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TRAVEL TIPS & INTEL

Off-the-Beaten-Path Things to Do in Minneapolis

Minneapolis downtown skyline in Minnesota, USA at sunset
Written by Lauren Saccone

This blog post was updated on July 30, 2021.


Minneapolis is a fun and dynamic city — particularly for visitors who crave something a little unusual in their travels. If you’re looking for things to do in Minneapolis that are quirky, bizarre, and a lot of fun, we’ve got you covered! There’s a vast variety of out-of-the-ordinary experiences for the adventurous traveler all throughout this great city. So, start looking for last minute flight deals, pack your bags (and your curiosity), and get ready to see a side of Minneapolis you never knew existed!

Museum of Quackery and Medical Frauds

phrenology head statue

Located in the Science Museum of Minnesota, this quirky and eccentric museum is sure to delight anyone with a taste for the uncommon. The exhibits all celebrate the bizarre — and sometimes even dangerous — ways people have tried to create cures and medical solutions over the years, without the aid of actual science. From phrenology (deciphering a person’s intelligence, morality, and personality traits through the bumps on the head) to snake oils, you’ll learn all about some of the most dubious ‘science’ in human history. It’s a fun and unexpected look at your past that should top anyone’s itinerary when in Minneapolis.

Orfield Labs Quiet Chamber

Find a little peace and quiet on your vacation at Orfield Labs Quiet Chamber. This lab is devoted to making a silence so profound it’s been known to cause people actual distress. The intense silence can lead to disorientation, and most people only last a few minutes before they have to beat a hasty retreat. Fans of the unusual will love this spot, so be sure to book a visit. Odds are that after a little time in the Quiet Chamber, you’ll appreciate the traffic of your daily commute like you never have before.

Don’t have much time to plan your trip? These last minute fight deals can actually help you save!

Elf Door at Demings Height Park

The Elf Door

Have a soft spot for the fantastical? Be sure to take a stroll through Demings Height Park. This lovely locale is the perfect place for a picturesque walk — and it holds a beloved local spot. One of the trees in the park has a handcrafted door carefully attached. There are many rumors about where the door came from, or who keeps it so wonderfully maintained. Some people like to stop by and leave small offerings to the elf who is said to live inside the tree. Be sure to take a look and see if there are any interesting objects, or have your children explore. Who knows — they might catch a glimpse of something magical.

House of Balls

You’ll have a total ball at this delightful art installation. Everything in this eccentric museum is designed to be touched and interacted with, from pieces of found art to intricate and fascinating animatronics. There are no set hours, so you can stop by any time your schedule allows and dive in to a surreal and seriously fun take on art. And the term ‘art,’ you’ll come to find, encompasses a whole host of objects you never imagined, from broken typewriters to false teeth to elaborate machinery. You’ll be encouraged to touch, explore, and even make a little art of your own. It’s an amazingly one-of-a-kind art installation that could only exist in Minneapolis.

The Herbivorous Butcher

With so many things to do in Minneapolis, you’ve probably worked up quite an appetite — and there’s no better place to satisfy it than at the Herbivorous Butcher. This local hotspot offers up succulent sausages, delicious cuts of meats, and a wide array of cheeses. The catch? They’re all vegan; and best of all, they’re delicious enough to fill even the most committed carnivore! Every item on the menu is handcrafted for maximum authenticity and flavor, from spicy capicola ham to decadent pâté. It’s a wonderful taste sensation whether you’re a vegan or omnivore, and a great way to keep up your energy as you explore all that Minneapolis has to offer.

So what are you waiting for? Start looking for last minute flight deals to Minneapolis to get your quirky adventure started!

About the author

Lauren Saccone

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