Minneapolis Mural Hop

A month ago, I took my daughter on an excursion she’s still talking about. Seriously – this kid can barely remember her dog’s name, but every day she talks about how we took the “choo choo” to see the “colors.”

Let me translate that from toddler-ese for you: we drove around town (and hopped on the lightrail) to visit some of the colorful murals dotting Minneapolis.

Aside from the two dollars it costs to take the lightrail between stations downtown, this was a free adventure. With some help from friends (shout out to my friends Alyssa and Heather!) we tackled a handful of murals between breakfast and nap time, and we walked away with some pretty adorable photo souvenirs:

54th and Chicago, South Minneapolis

While you’re there: You’re right in between the Triangle Park playground at Lake Nokomis and the corner of 48th and Chicago, where you can (and should) grab ice cream at Pumphouse or take your little one to Sovereign Grounds, a coffee shop with a play area.

Bob Dylan, Downtown Minneapolis

While you’re there: we took the lightrail to get to this mural and honestly, the train was the most exciting thing to ever happen to my daughter.

Lyndale between Lake Street and 27th, Uptown

While you’re there: Get ice cream at Milkjam Creamery and see what’s happening at Intermedia Arts (where many of these murals reside).

The Valspar Building, Downtown Minneapolis

While you’re there: If it’s a Saturday morning during the warmer months, definitely visit the Mill City Market. If there’s no farmer’s market, the Mill City Museum is neat for older kids. And, since this has basically become an ice cream crawl, you kind of have to get ice cream at Izzy’s.

(This isn’t even half of the murals that have caught my eye—stay tuned for part two! Any suggestions?)