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16 Date Ideas in Minneapolis: The Best Ideas for First Dates, Romantic Dates, and More

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Last updated on May 15th, 2024 at 05:24 pm

Dating can be a challenge, but it can also be a lot of fun, especially when you find the right person. But for that to happen, you’re going to need to have a few date ideas on hand for when you meet the right girl or guy.

We’ve got tons of great date ideas, especially for those who live in the greater Minneapolis area. Read on to check out all our date ideas in Minneapolis, and maybe you’ll find yourself inspired!

First Date Ideas in Minneapolis

1. Sonder Shaker

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First dates can be a bit nerve-wracking, so one of our best first-date ideas in Minneapolis is to head to the local Sonder Shaker. They have delicious craft cocktails which you will love even if you don’t find yourself vibing with your date. You can just do the one drink, or they have a complete date night menu that is available on Wednesday nights.

2. Restaurant Hopping

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You’ve heard of bar hopping, but one way to shake things up on a first date is to go restaurant hopping. Find three restaurants and plan to head to one for an appetizer, one for the main dish, and the final one for dessert. Or, if you want to keep things low-key, just get an appetizer at each location. You’ll get to try lots of new restaurants, and your date will have a blast! Just try to book three restaurants within walking distance of each other.

3. Play Mini Golf

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Mini golf is one of our all-time favorite date ideas in Minneapolis because it can be used at any time of the year. Enjoy 9 holes of mini golf at the several options around the twin cities, including Can Can Wonderland, The Puttery, or Arts + Rec in uptown.

4. Check Out a Brewery

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Breweries in Minneapolis are some of our favorites for a first date. They are low-key, no pressure, and perfect for grabbing both food and beer. Plus, if your date is a dud, you can make an excuse and dip out after a single brewski.

Romantic Date Ideas in Minneapolis

5. Visit a Rooftop Bar

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There is almost nothing in this world more romantic than grabbing dinner and drinks at a picturesque rooftop bar. In Minneapolis, you have a few to choose from, but Tullibee Bar is known as one of the best, just be aware it can get pricey!

6. Book a Spa Day/Night

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A spa day or night is a super romantic way to bond with your date, just know that you should save this date idea until it’s been at least 5 or 6 dates. Otherwise, it might come across as creepy. The Hewing Hotel has a traditional Nordic Sauna which can be a lot of fun, or Tula Spa offers highly rated couple’s massages.

7. Enjoy an Upscale Dinner

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Minneapolis is a foodie haven, whether you are visiting a brewery or one of the many upscale eateries. For a romantic date night, you’ll want to make reservations well in advance to ensure everything goes smoothly. We recommend checking out Spoon and Stable, Bar La Grassa, or Mara Restaurant & Bar.

8. Visit a Jazz Bar

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Any music lover will love an evening spent with a cocktail and some relaxing jazz music. The Dakota is the most famous jazz bar in Minneapolis and the cover will depend on the band that is playing. Or you can also head to Hell’s Kitchen which doubles as jazz spot, but only on the weekends.

Unique Date Ideas in Minneapolis

9. Visit an Arcade

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If it’s not your first date, and you know your date loves gaming or arcade games, then going to an arcade is an excellent date idea. We recommend the one in Mall of America (called Xscape) so you can easily grab a bite to eat or a drink afterward.

10. Axe Throwing

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We aren’t really sure when exactly is the right time to take your date Axe Throwing, but we can tell you it will be a blast! Even if you aren’t very sporty, you’ll be surprised how easy and fun it is to throw an Axe. There are multiple Axe throwing locations near Minneapolis, but the two main chains are FlannelJax and Bad Axe Throwing.

11. Do an Escape Room

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Another date idea that might seem a little strange, but a guy once took me to an escape room for a second date and it was one of our favorite dates! During an escape room, you are locked in a room and have to search for clues to escape.

There are multiple locations in Minneapolis, but make sure you book in advance at whatever location you desire to ensure you get the time slot you want.  We recommend Mission Manor, Trapped, or Escape the Room.

12. Go to a Comedy Show

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Do you really know your date if you don’t know what they find humorous? We think visiting a comedy club is the best way to weed out those you might not vibe as well with as you first thought. Minneapolis has several comedy clubs, from Acme, to Richard Bronson’s Comedy Club. 

Cute Date Ideas in Minneapolis

13. Take a Pottery Class

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If you are a creative person, then taking a pottery class is probably one of the best date ideas in Minneapolis. Even if you don’t know anything about pottery, there are many studios that offer beginner classes so you can get the feel for it while enjoying time with your potential partner.

14. See a Concert at First Avenue

first avenue concert venue in minneapolis
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – FEBRUARY 2018 -A Close-Up Wide Angle Night Long Exposure Shot of Downtown Minneapolis Iconic First Avenue Music Venue and Foreground Blurry Street Traffic. Image from Shutterstock.

Concerts aren’t great for a first date, as they can be difficult for you and your date to communicate, but for a third or fourth date idea, there is nothing better! As one of the best concert venues in America, First Avenue hosts all sorts of artists and even once hosted none other than Prince.

From big names like K.Flay and ZZ Ward to local legends, First Avenue has something for everyone. You can find a band which suits both of your tastes or perhaps see something new for you both. You never know when you may discover your new favorite band.

15. Go Bowling

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Who doesn’t like a little bowling? Especially if you head to a location like Bryant Lake Bowl, which offers food and bowling packages to make planning date night a breeze.

16. Try Rock Climbing

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Whether you have experience or not, rock climbing is an excellent cute date idea in Minneapolis. While you will have to take a class if you’ve never climbed before, Vertical Endeavors is very accommodating and sure to make your date a success. Just be sure to check if your date is scared of heights before you book this option.

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Written by Hope Davis

Long-time music lover Hope became a full-time writer in 2020 after being laid off from her regular job due to COVID-19. She now spends her time traveling the world to see her favorite bands while writing about them!

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