Free Things to Do in the Twin Cities

As a college student, I am always on the hunt for things to do that don't drain my bank account. And the Twin Cities is SO good for that. Between free museums, a free zoo, a waterfall in the middle of the city, and miles of lake trails, you can fill an entire weekend without spending a dime (okay, maybe on one coffee).

Here are my favorite free things to do in Minneapolis and St. Paul, whether you're a student, visiting on a budget, or just want a fun day out that doesn't cost anything.

The Twin Cities has some seriously impressive museums, and a lot of them are free:

• Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia). Free general admission every day, with over 90,000 works from six continents. You could spend a whole day here and still not see everything.
• Walker Sculpture Garden. Home of the famous Spoonbridge and Cherry, and free all year. Take the photo, you know you want to.
• Walker Art Center. The museum itself is free on Thursday evenings and the first Saturday of every month, so plan around it.
• Weisman Art Museum. Free every day on the University of Minnesota campus. The building was designed by Frank Gehry, and it's worth the visit just to see the outside.

As a St. Paul girl, I had to give my city its own section:

• Como Park Zoo and Conservatory. A free zoo, open every day of the year! See the lions, tigers, and Galapagos tortoises, then warm up in the conservatory's Sunken Garden. A small donation is suggested, but entry is free.
• Minnesota State Capitol. Free 45 minute guided tours, Monday through Saturday. The building is gorgeous inside, and you learn a lot.
• Summit Avenue. Walk past the Victorian mansions on one of the most famous streets in the city. Perfect for a fall stroll.
• St. Paul Farmers Market. Free to wander in Lowertown, and the people watching is great (bring a few dollars if the produce tempts you).

When the weather cooperates, the best free things are outside:

• Minnehaha Falls. A 53 foot waterfall in the middle of Minneapolis, free to visit any time. Walk the trails below for the best view.
• Stone Arch Bridge and Mill Ruins Park. Walk across the river with skyline views, then explore the ruins of the old flour mills that built Minneapolis.
• Chain of Lakes. Bde Maka Ska, Lake Harriet, Lake of the Isles, and more, all linked by free walking and biking trails.
• Lyndale Park Rose Garden. Thousands of roses right by Lake Harriet. Best in summer, but pretty any time.
• Theodore Wirth Park. The biggest park in Minneapolis, with hiking and biking in the warmer months and free groomed trails for snowshoeing and cross country skiing in winter.

Some of the best free things only happen at certain times of year:

• Winter: Dozens of free outdoor ice rinks around Minneapolis, many with warming houses and free loaner skates. Plus the Lake Harriet Kite Festival every January.
• Spring: Art-A-Whirl in Northeast Minneapolis, with hundreds of artists opening their studios to the public.
• Summer: Free Music and Movies in the Parks, Open Streets events, and free swimming at the city lake beaches.
• Fall: Free fall color walks all over the cities. Check out my fall in the Twin Cities guide for the best spots!

Being on a budget doesn't mean you have to stay in. The Twin Cities makes it easy to have a great day for free, and some of these are my favorite things to do here, period.

Save the collection so you always have a free plan ready. And if I missed a free spot you love, tell me!

Till next time :)