Earnest’s guidebook
Where to Eat
Great Szechuan cuisine. If you like flavorful and spicy this is the spot for you.
Our favorite dinner items: chung king chili chicken, chili beef broth.
Our favorite lunch items: triple kung pao, chopped dry pepper chicken (reasonable lunch prices: comes with an egg roll, rice, soup and a salad).
Grand Szechuan Restaurant
10602 France Ave SGreat Szechuan cuisine. If you like flavorful and spicy this is the spot for you.
Our favorite dinner items: chung king chili chicken, chili beef broth.
Our favorite lunch items: triple kung pao, chopped dry pepper chicken (reasonable lunch prices: comes with an egg roll, rice, soup and a salad).
Open late nights, this busy corner restaurant in Dinkytown (University of Minnesota area) is busy, hot, and fresh food.
Our favorites: mongolian beef (dinner special), THE best Singapore Rice Noodles in Minneapolis (!), pan fried chicken, crispy spicy shrimp, curry chicken hot pot, chicken mushroom hotpot...
Hong Kong Noodle
901 Southeast Washington AvenueOpen late nights, this busy corner restaurant in Dinkytown (University of Minnesota area) is busy, hot, and fresh food.
Our favorites: mongolian beef (dinner special), THE best Singapore Rice Noodles in Minneapolis (!), pan fried chicken, crispy spicy shrimp, curry chicken hot pot, chicken mushroom hotpot...
Andale Taqueria
7
lokale anbefalerFast, authentic Mexican adjacent to a Mexican grocery store.
With ingredients fresh from the owner's garden (summer months), this place is tasty and authentic. Often a line out the door during the lunch rush hour.
Our favorite: spicy gyro!
Gyropolis
2325 W 90th StWith ingredients fresh from the owner's garden (summer months), this place is tasty and authentic. Often a line out the door during the lunch rush hour.
Our favorite: spicy gyro!
Mugshots Coffee Company
10518 France Ave SSencha Tea Bar - Mall of America
60 E BroadwayTwin City Grill
130 West MarketAgua Fresca, House Made Popcicles, Ice Cream...authentic...lines out the door. Don't miss this stop to refresh yourself!
La Michoacana Purepecha
701 E Lake StAgua Fresca, House Made Popcicles, Ice Cream...authentic...lines out the door. Don't miss this stop to refresh yourself!
Glam Doll Donuts
2605 Nicollet Avenue44
lokale anbefalerHoly Land
920 E Lake StPham's Rice Bowl
920 E Lake StThe Vietnamese Egg Rolls are THE best we've had!
Things To Do
We are a fan of "Free", so check out some of these classic and some lesser known options. We also have always traveled with our (four) kids, so we have some tips for families and those who are on a budget.
Minnesota Zoo
13000 Zoo Blvd14
lokale anbefalerFree! Some indoor, some outdoor activities. Walkable. Adjacent to beautiful parks, playgrounds and a small amusement area. (Como Town)
114
lokale anbefalerComo Park Zoo & Conservatory
1225 Estabrook Drive114
lokale anbefalerFree! Some indoor, some outdoor activities. Walkable. Adjacent to beautiful parks, playgrounds and a small amusement area. (Como Town)
Children's Minnesota Minneapolis Hospital
2525 Chicago AveCheck out the free third Sundays of the month!
Science Museum of Minnesota
120 West Kellogg Boulevard70
lokale anbefalerA fun stop for maybe 1-2 hours. Trails. Small nature center (visit the raptors, say hi to a turtle and a few snakes). Has a small indoor play area for the tots.
Richardson Nature Center
8737 E Bush Lake RdA fun stop for maybe 1-2 hours. Trails. Small nature center (visit the raptors, say hi to a turtle and a few snakes). Has a small indoor play area for the tots.
Explore the trails, stop by the visitor center (about an hour should be good). They loan out binoculars so you can get a closer peek at the wildlife. Great location for birdwatching (bald eagles!)
Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge, Bloomington Education And Visitor Center
3815 American Blvd EExplore the trails, stop by the visitor center (about an hour should be good). They loan out binoculars so you can get a closer peek at the wildlife. Great location for birdwatching (bald eagles!)
In the summer has a fun little splash area for the kids. Be careful, it's built into the landscaping so it's not as kid friendly as those made with the rubber surfaces, but our kids love this one!
Nicollet Commons Park
12550 Nicollet AveIn the summer has a fun little splash area for the kids. Be careful, it's built into the landscaping so it's not as kid friendly as those made with the rubber surfaces, but our kids love this one!
If you have kids, you CANNOT miss this park! Locals call it "Chutes & Ladders" and may just be the biggest park you've seen, and it's all free! Situated on the peaceful Hyland Lake you can also rent kayaks, canoes and snow shoes (in the winter of course). Hiking/walking/biking trails (paved). Volley ball area, picnicing area, etc.
Hyland Lake Park Reserve Visitor Center
10145 E Bush Lake RdIf you have kids, you CANNOT miss this park! Locals call it "Chutes & Ladders" and may just be the biggest park you've seen, and it's all free! Situated on the peaceful Hyland Lake you can also rent kayaks, canoes and snow shoes (in the winter of course). Hiking/walking/biking trails (paved). Volley ball area, picnicing area, etc.
Minnesota History Center
345 West Kellogg Boulevard33
lokale anbefalerFREE Tuesday evenings!
It's free to roam around the sculpture garden and get a picture with the iconic "Cherry on a Spoon".
235
lokale anbefalerWalker Art Center
725 Vineland Place235
lokale anbefalerIt's free to roam around the sculpture garden and get a picture with the iconic "Cherry on a Spoon".
Must see...walk the trails, get a picture both above and at the base of the falls, if you're up to it take a hike down to where Minnehaha Creek meets the giant Mississippi river (not strenuous - we've done it with a toddler on our backs and preschoolers in hand).
Rent a quadricycle. Eat at the famous Sea Saltery. (Fish and Chips?)
261
lokale anbefalerMinnehaha Falls
261
lokale anbefalerMust see...walk the trails, get a picture both above and at the base of the falls, if you're up to it take a hike down to where Minnehaha Creek meets the giant Mississippi river (not strenuous - we've done it with a toddler on our backs and preschoolers in hand).
Rent a quadricycle. Eat at the famous Sea Saltery. (Fish and Chips?)
A short jaunt away from the Twin Cities is the beautiful Willow River State Park. Just be warned, while there is a paved trail down to the falls, it is much more difficult coming up. Would not recommend pushing a stroller back up, although we have done it with a toddler on our back in a baby carrier, we had to take a few breaks on the way up.
Bring your water shoes for wading in the ICE COLD water if you're up to it.
8
lokale anbefalerWillow River State Park
1034 County Highway A8
lokale anbefalerA short jaunt away from the Twin Cities is the beautiful Willow River State Park. Just be warned, while there is a paved trail down to the falls, it is much more difficult coming up. Would not recommend pushing a stroller back up, although we have done it with a toddler on our back in a baby carrier, we had to take a few breaks on the way up.
Bring your water shoes for wading in the ICE COLD water if you're up to it.
Valleyfair
1 Valley Fair Dr22
lokale anbefalerIf roller coasters are your thing, head here!
If you have toddlers, consider a point pass, or on Tuesdays you can get a toddler pass for a discounted price.
You can also get a twilight pass (after 6pm) for a discounted price, with unlimited rides until it closes.
9
lokale anbefalerNickelodeon Universe
5100 South Avenue9
lokale anbefalerIf you have toddlers, consider a point pass, or on Tuesdays you can get a toddler pass for a discounted price.
You can also get a twilight pass (after 6pm) for a discounted price, with unlimited rides until it closes.
Another iconic place to get some photos taken, along with great views of the St Anthony Locks and Dam, and if you're up to it, stop at Izzy's (nearby) for some ice cream and the Mill City Museum for a glimpse into the history of Minneapolis.
56
lokale anbefalerMinneapolis Stone Arch Bridge
100 Portland Avenue56
lokale anbefalerAnother iconic place to get some photos taken, along with great views of the St Anthony Locks and Dam, and if you're up to it, stop at Izzy's (nearby) for some ice cream and the Mill City Museum for a glimpse into the history of Minneapolis.