Explore Minneapolis

Minneapolis is where city energy meets natural beauty. From sparkling lakes and the iconic Mississippi River to diverse neighborhoods, craft breweries, world-class dining, and famous “Jucy Lucy” burgers, there’s something for everyone.

Rooted in rich cultural heritage and known for their welcoming spirit—often called “Minnesota Nice”—Minneapolis invites you to explore its theaters, green spaces, and buzzing local scene.  

Discover why the city is known for their warm hospitality, unique charm, and unforgettable experiences!

ASPET Tours/Tickets

Limited tickets will be available for ASPET attendees to experience local activities and events in small groups. Each registered attendee is limited to the purchase of two tickets per tour for themselves and a guest.  All tickets through ASPET are non-refundable.

Purchase tickets when you register for the meeting. Already registered? Use the link in your registration confirmation email to go back into the registration system to purchase tickets.

IMPORTANT: ASPET does not provide transportation to these activities. You are responsible for your own transportation. You must come to Hyatt Regency Minneapolis to pick up your tickets and can gather with other attendees to share rides if you wish.

PAISLEY PARK: TOUR OF PRINCE’S ESTATE

Paisley Park offers visitors a guided experience inside Prince’s legendary estate and creative sanctuary in Chanhassen, Minnesota. During the tour you’ll walk through the main floor of Paisley Park including the recording and mixing studios where Prince made many of his biggest hits, the soundstage and concert hall where he rehearsed and hosted events, and the private NPG Music Club while learning about his life and music. 

Sunday, May 17
10:00 am - 11:30 am – must arrive by 9:30 am for security screening
$80 per person non-refundable 
7801 Audubon Rd, Chanhassen, MN 55317 (24 miles from Hyatt, transportation on your own)

We recommend taking taxi/Uber and meet other guests in Hyatt lobby to share rides. The ride is approximately 30-60 minutes depending on traffic. Tour starts and ends on time.  You will be required to go through security screening. No photography/recording is allowed.  You will be asked to secure your mobile phone in a locked pouch. We recommend comfortable walking shoes for this tour.

BASEBALL: MINNESOTA TWINS VS HOUSTON ASTROS

The Minnesota Twins take on the Houston Astros in an exciting MLB matchup at Target Field. ASPET has a block of tickets in Section 120

Tuesday, May 19
6:40 pm - game start time
$45 per person non-refundable 
Target Field (1.1 miles from Hyatt, transportation on your own)

Public transportation as well as taxis/Ubers are available. Public transit: Start at Nicollet Mall bus stop across from Hyatt and transfer to bus or rail toward Target Field. Specific routes can be found at Metro Transit.

Sightseeing On Your Own

Recommended Activities Available on Your Own

ATTENDEE SAVINGS PASSES

Minneapolis Savings Pass

Mobile exclusive discounts to restaurants, bars and attractions delivered via text and email

Minneapolis Craft Beer Pass

Mobile exclusive discounts to Twin Cities breweries delivered via text and email

BEST PHOTO OPS

Unique Locations

Many are within just a couple miles of the Hyatt

Prince Mural & Star Wall

Within a mile walk from the Hyatt, stop at both the new Prince mural (101 N. 9th St) and at the star wall at the First Avenue club (1st Ave & 7th St) featured in the film Purple Rain.

ONLY HAVE 20 MINUTES

Walk up Nicollet

From the Hyatt front door, stroll up Nicollet to see Peavey Plaza, the Mary Tyler Moore statue, and the first-ever Target. Walkable or take the free ride buses up and down Nicollet Mall.

MUSEUMS
Most museums are closed on Mondays.

Minneapolis Sculpture Garden (free)

Free and open from 6:00 am – 12 midnight every day

Walker Art Center

Paisley Park

Prince’s home and studio is about 20 miles from the Hyatt. Tours run Thursdays through Monday. Must have advance tickets.

Mill City Museum

Open Thursday to Sunday

Science Museum of Minnesota

Minneapolis Institute of the Arts

SHOPPING

Mall of America

Accessible via light rail from downtown.

Trendy Boutiques and Local Vintage Shops

NATURE

Loring Park

Less than ½ mile from Hyatt. Walking paths, ponds, fountains, gardens, pickleball, tennis and shuffleboard courts.

Stone Arch Bridge

About 1.5 miles from the Hyatt. Pedestrian/bike bridge with panoramic views of St Anthony Falls and the Mississippi Rive. Bridge links Mill Ruins Park on the west bank and Father Hennepin Bluff Park on east bank.

Minnehaha Falls

Just 6 miles from the Hyatt, this oasis features a stunning waterfall, scenic walking paths, and lush greenery.

Chain of Lakes

Plan ahead! Although less than 3 miles from the Hyatt at some points, this chain of 5 lakes includes 15 miles of pedestrian and bike trails, gardens, beaches, rentals for kayaks, paddleboards, or canoes and of course gorgeous views of the city.

Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden and Bird Sanctuary

 

About 3.5 miles from the Hyatt and covering over 13 acres, it is the oldest public wildflower garden in the US.

Kayak Tours

 

Get out on the river with an organized 2.5 hour day-time excursion or a 90-minute happy hour sunset tour. Launch is about 3 miles from Hyatt.

Members are welcome to add their recommendations to the list!

  Food

Explore the food scene in Minneapolis from Jucy Lucy cheese-filled burgers, to James Beard Award winning chefs, to a diversity of global flavors.

Download restaurant guide based on proximity to the Hyatt

Download Guide

Juicy Lucy Burgers

James Beard Award Winning Chefs