Whether you’re new to Minneapolis or you have lived here your entire life, coming up with unique ideas for dates can be challenging. But don’t fear, there are plenty of things to do in Minneapolis near Metropolitan State University that are perfect for first dates or long-term couples having a night on the town. Here are 15 cheap and fun date ideas near Metropolitan State University!
Some of the most popular local hangouts in Minneapolis are craft breweries, many of which offer tours and samplings. There are several tour companies that offer guided tours to multiple breweries and include a designated driver, but sometimes the better opportunity is exploring breweries yourselves. Here are six of the best brewery tours in Minneapolis:
Perhaps your date is a gardening aficionado or you feel like doing something cheap, but impressive. Taking a tour through the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum will easily accomplish that task. It features a 1,137-acre horticultural garden, showcasing hundreds of plant species. Plus, the smell of flowers sets off all kinds of hormonal reactions, which can spur new conversations and activity ideas.
If Minneapolis’ green scenery is getting dull, why not take your date on an otherworldly adventure and learn how to scuba dive in one of the dozens of nearby lakes? Scuba Center has very friendly, skilled instructors who teach people how to scuba dive in the beautiful outdoors. It’s not a cheap experience, but if adventure if what the date calls for then this is a good choice.
A person’s reaction to art and historical artifacts can tell you a lot about them. Are they a deep thinker who sees outside the box or will they be turned off by anything that isn’t physically stimulating? Minneapolis has numerous art galleries and museums to discover just that.
For a more historical experience, browse through are the Minneapolis Institute of Art or the Bell Museum of Natural History. And if you two are looking for something a bit more lively and interactive, swing by Guthrie Theater or Brave New Workshop Comedy Theatre for an array of performing arts and classes.
It may sound somewhat Shakespearean, but spending an afternoon or evening exploring a city’s graveyards is a great way to learn about its past and cozy up to your date as form of zombie protection. In the mid-to-late 19th century, cemeteries served as public parks and were designed with that in mind.
Minneapolis has three large cemeteries open for exploration:
The cemeteries are often ornately groomed and make a good option for a quick walk through history while sipping on a cup of coffee.
The Como Park Zoo and Conservatory is a classic date option. Some people say the idea is played out, but there are reasons this excellent attraction has been a hot date spot for more than hundred years. For one, the zoo is free, although donations are highly encouraged. Two, the zoo and conservatory is really fun way to spend an afternoon if you enjoy wildlife and plants.
If you’re a classic film buff or somebody who loves obscure, retro cult cinema, then plan a night of nostalgia at the Trylon film house. As more incentive, the tickets are cheap.
Most live music lovers who grew up in Minneapolis know the Lake Harriet bandshell, and for good reason. The venue has live music nearly every day of the week. It makes a great place to snuggle up during a picnic and listen to some groovin tunes.
Elm Creek Park is an awesome public park and one of the most popular destinations in Minneapolis. The park is a nifty place for dates, and throughout the year your options change alongside the seasons.
In late spring and through summer, Elm Creek Park the perfect location to play a game of disc golf thanks to its 18-hole course. In the fall and winter, snowfall blankets the park and it transforms into lovely environment to explore on cross-country skis. Throughout the entire year, Elm Creek Park vendors offer bike rentals to explore the park reserve’s trails.
Unless you’re an artist, painting is an adventure for everybody. To explore your color palate, try a night out at Color Me Mine, a ceramics painting studio. Simply pay the base studio fee to use the in-house supplies, pick a ceramic (bowls, mugs, plates, jars, vases, etc.) and then paint away. Afterward, the ceramics are fired in the kiln and can be picked up a few days later.
This suggestion is more geared toward people who are in need of a relaxing day and quality time together, rather than just an easy date. Among the best spas in Minneapolis is the Woodhouse Day Spa in Maple Grove. It’s a charming spa with plenty of options for massages, facials, body wraps and more.
Karaoke can be hit or miss for a date, but it’s fun either way. Both of you will likely embarrass yourselves at some point in the evening and it’s always fun to choose a song for your partner to sing. One of the better spots for karaoke in Minneapolis is Dulono’s, which hosts karaoke every Monday and Tuesday night and has two-for-one tap beers.
Baseball games actually make great first date options. Generally, the sport is so slow and lasts so long that you have plenty of time to talk and enough time to enjoy getting distracted by the game. Plus, Twins fans can find seats for less than $10. Now drinks and food on the other hand…
While tickets to the Walker generally run a hefty $14 a piece, it does offer free admission every Thursday night from 5-9pm and on the first Saturday of every month from 10am-3pm. Show up early and take a tour of the gorgeous sculpture garden and snap the obligatory selfie in front of the giant cherry and spoon before heading in for a night of wondering what it all means.
If you live in Minneapolis, you’ve definitely seen these, so instead of just looking at them every time you pass by, why not turn a bike into an ideal dating opportunity? Rent a couple of these things and hit one of the Twin Cities’ many bike trails.
Featured Image: weheartit
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