Vacationing in Minnesota may conjure up images of camping, hiking, cozy cabins on the shores of crystal blue lakes or just relaxing as you absorb the beauty of the natural world around you. While it’s true that Minnesota is a truly spectacular location to explore the great outdoors, it is also brimming with a vibrant, metropolitan culture, which is frequently overlooked by prospective travelers. In the cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul alone, there are countless nooks and crannies to explore; places to absorb the energy of a lively city, all within easy reach of the lakes, streams and forests of the Northwoods. Here, in places like Nicollet Mall, Hennepin Avenue and the Uptown region, a vibrant arts scene, delectable dining and world-class shopping thrive. The shops and restaurants feature a wonderful blend of rustic Northwoods influences along with the more cosmopolitan aspects of big city life. Take some time to explore the wonders of nature in the Minnesota Northwoods, but on your way, be sure to check out the delightfully metropolitan hotspots of the Twin Cities of Minneapolis/St. Paul such as Nicollet Mall.
For over a century, Nicollet Avenue has been the place to see and be seen in Minneapolis. In its early years, small shops sprung up along Nicollet Avenue, but in the late nineteenth/early twentieth century, several large department stores moved in: Powers, Donaldson’s and Dayton’s. These impressively stocked stores featuring upscale merchandise, clothing and jewelry for a new breed of modern consumer. In the mid-twentieth century the rapid development of suburbia threatened to destroy urban stores and shopping centers such as Nicollet Avenue. In response to this threat, city developers transformed a large part of the Nicollet Avenue area into a delightful tree-lined, urban mall in 1968; Nicollet Mall. This development was completed with a ‘crown jewel’ or Minneapolis, a revolutionary skyway system to allow shoppers a safe, all-weather means of access to this bustling shopping district and other areas of the city. To this day, Nicollet Mall is closed to automobiles, making it an ideal spot for pedestrians to peruse the shops and restaurants unhindered by the nuisance of heavy urban traffic.
Many folks think of Nicollet Mall primarily as a shopping venue; however, there are many, varied attractions here. Visitors should be sure to catch a show at Orchestra Hall. World class pop and classical performers are featured throughout the year. This structure also serves as the home of the world-renowned Minnesota Orchestra. Just outside of Orchestra Hall is Peavey Plaza, home to casual concerts in summer and an ice skating rink in winter. Nicollet Avenue is also home to the Minnesota Planetarium and the Minneapolis Public Library. The structure of the Minneapolis Public Library itself is a stunning architectural achievement, designed by Cesar Pelli, and is worthy of an hour or two’s exploration. Today’s visitors can even revisit the spot where Mary Tyler Moore triumphantly tossed her hat up in the air during the iconic ‘Mary Tyler Moore’ show opening credits. This nostalgic television moment is commemorated here at Nicollet Mall with a statue of the event.
Nicollet Mall is home to a variety of seasonal attractions which should not be missed. Throughout the summer, Nicollet Mall hosts a farmer’s market complete with an astoundingly colorful array of organic produce and locally crafted goods to the delight of locals and visitors alike. Every holiday season, Nicollet Mall comes alive with the festive Holidazzle Parades held almost daily from Thanksgiving to Christmas, which are excellent entertainment for both children and those who are children at heart.
After a day of exploring the sights or perusing the upscale shopping available at a multitude of stores including Macy’s, the Gap, Ann Taylor and Cole Haan, visitors can stop in to one of the local dining establishments for a little relaxation and refreshment. For trendy, elegant dining, ‘Vincent’ is an excellent choice. With trendy, French influenced fare, Vincent is a great spot for a romantic evening out without the kiddos. There are also some great happy hour specials offered by this classic Minneapolis establishment. For more casual, pub fare, try Brit’s Pub, a traditional English pub hosting a mean game of lawn bowling on its roof during warm, summer months. For a nightcap, check out the margaritas as the Barrio Tequila Bar or sip a Jameson’s Irish Whiskey at ‘The Local.’ Locals also enjoy kicking back at the Dakota Jazz Club and Restaurant, a Nicollet Mall classic for great jazz, blues and tasty grub to boot.
While parking in a downtown, urban area may sound daunting, there are other, easier ways to access Nicollet Mall. The Hiawatha Light Rail system connects Nicollet Mall with the airport and the Mall of America. There are also a variety of bus routes passing by Nicollet Mall, including a circulator bus running between the shopping district and the Minneapolis Convention Center.
Nicollet Mall and its surrounding areas are upscale, urban and all-together outstanding for exploring the history, culture and nightlife of downtown Minneapolis. Come for the Minnesotan nature, but be sure to check out this lively, vibrant locale on your way!
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