Mpls Downtown Improvement District

Recently I was having lunch with a business colleague and he was telling me about the many wonderful things he did when showing his out-of-town visitors our fine city. They took a Segway tour of the Mississippi River, ate at a Downtown restaurant and then went to the theater. We weren’t sure who had more fun exploring.

 

So why don’t we all visit our city on a regular basis?

 

Downtown Minneapolis has so much to offer. Each day take time to explore. Find a new route to walk, a new activity or event to attend, and a new retailer or restaurant to patronize. Why not go to live theater or a sporting event? There’s nothing quite like being part of the audience. And, in addition to the full time activities, let’s not forget about the peppering of activities that happen at different times of the year: Aquatennial, Holidazzle, Alive After 5 concert, Summerfest, Farmers Markets, marathons and the list goes on.

 

Minneapolis has the best of the best, and, unlike most major cities, we are compact enough that the best is available without extra effort. Downtown opportunities abound:

Art and performances. Attend music and other performances at the Hennepin Avenue theaters, Guthrie, Walker Art Center and Sculpture Garden, Orchestra Hall, The Lab, Hennepin Center for the Arts (and the Shubert breaks ground this year!). In addition to the numerous indoor galleries in Downtown remember there are astounding outdoor exhibits as well, including the artist design utility boxes along Hennepin Avenue or the various sculptures and public art along Nicollet Mall.

 

Sports. Be a true fan and attend games of the Lynx, Wolves, Vikes and Twins.

 

Explore. Nature and history abound along the Mississippi River (ever been to the Observation Deck at the Lock and Dam?), Stone Arch Bridge, Mill City Museum. Segway tour anyone?

 

Fitness. Get your exercise ice skating or playing in the water park at the Depot, bike riding and walking along the river, kayaking on the river or working out at one of the many Downtown fitness clubs.

 

Learning. Attend courses at MCTC, Metro State, the University of St. Thomas, Globe School of Business, Art Institutes International, the Guthrie or MacPhail Center for Music. And, of course the Central Library in Downtown offers a world of learning and imagination for all ages.

 

Retail & entertainment. Shop along the Nicollet Mall. Eat food from all nations and price points. Hear live music while you eat at the Dakota Jazz Club, Fine Line Music Café or numerous other venues.

 

To the Dogs. Even our four-legged friends will love Downtown with not one, but two, off-leash dog-parks ready for running and fetching.

 

While you’re out enjoying Downtown, I encourage you to take note of the Downtown Improvement District and what we’re doing well and what we can improve upon. You can comment at MinneapolisDID.com