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11 cool things to do, see in Minneapolis

There are many events happening in the #BoldNorth related to Super Bowl 52 but there is SO much more Minneapolis has to offer.
Minneapolis skyline (Credit: Carly Danek, KARE 11)

MINNEAPOLIS - Visiting Minneapolis for the first time? Welcome!

There are many events happening in the #BoldNorth related to Super Bowl 52 but there is SO much more Minneapolis has to offer. The hard part is dwindling it all down to 11 must-see adventures, so we asked Amanda Smerlinski with Meet Minneapolis for some help. Check out Meet Minneapolis' full list of 52 must-sees here.

1. Breweries: Thirsty? Minneapolis can quench your thirst for uniquely brewed beers. In fact, there are about two dozen breweries in Minneapolis. There are even more when you include brewpubs and facilities all around the Twin Cities metro. Surly, 612, Able, Indeed, Sociable Cider Werks, Day Block, Insight. Just a handful of the many options available to tantalize those hops-crazing tastebuds. Click here for more.

2. Guthrie Theater: The Guthrie Theater is the apex of Minneapolis' unique and vibrant art scene. It's where local artists come together to produce classic as well as modern works. Created in 1963, the Guthrie offers a variety of plays and concerts, as well as classes and workshops for those just starting out or looking to live out their passion.

Guthrie Theater (Credit: Mark Vancleave)

3. Hell's Kitchen: You're going to need to eat while you're in town and what better place to do it than the iconic Hell's Kitchen. From the live music to the build-your-own bloody mary and mimosa bar, Hell's Kitchen is your one-stop-brunch-shop.Almost everything is made from scratch and there's even homemade peanut butter!

4. Jucy Lucy: Speaking of food, if there's one thing you MUST eat while in Minneapolis, it's a Jucy Lucy! Minneapolis is the birthplace of the cheese-filled burger patty and there are two well-known restaurants that do it the best (both claim to be the inventors), Matt’s Bar and the 5-8 club. Who has the best? You make the call!

5. Midtown Global Market: Looking for local jewelry, handmade crafts and unique gifts? The Midtown Global Market is home to over 50 vendors including diverse restaurants, specialty produce and more! From tamales to couscous to roasted goat, Midtown Global Market is sure to expand your palate.

6. Minnehaha Falls: Minnehaha Falls is one of the oldest and most striking sights in Minneapolis -- even if it is currently frozen! "It's my favorite place to hike in the Twin Cities. This time of year, it's like you're walking into a winter wonderland," Smerlinski said.

(Credit: KARE 11)

7. Nicollet Mall: After two years of renovations, the “Main Street” of Minneapolis is back open just in time for all the Super Bowl excitement! Be sure to take a selfie with the Mary Tyler Moore statue, at 7th and Nicollet. "Shopping, restaurants, bars -- there's just so much to do," Smerlinski added.

8. St. Anthony Main: This gem in Northeast Minneapolis worth exploring. If you’re feeling adventurous, head to Father Hennepin Bluff Park and walk out onto the footpaths and bridges to get an awesome view of the Mississippi and the Stone Arch Bridge. Just follow the cobblestone road to find amazing eats and fun in the Northeast!

Stone Arch Bridge (Credit: Carly Danek, KARE 11)

9. Stone Arch Bridge: One of the most iconic landmarks in Minneapolis, the Stone Arch Bridge is the only arched bridge made of stone on the entire length of the Mississippi River. The former railroad bridge connects you to some of the most beautiful parts of the city and is a must-see destination!

10. Uptown: Just a few blocks south of downtown on Hennepin Avenue, Uptown is a mecca for art, food and entertainment. "It's the hip part of Minneapolis and so accessible with plenty of game and dine options," Smerlinski said. Be sure to check out Calhoun Square, or catch a flick at Uptown Theater, one of the oldest theaters in Minneapolis. Don't miss the Prince mural at 26th and Hennepin!

Spoonbridge and Cherry (Credit: Carly Danek, KARE 11)

11. Walker Art Center: Can you say Spoonbridge and Cherry? The newly remodeled Walker Art Center is one of the top five most visited modern and contemporary art museums in the country. There’s always something to do and more to see at the Walker. The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden showcases more than 40 works from the Walker Art Center’s collections.

(L-R) KARE 11's Belinda Jensen, Julie Nelson, Randy Shaver and Eric Perkins (Credit: KARE 11)

Julie's Pick: Rice Park, St. Paul: "There are many great outdoor spots in Minneapolis, but one of my favorites is actually in St. Paul, especially this time of year. All lit up at night – it’s so beautiful!” Rice Park acts as the center stage for the Saint Paul Winter Carnival and this year will feature a seven-story ice castle!

Belinda's Pick: Minnesota Landscape Arboretum: Established in 1958 by the University of Minnesota Horticultural Research Center, the Arboretum features more than 1,200 acres of gardens, woods and trails making it one of the most beautiful spots in the area for walking, hiking or simply taking in nature’s wonders and a perfect place for all ages to visit in every season. This local gem has every type of plant, tree, flower, and landscape that flourishes at this latitude with miles and miles of beautiful trails to explore. "The Tashjian Bee and Pollinator Discovery Center is unlike any facility in the world, showcasing the groundbreaking research that is happening at the University of Minnesota. This is one my favorite destinations in Minnesota."

Randy's Pick: Target Field: Opened in 2010, Target Field is home to the Minnesota Twins. It has an unbeatable view of the Minneapolis skyline, so much history and great eats. "There's nothing better than enjoying a Twins baseball game on a nice summer day."

Eric's Pick: Polar Plunge: It sounds insane, but every winter thousands of Minnesotans jump into frozen lakes. The frigid leaps support Special Olympics Minnesota. To take it to the next level, this January, folks who come downtown to Super Bowl LIVE in downtown Minneapolis can take the plunge on Tuesday, Jan. 30!

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