Planning a visit to the City of Lakes? Carve out time to explore the North Loop Minneapolis, where you’ll find plenty of urban action. Also known as the Warehouse District, the North Loop is a vibrant neighborhood on the north-western outskirts of Downtown Minneapolis with an eclectic, laid-back vibe, hip bars, and contemporary restaurants.
Shop at the designer boutiques and buzzy indie stores housed in regentrified warehouses dating back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Catch the Minnesota Twins in action at the Target Field baseball pitch. Grab fresh produce and handcrafted goodies at the Minneapolis Farmers Market. In the North Loop, you’ll also find a fantastic selection of hotels and places to stay for all budgets.
Ready to explore Minneapolis’s cool Warehouse District? Before setting out on your adventure, check out this complete guide covering what to see & do, where to eat & drink, and where to stay in the North Loop Minneapolis, MN.
Looking for more ideas for your trip? Check out our United States Travel Guide for more tips & recommendations on when to visit, where to go & what to do on your vacation!
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What to see & do in the North Loop (Warehouse District)
Minneapolis Farmers Market
Pick up some fresh fruit and veggies and enjoy a chat with the locals at the Minneapolis Farmers Market. Situated on Lyndale and Glenwood Avenue in the North Loop, the bustling market is set in three distinct red sheds and features 170 stalls with over 100 vendors.
Established in 1876, the Minneapolis Farmers Market is the largest farmer-managed market in the state. The market is open daily, year-round, but if you want to get the complete market experience with its vibrant colors, sights, and sounds, head there on the weekend.
Stroll around the charming stalls and pick up some fresh produce, handmade cheese, and owner-harvested honey. It’s also a fantastic spot for finding unique gifts with a lovely selection of handmade arts and crafts and locally created goodies.
Target Field
If you’re a baseball fan, head to Target Field to watch the Minnesota Twins major league baseball team in action. One of two major sporting venues in the North Loop and Warehouse District, Target Field hosts other sports like football, hockey, and soccer and music concerts.
Tour the stadium to admire the innovative design that blends the urban sophistication of Downtown Minneapolis and outdoor vitality. Stroll through Target Plaza and check out impressive tributes to players like statues of Kirby Puckett, Harmon Killebrew, and Rod Carew, and a 1,500-pound bronze glove.
Explore the Budweiser Roof Deck with a bar and fire pit, the Legends Club Lounge that pays tribute to Twins Hall of Famers, and the Town Ball Tavern that celebrates Minnesota amateur baseball. You’ll also find plenty of places to eat around the stadium, from the Hennepin Grille to Frankie V’s Italian.
Acme Comedy Company
Enjoy a few laughs over dinner and a show at the Acme Comedy Company. Nestled in the basement of the Warehouse District’s Historic Itasca Building, the comedy club hosts nightly shows by an array of well-known and up-and-coming comedians.
Regarded as the premier standup comedy club in the Twin Cities, the Acme Comedy Company celebrates burgeoning talent. The club is also home to the Sticks Restaurant, where you can dine on contemporary American cuisine.
Enjoy affordable dinner and show packages highlighting the very best of the Twin Cities comedy scene.
Mississippi Walking Trail
Soak up Minneapolis’ breathtaking natural beauty with a hike on the Mississippi Walking Trail. Stretching along the Mississippi River in Downtown Minneapolis, the paved trail snakes along the shoreline, unleashing beautiful city and river views.
After exploring the North Loop section of the trail, you can connect to any number of green spaces and hiking trails along the riverfront. Cross over the Plymouth Avenue Bridge to explore Boom Island Park or venture south past the Hennepin Avenue Bridge to check out historic Mill Ruins Park in Minneapolis’s Mill District.
Hennepin Avenue Bridge
Marvel at the rich history and elegant design of the Hennepin Avenue Bridge. Known as the Father Louis Hennepin Bridge, the original bridge was built in 1855 to help grow the transport possibilities above the rushing rapids of St. Anthony Falls. It was the first bridge to span the Mississippi River at any point.
The Hennepin Avenue Bridge was named after the 17th-century European explorer Louis Hennepin and opened as a toll bridge on completion. The rapid growth of St. Anthony and Minneapolis saw several new bridges replacing older ones, with the last being completed in 1990.
The 620-foot (190-meter) suspension bridge, stretching across the Mississippi River from Hennepin Avenue to Nicollet Island, is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the city and one of the must-see places to visit in Minneapolis.
Pryes Brewing Company
Take a break from sightseeing and pop into the Pryes Brewing Company for a few cold craft beers. Located on West River Road just north of Downtown Minneapolis, a locally-owned brewery produces a range of handcrafted beers.
Grab a table on the expansive outdoor patio and enjoy a guided tasting of the brewery’s finest taps, from dark-roasted barrel-aged brews to light and fruity ales. Order a wood-fired pizza and other light pub grub to pair with the beer and relax against a backdrop of lovely river views.
Watch for events at the Pryes Brewing Company, from new releases to trivia nights and a bowling league.
Where to eat & drink
North Loop Minneapolis has a fantastic choice of places to eat and drink, from eclectic eateries to contemporary restaurants.
The Red Cow North Loop is a top choice for gourmet burgers and other classic tavern food. Order the Turkey burger with cilantro-lime aioli and crushed pistachios for a real treat, and pair it with a stellar list of craft beer and wines on tap.
Housed in what was once a horse stable, the Spoon and Stable is an elegant restaurant that promises an evening like no other. Helmed by James Beard award-winning chef Gavin Kaysen, the restaurant’s menu boasts innovative dishes like bison tartare, roasted foie gras, and grilled wild acres pheasant. If you love a good steak, order the mouthwatering 50-day-aged Peterson beef ribeye for two with black truffle jus.
Another excellent spot for a relaxed lunch or dinner is 112 Eatery on North 3rd Street. The charming eatery has a bustling, intimate atmosphere, and you can enjoy traditional dishes like burgers or contemporary plates like nori-encrusted sirloin with ponzu sauce.
Delicious Italian fare served in a cozy, rustic spot sound good? Head to the Red Rabbit Minneapolis for crispy, razor-thin, crusted pizzas with classic toppings and traditional dishes like spaghetti and meatballs. Pair your plates with easy-drinking Italian wines.
Offering everything from breakfast to beer—or beer for breakfast if that’s your thing!—The Freehouse on Washington Avenue is a casual, laid-back gastropub with an onsite brewery and cocktail bar. Feast on plates of coconut shrimp, chimichurri short ribs, and grilled salmon, and enjoy a wide range of free house beers.
Enjoy an evening of live music, drinks, and casual grub at the Bunker’s Music Bar & Grill. A pioneer of the Minneapolis music scene, the bustling venue on North Washington Avenue has been rocking the city since 1976. Listen to weekly house bands or catch local legends like Dylan Salfer in action at special events. Bunker’s promises a night you’ll never forget!
Where to stay
With its central downtown location, the North Loop/Warehouse District is one of the most popular places to stay in Minneapolis. Here, you’ll find a variety of accommodation options, with everything from hotels to vacation rentals on offer.
Hewing Hotel
Set in a converted 1897 warehouse, the Hewing Hotel is an elegant retreat within walking distance from Target Field. Beautifully appointed rooms have rich furnishings, original artwork, and en-suite bathrooms with rainfall showers. Relax in a heated pool and sauna and sip cocktails at the bar on the rooftop terrace.
TownePlace Suites by Marriott Minneapolis Downtown/North Loop
Unwind in casual studio apartments with kitchens at this straightforward all-suite hotel. A short walk from the Target Field baseball stadium, the TownePlace Suites by Marriott Minneapolis Downtown/North Loop has an outdoor pool and a fitness center. Picnic areas with barbecues are available for guests to use.
Element Minneapolis Downtown North Loop
Just a mile from Target Field, Element Minneapolis Downtown North Loop is an eco-friendly aparthotel with a fitness center and free loaner bikes for exploring the city. Comfortable rooms have fully equipped kitchens with dishwashers and stovetops. Enjoy an á la carte or American breakfast every morning and stock up on snacks at a mini market.
