Lake Street. It’s one of the most vibrant corridors in Minneapolis, where over 2,000 businesses sit on a stretch of road under 6 miles long. It was also hit hard in 2020 by COVID and civil unrest, with many businesses shuttering, and others facing unprecedented challenges. But a lot can change in a few years, and the street is re-debuting itself to the world in a big way this spring. The Lake of 10,000 Lands campaign is a celebration of everything that makes Lake Street extraordinary: its resilience, its diversity, and its unmatched vibe. If you haven’t been here lately, you’re missing out on a lot. Here are five highlights:
A World Cuisine Tour de Force
Lake Street is home to one of the most diverse dining scenes in the Midwest. There are East African eateries, Asian noodle joints, coffee shops, bakeries, and ice cream parlors, just to name a few. And if you’re a taco fiend, you won’t find anywhere else in the city with even half as many options.
Shops With a Soul
Lake Street is a big destination for those who love to shop small. Browse handmade imported gifts, hunt for vintage treasures, or grab your daily necessities from a charming mom-and-pop market. Many of these shops have been family-run for generations, and with every purchase, you’re bolstering immigrant-owned businesses, and our local economy. Feels good, does good.
Bustling Cultural Malls
The cultural malls of Lake Street serve as long standing incubators for hundreds of independent businesses representing cultures from all over the globe. There are five of these major shopping hubs anchoring the corridor: Midtown Global Market, Karmel Mall, Plaza Mexico, Mercado Central, and Madina Mall. In every one, you’ll find dozens of dining options, eclectic gift shops, and specialty grocery stores.
Incredible Street Art
In recent years, in an effort to beautify the area and help residents process the events of 2020 through art, Lake Street Council has invested over half a million dollars in new murals, sculptures, and art installations. The results are dazzling. These larger-than-life pieces, especially when seen up close, are as moving and thought-provoking as anything you’d see in a museum.
A Spirit of Resilience and Renewal
This one is admittedly intangible, but Lake Street is a place where the American dream feels alive and well. When you’re there, you can feel the desire and the drive to come back stronger than ever. When spring hits, with the long hours of sunlight comes a new sense of possibility that shines over Lake Street. And the new campaign isn’t just about showcasing businesses; it’s about celebrating the spirit that makes this neighborhood what it is. There’s never been a better time to explore this one-of-a-kind Minneapolis destination. Every visit helps fuel a comeback story that’s still being written.
Funding made possible by the State of Minnesota and the City of Minneapolis as a part of Lake Street Lift.
