Travel

[Laura14]

I am thinking of coming to Minneapolis in October/November for about a week for vacation. My main purpose is Paisley Park which I know is a bit outside of town. Other than that, I am thinking Mall of America. 

I will either be alone or with my mom. Couple questions for anyone who is familiar:

Can you get around on the light rail fairly well from the airport and/or mall area or is a rental car a must? I am from the Northeast so speedlines and subways are not foreign to me, but I know some cities keep public transportation limited to certain areas.

I was thinking of staying at one of the hotels near Mall of America if that helps since I am competely unfamiliar with the town and it keeps me close to what I want to see maybe without a rental car expense?

Do you have cabs or has that pretty much become Uber/Lyft territory? For some reason, I feel cabs are safer but I know I will need a something for PP at the very least. I've never done ride share and wonder how safe it really is especially since there will be no way to hide tourist status with a hotel pickup.

Any other advice for a newbie? I am trying to keep myself safe and I want to stay in a decent area convenient to the highlights.

Thanks!  

[sydsgma1]

I have lived in Minneapolis most of my life. Peak time for Fall is late September to mid October. There can be snowstorms towards the end of October. These storms don't happen very often but I remember one back in 1991 where we were snowed in for 3 to 4 days. Lol

staying at a hotel by the Mall of America is a good idea. There are several good selections restaurants in the mall and around the mall.

I would recommend renting a car. Minneapolis is pretty easy to get around and if you have Google maps they'll get you anywhere. I would not recommend the light rail because there's been a lot of bad things happening on it the last couple years I feel safer writing the subway in NYC in Minneapolis.

Paisley Park is an easy drive from where you'll be staying. If as long as you don't drive during rush hour traffic is pretty reasonable b but there are crazy drivers everywhere. Having a car will allow you to see more places like the art museum. You may be able to go to play at the walker be able to drive around the city lakes.

There are some quaint little shopping areas around Lake Calhoun. There are also some nice ones in Excelsior, which is a suburb not too far. You could visit lake Minnetonka and have a nice lunch at restaurants

that is why I am recommending getting a car.

Minneapolis in the surrounding areas are absolutely beautiful in the fall. Get a look at TripAdvisor and see what kind of things they recommend

have fun and if you have any questions, I'll be glad to try to answer them answer.❤️

[Laura14]

@sydsgma1 Thank you! 🙏

[deeva]

Stillwater is a nice town to visit. However, when we lived in the Minneapolis area, we never went that late in the year. 

[Travone]

@Laura14 

I'll take care of Mr Brennan for you while you're gone.  

[Laura14]

@Travone 

  _________________ This is the line! Don't cross it! 

Since he is under threat, Jack will now be in my suitcase. We will wave to you from the banks of the Mississippi River before we jump into Lake Minnetonka and then warm up in the hotel hot tub.

Film on IG Live. Watch for it.     

[Travone]

@Laura14 

LOVE IT 🤣

[AuntG]

What I recall visiting was an old flour mill that is now a museum, and a funky looking performing arts center. It felt safe walking back then, but I have no desire to return. There's a hotel right on a little island where we walked, just for sightseeing, not to stay.

[deeva]

I really enjoyed the flour mill tour. I used to love the guided tours of the old mansions in St Paul when we lived there.

Our son went to Minneapolis last summer and spent time downtown. He said he felt very safe.
He also went to Chanhanssen, for the Prince tour. He said it was a great experience. 

[JeanLouiseFinch]

sidebar...

@sydsgma1 - by chance, do you recall a place called The Curtis Hotel, in Minneapolis?  Not the motor lodge but the big hotel.  It's no longer in existence, but I remember my family staying there, when I was a youngster, in the early-mid 60's.  It felt very upscale with their fancy dining room, nicely uniformed waiters who carried a towel over their arm, tablecloths, cloth napkins, and finger bowls.