Explore Minneapolis

Minneapolis is a city known for its strong public institutions, creative culture, and connected neighborhoods—making it a fitting home for the PLA Conference.

With a walkable downtown, an easy transit system, and a mix of arts, food, and green space, it’s a place where learning and connection extend well beyond the convention center.

Strolling Nicollet Mall, the heart of Downtown Minneapolis. Photo courtesy Meet Minneapolis.

Like many communities nationwide, however, Minneapolis is experiencing increased federal immigration enforcement activity. Local colleagues encourage support by visiting and engaging with arts and culture, local businesses, and the local library community.

Get to Know the City of Lakes

Visit the Meet Minneapolis website for practical trip-planning tools, including neighborhood guides, dining and attraction listings, accessibility information, transportation details, and visitor maps to help you plan your time in the city.

PLA Local Spotlight Videos

As part of the PLA 2026 Conference, members of the local committee and local library leaders are sharing short videos highlighting their favorite places, neighborhoods, and experiences in Minneapolis. These Local Spotlight videos offer a firsthand look at the city through the eyes of people who live and work here.

Check out the Local Spotlight videos on the PLA YouTube channel and across PLA social media, where new videos will be shared regularly. Stay tuned to Public Libraries Online for exciting updates from members of the local committee, including blog posts with local tips, recommendations, and insights.

Neighborhoods to Explore

Downtown and North Loop

The heart of the city and home to the conference, downtown Minneapolis offers riverfront walks, theaters, restaurants, and shops. The nearby North Loop is known for its warehouses turned restaurants, coffee shops, and lively evening scene. Learn more about Downtown Minneapolis and the North Loop.

Downtown Minneapolis with Convention Center in the foreground. Photo courtesy Meet Minneapolis.

Northeast Minneapolis

A creative hub filled with artist studios, breweries, and locally owned restaurants. Northeast has a strong neighborhood feel and is a favorite spot for dining and exploring. Learn more about Northeast Minneapolis.

Mural in the Northeast Neighborhood. Image courtesy of Meet Minneapolis.

Uptown and the Chain of Lakes

Just south of downtown, this area is known for its parks, trails, and access to Minneapolis’s lakes. It is a great option for a morning walk or a break in nature. Learn more about Uptown.

Saint Paul

Minnesota’s capital city is just a short ride away and offers historic neighborhoods, museums, and its own vibrant food and arts scene. Learn more about Saint Paul.

Food and Drink

Minneapolis is known for its thoughtful, diverse food scene, from casual coffee shops to nationally recognized restaurants.

Within walking distance of the convention center and downtown hotels, attendees will find plenty of buzzy, locally loved spots for coffee, quick meals, and group dinners. Nearby spots include Hell's Kitchen; Boludo; The News Room; Brit's Pub; and Barrio, a popular spot for tacos, margaritas, and casual dining near the convention center.

For coffee and light bites near the convention area, options include Spyhouse Coffee Roasters, Dogwood Coffee, Caffetto, and Caribou Coffee.

Hell’s Kitchen restaurant is near the convention center. Image courtesy of Meet Minneapolis.

For additional dining ideas, visit Explore Minneapolis dining resources.

Guthrie Theater located in the Mill District of downtown Minneapolis. Image courtesy of Meet Minneapolis.

Arts, Culture and Attractions

The city’s arts scene is one of its defining features.

Highlights include the Walker Art Center and the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, the Guthrie Theater overlooking the Mississippi River, and major cultural institutions such as the Minneapolis Institute of Art, the Weisman Art Museum at the University of Minnesota, and the Mill City Museum, which explores the city’s history along the Mississippi River. Together, these institutions and the many smaller galleries, theaters, and music venues across the city create an arts scene that is accessible, varied, and deeply woven into everyday life in Minneapolis.

Minneapolis also has a nationally recognized live music scene. Well-known venues include First Avenue, 7th St Entry (smaller venue inside First Avenue), The Dakota for jazz and acoustic performances, and The Armory.

For more ideas, visit Explore Minneapolis arts and culture resources.

Outdoors and Wellness

Nature is never far away in Minneapolis.

The Mississippi Riverfront is easily accessible from downtown and offers walking and biking paths with scenic river views. A good access point near the convention area is Boom Island Park (724 Sibley St NE, Minneapolis, MN 55413), which offers trails, skyline views, and green space along the river.

Bde Maka Ska is surrounded by parkland and trails. Image courtesy of Meet Minneapolis.

For those interested in getting on the water, Paddle Bridge offers kayak and canoe rentals on the Mississippi River at Boom Island Marina (724 Sibley St NE, Minneapolis, MN 55413).

The city’s park system also includes the Chain of Lakes, a short ride from downtown. A popular access point is Bde Maka Ska (3000 W Bde Maka Ska Pkwy, Minneapolis, MN 55416), with paved trails and lake views.

Libraries

Attendees may wish to visit the Minneapolis Central Library (300 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN 55401), located downtown and easily accessible from conference hotels. Learn more at Hennepin County Library.

The broader Hennepin County Library system is one of the largest public library systems in the country and is widely recognized for its innovative services and community-focused spaces. Explore additional branches and services at Hennepin County Library.

Shopping and Local Finds

Located in the Uptown Neighborhood, Magers & Quinn has been serving readers for decades. Image by Meet Minneapolis.

Bookstores & Literary Shops

Minneapolis’s strong independent bookstore scene is especially worth exploring.

Magers & Quinn Booksellers – A well-known independent bookstore with an expansive selection and strong event programming.
Milkweed Books – An independent literary nonprofit and publisher with a thoughtfully curated bookstore.
Birchbark Books – Native-owned bookstore specializing in Indigenous authors, art, and gifts.
Boneshaker Books – A volunteer-run bookstore focused on social justice, community, and radical thought.

For more shopping ideas, visit Explore Minneapolis shopping resources.