments are complemented by public-private partnerships focused on sustainable tourism practices, local food systems development, and the revitalization of neighborhoods with mixed-use, transit-oriented developments that create economic opportunities while reducing environmental impact and fostering social inclusion.

Meet Minneapolis demonstrates strong commitment to local economic and community impact that prioritize inclusive economic development and community well-being. The city actively promotes diverse suppliers guides that connect event planners with minority LGBTQIA2+ and women-owned businesses, ensuring economic benefits circulate within underserved communities. Additionally, Meet Minneapolis works with event organizers to incorporate community giveback elements such as volunteer projects, charitable donations, and legacy programs that leave lasting positive impacts beyond the economic spending generated by meetings and conventions, reinforcing the city's commitment to ensuring business events serve as catalysts for equitable community prosperity and sustainable urban development.