Jazmin Li
Consistently voted as one of the top airports in North America, a layover at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) is anything but boring. The airport boasts a wide range of restaurants, cafes, bars, shops, and services, offering a mix of local favourites and national brands. If you're looking for food, you can choose from spots like Black Sheep Pizza, LoLo American Kitchen, and Shoyu for sushi and Japanese noodles. For shopping, you can visit Uptown Minnesota for local art and leather goods, or check out the many boutiques, convenience stores, and tech shops. If you're travelling with kids, there are video arcades, aviation-inspired play areas, and treats at the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory. The airport also has a 1.4-mile walking path, massage services, and a hotel with a spa, restaurants, and a cocktail bar. And if you're feeling adventurous, you can take the light rail to the nearby Mall of America or explore downtown Minneapolis.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Dining options | Black Sheep Pizza, LoLo American Kitchen, Smack Shack, Shoyu, Republic, French Meadow Bakery & Café, Ike’s Food & Cocktails, Surdyk’s Flights, Stone Arch, Cocktail Room at 18th & Central, PinKU, and more |
| Shopping | Uptown Minnesota, Hammer Made, Aveda, Minnesota!, Local Brew, Creative Kidstuff, boutiques, convenience stores, newsstands, tech and electronic shops, and more |
| Excursions | Mall of America, Minneapolis-St. Paul |
| Entertainment | Video arcades, game rooms, aviation-themed play areas, Snoopy statues, art show and contest, movie kiosks |
| Relaxation | XpresSpa, massage chairs, Chiroport, InterContinental Hotel |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Eat at Black Sheep Pizza, Shoyu, or French Meadow Bakery & Café
Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) has a wide range of restaurants and stores, making it a great airport to have a layover in. If you're looking for a place to eat, there are plenty of cafes, bars, and to-go options. However, if you're looking for a leisurely sit-down meal, locals recommend Black Sheep Pizza, Shoyu, and French Meadow Bakery & Café, among others.
Black Sheep Pizza is a great option if you're craving a classic, casual meal. LoLo American Kitchen and Smack Shack are also good choices for a relaxed atmosphere and surprisingly good lobster rolls. For those who enjoy sushi and Japanese cuisine, Shoyu is the perfect spot. They offer a variety of sushi and Japanese noodle dishes that are sure to satisfy your cravings. If you're looking for a craft beer to go with your meal, Republic is the place to be.
French Meadow Bakery & Café, founded by Lynn Gordon, has been a pioneer in organic, farm-to-table cuisine since 1985. With longstanding relationships with local farms, they source fresh and sustainably farmed ingredients for their dishes. Their famous organic yeast-free bread is baked daily on-site, along with an array of delicious desserts, including gluten-free and vegan options.
In addition to these restaurants, Minneapolis Airport offers various other amenities to keep you entertained during your layover. You can stroll or speed-walk the 1.4-mile MSP Start! Walking Path in Terminal 1, or treat yourself to some relaxation at the XpresSpa in Concourse D, which offers shower facilities and a range of spa services. For those who prefer to stay connected, the airport lounges provide unlimited food and drinks, WiFi, TV, and comfortable seating for a fee.
Clear Security Availability at Phoenix Airport
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Shop at Uptown Minnesota, Hammer Made, or Aveda
If you're looking to indulge in some retail therapy during your layover at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, there are a few options to consider: Uptown Minnesota, Hammer Made, and Aveda. While Aveda might be more well-known for its arts and sciences institutes, there are plenty of shopping opportunities at the airport, as well as the chance to explore the nearby Mall of America.
Uptown Minnesota
Uptown Minnesota is the place to go if you're interested in local art. Here, you can browse and purchase unique pieces that reflect the culture and talent of the region. It's a great way to support local artists and find one-of-a-kind souvenirs or gifts.
Hammer Made
Hammer Made is a local favourite for well-tailored men's shirts. They offer limited-run collections, ensuring that you can find something special and unique. With a focus on quality and craftsmanship, Hammer Made is perfect for those seeking sophisticated and elegant wardrobe additions. Hammer Made has three locations in the Mall of America, Galleria Edina, and Ridgedale, with varying opening hours to suit your schedule.
Aveda Arts & Sciences Institute
Although the Aveda Arts & Sciences Institute is primarily an educational institution, it is worth mentioning for its beautiful building and potential student pop-up shops. The institute is located in a restored historic brick building, the Cataract Lodge, constructed in 1926 in the late Gothic Revival style. While the institute offers cosmetology and esthiology programs, it also showcases the beauty of its surroundings, including elegant marble staircases and original stained-glass windows.
So, whether you're browsing for local art at Uptown Minnesota, selecting a finely crafted shirt at Hammer Made, or exploring the Aveda Institute and its nearby attractions, you're sure to make the most of your layover at the Minnesota airport.
Exploring Togo's Airport Infrastructure: How Many Airports?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Relax at XpresSpa or Chiroport
If you're looking to unwind and relax during your time at the Minnesota airport, XpresSpa or Chiroport are excellent options. XpresSpa, located in Concourse D, offers a range of spa services to help you feel refreshed and rejuvenated. You can treat yourself to a mani/pedi, facial, massage, haircut, and more. If you have a super-long layover, you might appreciate their shower facilities, which cost $40 for 30 minutes.
For a quick and convenient massage, you can also find massage chairs near several gates in Concourses C, E, and F. These chairs offer a budget-friendly option, with prices as low as $1, to help you relax and ease those travel tensions.
Now, if you're feeling a bit stiff and need more than a massage, Chiroport is the place to go. Chiroport provides professional chiropractic adjustments to help you work out any kinks or neck cricks you might have. With three locations open daily, you can conveniently find relief and get your body feeling back to its best.
Both XpresSpa and Chiroport offer wonderful opportunities to relax and take care of yourself while you're at Minnesota Airport. Whether you're looking for a quick pick-me-up or a more comprehensive wellness experience, these services can help enhance your time at the airport and ensure you feel your best for your travels.
Airports: A Dangerous Place or Safe Haven?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$14.89 $15.89
Play in the aviation-themed play areas
Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) has two aviation-themed play areas, one in each terminal, to keep children occupied while their families wait for their flights. The play areas, custom-made by local company Blue Rhino Studio, are located in Terminal 1 on Concourse C (near Gate C12) and in Terminal 2 (near Gate H6). Each play area features a mock airplane, an air traffic control tower with slides, and seating areas for adults, some with electrical outlets close by. There is also a statue of Snoopy, whose creator was a native of Minnesota, at the entrance to the Terminal 1 play area, providing a perfect photo opportunity for families. The pay-kiddie rides are also popular at Terminal 1.
The play areas were designed to provide an enclosed space for children to explore an imaginative world of aviation before they jet off to their next destination. They were funded by the Airport Foundation MSP, which also funds numerous projects to elevate and beautify both terminals, including decorative floor mosaics, hanging flower baskets, and MSP welcome signage.
Baghdad Airport: Inside or Outside the Green Zone?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Take the light rail to the Mall of America
If you're spending a layover at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP), you can take the light rail to the Mall of America. The Green Line light rail connects both downtowns, the Mall of America, and the airport. Trains run 24 hours a day and are as frequent as every 10 minutes during peak times. The METRO Blue Line service between the airport terminals is also free and operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The Mall of America is located in Bloomington, Minnesota, and it takes about 12 minutes to get there from the airport by train. The light rail also connects to 17 locations in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area, including downtown Minneapolis and the Warehouse District. If you plan to take the train away from the airport, be sure to allow time to travel and return.
The Mall of America is a great place to visit if you're looking to do some shopping or eat at one of the many restaurants. The mall offers a wide range of national brands and local names, as well as over 50 eateries to choose from. For a sit-down meal, you can try Black Sheep Pizza, LoLo American Kitchen, or Shoyu for sushi and Japanese noodles. There are also plenty of cafes, bars, and to-go options, such as Chick-fil-A, DQ, and Dunkin' Donuts.
If you're travelling with children, there are also two aviation-inspired play areas (one in each terminal) to keep them entertained. Additionally, the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory offers delicious treats, and there are private and plush nursing rooms for families travelling with babies or mothers who need a quiet place to pump.
Airport to Hotel: Seamless Calling Options
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Some popular restaurants at the Minnesota airport include Black Sheep, LoLo American Kitchen, Smack Shack, Shoyu, Republic, French Meadow Bakery & Café, Ike’s Food & Cocktails, and Surdyk’s Flights.
The Minnesota airport has over 100 shops, including Uptown Minnesota, Hammer Made, boutiques, convenience stores, newsstands, and tech and electronic shops.
You can walk the 1.4-mile MSP Start! Walking Path in Terminal 1, admire the multiple mosaics in both concourses, and view the trio of Snoopy statues.
Yes, the XpresSpa in Concourse D offers shower facilities and spa treatments such as mani/pedis, facials, massages, haircuts, and styles.
Yes, the Minnesota airport has two aviation-inspired play areas, one in each terminal, as well as video arcades and private and plush nursing rooms for families travelling with babies.
