Whether you’ve been married for 40+ years or trying to get the nerve to ask someone out for the first time, your team of local ‘gurus’ have put together some of the most inspired date ideas around our great state of Minnesota to help get you and your special someone out and enjoying your surroundings (and each other!) this summer season:
#1- Movie in the Park – Multiple Locations
Grab your blanket, pack a picnic, and head to one of the many movies showing in a beautiful city park near you! For a full list of this summer’s selections and locations click here!
#2 – Paddleboard the Chain of Lakes – Minneapolis, MN:
Head to Lake Calhoun and rent a set of paddleboards from Wheel Fun Rentals, and explore the Chain of Lakes. Afterwards grab some grub and a refreshing beer at Tin Fish!
#3 – Bike the Gateway Trail – St. Paul, MN to Stillwater, MN:
Grab your bikes OR if you really want to up the date intensity rent a tandem bike and hop on the Gateway State Trail that connects St. Paul and Stillwater through a beautiful paved 18 mile biking trail! Once you arrive in Stillwater cool down with some delicious ice cream from Nelson’s Ice Cream, or head to the Dock Cafe for a refreshing beer.
#4 – Take a sunset stroll in the beautiful Loring Park – Minneapolis, MN
As the sun begins to set, head on over to Loring Park in downtown Minneapolis and take a stroll through its beautiful grounds. Once the sun has set, head to one of the many bars and restaurants that surround this green oasis in the heart of our beautiful city.
#5 – Ordway’s Outdoor Summer Dance Series – St. Paul, MN
For the fifth year in a row the Ordway is hosting outdoor dance lessons in Rice Park in downtown St. Paul. Each night features a different dance style and starts with a free lesson, and then open dancing! For the full line-up click here.
#6 – Lake Minnetonka Boat Cruise and Craft Brew – Excelsior, MN
Head west to picturesque Excelsior and hop aboard one of Paradise Charter’s public boat cruises that gives you an opportunity to see this beautiful lake and all that lie on its shores. Afterwards explore the quaint downtown and grab a pint at Excelsior Brewing’s new tap room.
Join us for Yoga at a Brewery!
This date is perfect for any couple. Relax with an hour-long yoga session, followed by a flight of fresh local ales!
#7 – Lawn Bowling Love Affair – Minneapolis, MN
Head to the pristine rooftop of Brits Pub or the craft beer mecca, Nomad World Pub for some lawn bowling fun!
#8 – Escape the City and Explore a Local Vineyard – Multiple Locations
Escape the city for a day trip to the beautiful St. Croix River Valley countryside and explore one of the many wineries in that area! Some of our favorites our Saint Croix Vineyards, Chateau St. Croix, and Dancing Dragonfly Winery!
#9 – Sea Salt Eatery and Minnehaha Falls – Minneapolis, MN
Nestled next to Minnehaha Falls is the delicious Sea Salt Eatery. Grab a pitcher of beer, wait in line for some fish tacos, and afterwards take a scenic hike to the base of the beautiful falls.
#10 – $1 Beer Night at the Saint Paul Saints – St. Paul, MN
Head to the St. Paul Saints on $1 beer night for “Thirsty Thursdays” and cheer on our hometown Saints and cheers your date with a $1 Beer!
#11 – Kayak the Mighty Mississippi – Minneapolis, MN
Rent a tandem kayak from Above the Falls Sports in downtown Minneapolis, and enjoy the epic views of the skyline aboard your water craft.
#12 – Riverboat Tour of the St. Croix River – Taylors Falls, MN
Head to the quiet town of Taylors Falls and hop aboard the Taylors Falls Scenic Boat Tours that travel through the pristine waters of the St. Croix River, and give you and your special someone the chance to take in the beautiful cliffs, waters, and wildlife
#13 – Craft Brewery Patio Date – Multiple Locations
Nothing inspires romance like a deliciously crafted local brew. Head to one of the many local brewpub’s with a patio, take in the fresh air, sip on some refreshing ales, and enjoy some eats from the rotating food trucks that visit these watering holes.
#14 – Music in the Parks – Minneapolis, MN
Each summer Minneapolis Park and Recreation put on the Music in the Parks series that features the iconic Harriet Bandshell and all sorts of other beautiful parks all around our fair city! Grab your loved one and head to the parks for a memorable evening of music under the stars!
#15 – Wander the Farmers Market – Multiple Locations
Get up early and arm yourself and your date with some locally brewed coffee as you peruse the Minnesotan grown produce, homemade crafts, and other delectable surprises! To find the farmers market closest to you click here!
#16 – Sociable Cider Werks Lawn Games – Minneapolis, MN
Head to NE and find the Twin Cities first local Cidery – Sociable Cider Werks. Order up a flight of their refreshingly original ciders and take to their outside patio for some lawn games and healthy competition with your date.
#17 – Artist Designed Mini Golf – Minneapolis, MN
Head to the Sculpture Gardens at the Walker in downtown Minneapolis for their second year of “Walker on the Green”, an artist designed mini golf course that features all kinds of wacky obstacles. Afterwards wander through the famous gardens and take in the beautiful skyline from the park.
If you don’t want to plan your perfect date, let GetKnit do it for you with one of our many events!
