Jill Greer
The Northeast neighborhood makes Minnesotans think of two things: art and beer. Here, the Arts District is known for abundant galleries and studios. It’s where the annual springtime Art-A-Whirl festival shines a light on almost 800 area artists, who open their studios for free tours. You’ll also find their work in businesses, restaurants and breweries, often paired with local bands putting on shows of their own.
Slightly north and east of downtown, this spot offers standalone homes, quaint, above-shop apartments and lavish condos. Eastern European immigrants have left their mark here: They named the streets after the U.S. presidents in what amounts to a neighborhood-size study guide for the citizenship test.
TJ Turner
As for beer: You’ll find more than 10 breweries in the area, including Indeed Brewing, Dangerous Man Brewing Co. and Bauhaus Brew Labs. Several cideries and distilleries live here, too. Eating in Northeast means vibrant, global flavors: Hai Hai is a Vietnamese escape; Young Joni, run by James Beard Award-winning chef Ann Kim, puts Korean barbecue on pizza; and Psycho Suzi’s is a tiki-themed venue with a spacious patio on the Mississippi.
Matt Lien
Northeast’s second big district is on the waterfront. The skyline-framed Mississippi River makes it a stunning outdoor destination, where the scenic St. Anthony Main lies within easy walking distance. The 1.8-mile St. Anthony Falls Heritage Trail is a favorite for sightseeing: Along the route, you’ll catch views of the lit-up Grain Belt Beer sign and the first bridge to cross the Mississippi. Boom Island Park makes an ideal resting place to take in the rest of the Riverfront District—and perhaps have a picnic.
Farther along, the cobblestone-lined Southeast Main Street offers arguably the best view of Minneapolis. Here, you can end any day with a film at the St. Anthony Main Theatre or a horse-drawn carriage ride along the river.
