Things To Do on a Monday in Minneapolis
Mondays often get a bad rap, but in Minneapolis, you'll find something fun to do. Whether you want to explore the city's art scene, soak up some local culture or hit the town for some laidback nightlife, here's how you can kickstart your week in Minneapolis.
Wondering where to eat on a Monday in Minneapolis? We've got a list of restaurants open Mondays, too.
Museums
Minneapolis Sculpture Garden
The iconic Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, home to the oft-photographed Spoonbridge and Cherry, is next to the Walker Art Center (which is unfortunately NOT open Mondays) and is completely free, every day, every season.
Museum of Russian Art
Visit the Museum of Russian Art to see 7,000 breathtaking works from 15 countries in the Russian Empire and former Soviet Union, including Lithuania, Armenia and Ukraine. Take a trip to the gift shop to browse traditional teas, cakes and world-famous Matryoshka nesting dolls.
Vikings Museum
Sports fans need to visit the Vikings Museum at TCO Stadium in Eagan. Explore exhibits about Vikings Hall of Famers, the six retired jersey numbers, evolution of uniforms, the unforgettable Minneapolis Miracle and more.
Paisley Park
Take a tour of Prince’s Paisley Park. Tours of Paisley Park range from $75 to $199 (before fees), with three ticketing options available for the public. Visit the Paisley Park Website to learn more or buy your tickets online. Tickets must be purchased in advance.
Shopping
Midtown Global Market
You don’t need to travel far to enjoy the flavors, sounds and art of over 20 different cultures. Spend hours exploring bustling stalls of international food and crafts at Midtown Global Market in the East Lake Street neighborhood.
Mall of America
Mondays are perfect for exploring everything the largest mall in the country has to offer. Shop ‘till you drop, or take advantage of interactive experiences like Nickelodeon Universe, Sea Life, the Great Big Game Show and Crayola Experience.
Zoos
Como Zoo & Conservatory
Located in nearby St. Paul, Como Zoo & Conservatory is the foolproof destination for a day of family fun. Open year-round, the zoo’s admission is free (although guest donation is encouraged) and features both indoor and outdoor exhibits. Beyond penguins and tigers, Como Park also has an amusement park, a beautiful conservatory, two miles of paved trails and more.
Minnesota Zoo
For a larger zoo experience, visit the Minnesota Zoo in Apple Valley. Explore the sea life in Discovery Bay, walk the Northern Trail to see American Bison and visit grizzly bears in Russia’s Grizzly Coast. In the spring and summer months walk the Treetop Trail to get a bird’s-eye-view of some of the animals. All tickets must be purchased online ahead of time.
Music, Movies & Comedy
Guthrie Theater Amber Box
A favorite hot spot for the best views of the Mississippi River, Guthrie Theater’s Amber Box is a popular location for Instagram photos. The Amber Box is a cantilever that protrudes 15 feet from the building and provides a near 360-degree view of Minneapolis from its groovy yellow windows. Below it is the Endless Bridge — another cantilever that extends 178 feet from the face of the building.
Dakota Jazz Club
At the historic Dakota Jazz Club, you’ll come for the music and stay for the food. With an outstanding menu and performances by world-renowned artists, it’s the perfect place for a night out. Enjoy an amazing meal before or during the show, or simply sit back with a cocktail and be absorbed by the music.
Acme Comedy Company
Located in the basement of the historic Itasca Building in North Loop, this nationally lauded comedy entertains Minneapolis with national comedy headliners and local up-and-comers. Lewis Black, Patton Oswalt, Jim Gaffigan, and Dana Gould have all been featured on the intimate stage. The club features food and drinks from Sticks Restaurant, including a “dinner and a show” special.
Monday Night Comedy at Indeed Brewing
Admission is free for this comedy night at one of Minneapolis' most loved breweries. One part beer, one part comedy, Comedy Night in The Ox at Indeed Brewing is sure to cure a case of the Mondays. Catch this event every second Monday of the month at 7pm.
Riverview Theatre
Catch a movie at this historic movie theater the Longfellow neighborhood of Minneapolis. The Riverview Theatre shows new releases, not-so-new releases, Lord of the Rings Trilogy Marathons, and holiday classics in December.
Gaming & Nightlife
Lucky Shots Pickleball Club
Lucky Shots Pickleball Club has 12 indoor pickleball courts with cushioned surfaces. It’s favored by the local pickleball pros, but newbies are frequenters here, too. Take a beginner class to learn the rules and techniques of the sport. If you’ve already got the hang of things, sign up for open play to drop in and play with a variety of partners with skills like yours. Or gather a group of friends and book a court! Rental rates vary depending on the time of day you go, and paddles are available for rent, too.
Up Down
Revisit your childhood at this amazing retro arcade bar! With all games being just 25 cents, you don’t have to choose between your favorites. They have a full bar with over 60 beers on tap and delicious house-made pizza so you can replenish after hitting the games hard. Let Up-Down fulfill all your gaming wishes and dreams.
Trivia Mafia
Trivia Mafia is a bar and brewery trivia operation in Minneapolis. Any night of the week you can locate a trivia night near you. StormKing Brewpub, Pryes Brewing Co, Bauhaus Brew Labs and Centro’s Nicollet location are some popular Monday night trivia spots!
Puttery
Find a popular 21+-only mini-golf spot in the North Loop. Puttery is home to three intricately designed putting courses and three bars with their own unique cocktail creations and upscale apps. For $25 you’ll be able to play unlimited rounds of mini golf.
Puttshack
Edina is home to another cocktail-putt putt experience. Puttshack is known for its tech-infused mini golf (plus you can drink cocktails on the course). There isn’t any paper or pencils here - there's a microchip in each ball that tracks your score. The goal here is to earn points!
Bowling
Memory Lanes
Memory Lanes hosts open bowling 3pm – 11pm on Mondays. With 30 fully automatic lanes, bumpers and cosmic bowling on nights and weekends, Memory Lanes is one of Minneapolis’ most popular bowling spots.
Elsie’s
Elsie’s in Northeast Minneapolis has open bowling on Monday nights after 5pm. With 16 modern bowling lanes and a great food and drink menu, it’ll make for a great start to your week.
Bryant Lake Bowl
Take advantage of Bryant Lake Bowl’s Cheap Date Night every Monday. Get two entrees, a bottle of wine or a few beers and one round of bowling on retro lanes for only $28 per couple.
