The best time to visit Minneapolis: Your year-round guide
Discover the top things to do in Minneapolis by season, from cold-weather festivals to sunny strolls in nature.
Edited by Karen Johanson | December 18, 2025
Minneapolis transforms with each season, offering fresh ways to explore downtown and beyond. Winter brings sparkling lights and holiday shopping on the bustling Skyway System, while spring revives the riverfront with art and early blooms. Summer is all about lakeside afternoons, outdoor festivals, and late sunsets. In fall, vibrant colors frame the city’s parks and river walks, and game days add extra energy downtown. Whether you’re wandering the Nicollet shopping and dining district, biking the Chain of Lakes, or catching a show in the Mill District, every season showcases new opportunities for adventure.
Winter in Minneapolis
Minneapolis sparkles in winter, with twinkling lights lining Nicollet and a network of skyways designed for easy exploring and holiday shopping, even on the coldest days. Layer up for signature events like The Great Northern Festival (at the end of January, early February), featuring fat-tire biking, snow yoga, and a sauna village, or the Luminary Loppet (in early February), where candlelit ice lanterns illuminate the path around Lake of the Isles, with live music, food trucks, and fire dancers. Lace up your skates to glide across frozen lakes and pop-up rinks at local businesses, and explore Theodore Wirth Park, a playground for winter fun, featuring Nordic skiing and snowshoeing. Afterward, warm up inside world-class theaters, museums, and cozy coffee shops nearby. Stay steps from all the action at Hilton Minneapolis, with direct skyway access and easy walks to Nicollet and the Convention Center, plus a Topgolf Swing Suite for when you'd rather stay in.
Spring on the riverfront
Spring in Minneapolis is a season of renewal, with early blooms popping up in riverfront parks. Stroll Mississippi River trails, take in panoramic views from the Stone Arch Bridge, and catch a show at the Guthrie Theater. In late May, connect with local artists at Art-A-Whirl, the nation’s largest open studio tour where galleries and patios buzz with energy. Time your visit for late spring to enjoy patio dining and riverside walks as the city shakes off the winter chill. Canopy by Hilton Minneapolis Mill District is your artful home base for spring adventures, located steps from the Guthrie Theater and scenic river paths, and just minutes from Northeast Minneapolis art.
Summer at the lakes
Summer in Minneapolis means lazy days at the Chain of Lakes, where you can paddle, swim, fish, or relax on sandy beaches. From downtown, bike paths connect you to these and other Westside destinations for easy weekend escapes. Minneapolis Music & Movies in the Park creates a lively festival atmosphere in city parks from Memorial Day through Labor Day, with more than 200 events on the calendar. Celebrate artists, chefs, musicians, and the LGBTQ+ community of Minneapolis at June events, including the Stone Arch Bridge Festival and Twin Cities Pride Festival. DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Minneapolis Downtown puts you close to Nicollet and Loring Park, making it easy to access the lakes and downtown dining.
Fall colors and game days
Fall foliage brings a tapestry of color to Minneapolis, with riverfront walks and parks glowing in shades of gold and crimson. The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden is a favorite for crisp morning strolls, while downtown theaters and concert halls open with new seasons. Football, hockey, basketball, and end-of-season baseball add excitement throughout the week with stadiums and arenas downtown or easily accessible by transit. Peak foliage typically arrives in mid to late fall, so plan your visit to catch the changing leaves and pair it with an evening show or game. Hampton Inn and Suites Minneapolis Downtown is ideally located for stadium events and quick access to downtown arts and dining.
Disclaimer: We used AI assistance to generate this content. All information was reviewed by Hilton's team to ensure it meets our standards for accuracy and ethics, allowing us to better match your travel needs and connect you with the right stay.
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