Whether you jump in the car or hop on a plane, the summer months are made for exploring in Minnesota! If your travels happen to take you through our award-winning Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP), there are plenty of ways to make the most of your time pre-flight and enjoy what the airport has to offer. From dining options to shopping and wellness, here's a guide of what to do at MSP to ensure an enjoyable experience.
Food
The vibrant Minneapolis and St. Paul culinary scene is reflected in the extensive, diverse options to fuel up while waiting for your flight. You can find a classic breakfast at the HiLo Diner (F Concourse), local favorite Juicy Lucy burger at the Blue Door Pub (C Concourse), or an elevated dining experience at The Cook and The Ox (North Mall). The Stone Arch (South Mall) offers flights of local craft brews, or pop into Vino Volo (C Concourse) for a glass of red or white. Local decorated chef Justin Sutherland of Top Chef fame serves up delicious fried chicken at his restaurant Northern Soul (South Mall). Settebello (South Mall) fires up unique, delicious pizzas under strings of glowing café lights. Craving ramen? MSP staple Shoyu (G Concourse) has just that along with handmade dumplings and sushi. Looking for an organic option? The French Meadow Café (North Mall) has an extensive menu. And to keep you awake, Minnesota’s own Caribou Coffee has multiple locations throughout the airport.
Shopping
Whether treating yourself, grabbing a souvenir, or in need of last-minute travel essentials, MSP has an array of shops to meet your needs. As you clear security and enter into the airport mall, many boutiques and well-known retailers greet you. Prince fans can pick up unique items at his namesake store on the south end of the mall. Just steps away is the beautiful Open Book with shelves full of current bestsellers or unique reads. Continue on to Hammermade for their modern button-down shirts. Frivolous, on the north end of the mall, is a great spot to find a truly unique item at MSP. Additionally, if you want to explore regional specialties, head to Minnesota! Land of 10,000 Lakes for a selection of locally inspired souvenirs and gifts. You betcha! Forgot an essential, Hudson and Duty-Free shops pepper the mall and concourses.
Art
MSP is home to an impressive array of art installations and cultural exhibits, providing a unique opportunity to experience creativity and inspiration pre-flight. Take a leisurely stroll through the concourses to admire the diverse artworks on display. Many of these pieces showcase the rich cultural heritage and artistic talent of the region, allowing you to immerse yourself in the local arts scene without leaving the airport. As you enter the ticketing area or collect your items at baggage claim, you can see the newest addition “The Aurora” by artist Jen Lewin. The shimmering, two-story installation is an impressive and immersive piece that adds a sense of wonder and beauty to the airport environment. Some of the most unique visuals are the floor murals found extensively throughout the airport.
Wellness
If you're looking to stay active during your layover, the MSP loop is a 1.4-mile loop throughout the concourses, allowing you to stretch your legs and get some exercise while exploring the airport. Start from the mall and head east down the C Concourse, take a right at Gate C12 and cross over to the G Concourse via the connecting walkway, then head back towards the mall. Keep an eye out for small green circles on the overhead signs to let you know how far you’ve gone! The Chiroport offers adjustments to keep you feeling great before a long flight. Relax in the many nooks throughout the airport, including the quiet space located in the mezzanine above the mall. This area is the perfect place if you need to get some shut-eye or focus on work.
Family Fun
Have a geocacher in your travel party? MSP has a few great options including two Adventure Labs. Download the app and log in to get started exploring the airport. Keep a lookout for unique fossils found in the stone flooring throughout the airport. Tally up who can find the most in your party for added fun!
So, the next time you find yourself with some extra time at MSP, embrace the opportunity to explore all that the airport has to offer.
Embrace the opportunity to explore all that the airport has to offer.
MSP is home to an impressive array of art installations.