This Major City In The Midwest Offers Urban Beaches, Lakes, And Unique Sights

If you're interested in visiting a place with beaches and water activities, you may assume the best option would be a destination along the coast. Even if you're looking at the Midwest, the Great Lakes often attract the biggest crowds, such as in the beach towns along Lake Michigan. However, what if there was a city in the Midwest that was full of lakes and urban beaches and also home to the most traveler-friendly airport in the region? Well, then you'd be planning a visit to Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Although Minneapolis is firmly a big metro area, it's actually full of lakes (more than 20, to be precise) and contains a dozen public beaches. So, if you're trying to pick a spot that works well for summer fun in the sun, don't worry about expensive and crowded areas like Southern California or Florida, since Minneapolis has you covered. But beyond its natural scenery (which includes a waterfall within its borders), this city also has some unique attractions and sights, such as art museums, historic theaters, and the mesmerizing Mississippi River. If you're looking for a memorable Midwest vacation that offers a wide variety of activities and amenities, it's time to give Minneapolis a second look.

When it comes to a Minneapolis beach vacation, there are 12 stretches of sand spread across six different lakes. The largest lake is Bde Maka Ska (formerly Lake Calhoun), which has three unique beaches. Similarly, Cedar Lake, to the north, has three beaches, and it's close enough to Bde Maka Ska that you could theoretically hit the shores of both in a single day. Then there's Lake Harriet to the south, which has two beaches; Lake Nokomis on the other side of I-35; and the beaches of Lake Hiawatha and Wirth Lake. Overall, these spots are great for relaxing on the sand, swimming in the shallows, or renting boats to paddle out and enjoy the water.

Once you're ready for a change of scenery, you can head east to the Mississippi River and check out Minnehaha Regional Park. There, you can see Minnehaha Falls, standing over 50 feet high. The park also connects to the river, so you can sit and watch boats floating by on their way south. Alternatively, if you head upriver, you can explore both sides of the waterway without leaving the city. For example, you can hang out at Mill Ruins Park next to Central Minneapolis, then walk across the historic stone arch bridge to Father Hennepin Bluff Park on the other side.

But what happens when winter rolls in? Since Minneapolis freezes during this season, most of the lakes turn into ice, which offers a different kind of lakeside experience. Rather than renting a boat, you can simply walk out onto the lake and participate in ice fishing or skating. Residents don't let a little cold weather stop their recreational opportunities, and neither should you.

One of the advantages of exploring Minneapolis is that, since it's home to Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP), you don't have to travel far to get to the city center. (Curiously, MSP is one of the most interesting airports to make a layover more fun.) Plus, as a major city, there are tons of hotels and vacation rentals to suit your budget and vacation plans. Another thing to keep in mind is that Minneapolis is one of the most bike-friendly cities in America, so depending on what you're trying to see and where you plan to stay, you may not need a rental car to get around.

And if you're not clamoring for outdoor experiences, the city has many other unique sites to visit. If you're an art lover, check out the Minneapolis Institute of Art, which has exhibits that span over 5,000 years of human creativity. For a slightly more whimsical option, the Weisman Art Museum has a funky facade and is full of quirky exhibits. Similarly, the Walker Art Center is home to the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, where you can see artworks like a giant spoon and a blue rooster.

Minneapolis also has some incredible live entertainment venues if you're trying to catch a show. The Hennepin Theatre District along Hennepin Avenue is where you can find a cluster of theaters, including the Orpheum, the Pantages, and the State Theatre. For a more contemporary setting, though, head over to the Guthrie Theater near the Mississippi River, which features unique architecture and has a restaurant dedicated to Indigenous cuisine.