The Backup Plan
If you’re heading to Minnesota this weekend to catch the Bengals on the road against the Vikings, you might want to have more on the itinerary than just hanging out at the Mall of America. Or, if you originally planned on getting outdoorsy in your spare time and are now facing a dreary forecast, you might need a few more ideas.
So, in honor of our backup QB Jake Browning facing off against fellow backup Carson Wentz, here are a couple of backup plans to make sure you make the most of your Minneapolis experience.
Diehard Fan
Courtesy Minnesota Vikings Museum
If you’re interested in knowing thine enemy for Sunday, take a short trip out to the Vikings Museum to learn the team’s history through interactive exhibits, a 360-degree video theater, and hundreds of artifacts. If the present is more your speed, the Vikings offer immersive tours of U.S. Bank Stadium. The public tour lasts 90 minutes and gets you into the locker room, premium clubs and suites, field area and interview rooms among other insider areas. You could also opt for the Ultimate Touchdown Tour which lasts 120 minutes and includes a unique look into gameday preparation in addition to everything in the public tour.
Once you’ve successfully blended in with the Minneapolis populace, head over by Target Field to The Loon Café for food, drinks and an authentic Twins gameday experience at the locals’ favorite sports bar. Not only are the Twins in town this weekend, but they’re also playing the Guardians so you can root against Cleveland! The enemy of your enemy can be your friend, until Sunday that is.
On the bandwagon:
Courtesy Mill City Museum
Looking to explore what downtown has to offer beyond sports? Check out the Mill City Museum for an in-depth look at how Minneapolis was once the flour mill capital of the world with eight levels of interactive exhibits all set within the striking ruins of a 19th century mill. To sweeten the deal, they also have free baking samples from their test kitchen and panoramic views of the Mississippi River and St. Anthony Falls from the observation deck.
MPLS prides itself on being a foodie city, so be sure to check out the local cuisine. In particular, Spoon and Stable is a staple for the high-end side of things. Housed in a former horse stable from 1906 and led by James Beard award-winning chef Gavin Kaysen, the restaurant offers a French twist on American classics. If you’re looking for something completely unique, go to Hell’s Kitchen. And no, not that Hell’s Kitchen, Gordon Ramsay has no affiliation. In fact, this restaurant came first. Here, they promise “damn good food” and live music in a quirky underground space. Their menu ranges from classic Minnesotan Walleye to all-day breakfast and everything in between. You could even stop in for brunch before the game to get your day started with their iconic Bloody Mary and Mimosa bar!
Along for the ride:
If you’re in MPLS as a way to get out of town for the weekend, we’ve got you covered! Check out the North Loop side of town for a vibrant, bustling and walkable neighborhood home to taprooms, boutiques and world-class eateries all along a section of the Mississippi Riverfront. Stop in The Monte Carlo while you’re there to experience one of Minneapolis’ landmark restaurants originally established in 1906. Serving steaks, seafood and their famous chicken wings in a fully retro environment, it is sure to be a crowd pleaser.
Courtesy Paisley Park
Want a break from downtown? Head to the suburbs to see iconic Minneapolitan musician Prince’s Paisley Park. Step inside the vision of one of the most talented artists of all time as you tour this 65,000 square foot complex that once served as Prince’s home, recording studio and production facility. Tours last 90 minutes and provide guests access to view artifacts from Prince's personal archives, including iconic concert wardrobes, awards, instruments, artwork, motorcycles and more. Just make sure all that purple does not turn you into a Vikings fan come Sunday.
So, if your original plans get hampered this weekend, do not fear as these backups will ensure your Minneapolis trip is just as great as what you first had in mind. Now hopefully we will say the same for the Bengals performance come Sunday.
– Meredith Ruhland