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The Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) is considered one of the best airports in North America, and it's easy to see why. The airport boasts a range of shops, restaurants, and services, including local favourites and national brands. The airport is also well-connected to the surrounding area via the light rail system, which stops at both terminals and connects to 17 locations in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area, including downtown Minneapolis and the Mall of America. If you have a long layover or some time to kill before your flight, there are plenty of things to do around MSP Airport.
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What You'll Learn
Eat coal-fired pizza at Black Sheep or sushi at PinKU
If you're looking for dining options near the Minneapolis Airport, look no further than Black Sheep for coal-fired pizza or PinKU for sushi and other Japanese street food.
Black Sheep, located within the airport, offers a unique dining experience with its coal-fired oven pizzas. The pizzas are known for their crispy, coal-fired oven crust, generous toppings, and distinct flavour. In addition to their signature pizzas, Black Sheep also serves up large and fresh house salads, providing a well-rounded meal option for travellers. The restaurant has a hipster vibe and has received positive reviews for its food and atmosphere on TripAdvisor.
On the other hand, PinKU Japanese Street Food is situated just a short distance from the airport, at 20 University Ave NE, Minneapolis. This restaurant has also garnered impressive reviews, with customers raving about the freshness and deliciousness of the fish, as well as the beautiful presentation of their dishes. The menu offers a variety of options, including potstickers, spicy tuna on rice, and a range of salmon rolls. The contemporary vibe, with metal plates and chopsticks, adds to the overall dining experience. PinKU provides both delivery and takeout options for those who prefer to enjoy their meal elsewhere.
The Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, also known as MSP, has been consistently recognised as one of the best airports in North America. It boasts a range of dining and shopping options, showcasing the best of Minneapolis-St. Paul's local food and retail scenes. With friendly customer service, art installations, and even animal ambassadors, MSP provides travellers with a memorable and enjoyable airport experience.
The airport is easily accessible via the Green Line light rail, which connects both downtown Minneapolis and the Mall of America to the airport. This convenient transportation option runs 24 hours a day, with trains arriving as frequently as every 10 minutes during peak times.
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Shop at Uptown Minnesota for locally made leather goods and jewellery
If you're looking for unique, locally crafted items, a trip to Uptown Minnesota is a must. Located just a short drive from the Minneapolis Airport, Uptown is renowned for its vibrant art scene and diverse range of independent shops. For those who appreciate quality craftsmanship, the area is a treasure trove of locally made leather goods and jewelry. Start your exploration on Hennepin Avenue, the main thoroughfare that runs through the heart of Uptown. Here, you'll discover an array of boutiques and workshops showcasing the talents of local artisans. Step into stores like Cliché, a longstanding favorite among locals for its carefully curated selection of clothing and accessories. You'll find everything from handmade leather bags and wallets to unique jewelry pieces created by Minnesota artisans.
For a more specialized experience, venture into boutiques that focus solely on locally made goods. Local Motion is one such store, dedicated to promoting Minnesota-made products. Browse their selection of leather goods, from stylish handbags to intricately crafted leather journals. You'll also find jewelry here that showcases the beauty of Minnesota's natural environment, with pieces incorporating elements like freshwater pearls and locally sourced gemstones. Another must-visit destination is the Uptown Market, a vibrant indoor market that brings together a diverse array of local vendors. Wander through the stalls, where you'll encounter local artisans displaying their unique creations.
Chat with the makers themselves to learn about their processes and the stories behind their crafts. You'll find everything from leather goods embossed with Minnesota-inspired designs to one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces that reflect the latest trends. If you're seeking something truly special, consider a custom-made item. Several leatherworkers and jewelers in the area offer bespoke services, allowing you to collaborate on a design that reflects your personal style. Whether it's a customized leather passport holder or a necklace with a meaningful charm, these artisans will bring your vision to life.
As you explore Uptown Minnesota, you'll also discover a variety of dining and entertainment options to complete your experience. Refuel at one of the many restaurants or cafes, sampling the local cuisine and craft beer for which the area is known. Take a break from shopping to enjoy the vibrant street art and perhaps catch a live music performance at one of the local venues. With its blend of creative energy and community spirit, Uptown Minnesota offers a unique shopping experience that celebrates the talents of local artisans. So, whether you're looking for a memorable souvenir or a special gift, a visit to this artistic enclave is sure to delight and inspire.
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Visit the Snoopy statues
If you're looking for something to do near the Minneapolis Airport during a layover, you might want to visit the Snoopy statues in Saint Paul, Minnesota. Created by artist Tivoli Too in bronze, these statues honour the Saint Paul native Charles Schulz, who was born in Minneapolis in 1922. For five summers after Schulz's death in 2000, artists across Saint Paul created and exhibited their own interpretations of Peanuts characters. The first year was dedicated to statues of Snoopy, followed by Charlie Brown, Lucy, Linus, and Snoopy with Woodstock. The exhibit attracted over two million visitors from across the United States, and the proceeds from the promotion were used to establish the Charles M. Schulz fund, which maintains the bronze sculptures and provides scholarships for artists and cartoonists at the College of Visual Arts, where Schulz once taught.
The Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, or MSP, has been named the "Best Airport in North America" three years in a row. The airport is known for its excellent customer service, provided by 21,000 employees and hundreds of volunteers. In addition to its multiple mosaics, the airport also boasts a trio of Snoopy statues, which visitors can enjoy while participating in a fun scavenger hunt.
If you have a long layover and want to explore outside the airport, the light rail runs between both airport terminals and 17 locations in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area, including downtown Minneapolis and the Mall of America in Bloomington. Trains run 24 hours a day, with a frequency of up to every 10 minutes during peak times.
If you're looking for a quick bite to eat, the airport offers a variety of dining options, including coal-fired pizza at Black Sheep, fresh sushi at PinKU, and local craft beer from Stone Arch. For a unique Minneapolis experience, you can also try a Juicy Lucy at Matt's Bar, or a 60/40 burger at Redcow.
With a longer layover, you might want to venture out to Minnehaha Park, where you can see the falls, have a drink, and enjoy a meal at the popular restaurant. The Blue Line can take you there, but it may be more convenient to take a rideshare, which will cost around $25 each way.
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Take the light rail to downtown Minneapolis
If you're looking for things to do around the Minneapolis airport, one option is to take the light rail to downtown Minneapolis. The METRO Blue Line provides a fast and quiet light rail service between the airport and downtown Minneapolis, with trains running every 12-20 minutes from approximately 4 am to midnight, seven days a week. The trip to downtown Minneapolis takes around 25 minutes.
To get to the light rail from Terminal 1, follow the signs to the baggage claim and then take the escalator down to the tram to the METRO Blue Line station. Take the tram to the Red/Blue Ramps and then take the escalators down to the station platform. From Terminal 2, the METRO Blue Line station is located on the north side of the Orange Ramp. Take the elevator or escalator up to the Orange Ramp skyway from Level 1, near Ticketing, and follow the signs to the light rail station. Then, take the escalators or elevators down one level to the station platform.
Once you're downtown, there are plenty of nearby hotels and things to do. If you're looking for nature and nice weather, Minnehaha Park is a great option, with falls, beverages, and a restaurant. If you're looking for shopping, the Mall of America is also accessible by the METRO Blue Line.
If you're staying for a while, you can purchase a 7-Day Pass for $24, which offers unlimited rides on Metro Transit buses and METRO lines.
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Relax at the InterContinental Hotel spa
If you're looking for a convenient place to relax and unwind near the Minneapolis Airport, the InterContinental Hotel is the perfect destination. As the only hotel connected to the MSP Airport, it offers a seamless blend of luxury and convenience for both business and leisure travellers.
The hotel boasts elegant and luxurious guestrooms, exceptional dining options, and a state-of-the-art fitness centre. The on-site spa provides a tranquil escape for guests seeking relaxation and rejuvenation. Here are some reasons why you should consider spending your time relaxing at the InterContinental Hotel spa:
Unmatched Convenience
The InterContinental Hotel is conveniently located just steps away from Terminal 1, with direct access from Gate C25. This makes it incredibly easy for travellers to access the hotel and its amenities, especially those with early morning or late-night flights. The hotel also offers a 24-hour shuttle service with pickups and drop-offs at both terminals, ensuring a seamless and stress-free experience for its guests.
Award-Winning Facilities
The InterContinental Hotel has been recognized as a top hotel in Minnesota and has received awards for its exceptional services and facilities. The hotel features over 30,000 square feet of adaptable space, making it ideal for business meetings, events, and receptions. The hotel's experienced event and culinary teams are always on hand to assist with planning, ensuring that your every need is met.
Relaxation and Rejuvenation
The InterContinental Hotel spa is a haven of relaxation. Guests can indulge in a variety of treatments and services designed to rejuvenate and refresh. Unwind after a long flight or prepare for your upcoming travels with a range of spa offerings, including massages, facials, and more. The spa is the perfect place to relax and recharge, ensuring you feel your best during your travels.
Exceptional Dining
The hotel is also known for its exceptional dining options, with three distinctive bars and restaurants. Whether you're looking for a quick bite at the on-site coffee shop or a more indulgent dining experience, the InterContinental has something for everyone. The hotel's penthouse cocktail bar, Altitude, offers a unique and elegant experience with stunning 180-degree panoramic views of the Minnesota River Valley and the skylines of Minneapolis and St. Paul.
Easy Access to Attractions
In addition to its proximity to the airport, the InterContinental Hotel provides easy access to nearby attractions. Located just 20 minutes from downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul, guests can easily explore the Twin Cities and experience the local culture, cuisine, and sights. The hotel's convenient access to the Minneapolis Light Rail public transportation system makes getting around a breeze, allowing guests to make the most of their time in the area.
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Frequently asked questions
Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) has plenty of amenities to keep you entertained during a long layover. You can find more than 100 shops, restaurants and services, including local favourites and national brands. You can also check out the aviation-inspired play areas, art installations, and even play the piano in Terminal 1.
MSP Airport is conveniently located near several cities, including Minneapolis, St. Paul, and Bloomington. You can easily access these cities via the light rail system or other ground transportation. In Minneapolis, you can visit the famous Guthrie Theatre, State Theatre, Orpheum Theatre, and explore the shops and restaurants along Hennepin Avenue.
Yes, if you enjoy spending time in nature, you can take the blue line and visit Minnehaha Falls, a natural attraction near the airport. You can walk to the falls, have a meal at Sea Salt, and explore the surrounding park.
The Mall of America is a popular shopping destination located near the airport. You can easily reach it by train or other transportation methods. It offers a wide variety of shopping options, entertainment, and dining experiences.
MSP Airport is known for its diverse food options, showcasing the best of Minneapolis-St. Paul's culinary scene. You can find coal-fired pizza at Black Sheep, fresh sushi at PinKU, local craft beer at Stone Arch, and craft cocktails at the Cocktail Room at 18th & Central. For a unique burger experience, Red Cow at the airport is also highly recommended.
