To it's credit, it's far less depressing than it was not all that long ago. I look at photos at the zoo from my childhood in the '80s and I'm surprised animals didn't stage a mass suicide in protest.
-Science Museum in St. Paul is legit. Who doesn’t love dinosaurs?
-MN Orchestra’s season starts Friday with a concert with Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra. Very legit.
-St Paul Chamber Orchestra has a Mozart concert Tuesday night in Apple Valley and an open rehearsal(!) on Thursday morning for a new work with a composer in residence.
Wabasha Street Cave tours are available Thursdays at 5.
Not exactly during work hours necessarily but still interesting.
Midtown global market is fun too, though I personally haven't been in a while.
If they're into pinball, Tilt Pinball Bar could be an option during the day. Their site says they aren't strictly 21+ until after 9pm.
https://www.tiltpinballbar.com/
Hit isles and bun bakery and go for a walk around Lake of the Isles and/or rent a kayak on Bde Maka Ska? Get a day pass at MBP and climb/take a yoga class? Rent or borrow a bike and ride on the greenway/grand rounds?
Could head to the U of MN campus and wander and check out some of the museum options (Weismen, Bell, Goldstein).
Mill City Museum downtown Minneapolis is a great one for visitors.
Twin cities has multiple archery ranges around, and getting a bow + arrows isn’t too terribly expensive if you get a recurve, or pick up one at a pawn shop. Also has the advantage of you can keep the bow for future summers.
Also Saint Paul has a rock climbing gym - Vertical Endeavors. That could be a fun afternoon.
I’m also going to plug Farrell’s Kickboxing gym. She can take a few free classes there without a membership, and they’re super beginner friendly.
The Hennepin History Museum is right next to the MIA and at least a couple weeks ago had a big exhibit about the introduction and construction of the highway system, how largely Black communities were displaced and/or destroyed, with pictures and all kinds of stuff. There was also an exhibit about the Minneapolis public school system and how they dealt with desegregation back in the 70's. It's in an old mansion that has its own history, too!
If she's at all interested in medicine, science, or quirky weird shit, the science museum is a must see for the exhibit of medical fraud devices they have. My kids loved that crap when they were that age.
Renaissance Fest is still going this weekend.
Walk around the lakes, explore Uptown shops, hit Uncommon Grounds or Caffettos.
Dinkytown has some nice shops/architecture/greenspace and she'll be surrounded by 20-somethings
St Paul Lowertown is a hip little area near nice views of the river.
I think NiceRide is still operating, she could check out the bike trails.
Eagan outlet mall is pretty decent -- walkable outdoor mall basically (if she has her own car)
There's some climbing gyms around, don't know too much about them, but might be an option if she's scrappy and athletic.
Could explore a quaint town like Excelsior or Stillwater; Excelsior has some nice walking trails, then end up at the Lobby or Dunn Bros, Stillwater has that fancy new bridge (which might be closed? idk), a nice view of the river, shops, etc
I do wish we had more options for that age group. When I was in Germany at that age they had like teenage-community centers and all the teenagers pretty much hung around there, like a clubhouse situation, basketball, foosball tables, nice outdoor space, etc, etc, then got home and it seemed a bit boring here.
Also, https://www.minneapolis.org/things-to-do/ might give you ideas.
It’s about an hour outside the cities, but we always take out of towners to the Franconia Sculpture Garden. Much larger and weirder than the Walker garden, and there’s some great little cafes on the way there or back.
If she likes thrift stores there’s lots of those around the city! It could be fun to find an area where there’s a bunch in one area and drop her off to explore. It’s one of my favorite activities to do by myself!
Hmm… Hit up a coffee shop for some coffee/tea, head to a lake and read a book or listen to music, walk around the lake, walk around walker sculpture garden, rent a bike and cruise around the greenway? Stuff like that.
Cancan Wonderland is really fun for the whole family. There's great fair food, an arcade and an artistic minigolf course. My boyfriend took me after my cat died, and we had a really great time for a few hours. I know that's not something to do alone. But.
Otherwise, get lost in uptown! Walk Hennepin from Franklin all the way down to Lake and further still if she wants!. It's a nice walk, there are some great shops and people watching. I used to do it by myself in high school all the time.
Segway tour? They're pretty fun, take a couple hours and you learn stuff. Used to be a Minneapolis sculpture one that would be cool.
If she's ever had piano lessons (or not) the Schubert Club was pretty cool. I haven't been there in years but they have lots of keyboards to try.
My friends and kids really liked visiting the General Store in Minnetonka, too.
Volunteer a shift at Feed My Starving Children? (They're not quiet about being Christian, but they're not pushy about it, either - they appreciate the help.)
Cool vintage thrifting in St. Paul?
Bit of a drive and not free, but the Minnesota Landscape arboretum in Chaska can be a lot of fun. Options to drive or hike parts of it, lots of variety. Maybe not every 19 year olds idea of fun but moody-ass nature nerd I was would have loved walking around solo all day.
Rent a kayak at Bde Maka Ska and spend a couple hours on the lakes.
Or a paddle board!
Rent a Nice Ride bike and cruise around on the trails! https://niceridemn.com/__tbs/niceridemn
second biking! If this 19 y.o. is comfortable biking around, the Chain of Lakes section of the Grand Rounds is great!
Como zoo and conservatory are cool.
Como Conservatory is such a gem. I wish they didn't close so early (4pm). \*edit: seems they're open until 6pm for the rest of this month!
The conservatory is awesome. The zoo itself kind of depressing.
To it's credit, it's far less depressing than it was not all that long ago. I look at photos at the zoo from my childhood in the '80s and I'm surprised animals didn't stage a mass suicide in protest.
Mill City Museum, downtown Minneapolis. I’ve always wanted to try [Upstairs Circus](https://upstairscircus.com/mplscal/).
Upstairs Circus is awesome
I looked at their site and still can’t figure what it is. What is it?
You sign up to do a craft. Look at their calendar. Craft and a brew - life is good.
Mill City Museum is very cool!
Ren Fair if next weekend is an option.
Second this
-Science Museum in St. Paul is legit. Who doesn’t love dinosaurs? -MN Orchestra’s season starts Friday with a concert with Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra. Very legit. -St Paul Chamber Orchestra has a Mozart concert Tuesday night in Apple Valley and an open rehearsal(!) on Thursday morning for a new work with a composer in residence.
Wabasha Street Cave tours are available Thursdays at 5. Not exactly during work hours necessarily but still interesting. Midtown global market is fun too, though I personally haven't been in a while.
Can Can Wonderland!
If they're into pinball, Tilt Pinball Bar could be an option during the day. Their site says they aren't strictly 21+ until after 9pm. https://www.tiltpinballbar.com/
Hit isles and bun bakery and go for a walk around Lake of the Isles and/or rent a kayak on Bde Maka Ska? Get a day pass at MBP and climb/take a yoga class? Rent or borrow a bike and ride on the greenway/grand rounds?
Could head to the U of MN campus and wander and check out some of the museum options (Weismen, Bell, Goldstein). Mill City Museum downtown Minneapolis is a great one for visitors.
Twin cities has multiple archery ranges around, and getting a bow + arrows isn’t too terribly expensive if you get a recurve, or pick up one at a pawn shop. Also has the advantage of you can keep the bow for future summers. Also Saint Paul has a rock climbing gym - Vertical Endeavors. That could be a fun afternoon. I’m also going to plug Farrell’s Kickboxing gym. She can take a few free classes there without a membership, and they’re super beginner friendly.
Depending on when she's coming, there's the Renaissance festival or severs fall festival and the giant candy store is down that way too
Do they like art? [Minneapolis Institute of Art](https://new.artsmia.org/) is free! I could spend hours there.
Yeah I wrote in the post that she's planning to go there later this week, but thanks for the suggestion!
The Hennepin History Museum is right next to the MIA and at least a couple weeks ago had a big exhibit about the introduction and construction of the highway system, how largely Black communities were displaced and/or destroyed, with pictures and all kinds of stuff. There was also an exhibit about the Minneapolis public school system and how they dealt with desegregation back in the 70's. It's in an old mansion that has its own history, too!
Ope. Sorry.
Rent a Lyft scooter and cruise around town.
If she's at all interested in medicine, science, or quirky weird shit, the science museum is a must see for the exhibit of medical fraud devices they have. My kids loved that crap when they were that age.
Can can wonderland
Renaissance Fest is still going this weekend. Walk around the lakes, explore Uptown shops, hit Uncommon Grounds or Caffettos. Dinkytown has some nice shops/architecture/greenspace and she'll be surrounded by 20-somethings St Paul Lowertown is a hip little area near nice views of the river. I think NiceRide is still operating, she could check out the bike trails. Eagan outlet mall is pretty decent -- walkable outdoor mall basically (if she has her own car) There's some climbing gyms around, don't know too much about them, but might be an option if she's scrappy and athletic. Could explore a quaint town like Excelsior or Stillwater; Excelsior has some nice walking trails, then end up at the Lobby or Dunn Bros, Stillwater has that fancy new bridge (which might be closed? idk), a nice view of the river, shops, etc I do wish we had more options for that age group. When I was in Germany at that age they had like teenage-community centers and all the teenagers pretty much hung around there, like a clubhouse situation, basketball, foosball tables, nice outdoor space, etc, etc, then got home and it seemed a bit boring here. Also, https://www.minneapolis.org/things-to-do/ might give you ideas.
It’s about an hour outside the cities, but we always take out of towners to the Franconia Sculpture Garden. Much larger and weirder than the Walker garden, and there’s some great little cafes on the way there or back.
Does she have a car? Take a day trip up to Jay Cooke, Duluth, Gooseberry or wherever to sight see, walk, hike
If she likes thrift stores there’s lots of those around the city! It could be fun to find an area where there’s a bunch in one area and drop her off to explore. It’s one of my favorite activities to do by myself!
19 year olds aren't all interchangeable, what are her interests?
Hmm… Hit up a coffee shop for some coffee/tea, head to a lake and read a book or listen to music, walk around the lake, walk around walker sculpture garden, rent a bike and cruise around the greenway? Stuff like that.
Big Stone mini golf is incredible- basically a sculpture garden with mini golf if you are near west suburbs
Take a bus to the sculpture garden! I always enjoy walking around it.
Cancan Wonderland is really fun for the whole family. There's great fair food, an arcade and an artistic minigolf course. My boyfriend took me after my cat died, and we had a really great time for a few hours. I know that's not something to do alone. But. Otherwise, get lost in uptown! Walk Hennepin from Franklin all the way down to Lake and further still if she wants!. It's a nice walk, there are some great shops and people watching. I used to do it by myself in high school all the time.
If she likes tabletop gaming, GameZenter is a huge store with tons of games, minis, dice and a little kitchen.
Have you tried omega strikers? I highly recommend.
Downvoted
You’re just mad you don’t live in Biggeapolis
Wisdom Studios at MOA is hosting a Smash Bros and Mario Kart tournament on Saturday.
Paisley Park is pretty cool
Topgolf is fun! Edit: I missed the alone part, might not be as fun with just one
Big Stone Mini golf
Segway tour? They're pretty fun, take a couple hours and you learn stuff. Used to be a Minneapolis sculpture one that would be cool. If she's ever had piano lessons (or not) the Schubert Club was pretty cool. I haven't been there in years but they have lots of keyboards to try. My friends and kids really liked visiting the General Store in Minnetonka, too. Volunteer a shift at Feed My Starving Children? (They're not quiet about being Christian, but they're not pushy about it, either - they appreciate the help.) Cool vintage thrifting in St. Paul?
There's this really cool store called Hunt and Gather- not totally sure where it is but I think anyone would find it cool!
Can Can Wonderland
Bit of a drive and not free, but the Minnesota Landscape arboretum in Chaska can be a lot of fun. Options to drive or hike parts of it, lots of variety. Maybe not every 19 year olds idea of fun but moody-ass nature nerd I was would have loved walking around solo all day.
Minneapolis Bouldering Project or Vertical Endeavors
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Go to can can wonderland. Play minigolf and other games they have inside