Near North & Camden
Visit Near North and Camden — known for dining, arts and parks
The Near North and Camden neighborhoods are one of Minneapolis’ most diverse neighborhood areas. Prince even spent a few important formative, guitar-strumming, piano-tapping years here. They are home to cultural landmarks, parks and locally owned businesses that bring life and energy to the area with a focus on community-led growth.
Make sure to check out a local resident's perspective on more things to do in the neighborhood. Another great way to visit all areas of Near North is to go on this self-guide public art tour. Use this interactive map, created by The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) and City of Minneapolis.
Things to Do
Within Near North, you’ll find the popular street of West Broadway, home to a historic theater, murals and more. Catch a performance at the Capri Theater, which has worked to develop the artistic and performance community in North Minneapolis for over 50 years. It’s widely believed that Prince’s first solo performance (i.e., headlining as himself, not part of a different group) was at the Capri in January 1979. They host live theater, concerts, film screenings and offer after-school youth classes and workshops.
Nearby is Juxtaposition Arts, a non-profit youth art and design education center, gallery, retail shop and studio space. Outside the building is Skate-able Art Plaza, a community mini-park for rollerbladers and skateboarders surrounded by colorful murals represents the sights of Minneapolis. For more artwork rotating exhibits, visit the Minnesota African American Heritage Museum and Gallery. The museum celebrates the achievements and contributions of Black Minnesotans, while also educating and informing the public about Black history.
For time outdoors, head to North Commons Park. It's the perfect place for any recreational activity, including basketball and tennis courts, baseball and football fields, an ice-skating rink and a wading pool. In the summer, there's even a free water park with water slides and a splash pool. If you’re visiting in the winter or just want to enhance your spider monkey skills, sign up for a climbing class at the Minneapolis Bouldering Project.
Where to Shop
Close to North Commons Park is the West Broadway Farmer’s Market, which is open Friday afternoons, June-October. You'll find the requisite fruit and veggies, but there’s also a wide array of clothing, art, live music, DJs and spontaneous dancing. Shop some more at Friedman’s Department Store. Located in North Minneapolis for 100 years, Friedman’s carries hundreds of styles of sneakers and has stellar customer service. Finally, plant moms will love Mother Co., Plants, where cacti from Mexico are a hot commodity. They also have everything you need to care for your plants.
Where to Eat & Drink
If you worked up an appetite after exploring the neighborhood, we don’t blame you. Right along the Mississippi River is Pryes Brewing Company. This spacious craft beer taproom offers signature wood fire pizzas along with their award-winning craft beers. Their menu has creative drinks, like a sweet potato cream latte or a brown sugar banana cream latte, but also classics, like plain-and-simple coffee, chai and matcha lattes or an array of teas. Get another sweet-treat-fix from Cookie Cart, one of the sweetest cookie shops in the Twin Cities. More than that, thanks to this local cookie shop, teens 15- to 18-years-old learn valuable job skills (for many it’s their first job) and have an opportunity to gain leadership experience.
Sammy's Avenue Eatery makes delicious sandwiches, homemade soups and freshly baked pies. Known for the relaxed and welcoming atmosphere relaxed, it's a great gathering spot. If you're looking for new flavors and dishes, take some time to wine and dine at Bar Brava. The menu changes several times per week depending on what's in season and what local food vendors provide. Most of the dishes are inspired by Spanish recipes.
Camden Neighborhood
Travel a bit more north in Minneapolis and you’ll wind up in the Camden Neighborhood. Start off with a craft coffee fix at The Get Down Coffee Company. Their menu has creative drinks, like a sweet potato cream latte or a brown sugar banana cream latte, but also classics, like plain-and-simple coffee, chai and matcha lattes or an array of teas. Partner that delicious cup of coffee with a sweet treat from Thirsty Whale Bakery. They have an vast array of baked goods, including donuts, pastries, cakes and cookies. Thirsty Whale is known for their crazy and fun creations, so stop in to see what they have cooked up for the day. For another coffee boast, check out Corner Coffee. It's a cozy café that offers a play area for the kids too.
Inside North Market, a Co-op store, is Wendy's House of Soul. This unique spot offers your favorite soul food flavors in an egg roll form! Head to heal mpls, a community cafe that not only serves nutritious plant-based food, but also provides affordable herbal medicine to support a holistic lifestyle. For dinner and cocktail, Camden Social is the place to go. They have a casual, yet upscale bar vibe and tasty menu filled with soul food favorites.
Camden is great neighborhood for outdoor activities. During the summer you'll hear splashes coming from the Webber Natural Swimming Pool. The pool does not use chemicals and instead has a filtration system containing aquatic plants like those used in koi ponds, combined with skimmers and pumps. Take in the beautiful views of over 500 memorial trees along Victory Memorial Drive. This section of the parkway was named in honor of the Allied victory in Europe and in memory of the 568 Hennepin County residents who died while serving in the armed forces during World War I. Rent a bike or walk the along the Drive and make your way to the central monument and flagpole.
At Hot Comics and Collectibles you can discover hidden gems and rare collectibles, as you browse through the colorful shelves to find your favorite comics and fan memorabilia. Bring home plenty of sugary delights at Dancing Bear Chocolate. They have locally crafted artisan chocolates, confections, pastry and gelato and offer over 250 menu items on a rotating basis.
Getting Around Near North & Camden
Near North and Camden are large areas, with a lot of on-street parking.
The 14 Bus will take you to North Commons Park and most other locations throughout the area.
The 19 Bus/C-Line will take you to the Minnesota African American Heritage Museum & Gallery.
The 22 Bus and 5 Bus/D-Line will take you through Camden and to the Webber Natural Pool.