A Couple's Guide to Minneapolis, MN

Located in Minneapolis’ hip North Loop district, the Hewing Hotel makes a perfect base for exploring the city. Its 124 trendy hotel rooms each include original features from the building’s past as an industrial warehouse; authentic brick and exposed wood along with plush pillows and rugs create a unique and cozy home away from home. Hungry? Head to the Tullibee restaurant on the hotel’s ground floor for fresh, seasonal dishes and local brews. Afterwards, visit their rooftop social club to lounge in the sauna or spa pool – sounds like the perfect couple’s therapy to us.

Bring on the competition at Can Can Wonderland’s mini golf course. This underground park isn’t the average putting experience. Each of the course’s 18 unique holes have been commissioned and designed by a different local artist, creating a colorful and captivating adventure. From the enormous tornado at the “Natural Disaster” hole, to the giant pink mastodon in the “Hot Tub Time Machine,” the stunning displays are one of a kind. Head to the bar post-game for a celebratory drink. Gin punch served from a watering can, birthday cake vodka with sparklers, and absinthe slushies are just a few of the incredible cocktails to grace their menu.

There’s no better way to experience one of the country’s greatest beer cities than with an all-inclusive tour. Hop on one of Bitter Minnesota’s brew busses and spend three hours exploring the best breweries in town. The tour offers pick up and drop off, a cooler to store purchased beer, and they even allow drinking craft brews on the bus. Since their public tours host around 14 people, you’ll have the opportunity to meet other beer loving couples while you sit back, relax, and enjoy the hops.

Known as the “Central Park of Minneapolis,” Loring Park has the perfect ambiance for a romantic picnic for two. Wander the tree-lined walking paths or watch locals fish on the quaint pier. With views of the city skyline and the sound of bells chiming at the nearby cathedral, the picturesque park is the perfect place to slow down and enjoy each other’s company.

Board the Minneapolis Queen for an afternoon boat ride on the Mississippi. Offering stunning views of downtown, St. Anthony Falls, and the Stone Arch Bridge, the trip highlights Minneapolis’ unique charm and rare beauty. Enjoy a glass of wine as the boat cruises past waterside bluffs and lush trails, or listen to the guides recall the history of the monumental river. Better yet, join the Minneapolis Queen for its ever popular Friday night dinner or Sunday brunch cruises, and experience the elegance and romance the waterway has to offer.

A night out at the theater is necessary for any romantic getaway. Luckily, Minneapolis is on of the nation’s most popular cities for theatrical arts, and entertainment options are abundant. The Illusion Theater’s performances have been recognized repeatedly for their success and acclaim; two of their plays were adapted into major motion pictures and one received the honor of a Pulitzer Prize nomination. From one-act masterpieces to breathtaking musicals, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at the Illusion.

Head to Minneapolis’ highest peak to watch the sun set behind the city skyline. Located in Prospect Park, the old water tower (nicknamed the Witch’s Hat) is the perfect place to end the day. Climb to the top for stunning views of the city center, and a peaceful escape from the urban bustle below. Add a mug of hot chocolate into the equation, and your couple goals are on point.

Bryant Lake Bowl’s cheap date night is a Minneapolis favorite. Each Monday couples crowd the dining room for the killer $28 deal: a bottle of wine, two entrees, and a round of bowling – that’s right, we said bowling. In addition to a restaurant with locally sourced food and a great tap list, Bryant Lake Bowl is home to one of the city’s most beloved alleys. Put on some bowling shoes and roll up your sleeves, because this date night is about to get heated.