Spring weather is finally here in Minnesota! We are so relieved to finally be able to open our windows, go for walks, and spend time on our patio. Ben and I moved to Minnesota just about 3 years ago — so we’ve been lucky enough to experience a few Minnesota springs. Today, I am excited to share 10 of my personal favorite spring to-dos in the Twin Cities!
Pictured below are the most beautiful blossoms in our backyard!
Things to Do in Spring in the Twin Cities
Farmers Markets in the Twin Cities
Going to the farmers market has long been my favorite weekend activity. Currently, we live about 8 minutes from downtown Saint Paul — but even when we lived in Eau Claire, we would travel one hour to visit the Saint Paul Farmers Market. It’s in a beautiful location in downtown Saint Paul, it has a wide variety of food trucks — I can’t go to the farmers market without getting momos, Tibetan dumplings! — produce, and flowers… and I just love it! The Mill City Farmers Market is another favorite, located near the historic Stone Arch Bridge, and one of my favorite restaurants, Owamni. The Minneapolis Farmers Market is also amazing. There are aisles upon aisles of vendors — coffee, produce, flowers, and even clothing! Lastly, the Linden Hills Farmers Market is small — but it’s in one of my favorite walkable neighborhoods in the Twin Cities, so when we visit, we love to stay for lunch or walk around Lake Harriet, too.
Coffee Shops in the Twin Cities
In spring, we can finally sit outdoors at coffee shops in the Twin Cities. Backstory has a beautiful and quiet patio, where you’ll be covered in the shade of large trees. The coffee shop is also across the street from a beautiful community garden, which is especially pretty in spring. Nina’s has bistro seating on the sidewalk, and it’s in a really beautiful, historic part of Saint Paul — so the views are really lovely, and you can walk on historic Summit Avenue, too.
Lake Harriet in Minneapolis
Lake Harriet/Linden Hills is one of my favorite places in all of the Twin Cities. From the beautiful pavilion at the lake, to the picturesque walk around the lake, which is always filled with sailboats, going to Lake Harriet is something I look forward to every spring, summer, and fall. In Linden Hills, we love visiting Sebastian Joe’s for coffee and sitting in the shade of the large trees on the patio, having lunch at Rosalia, and stopping by all of the local businesses.
Afton, Minnesota
Afton, Minnesota is located right on the Saint Croix river. This small town is truly a gem, especially in the quiet moments before and after the busy summer season. There are just a handful of small businesses in Afton — a coffee shop, an ice cream shop, a restaurant or two, a home decor store, and a garden store — and its main street is so cozy and welcoming. Afton is also home to the Afton Apple Orchard and Afton State Park, which are beautiful places to go. We absolutely love Afton!
Minneapolis Sculpture Garden
The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden is a really fun place to go and walk around — especially for the iconic Spoonbridge and Cherry sculpture. At the Walker Art Museum, you’ll also find a beautiful, greenery-filled restaurant called Cardamom, which offers delicious Aegean and Mediterranean food. We went to Cardamom for Ben’s birthday a couple of years ago, and it was a really neat experience!
Minnehaha Falls
Minnehaha Falls is a quintessential Twin Cities must-do, and for good reason! It’s so much fun to walk around, to see the waterfall, and enjoy time outdoors. A seasonal restaurant, Sea Salt, is nearby, so traveling to Minnehaha Falls can be a fun half-day experience!
Como Park Zoo and Conservatory
The Como Park Zoo and Conservatory is a completely-free zoo and conservatory. In particular, we love the conservatory — a walking tour of plants, plants, and more plants. I especially love the sunken garden, bonsai display, and Japanese garden. With so many nearby parks and green spaces, you can have a picnic in the park after visiting the conservatory!
Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum — known here as ‘The Arb’ — is definitely worth visiting in spring. I am signed up for The Arb’s newsletter, where I learn about the seasonal events taking place there. Last year, Ben and I visited during their tulip display, and for a special firefly viewing experience — and both visits were really special and memorable. There is so, so much to do at The Arb, especially when special events are taking place — like their May Markets!
Minnesota United Soccer Game
Ben and I live 15 minutes from the Minnesota United FC stadium, and we absolutely love going to games. Even if you aren’t a soccer fan, the stadium is absolutely beautiful, there are amazing one-of-a-kind food and beverage vendors, and it’s just a fun experience overall. Before going to evening games, Ben and I love having dinner at Yum, and then walking to the stadium for the game.
50th and France in Edina
Walkable downtown areas create such a special feeling. 50th and France is a well-known, walkable area in Edina, Minnesota — where the streets are lined with shops, restaurants, and more. When Ben and I were expecting Ollie, we loved grabbing coffee, walking from shop to shop, having lunch at Crisp & Green or Pajarito, and just enjoying the day.
If you’re looking for something fun to do this spring in the Twin Cities, I hope this list provides inspiration! Happy Spring!
