11 Free and Cheap Date Ideas to Try in Minneapolis, MN

This nightspot is known for having an old-school vibe, daily live music, and simple Mexican bites. Displayed proudly in all caps on its website, there’s “NEVER A COVER” for any of its events, including musical acts, Trivia Mafia nights, bar games and more.

331 13th Ave NE, Minneapolis, MN, USA, +1 612 331 1746

If you and your date love beer, then check out Flat Earth Brewing, a microbrewery in St. Paul Minnesota – Minneapolis’ neighbor to the east. It’s located in the old Hamm’s Brewery complex and has craft beer growlers for sale. Tours here are free, but the brewery asks that you bring a nonperishable food item for the food shelf. Summit Brewing Company is also a craft beer company in St. Paul, and it offers free tasting and tours. Both make for an excellent date night!

Flat Earth Brewing – 688 Minnehaha Ave E, St Paul, MN, USA, +1 651 698 1945

Summit Brewing Company – 910 Montreal Cir, St Paul, MN, USA, +1 651 265 7800

The Minnesota State Capitol offers a free self-guided and guided tours where you can view the magnificent building’s restoration efforts up-close. Tour participants also get an overview of Capitol history, art, architecture, and state government. Fun fact: this building has the second largest self-supported marble dome in the world.

75 Rev Dr Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard., St Paul, MN, USA, +1 651 296 2881

Every year, this nonprofit organization puts on up to 80 concerts and performances by award-winning soloists — all provided free of charge. The entire orchestra travels throughout the Twin Cities to ADA-accessible locations, in an effort to reach people who are unable to commute. Check out their event calendar, find a performance that fits your schedule, and bring your significant other along for a romantic date night.

Minnesota Sinfonia Concerts schedule, +1 612 871 1701

This global market provides visitors an international experience, close to home. Midtown Global Market has great food, offers up unique cultural experiences and has distinct gifts for sale – and is sure to spark new conversations between you and your love. The market often hosts free events and classes, so check out its calendar.

920 E Lake St, Minneapolis, MN, USA, +1 612 872 4041

Marjorie McNeely Conservatory is located in the Como Park Zoo, and both experiences are free of charge. The conservatory provides year-round relief from the elements, and gives lovers the chance to cozy up and view beautiful blooms together. On some Sunday afternoons, the conservatory hosts free “Music Under Glass” concerts with live, local music.

1225 Estabrook Dr, St Paul, MN, USA, +1 651 487 8200

This dive bar and longtime watering hole offers no-cover concerts to its patrons. It’s a hip spot and a great place to catch local bands that are making a buzz in the Minneapolis music scene. Music is every Thursday through Saturday.

2600 27th Ave S, Minneapolis, MN, USA, +1 612 722 3454

There are abundant opportunities to bike along the Mississippi River, Minnesota River, and St. Croix River – and you’ll find miles of additional paths within the limits of the Twin Cities. The bike-friendly trail systems provides paved paths for bicyclists and at times, dedicated bike lanes.

Mississippi National River and Recration Area website

Wander along Lyndale Park Rose Garden with your lover, and enjoy the bright blooms and calm atmosphere of the park. Experience the beauty of nature while exploring its 12 gardens and inviting spaces, where you can also relax and learn about the environment. The Lyndale Park Rose Garden features 3,000 plants in 100 different varieties.

4124 Roseway Rd, Minneapolis, MN, USA, +1 612 230 6400

Heffelfinger Fountain at Lyndale Park Rose Garden I © Joe Passe / Flickr

Unleash your inner child and play at the Mall of America’s LEGO Store with your partner. The LEGO Store has larger-than-life LEGO sculptures and places to play. There’s a giant, pick-a-brick wall with 180 LEGO elements to choose from, and play tables to inspire creativity. When you’re done, stroll the halls in the Mall of America. It’s one of the country’s top tourist destinations and sees tens of millions of visitors each year – so even if you’re on a budget, you can squeeze in some playful people-watching.

164 South Avenue, Bloomington, MN, USA, +1 952 858 8949

Nothing says romance like listening to the roaring water of a breathtaking waterfall. Hold hands and walk through the 193-acre Minnehaha Park on the banks of the Mississippi River – while you’re there, check out the popular 53 foot (16 meter) Minnehaha Falls. The New England poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow wrote about the falls in The Song of Hiawatha and made them famous nationwide.

4801 South Minnehaha Park Drive, Minneapolis, MN