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1. Minneapolis Sculpture Garden

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Minneapolis, MN

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Minneapolis Sculpture Garden

4.4 (289 reviews)
Closed 6:00 am - 12:00 AM (Next day)

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Best picture spot in Minneapolis
John F.

Love this! What a great way to spend an afternoon walking through a park near downtown Minneapolis. Obviously there is the iconic cherry and spoon sculpture (you see it on tv every time you watch an event that takes place in Minneapolis) but there are so many more unique works of art to check out. The design of this park is amazing. Everything spaced out with ample places to sit and enjoy your day. Picture spots for cool selfies too. Lots of parking.

Ray B.

If you're looking for things to do in Minneapolis then I would check out this place. It's near downtown and pretty easy to find. Plenty of paid parking spots for 5 bucks. The garden boasts plenty of art sculptures throughout. It's a nice leisurely walk to different art pieces. The spoon and cherry highlight the park. Take the time to enjoy the atmosphere and sights. Great place to spend an hour or two. Don't forget to to cross the bridge and check out the area on the other side of the park. Great photo ops. Check it out. Worth your time.

The most well known sculpture on the premises
Kathy G.

What a beautiful art walk! This was quite enjoyable to visit an hour before sunset on a weeknight evening. They do have disabled parking spots and a nice wide sidewalk that's flat for easy walking or wheelchair usage. There are multiple sculptures to visit, and the notorious spoon sculpture is rather close to the parking lot as is the giant rooster, and the Native American fountain. There is a pedestrian bridge over the main road. If they have bathrooms anywhere, I did not see them. The sculpture garden is well worth a visit.

Déjà J.

Pretty cool place, it's in between DT & Uptown MPLS. I used to go here often in the warmer months to play PokémonGo & to get some steps in. There's come near sculptures & of course the infamous Spoonbridge and Cherry! There's a few interactive ones like a swing but most of them are just for viewing! To be safe don't touch or climb on them, they do have alarms will remind you over a loud speaker! Also will alert you if you are on the grounds after hours. They used to have free parking along the street between Walker Arts & the garden, now it's all metered & they do have a big pay lot. However if there's events they usually take place in that pay lot and you have to park in the Walker Ramp or you can try to find parking in the neighborhood up the hill towards uptown. Also Loring park is an option as well as it's connected via a sky-bridge.

Joanna M.

Big spoon and cherry, blue rooster, and plaques of wisdom that we've long forgotten. Just some of the few things you'll see in Minneapolis's free sculpture garden. Families, friends, couples, and misfits alike can enjoy what the garden has to offer. The exhibits are thought provoking and Instagram worthy. Aside from the exhibits already mentioned, there was a swing platform where people can take photos and try not to fall off of which was fun. Across the street on the Walker Art Center side are a few more mini exhibits, but the real treat are the mansions up the hill which you can only wonder what the inhabitants of those mansions do for a living. When you're done looking around outside, visitors can visit the Walker Art Center across the street for a taste of modern art (still worth it even though you have to pay for it). So make a day out of it... or don't, but it's definitely a must-hit on a Minneapolis tourist list.

Suzie R.

A beautiful and FREE sculpture garden in the heart of Minneapolis. You will need to pay for parking but everything is very close in relation to the nearest pay pot. Parking was $5 for the entire day! You can also visit the Walker Art Museum which is also within the vicinity.

Ryan D.

The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden is a must do activity when you are in Minneapolis. This is a great chance to visit a nice outdoor space and see some great art at the same time. There is a parking lot right next to the garden with a reasonable charge of $4. The park is pretty big, so you can get in some good walking or running while you are visiting. My favorite pieces were the spoon and cheery, the bell with a bunny, and the LOVE sign. There is more room so I hope that they add a few more pieces of art. There are many great opportunities to take some pictures here. I highly recommend the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden!

JiHae L.

I was interested in visiting this location because it features the iconic Spoonbridge and Cherry sculpture, which is one of its most well-known attractions. The sculpture garden met my expectations and was a memorable experience.

Erica R.

The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden is a free, somewhat small, walkable park area that's across the street from the Walker Art Center, and it's open for visitors from 6am to midnight every day. I love the concept of the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, but it feels like some updates to the space - or better maintenance/upkeep - are needed. I fully understand that there's an intention/claim that they work to restore native flowers and habitation by letting things grow, but the *look* of the park is that it's fairly overgrown and poorly maintained. Honestly, it just looks like a bit of a mess. It's entirely possible to allow for growth of the natural flowers and all that while also accounting for general maintenance of the space... and you have to be able to balance those things in order to really allow for a garden like this to be appealing while also aligning with intent. In addition to the look of overgrowth, it seems like the overall remodeling of the space hasn't been especially positive. After I visited, a friend of mine (who has been living in/around Minneapolis for YEARS), noted "You should have seen it years ago. It's changed and a lot of us don't like it." I can understand why... besides the remodeling essentially meaning minimal shade and full views of the highway, it sounds like the remodeled sculpture garden is just really bare. On top of that, the areas where you are able to walk are inconsistent - some are paved, some are gravel. Some of those unpaved areas have metal that can stick out (they were probably once covered by gravel, but the general lack of maintenance has meant it's likely they haven't received proper attention either). I guess I was just generally underwhelmed. Besides the Spoonbridge and Cherry, and then the blue rooster, there's not really much going on here that you'll remember after you leave. I LOVE museums, arboretums/gardens, public art, and all kinds of similar spaces... so I really wanted to love the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden too. I just don't think this garden is really all that appealing as it's currently organized or maintained. TL;DR. Glad I went once, but wouldn't feel the need to return unless there was some kind of larger design overhaul. If you're pressed for time? You can definitely skip this space.

Elephant made from Lawnmower blades
James R.

Meh... The sculpture garden in Vining Minnesota is much better. Furthermore, the artist isn't some pompous asshole.

Annette A.

We love a spot to walk around and enjoy a beautiful Minneapolis summer day. Lovely art, beautiful flowers and lots of great restaurants nearby.

Krista F.

So worth a visit, was very beautiful in July time and weather is perfect. Lots of parking and things to see. Next time will make it a point to stop at the cardamom cafe.

Hahn/Cock
Lauren H.

Such a fun (and free) park to visit! I love date nights wandering this park, there are so many insta-worthy spots. We even love having formal extended family photo sessions here, since there's so much to check out while you wait. A few on-street free parking spots are available, but there is ample paid parking a block away, or for a few more dollars you can have covered parking in the Walker Art Center's underground garage.

08.22.23 This giant spoon and cherry is the centerpiece of the Walker Art Center's Minneapolis Sculpture

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Just outside the Walker Art Center, this Sculpture Garden is both a greenspace and a celebration of artistry.

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The Bakken Museum

The Bakken Museum

4.5
(42 reviews)
2.7 mi

FAMILY FUN DAY at the The Bakken Museum!!! We had an unexpectedly great time. Each of us enjoyed a…read moredifferent aspect of this unique place: - My teen son loved the interactive, tech-inspired exhibits - I loved the beautiful Gothic/Tudor architecture and the history of the families that lived in the mansion throughout the years -Hubby loved the calming outdoor spaces and medicinal gardens - Our tween daughter loved her scavenger hunt for Lego people that were hidden throughout the museum From their website: The Bakken Museum inspires a passion for innovation by exploring the potential for science, technology, and the humanities to make the world a better place. Located on the West shore of Bde Maka Ska in Minneapolis, the museum features interactive exhibits for all ages and exceptional STEM education programs. Make movies in the Spark exhibit, meet the mother of science fiction in Mary & Her Monster, and test out some of Ben Franklin's favorite experiments in the Electricity Party Room.

A total gem - The Bakken Museum hits hard, not only from…read morethe buzz of learning something new but from how fresh everything feels. Never thought I'd skip this spot for years, even though it's near my usual bike trail. Not just another exhibit hall - it sparks real wonder, like flipping on a light in a dark room. You walk out seeing things differently, especially those hidden powers running behind everyday life. Finding it tucked where it is? Unexpected. Sure, I've passed by loads of times, pedaling right past without stopping. But now? No way am I sleeping on it again. Right when I walked in, it hit me - this place was different, almost magnetic. No question about it, the highlight had to be the West Wing Mansion. It's more than just walls and floors - it's like a snapshot from the past, carefully kept alive. As I moved through the graceful halls, packed with old tools and exhibits, history came alive. Best part? Learning stuff didn't feel forced - it flowed naturally with everything around. The museum isn't about flashy displays - it shows what makes each item tick, telling stories of wild breakthroughs or the clever people who made them happen. Then comes power - yeah, electric juice. Those sections on how electricity works? Totally mind-blowing. Sure, I liked science before, yet this place cranked up my curiosity big time. They break down tricky ideas using simple words, fun visuals, so you actually get it without zoning out. One moment I'm looking at basic ideas, next I'm stuck on complex setups - each exhibit pulled me in. Not just scanning signs, but actually sensing electricity through sound, touch, sight. Walked out knowing way more about how this invisible push shapes everything - from turning on lights to nerves firing in your arms. Totally didn't expect to run into something that matched a story from my English lesson. Keeping details quiet so you can discover it yourself, yet realizing then and there: stories, creativity, facts - they're all tangled up in real life. On top of that, it deepened how I saw things, making the experience stick in my mind like a real-life story. What stands out is how well everything's put together - clearly, care went into reaching different kinds of people. At The Bakken Museum, you get what good exhibit planning looks like in action. Things to touch and try, but nothing flashy or fake-feeling; facts served straight, never too much at once - it just works. Workers knew their stuff, genuinely excited, which lifted the whole vibe. Curious about how science shaped life? Head to The Bakken Museum - it'll grab your attention no matter who you are. It might just do it better than school, it sure did for me! This isn't just for nerds or kids; it's for anyone who likes surprises. You'll learn stuff without feeling like you're studying, laugh a bit, maybe jump when something zaps. Honestly, few places deliver this much fun with electricity - real and metaphorical. Skip waiting around like I did. Just go.

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The Bakken Museum
The Bakken Museum
The Bakken Museum

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Museum of Illusions - Bloomington

Museum of Illusions - Bloomington

4.7
(89 reviews)
8.3 mi
Kid friendly
Discounts available

My wife and I visited the Museum of Illusions at the Mall of America and had a pretty fun time!…read moreIt's definitely one of those places where your camera is your best friend--there are tons of cool photo ops and optical illusions that will make you laugh and scratch your head. Some of the illusions are things you've probably seen online, and my wife got dizzy from a few. We had the entire Museum to ourselves and enjoyed taking our time. Staff was very helpful with camera position recommendations and explanations. That said, I do wish there was a bit more to do. The space isn't very big, and it took less than an hour to go through everything. For the price, I expected a few more interactive elements or unique illusions. Overall, I'd recommend it if you're already at the Mall of America and want to do something a little different--especially with friends or family. It's a good spot to laugh, take creative pictures, and see some reality-bending visuals. Just go in knowing it's a short experience and maybe plan something else afterward to make the most of your day!

It's not a huge space, and you can get through it fairly quickly if it's not too crowded. If little…read morebusy, you may have to wait your turn for certain exhibits or to get your photos. Also, while it's cool, the price point might feel a bit high for the length of the visit. Overall, it's a unique stop if you're at MOA and looking for something different and interactive. Great for families, quick entertainment, and fun photo ops for insta influencers or grandmas looking to be hip - just go in knowing it's more of a short experience than a half-day outing. Big shout out to Kimberly. A very kind staff member for helping to understand displays and take pictures.

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Museum of Illusions - Bloomington
Museum of Illusions - Bloomington
Museum of Illusions - Bloomington

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Foshay Museum And Observation Deck

Foshay Museum And Observation Deck

4.1
(49 reviews)
0.9 mi

I used to work across the street from the Foshay - was there about ~9yrs and never checked out this…read moregem. I did go during Doors Open which is probably the busiest time to go. They have 1 elevator that goes straight up to the 30th floor. The details on the doors and around the building were amazing. Once you get up to the 30th floor there's a small museum where you can learn more about the tower. Then you take a few stairs up to get out to the observation deck. I will say it's pretty tight up there. Not ideal for big groups that can't separate. Each direction has a look out otherwise you can just look through the bars. For sure a cool place to visit at least once.

Very disappointing. Will not be returning nor will I recommend it to anyone. Walked in and it was…read morevery unclear on where to go and there was no staff to be found. Eventually one person showed at a random desk past the lobby way down the main hall. He was on the phone for quite a while so we tried using the QR code to buy tickets but it wasn't working. When he got off the phone he didn't believe me and made me do it again just to prove it. Then he seemed unsure on how to help us. Once he got it figured out it cost $20 per adult to get in. He gave us a keycard to get access to the elevator and once we took ourselves to the museum we were disappointed to find that no one was in there to answer questions or explain things and there wasn't any audio interviews or videos. It was just a small room with photos, newspaper clippings, and official documents framed on the walls. The view from the deck was nice and felt safe but the wall was too tall for my son to see over. The view finders posted on each corner were very old with cloudy lenses making them a bit useless. Paint was chipping off everywhere and there was graffiti and gum all over. The painted "selfie spot" was barely recognizable. If it was free I'd maybe do it again but with the shape it's in and the almost nonexistent customer service, I advise against it. It's honestly quite embarrassing considering it's supposed to be a luxury historical hotel that attracts people from out of town. I also would advise against staying in the hotel. We accidentally got off on the wrong floor and noticed dirty black painted hotel room doors, smudges all over the antique elevator doors, general uncleanliness, and a lack of a "luxurious" feel. That combined with no staff or guests coming and going in the lobby, bar, and restaurant is not what you'd expect for a hotel of this caliber. I really hope different management buys the place and changes things because it's a beautiful building with so much history and potential.

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Exit door to the observation deck
Exit door to the observation deck
Buildings
Buildings
Telescope

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Telescope
Minneapolis Institute of Art

Minneapolis Institute of Art

4.7
(435 reviews)
1.0 mi

If you are looking for something to do, or entertaining an art lover from out of town, the MIA is…read moreone of those overlooked treasures. I will start with a story. My cousin, a New York City native, was flying from Italy to New York, but couldn't get to NYC because of huge snowstorm, so she was diverted to Minneapolis (ironic, huh?). She happens to be an art teacher with a masters in Art History. Since she was "stuck" here, she asked if she could visit one of the art museums. She told me later that she thought it was probably going to be a 15 minute trip because "Who would believe that Minneapolis could have any art worth seeing, or at least in any quantity." That 15-minute planned visit took FOUR HOURS. She was impressed with not only the artists that are represented, but the quality of the artist's work that is displayed at the MIA. According to her, many museums have the famous-name artists, but not necessarily their "A" rated works. She raved about the diversity of artists, styles, time periods, etc. and kept calling it a min-version of Metropolitan Museum of Art. I explained to her that the museum is filled with donations from wealthy Minnesotans such as the MacMillans, the Daytons, as well as many corporate companies that are headquartered here such as Target, Medtronic, Ameriprise, Wells Fargo, and US Bank. When she got home, she kept telling me how she couldn't believe that it was free and that we actually parked (for free) right in front of the museum. She also told me that it gave her ideas for lesson plans for the next several months. This story exemplifies what we often take for granted. Minneapolis has several world-class museums and this is definitely in the top five. In addition to the permanent collections, there are always special exhibits (which do cost extra) that travel from museum to museum. For example, the Terracotta Warriors, Silver Treasures from Bergen, Norway, Native Photography, 1890 to Now, Ancient Egyptian Art from the British Museum, and a massive showcase of Impressionist masters that attracted 155,198 visitors. Also impressive is the variety of exhibits, such as Star Wars: The Magic of Myth, Dale Chihuly: Glass Installations 1964-1997, and Royal Bronzes: Cambodian Art of the Divine, which included The Reclining Vishnu: The centerpiece was a monumental, thousand-year-old bronze sculpture of the Hindu god Vishnu, which is considered a Cambodian national treasure. This 7-foot-long figure was reconstructed from fragments for the first time in centuries which too a years-long restoration project.

I loved thier special exhibit ( Modern Art and Politics ) and the Tibetan Meditation Room. The…read moreLayout is bizarre and some of my favorite artists weren't represented. The Minneapolis Art Institute is free. The Special exhibit is a special ticket that costs $$ unless you're a member. I went two days and I found free street parking not too far away. When I visited the Prairie Movement featuring Grant Wood and Frank Lolyd Wright I looked for Thomas Hart Benton... He was Missing in Action. MIA has several museum caliber pieces ( by Benton ), in storage. When I asked if they have any American Pop Art, the answer is Yes, but they were all MIA. In MIA's Not on View exhibit. When I asked about surrealism, they said if they have it, it's probably on the second floor. The Layout of MIA is by region and time period. The staff is very helpful at guiding me, but exact answers were challenging. Art is supposed to be for all. MIA has a massive collection, ten percent is on view at any given time. When you visit, you can type in the artist you are looking for on the website. Hopefully you'll be able to see what you seek.

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Art in Bloom (2026)
Art in Bloom (2026)
Main stairs
Main stairs
Large exhibition space

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Large exhibition space
Gammelgarden Museum of Scandia

Gammelgarden Museum of Scandia

5.0
(1 review)
30.5 mi

What a fantastic hidden gem! To spend a nice spring day, my family decided to drive to the little…read moretown of Scandia and spend the afternoon. Since we hadn't been to Scandia before, we didn't have anywhere particular in mind to go. When arriving at a park, we noticed it shared a space with Gammelgarden. When we had parked to go to the playground, we had actually parked in front of a Swedish historical museum. We were so pleasantly surprised! Visiting cultural and history sites is our favorite thing to do, so we couldn't believe our luck. To top it off, they were open on a Sunday for a guided tour! Our guide, named Reese, was in costume and was knowledgeable and had a great sense of humor. Finding a museum open for business on a Sunday in a small town was an unexpected pleasure. For the next couple of hours, we experienced the buildings and artifacts that make up this wonderfully historic little complex, including the oldest Lutheran church inthe state of Minnesota! Each house, called "hus", was filled with original artifacts from the people who lived in Sweden or Scandia as it was first blossoming as a settlement. The museum gave us information on upcoming events and classes that each member of my family would be interested in - including an event thus summer where participants roll "meatballs" made from painted golf balls down to Gammelgarden from a shop on the main street. We will definitely be coming back!

From the owner: Step back in history. Meaning "old farm" in Swedish, Gammelgården Museum of Scandia is the only…read moreopen-air museum devoted to preserving, presenting, and promoting Swedish immigrant heritage in the United States. In buildings that have been carefully preserved and restored, visitors can get a glimpse of the daily lives and artifacts of these immigrants and participate in events and classes. The Välkommen Hus and Butik gift shop are open daily from May through December. The five historical buildings are open from May through October. Join us for a tour of our buildings, Midsommar, Spelmansstämman, Swedish Coffee Parties, Girls & Dolls Tea Parties, Lutfisk, Lucia Dagen, and more.

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Gammelgarden Museum of Scandia
Gammelgarden Museum of Scandia
Gammelgarden Museum of Scandia

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Minneapolis Sculpture Garden - museums - Updated July 2026

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