There are so many special things to enjoy during summertime in Minnesota. Long, sun-filled days, evenings on the patio, weekends at the lake, and countless opportunities to explore make it one of the best seasons to experience everything the Twin Cities have to offer. Whether you're new to the area or have called Minnesota home for years, these local favorites capture the very best of summer in Minneapolis and Wayzata. We encourage you go get out, be a tourist in your own city, and share your experience of your favorite Minneapolis things to do!
1. Start the Morning at a Farmers Market
Fresh flowers, locally grown produce, artisan bread, and handcrafted goods are all part of the experience.
Local favorites thanks to a great list from Mpls St. Paul magazine - full article linked here!
Mill City Farmers Market
With more than 100 rotating farmers, food makers, and artists, every Saturday the Mill City Farmers Market is great for shopping local, healthy, and sustainable groceries. This vibrant marketplace is a year-round experience, open on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., and is great for the whole family, including your favorite furry friends. 750 S. 2nd St., Mpls., millcityfarmersmarket.org
Downtown St. Paul Farmers Market
Located in the heart of St. Paul, this farmers market brings together local farmers and artisans to offer fresh produce, baked goods, handmade crafts, and much more. The market is open Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Sundays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and has free parking and pedicab rides from the lot to the market. 290 E. 5th St., St. Paul, stpaulfarmersmarket.com
Minneapolis Farmers Market
The largest open-air farmers market in the state of Minnesota is open for the season. Wednesday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Saturday through Sunday from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m., stop by to shop fresh produce and products from the local farming community. 312 East Lyndale Ave. N., Mpls., mplsfarmersmarket.com
Northeast Minneapolis Farmers Market
Every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in May to October, the Northeast Minneapolis Farmers Market is in the St. Boniface Church parking lot—no matter the weather. 629 2nd St. NE, Mpls., northeastmarket.org
Arriving early not only means the best selection, but cooler temperatures and smaller crowds.
2. Enjoy Coffee on a Patio or Along a Waterfront Trail
Enjoy a slow morning or catch up with a friend over a delightful cup of coffee.
A few favorite spots include:
- FRGMNT Coffee (Multiple Minneapolis locations) - then on to the west river road trails
- The Grocer's Table (Wayzata) - enjoy a conversation along the Panoway of Wayzata Bay
- Spyhouse Coffee (North Loop, Northeast, St. Paul)
Grab your drink and enjoy watching the city - or the lake - come to life.
3. Take in the Mississippi River
The river is one of Minneapolis' greatest treasures, especially during summer.
Spend an afternoon exploring and having a picnic stopping along any and all of these accessible locations:
- Gold Medal Park
- West River Parkway
- Mill Ruins Park
- Take the Stone Arch Bridge over to St. Anthony Main
For any activity, the riverfront offers some of the city's most beautiful views.
4. Experience Minneapolis from a Rooftop Patio
Warm evenings and skyline views make rooftop dining one of summer's greatest pleasures.
Some popular options include:
- Nolo's Rooftop bar
- Hewing Hotel Rooftop Lounge
- Brit's Pub
- Gai Noi - you'll get great views of the Basilica of Saint Mary and Loring Park.
Reservations are often worthwhile on warm weekends.
5. Spend an Evening at Gold Medal Park
One of the most peaceful places downtown, Gold Medal Park offers beautiful landscaping, open green space, and wonderful views of the Guthrie Theater and Mississippi River.
Bring a blanket, a picnic, or simply enjoy watching the sunset over the city.
6. Cruise Around on the Water
No Minnesota summer feels complete without spending time on the water.
Some great ways to enjoy the lake:
- Rent a pontoon at Howard's Point Marina on Lake Minnetonka
- All aboard a Riverboat Cruise
- Dine waterside after an afternoon on the water at Sea Salt at Minnehaha Falls, Bread + Pickle at Lake Harriet, or Josefina in Wayzata
Even if you aren't boating, simply spending time along the shoreline captures the essence of summer.
7. Catch an Outdoor Concert
Music fills the Twin Cities throughout the season.
Look for performances at:
- Lake Harriet Bandshell
- Minneapolis Music & Movies in the Parks - Information on 2026 schedule linked here
- Target Field outdoor venue - schedule linked here!
Many events are free and perfect for families or a casual evening out.
8. Enjoy a Long Summer Brunch
Weekend brunch becomes an event during Minnesota summers.
Local favorites include:
- Spoon and Stable
- Martina
- Bellecour Bakery at Cooks of Crocus Hill (Edina)
- Benedict's Morning Heroes (Wayzata)
- Cov Wayzata
Choose a patio whenever possible - you'll be glad you did.
9. Explore Minneapolis' Art & Culture
Summer is an ideal time to combine outdoor exploration with a bit of culture.
Don't miss:
- Minneapolis Sculpture Garden
- Walker Art Center - enjoy free exhibits on Thursdays 5-9 pm
- Guthrie Theater
- Mill City Museum
Many attractions are just minutes apart - like the sculpture garden & Walker art center - and Mill City Museum & Guthrie, making it easy to build a rolling itinerary.
10. Kayak or Paddle the City's Lakes
The Chain of Lakes offers some of the most scenic paddling in the Midwest.
You'll experience the city from an entirely different perspective.
11. Treat Yourself to a Local Ice Cream
Nothing says summer quite like ice cream after a day outdoors.
A few beloved destinations:
- Sebastian Joe's with multiple destinations like Uptown and Linden Hills
- Pumphouse Creamery
Expect lines - but it's always worth the wait.
12. Spend an Afternoon in Downtown Wayzata
Wayzata perfectly blends lakeside charm with upscale shopping and dining.
Browse local boutiques, enjoy public art, relax along the waterfront, or simply sit on a bench overlooking Wayzata Bay.
Start on Broadway Street along the bay.
It's one of those places where slowing down feels natural.
13. Pack a Picnic
Minnesota's parks are among the nation's best.
Perfect picnic destinations include:
- Theodore Wirth Regional Park
- Minnehaha Regional Park
- Gold Medal Park
- Clifton E. French Regional Park
- Wayzata Beach & Marina
- Just to name a few!
Bring local cheeses, fresh fruit, and something from the farmers market for an easy afternoon outdoors.
14. Cheer on the Home Team
Summer is baseball season, and an afternoon or evening at Target Field remains one of Minneapolis' favorite traditions.
Even if you're not a lifelong baseball fan, the atmosphere, skyline views, and local food options make it a memorable outing.
Visit the schedule for the 2026 Twins here
15. End the Day with Dinner by the Water
Few things compare to dining outdoors as the sun sets over Lake Minnetonka or an after dinner stroll across the Stone Arch Bridge.
Wonderful options include:
Watching the boats return to the marina while enjoying dinner is a perfect way to close out a Minnesota summer day.
Make the Most of Summer While it's Here
Minnesota summers are packed with opportunities to experience the very best our communities have to offer. Whether you're exploring downtown Minneapolis, enjoying a relaxing afternoon in Wayzata, or discovering a new favorite restaurant, every season brings its own reasons to fall in love with where you live.
If you're thinking about making a move - or simply want to learn more about Minneapolis, Wayzata, or the surrounding communities - I'd be happy to be a resource. After all, finding the right home is about more than the house itself; it's about finding the lifestyle that fits you best.
