TripOut Gay Travel:
Minneapolis

To put it simply, Minneapolis has a lot of very impressive stuff going on. The art and theater scene is rich and world-class, lead by the iconic cultural landmarks of the Walker Art Center and the Guthrie Theater, both housed in new, architecturally brilliant complexes. The food and restaurant landscape is a fantastic mix of comfort food, farm-fresh bounty and innovative flavors from around the world. The city itself is a patchwork quilt of parks and leafy spaces, all coexisting with big-city bustle and fueled by the steady chug and flow of the Mississippi River. In short, it’s just about the perfect mix of urban cool (it is the hometown of Prince, Bob Mould and Mary Richards), artsy style and downhome all-American warmth.

Which is why you won’t be surprised when you meet so many queer locals who love it here. Yes, they know there’s more going on in New York or out in California, but why endure stratospheric rents and Hollywood headaches when you can live in a truly, world-class livable city that gives so much back?

For the gay visitor, Minneapolis makes for a great Midwestern getaway, easily filling a long weekend (or longer) with great shopping, good eats, fun arts and crafty culture, and a zippy gay scene that’s friendly, funky and fun. Go for Gay Pride in June, or the big North Star Gay Rodeo in July, or hit the town in autumn when the leaves are a brilliant orange and the cultural season hits full throttle. Or face it in the bracing winter, and you can skate on local lakes and rock your best parka chic. But give it a whirl; with the nation’s second largest gay population per capita you’ll find plenty of new friends.

Need recommendations on hotels, restaurants, and other points of interest?

See All Minneapolis Recommendations

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