Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Maple Grove

"Stroll outside to the adjacent Minneapolis Sculpture Garden to see perhaps the most-photographed feature in the city, Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen’s “Spoonbridge and Cherry.” Or head to the bustling Nicollet Mall to browse the shops or enjoy a cocktail al fresco before dinner at Butcher and the Boar (a James Beard semi-finalist) for exquisite house-cured meats and homemade pickles. If you don’t have reservations, don’t worry. The outside beer garden serves less casual fare with the same amazing ingredients."

"The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden displays sculptures of the Walker Art Center in a lovely 19-acre urban green space. One of the most famous pieces is Claes Oldenburg's Spoonbridge and Cherry. In addition to the sculptures, this popular tourist attraction is also home to the Cowles Pavilion & Regis Promenade and the Alene Grossman Memorial Arbor and Flower Garden with seasonal displays."

"This 19-acre green space, studded with contemporary works such as the oft-photographed Spoonbridge & Cherry by Claes Oldenburg, sits beside the Walker Art Center. The Cowles Conservatory, abloom with exotic... Top ChoiceMuseum in Minneapolis"

"Built into the ruins of what was once the world’s largest flour mill, Mill City Museum is located on the historic Mississippi Riverfront. Here, visitors of all ages learn about the intertwined histories of the flour industry, the river, and the city of Minneapolis."

"The building is indeed a former mill, and highlights include a ride inside an eight-story grain elevator (the 'Flour Tower'), Betty Crocker exhibits and a baking lab. It's not terribly exciting unless you're..."

"The Mill City Museum, built from the ruins of the Washburn Mill, sits right next to the Mississippi River. It is family-friendly and features interactive exhibits, a restaurant, gift shop, and much more."

"Recognized as one of St. Paul's defining structures, the James J. Hill House is a massive 36,000-sqare-foot mansion on a hill overlooking downtown St. Paul and the Mississippi River. Today, the house functions as a museum exhibiting the Hill family's collection of art as well as antique furniture and musical instruments including a pipe organ. Perhaps the most arresting quality of the house is its stunning and delicate woodwork, which fills the rooms with warmth even on cold winter days."

"Como Park Conservatory in St. Paul was built in 1915 and now houses a wide variety of animals in natural habitats, including big cats like lions and snow leopards, primates like gorillas and spider monkeys, and family favorites like sloths and zebras. The zoo is also home to water-loving animals like sea lions, seals, and penguins, and tropical critters including anaconda and the Galapagos tortoise. One of the most popular attractions for kids at the Como Park Zoo is the giraffe feeding station, where you can get face to face with these gentle herbivores."

"1225 Estabrook Drive // Saint Paul, MN 55103 For over 100 years, Como Zoo and Marjorie McNeely Conservatory has charmed, educated, and entertained millions while fostering an appreciation of the natural world."

"Stretching west to east from the Mississippi to downtown, you’ll find one of the oldest neighborhoods in Saint Paul. Exit the cathedral and head toward the front entrance, turn right, and take a walk down Summit Avenue which has the longest line of Victorian-era homes in the United States. The iconic 4.5-mile street is a throwback to the gilded age when industrial tycoons were among the richest in America."

"This street is miles of pure history and various historical buildings are located along this street. It is on this street that you also get to see one of the top 10 tourist attraction sites, the James J Hill House and other historical landmarks. The street also has buildings registered in the History of Places, among them the Cathedral of St. Paul."

"Summit Avenue is home to the longest stretch of Victorian-era homes in the United States. You’ll be sure to take more than enough Instagram-worthy photos as you walk this stretch of Saint Paul."

"One of the most distinctive features of Minneapolis' southwestern ice is Lake Harriet. The impressive lake sets the scene for much of the city's outdoor activity, from sailing and fishing to live music and outdoor movies in the park. From the banks of the lake, visitors have sweeping views of Minneapolis."

"4135 W Lake Harriet ParkwayMinneapolis, MN 55409(612) 230-6400. Lake Harriet Park is a picturesque park that features beaches, gardens, picnic areas, a beautiful castle-like bandstand, and so much more."

"In the Northeast, you can start your beer crawl at Indeed Brewing Company and then—depending on your level of motivation—move on to Bahaus Brew Labs, 612 Brew, Dangerous Man Brewing Company, and Sociable Cider Werks, all within blocks of each other. Where to Stay: Renaissance Minneapolis Hotel, The Depot is just steps from the North Loop, Guthrie Theater, Stone Arch Bridge, and the Mill City Museum in what was formerly the Milwaukee Road Depot—a Renaissance Revival-style train depot built in 1899. Rooms feature twelve-foot ceilings and oversized windows that look out onto the downtown skyline, and in winter the long-span, truss-roofed shed is an enclosed ice-skating rink with floor-to-ceiling windows. Nearby, the Nicollet Island Inn—on a small island on the river—has fashioned a romantic getaway housed in an 1893-era stone building."

"Indeed is a cozy, quaint taproom featuring some of the best beers in the state of Minnesota. Like some of their peers, Indeed was a trendsetter for craft brewing in the Twin Cities. You really can’t go wrong with any of their beer options."

"Although it’s still got the feel of an undiscovered secret, Insight Brewing seems to have a made a name for itself in liquor shops all over the state. So maybe that’s why their big, open concept taproom is more often than not packed to the gills, in the best way. With classics like An Obstruction on the Toll Way, The Wisdom of Old One Eye, and The Return Voyage of Banshee Cutter, you might feel like you climbed out of a Tolkien novel while placing your order."

"Every brewery patron is looking for a killer brew, and if that’s you, then Insight should be on your radar!. Their crafts come highly recommended by locals and what’s even better?. They are proudly pet friendly!"

"Ngon Vietnamese Bistro’s wine selections focus on bottles from sustainable, organic farms, and the handcrafted cocktails shouldn’t be ignored either. The happy hour prices (afternoon and late-night) really seal the deal."

"KingfieldThe petite French restaurant from James Beard nominated chef Jamie Malone is offering take-n-bake dinners for two that change on a daily basis. Past menus included braised pork shoulder, collard greens, and cornbread pudding on one day and chicken and dumplings the next. The cafe has also been up to cool things like popping bingo cards in guests’ to-go meals and hosting online games as well as gifting one lunch to local neighbors in need for every dinner purchased.Hours: Daily 6-7:30pmCost: $30"

"The last time you got a bonus at work, you got too excited and bought a leather jacket with your name in sequins on the back that you’ve only worn once. Next time you have some money to spend, skip getting the matching pants and go to Grand Cafe. This Kingfield spot serves over-the-top dishes like caviar, a $35 omelette, and a savory donut chicken liver sandwich."

"The independently owned and operated Boiler Room Coffee, located in the Stevens Square neighborhood, is a cozy and comfortable hangout spot. Customers choose from three locally roasted daily house blends, but this coffee shop also food for those who want to snack while sipping on their coffee. From fancy waffles to sandwiches made fresh in-house, it's a popular spot for people to meet and just relax."