Minneapolis Airport Layover: Things To Do And See

Consistently voted as one of the top airports in North America, Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) is certainly worth exploring. From gourmet food and local crafts to art installations and nearby attractions, there's plenty to keep you entertained during a layover. Here's a quick overview of what to do and see if you find yourself with time to kill at MSP Airport.

Eat at Black Sheep Pizza, LoLo American Kitchen, or Shoyu

If you're looking for a bite to eat at Minneapolis Airport, there are plenty of options to choose from, including Black Sheep Pizza, LoLo American Kitchen, and Shoyu.

Black Sheep Pizza

Black Sheep Pizza is the place to go if you're craving a slice of pie. Their pizzas are made with premium ingredients and baked in coal-fired ovens, giving them a unique flavour and texture. In addition to pizza, they also offer fresh salads, grilled meats, and smoky wings. And for dessert, be sure to try their famous ice cream sandwich. Black Sheep also has a full bar featuring craft cocktails and a selection of Minnesota's finest craft brews.

LoLo American Kitchen

For a gourmet experience, head to LoLo American Kitchen. Their menu features approachable gourmet, chef-driven cuisine with a focus on American regional street food. LoLo is committed to using fresh, local, and organic products, as well as humanely raised and antibiotic-free meats and seafood. Their craft bar is known for its perfectly balanced drinks, top-notch local beers, and sophisticated wine list.

Shoyu

Shoyu offers a modern Japanese menu that celebrates fresh ingredients and traditional techniques. You can watch the chefs make fresh noodles and dumpling wrappers daily in a glass structure that juts out onto the terminal. Their menu includes sushi, noodle dishes, and dumplings. Shoyu is a unique and inviting dining experience perfect for travellers looking for a taste of Japan.

Shop at Uptown Minnesota or Hammer Made

If you're looking to indulge in some retail therapy during your time at Minneapolis Airport, two shops stand out: Uptown Minnesota and Hammer Made.

Uptown Minnesota

Uptown Minnesota is the place to go if you want to pick up some unique, locally crafted items as souvenirs or gifts. The store features a carefully curated selection of gifts, accessories, and apparel for men, women, and the home, all created by local and regional artisans, designers, and Minnesota-based businesses.

Uptown Minnesota has won several awards, including the 2013 ARN Award for Best Specialty Retail Airport Concept, USA Today's 2016 Top Ten Local Airport Store in North America, and a nomination for USA Today's Reader's Choice for Favorite Airport Shop for Local Merchandise in 2017.

You'll find this shop in Terminal 1, Concourse G, near Gate 1.

Hammer Made

For those seeking well-tailored, stylish men's shirts, Hammer Made is the place to go. With an emphasis on striking details and unexpected elements, Hammer Made offers limited-run shirts that are sure to make a statement. They also offer a range of clothing and accessories, ensuring you can step off the plane feeling dapper and put-together.

Hammer Made can be found in Terminal 1, in the south end of the Airport Mall, and is open daily from 6 am to 9 pm.

So, whether you're looking for a unique, locally crafted item from Uptown Minnesota or a stylish, limited-edition shirt from Hammer Made, you're sure to find something to suit your taste and elevate your travel experience at Minneapolis Airport.

Visit the Mall of America

If you're looking to fill a long layover, the Mall of America is a great option. Located in Bloomington, it's just a short train ride or drive from the airport and has luggage lockers, so you can easily spend a few hours exploring.

The Mall of America is the largest mall in the US, so it's a shopper's paradise. But even if you're not looking to buy anything, there's plenty to keep you entertained. The mall features a Nickelodeon Universe theme park, with roller coasters and other rides, an aquarium called SeaLife, and a movie theatre. You can also find Minnesota-themed souvenirs at reasonable prices.

If you're feeling hungry, there are plenty of dining options to suit all tastes and budgets. For a sit-down meal, locals recommend Black Sheep Pizza, LoLo American Kitchen, and Smack Shack for lobster rolls. Sushi lovers should head to Shoyu or PinKU, while craft beer enthusiasts can check out Republic or Stone Arch. For something quick, there's Chick-fil-A, DQ, and Dunkin' Donuts.

With so much to offer, the Mall of America is a great way to spend a long layover at Minneapolis Airport. Just be sure to leave enough time to get back to the airport and catch your next flight!

Explore downtown Minneapolis

Downtown Minneapolis has something for everyone, from sports enthusiasts to culture vultures. If you're a baseball fan, head to Target Field, home of the Twins, to take in a game with terrific sightlines and a skyline view. Basketball lovers can check out the Target Center, home to the NBA's Timberwolves and the WNBA's Lynx, while football fans can visit the U.S. Bank Stadium, home to the NFL's Vikings.

For a dose of culture, stroll through Minnehaha Park in the heart of the city, where you'll find lush green spaces and waterfalls. Get your art fix at the Minneapolis Institute of Art or explore the city's architectural gems, such as the historic Stone Arch Bridge and the Foshay Tower, the city's first skyscraper.

If you're a foodie, indulge in the local cuisine at Black Sheep Pizza, LoLo American Kitchen, or Shoyu for sushi and Japanese noodles. Wash it all down with a craft beer at Republic or a cocktail at the Cocktail Room at 18th & Central.

For some retail therapy, browse the shops along Nicollet Mall, including local favourites like Uptown Minnesota for leather goods and jewellery, and Adventure North for outdoor gear. Don't forget to snap a photo with the Mary Tyler Moore statue at 7th & Nicollet - a must-see for TV aficionados!

Finally, if you're looking for some rest and relaxation, head to The Commons or Gold Medal Park for some fresh air and tranquil spots to unwind.

Relax in the airport lounge

Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) has been voted one of the top airports in North America, and for good reason. If you're looking to relax in an airport lounge, MSP has a few options to choose from.

The Escape Lounge, located above the entrance to Concourse E (mezzanine level), is a 5,000-square-foot common-use lounge open to all travellers. For $45 per person, you can enjoy a tranquil space away from the hustle and bustle of the airport. The lounge offers complimentary food and drinks, including hot and cold dishes prepared by in-house chefs using local ingredients, as well as a fully stocked bar with alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Unlimited high-speed private Wi-Fi is also included, along with printing, scanning, and copying services. You'll also have access to a broad array of magazines and newspapers. Reservations are not required, but if you're an American Express Platinum Cardholder, your admission is complimentary.

In addition to the Escape Lounge, MSP Airport also has two other lounges offering access to all travellers, regardless of class or airline. These lounges provide unlimited food and drinks, Wi-Fi, TV, and comfortable seating. You can pay online, use a lounge membership program, or pay at the door.

So, if you're looking to relax and unwind before your flight, MSP Airport has plenty of lounge options to choose from, each offering a quiet and comfortable space to escape the busy airport terminal.

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